Window From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about the part of a building.

For the Microsoft operating system , see Microsoft Windows. For other uses, see Window (disambiguation) and Windows (disambiguation). This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve th is article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be ch allenged and removed. (December 2010) Window of traditional design in Porto Covo, Portugal A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall, door or vehicle that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound.[1] Win dows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent mate rial like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames. Many glazed windows may be opened, to allow ventilation, or closed, to exclude inclement weather.[2] Contents [hide] 1 Etymology 2 History 3 Types 3.1 Fixed 3.2 Single-hung sash 3.3 Double-hung sash 3.4 Horizontal sliding sash 3.5 Casement 3.5.1 Awning 3.5.2 Hopper 3.6 Tilt and slide 3.6.1 Tilt and turn 3.7 Transom 3.8 Jalousie Window 3.9 Clerestory 3.10 Skylight 3.11 Roof 3.12 Roof lantern 3.13 Bay 3.13.1 Oriel 3.14 Thermal 3.15 Picture 3.16 Multi-lit 3.17 Emergency exit/egress 3.18 Stained glass 3.19 French 3.20 Double Paned 4 Terms 4.1 Labeling 5 Window construction 5.1 Grids or muntins 5.2 Frame and sash construction 5.3 Glazing and filling 5.4 Other construction details 6 Windows and the sun 6.1 Sun incidence angle 6.2 Solar window 6.3 Passive Solar 6.4 Window coverings 7 Gallery 8 See also

9 References 10 External links Etymology[edit] The word window originates from the Old Norse 'vindauga', from 'vindr wind' and 'auga eye', i.e., wind eye. In Norwegian Nynorsk and Icelandic the Old Norse form has survived to this day (in Icelandic only as a less used synonym to gluggi), i n Swedish the word vindga remains as a term for a hole through the roof of a hut, and in the Danish language 'vindue' and Norwegian Bokml 'vindu', the direct link to 'eye' is lost, just like for 'window'. The Danish (but not the Bokml) word is pronounced fairly similarly to window. Window is first recorded in the early 13th century, and originally referred to a n unglazed hole in a roof. Window replaced the Old English eagyrl, which literall y means 'eye-hole,' and 'eagduru' 'eye-door'. Many Germanic languages however ad opted the Latin word 'fenestra' to describe a window with glass, such as standar d Swedish 'fnster', or German 'Fenster'. The use of window in English is probably because of the Scandinavian influence on the English language by means of loanw ords during the Viking Age. In English the word fenester was used as a parallel until the mid-18th century and fenestration is still used to describe the arrang ement of windows within a faade. Also, words such as "defenestration" are in use, meaning to throw something out of a window. From Webster's 1828 Dictionary: Window, n. [G. The vulgar pronunciation is windo r, as if from the Welsh gwyntdor, wind-door.][3] History[edit]

Fragment of a roman window glass plate dated to 1st to 4th century A.D. Note the obvious curvature, this is not a flat pane. Alabaster 'mullion' divided decorative windows in Santa Maria La Major church (M orella, Spain). The earliest windows were just holes in a wall. Later, windows were covered with animal hide, cloth, or wood. Shutters that could be opened and closed came next . Over time, windows were built that both protected the inhabitants from the ele ments and transmitted light: mullioned glass windows, which joined multiple smal l pieces of glass with leading, paper windows, flattened pieces of translucent a nimal horn, and plates of thinly sliced marble. In the Far East, paper was used to fill windows.[4] The Romans were the first known to use glass for windows, a technology likely fi rst produced in Roman Egypt In Alexandria ca. 100 AD, cast glass windows, albeit w ith poor optical properties, began to appear but these were small thick production s, little more than blown glass jars (cylindrical shapes) flattened out into she ets with circular striation patterns throughout. It would be over a millennium b efore a window glass became transparent enough to see through clearly, as we thi nk of it now. Over the centuries techniques were developed to shear through one side of a blow n glass cylinder and produce thinner rectangular window panes from the same amou nt of glass material. This gave rise to tall narrow windows, usually separated b y a vertical support called a mullion. Mullioned glass windows were the windows of choice among European well-to-do, whereas paper windows were economical and w idely used in ancient China, Korea and Japan. In England, glass became common in the windows of ordinary homes only in the early 17th century whereas windows ma de up of panes of flattened animal horn were used as early as the 14th century.[ 5] Noted science historian, author and television show host/producer James Burke attributes the rapid deforestation of Great Britain in the late 1500s to the up tick in production of glazed windows as well as iron cannon production (1st Cast in 1547). He writes further this gave rise to coal for fuel, which spurred iron production, requiring more coal, and more iron, then steam engine pumps, canals

... and more iron; all because windows became a middle class commodity in the la tter days of the little ice age, one large factor among several leading to the d eforesting English woodlands, and the switch over to a coal economy. Modern-style floor-to-ceiling windows became possible only after the industrial plate glass making processes were perfected. Modern windows are usually filled w ith glass, although a few are transparent plastic.[4] Types[edit] Fixed[edit] A window that cannot be opened, whose function is limited to allowing light to e nter (Unlike an unfixed window, which can open and close). Clerestory windows ar e often fixed. Transom windows may be fixed or operable. This type of window is used in situations where light or vision alone is needed as no ventilation is po ssible windows without the use of trickle vents or overglass vents. Single-hung sash[edit] One sash is movable (usually the bottom one) and the other fixed. This is the ea rlier form of sliding sash window, and is also cheaper.[4] Double-hung sash[edit] A sash window is the traditional style of window in the United Kingdom, and many other places that were formerly colonized by the UK, with two parts (sashes) th at overlap slightly and slide up and down inside the frame. The two parts are no t necessarily the same size. Currently most new double-hung sash windows use spr ing balances to support the sashes, but traditionally, counterweights held in bo xes on either side of the window were used. These were and are attached to the s ashes using pulleys of either braided cord or, later, purpose-made chain. Three types of spring balances are called a tape or clock spring balance; channel or b lock-and-tackle balance; and a spiral or tube balance. Double-hung sash windows were traditionally often fitted with shutters. Sash win dows can be fitted with simplex hinges that let the window be locked into hinges on one side, while the rope on the other side is detached so the window can be op ened for fire escape or cleaning. Horizontal sliding sash[edit] Has two or more sashes that overlap slightly but slide horizontally within the f rame. In the UK, these are sometimes called Yorkshire sash windows, presumably b ecause of their traditional use in that county. Casement[edit] Casement window Main article: Casement window A window with a hinged sash that swings in or out like a door comprising either a side-hung, top-hung (also called "awning window"; see below), or occasionally bottom-hung sash or a combination of these types, sometimes with fixed panels on one or more sides of the sash.[1] In the USA, these are usually opened using a crank, but in parts of Europe they tend to use projection friction stays and esp agnolette locking. Formerly, plain hinges were used with a casement stay. Handin g applies to casement windows to determine direction of swing; a casement window may be left-handed, right-handed, or double. The casement window is the dominan t type now found in the UK and parts of Europe. Awning[edit] An awning window is a casement window that is hung horizontally, hinged on top, so that it swings outward like an awning. Emilie Poisson designed this window. Hopper[edit] A hopper window is a bottom-pivoting casement window that opens by tilting verti cally, typically to the inside.[6] (Mostly used for schools) Tilt and slide[edit] A window (more usually a door-sized window) where the sash tilts inwards at the top and then slides horizontally behind the fixed pane. Tilt and turn[edit] A tilt and turn window can both tilts inwards at the top or opens inwards from h

inges at the side. This is the most common type of window in Germany, its countr y of origin. It is also widespread in many other European countries.[7] Transom[edit] A window above a door; in an exterior door the transom window is often fixed, in an interior door it can open either by hinges at top or bottom, or rotate on hi nges. It provided ventilation before forced air heating and cooling. A fan-shape d transom is known as a fanlight, especially in the British Isles. Jalousie Window[edit] Jalousie or louvered window A roof window at the Muse du Louvre (Paris) Also known as a louvered window, the jalousie window consists of parallel slats of glass or acrylic that open and close like a Venetian blind, usually using a c rank or a lever. They are used extensively in tropical architecture. A jalousie door is a door with a jalousie window. Clerestory window Clerestory[edit] Main article: Clerestory A window set in a roof structure or high in a wall, used for daylighting. Skylight[edit] Main article: Daylighting A flat or slope window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure that is out of reach.[8] Roof[edit] A sloped window used for daylighting, built into a roof structure. It is one of the few windows that could be used as an exit. Larger roof windows meet building codes for emergency evacuation. Roof lantern[edit] Main article: Cupola A roof lantern is a multi-paned glass structure, resembling a small building, bu ilt on a roof for day or moon light. Sometimes includes an additional clerestory . May also be called a cupola. Bay window Bay[edit] Main article: Bay window A multi-panel window, with at least three panels set at different angles to crea te a protrusion from the wall line.[1] Oriel[edit] Main article: Oriel window This form of bay window most often appears in Tudor-style houses and monasteries . It projects from the wall and does not extend to the ground. Originally a form of porch, they are often supported by brackets or corbels. Thermal[edit] Thermal, or Diocletian, windows are large semicircular windows (or niches) which are usually divided into three lights (window compartments) by two mullions. Th e central compartment is often wider than the two side lights on either side of it. Picture[edit] A picture window is a large fixed window in a wall, typically without glazing ba rs, or glazed with only perfunctory glazing bars near the edge of the window. Pi cture windows provide an unimpeded view, as if framing a picture.[9] Multi-lit[edit] A window glazed with small panes of glass separated by wooden or lead glazing ba

rs;;, or "muntins, arranged in a decorative glazing pattern often dictated by th e building's architectural style. Due to the historic unavailability of large pa nes of glass, the multi-lit (or lattice window) was the most common window style until the beginning of the 20th century, and is still used in traditional archi tecture. Emergency exit/egress[edit] A window big enough and low enough so that occupants can escape through the open ing in an emergency, such as a fire. In many countries, exact specifications for emergency windows in bedrooms are given in many building codes. Specifications for such windows may also allow for the entrance of emergency rescuers. Vehicles , such as buses and aircraft, frequently have emergency exit windows as well.[10 ] Stained glass[edit] A stained glass panel depicting Biblical scenes at a historic church in Scotland A contemporary stained glass window in France Main article: stained glass A window composed of pieces of colored glass, transparent, translucent or opaque , frequently portraying persons or scenes. Typically the glass in these windows is separated by lead glazing bars. Stained glass windows were popular in Victori an houses and some Wrightian houses, and are especially common in churches.[11] French[edit] A French window (when hinged French door) is a large door-sized lattice light, t ypically set in pairs or multiples thereof. Known as porte-fentre in France and p ortafinestra in Italy, they often overlook a terrace.therefore these windows are use in modern houses [12] Double Paned[edit] Double paned windows have two parallel panes (slabs of glass) with a separation of typically about 1 cm; this space is permanently sealed and filled at the time of manufacture with dry air or other dry nonreactive gas. Such windows provide a marked improvement in thermal insulation (and usually in acoustic insulation a s well) and are resistant to fogging and frosting caused by temperature differen tial. They are widely used for residential and commercial construction in intemp erate climates. Triple-paned windows have been commercially manufactured and mar keted with claims of additional benefit but have not become common. Terms[edit] EN 12519 is the European norm that describes windows terms officially used in EU Member States. The main terms are: Casement window, with latticed lights Light is the area between the outer parts of a window (transom, sill and jambs), usually filled with a glass pane. Multiple panes are divided by mullions when l oad-bearing, muntins when not.[13] Lattice light is a compound window pane madeup of small pieces of glass held tog ether in a lattice. Fixed window is a unit of one non-moving lite. The terms single-light, double-li ght, etc., refer to the number of these glass panes in a window. Sash unit is a window consisting of at least one sliding glass component, typica lly composed of two lites (known as a double-light). Replacement window in the United States means a framed window designed to slip i nside the original window frame from the inside after the old sashes are removed . In Europe it usually means a complete window including a replacement outer fra me. New construction window, in the US, means a window with a nailing fin that is in serted into a rough opening from the outside before applying siding and inside t

rim. A nailing fin is a projection on the outer frame of the window in the same plane as the glazing, which overlaps the prepared opening, and can thus be 'nail ed' into place. In the UK and mainland Europe, windows in new-build houses are usually fixed wit h long screws into expanding plastic plugs in the brickwork. A gap of up to 13 m m is left around all four sides, and filled with expanding polyurethane foam. Th is makes the window fixing weatherproof but allows for expansion due to heat. Lintel is a beam over the top of a window, also known as a transom. window-sill is the bottom piece in a window frame. Window sills slant outward to drain water away from the inside of the building. Secondary Glazing is an additional frame applied to the inside of an existing fr ame, usually used on protected or listed buildings to achieve higher levels of t hermal and sound insulation without compromising the look of the building Decorative millwork is the moulding, cornices and lintels often decorating the s urrounding edges of the window. Labeling[edit] The United States NFRC Window Label lists the following terms: Thermal transmittance (U-factor), best values are around U-0.15 (equal to 0.8 W/ m2/K) Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), ratio of solar heat (infrared) passing throu gh the glass to incident solar heat Visible transmittance (VT), ratio of transmitted visible light divided by incide nt visible light Air leakage (AL), measured in cubic foot per minute per linear foot of crack bet ween sash and frame Condensation resistance (CR), measured between 1 and 100 (the higher the number, the higher the resistance of the formation of condensation)[14] The European harmonised standard hEN 14351-1, which deals with doors and windows , defines 23 characteristics (divided into essential and non essential. Two othe r, preliminary European Norms that are under development deal with internal pede strian doors (prEN 14351-2), smoke and fire resisting doors, and openable window s (prEN 16034).[15] Window construction[edit]

5-chamber plastic window profile Examples of modern plastic and wooden window profiles with insulated glazing Modern wooden framed window fitted in the 14th century Lyme Regis watermill, UK. Windows can be a significant source of heat transfer.[16] Therefore, insulated g lazing units consist of two or more panes to reduce the transfer of heat. Grids or muntins[edit] These are the pieces of framing that separate a larger window into smaller panes . In older windows, large panes of glass were quite expensive, so muntins let sm aller panes fill a larger space. In modern windows, light-colored muntins still provide a useful function by reflecting some of the light going through the wind ow, making the window itself a source of diffuse light (instead of just the surf aces and objects illuminated within the room). By increasing the indirect illumi nation of surfaces near the window, muntins tend to brighten the area immediatel y around a window and reduce the contrast of shadows within the room. Frame and sash construction[edit] Frames and sashes can be made of the following materials: Material thermal resistance Durability Maintenance Cost Recycled content Comment Wood very good variable high high low shrinks and swel ls with humidity changes

PVC ("vinyl") very good good* low low very low Aluminum bad** good very low low typically > 95% used in most large structures Steel medium superior very low high > 98% typically welded at corner joints Fiberglass very good very good* very low high medium * PVC and fiberglass frames perform well in accelerated weathering tests. Becaus e PVC is not as strong as other materials, some PVC frames are reinforced with m etal or composite materials to improve their structural strength. ** Modern aluminium window frames are typically separated by a thermal break mad e of a polyamide. This greatly increases thermal resistance, while retaining vir tually all of the structural strength. Composites may combine materials to obtain aesthetics of one material with the f unctional benefits of another. A typical installation of insulated glazing windows with uPVC window frames. A special class of PVC window frames, uPVC window frames, became widespread sinc e the late 20th century, particularly in Europe: there were 83.5 million install ed by 1998[17] with numbers still growing as of 2012.[18] Glazing and filling[edit] Low-emissivity coated panes reduce heat transfer by radiation, which, depending on which surface is coated, helps prevent heat loss (in cold climates) or heat g ains (in warm climates). High thermal resistance can be obtained by evacuating or filling the insulated g lazing units with gases such as argon or krypton, which reduces conductive heat transfer due to their low thermal conductivity. Performance of such units depend s on good window seals and meticulous frame construction to prevent entry of air and loss of efficiency. Modern double-pane and triple-pane windows often include one or more low-e coati ngs to reduce the window's U-factor (its insulation value, specifically its rate of heat loss). In general, soft-coat low-e coatings tend to result in a lower s olar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) than hard-coat low-e coatings. Modern windows are usually glazed with one large sheet of glass per sash, while windows in the past were glazed with multiple panes separated by glazing bars, o r muntins, due to the unavailability of large sheets of glass. Today, glazing ba rs tend to be decorative, separating windows into small panes of glass even thou gh larger panes of glass are available, generally in a pattern dictated by the a rchitectural style at use. Glazing bars are typically wooden, but occasionally l ead glazing bars soldered in place are used for more intricate glazing patterns. Other construction details[edit] Many windows have movable window coverings such as blinds or curtains to keep ou t light, provide additional insulation, or ensure privacy. Windows allow natural light to enter, but too much can have negative effects such as glare and heat g ain. Additionally, while windows let the user see outside, there must be a way t o maintain privacy on in the inside.[19] Window coverings are practical accommod ations for these issues. Windows and the sun[edit] Main article: Daylighting Sun incidence angle[edit] Historically, windows are designed with surfaces parallel to vertical building w alls. Such a design allows considerable solar light and heat penetration due to the most commonly occurring incidence of sun angles. In passive solar building d esign, an extended eave is typically used to control the amount of solar light a nd heat entering the window(s). An alternate method is to calculate an optimum window mounting angle that accoun ts for summer sun load minimization, with consideration of actual latitude of th e building. This process has been implemented, for example, in the Dakin Buildin g in Brisbane, California in which most of the fenestration is designed to reflect

summer heat load and help prevent summer interior over-illumination and glare, by canting windows to nearly a 45 degree angle. Solar window[edit] Main article: Photovoltaics Photovoltac windows not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also convert sunlight to electricity for the building.[20] In most cases, translucent photovoltac cells are used. Passive Solar[edit] Passive solar windows allow light and solar energy into a building while minimiz ing air leakage and heat loss. Properly positioning these windows in relation to sun, wind, and landscape while properly shading them to limit excess heat gain in summer and shoulder seasons, and providing thermal mass to absorb energy during the day and release it when temperatures cool at night increases comfort and ener gy efficiency. Properly designed in climates with adequate solar gain, these can even be a building's primary heating system. Window coverings[edit] A window covering is a shade or screen that provides multiple functions. For exa mple, some window coverings control solar heat gain and glare. There are externa l shading devices and internal shading devices.[21] Low-e window film is a low-c ost alternative to window replacement to transform existing poorly-insulating wi ndows into energy-efficient windows. For high-rise buildings, smart glass can pr ovide an alternative. Gallery[edit] Woven bamboo window in Japan

Church window

Factory site in Berlin-Spindlersfeld: window with letter S for Spindler

Classical Chinese window in Lan Su Chinese Garden

Arab-style windows in Jerusalem

Romanesque/Gothic window from Abbey of St. Maria d'Arles

Desay Madu Jhya traditional carved wooden window in Kathmandu, Nepal

A half-glazed window of the 17th century from Scotland

Windows of a brick building in Washington DC

Window, Villa Majorelle, France See also[edit] G-value Glass mullion system Insulated glazing Porthole Rose window Shop window Trickle vent Window film Window tax Window treatment Witch window References[edit] ^ Jump up to: a b c / "Window". The Free Dictionary By Farlex. Retrieved 2012-05 -19. Jump up ^ "Understanding Window Terminology". Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpor ation. Retrieved 2012-05-19. Jump up ^ "1828 Webster". 1828-dictionary.com. October 16, 2009. Retrieved 201005-02. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Window". Britannica. Retrieved 2012-05-19. Jump up ^ Langley, Andrew (2011). Medieval Life. Eyewitness. Dorling Kindersley. p. 16. ISBN 1-4053-4545-4. Jump up ^ Allen, Edward; Thallon, Rob (2011). Fundamentals of Residential Constr uction (3 ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. p. 654. ISBN 978-0-470-54083-1. Jump up ^ "Will Tilt-and-Turn Windows Gain Market Share in North America? | Wind ow & Door". Windowanddoor.com. 2010-03-29. Retrieved 2012-02-11. Jump up ^ "Types of Skylights All You Need to Know". Networx. Retrieved 2012-0519. Jump up ^ "Picture window". The Free Dictionary By Farlex. Retrieved 2012-05-19. Jump up ^ "U.S. Dept. of Transportation: Safety information for bus/motorcoach p assengers" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-02-11. Jump up ^ "Stained glass". The Free Dictionary By Farlex. Retrieved 2012-05-19. Jump up ^ "French Window". The Free Dictionary By Farlex. Retrieved 2012-05-19. Jump up ^ Brett, Peter (2004). Carpentry and Joinery (2, illustrated ed.). Nelso n Thornes. p. 255. ISBN 9780748785025. Jump up ^ Windows and Heat Loss, NFRC Heat Loss Fact Sheet Jump up ^ CPR guideline Jump up ^ Carmody, J., Selkowitz, S., Lee, E. S., Arasteh, D., & Willmert, T. (2 004). Window Systems for High-Performance Buildings. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. Jump up ^ Pritchard, Geoffrey (1999). Novel and Traditional Fillers for Plastics : Technology and Market Developments. iSmithers Rapra Publishing. p. 95. ISBN 97 81859571835. Jump up ^ "Global Vinyl Windows Market to Reach 163 Million Units by 2017, Accor ding to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.". PRWeb. April 18, 2012. Retrieved 2012-02-11. Jump up ^ Howell, Sandra C. (1976). Designing for the Elderly; Windows. Massachu setts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture. Design Evaluation Pro ject. Jump up ^ "MIT opens new 'window' on solar energy". Web.mit.edu. 2008-07-10. Ret rieved 2012-02-11. Jump up ^ Beckett, H. E., & Godfrey, J. A. (1974). Windows: Performance, design and installation. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Windows. European Aluminium Association's publications dedicated to Buildings National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a non-profit organization, administ ers an independent, uniform rating and labeling system for the energy performanc e of fenestration products. NFRC is the "engine" that drives virtually every win dow energy efficiency program in the country including ENERGY STAR (the U.S Gove rnment Sponsored Initiative). Roman Glass from Metropolitan Museum of Art The history of Metal Window The History Of the Box Sash Window Window Types Categories: WindowsArchitectural elementsGlass Navigation menu Create accountLog inArticleTalkReadEditView history Search Navigation Main page Contents Featured content Current events Random article Donate to Wikipedia Interaction Help About Wikipedia Community portal Recent changes Contact page Toolbox What links here Related changes Upload file Special pages Permanent link Page information Data item Cite this page Print/export Create a book Download as PDF Printable version Languages Afrikaans ???? nglisc ??????? Aragons ????? ????? Bahasa Banjar ?????????? ?????????? (???????????)? ????????? Brezhoneg Catal Cebuano Cesky Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch

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??? ?????? Trke ?????????? Vneto Ti?ng Vi?t West-Vlams ?????? ?? ?? Edit links This page was last modified on 9 October 2013 at 22:39. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; add itional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and P rivacy Policy. Wikipedia is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-prof it organization. Privacy policyAbout WikipediaDisclaimersContact WikipediaDevelopersMobile viewWi kimedia Foundation Powered by MediaWiki