Various windows used may be classified on the basis of materials used, types of shutters, types of openings of shutters and the position of windows.
Timber, steel and aluminium are commonly used to make window frames. Timber may get termite attacks, steel may rust but aluminium do not have any such defects. However they are costly. Shutters of windows may be panelled, glazed or louvered. Louvered windows are generally used for bathrooms and toilets where vision is not to be allowed but ventilation is required. Lower parts panelled and upper parts glazed windows are commonly used. Instead of panelled one may think of
using translucent glasses.Window shutters may be fixed, centrally pivoted, sliding type or double hung.
Depending upon the position of windows, they may be classified as:
(a) Casement windows
(b) Bay windows
(c) Corner windows
(d) Clear storey windows
(e) Gable windows
(f) Sky light windows
(g) Dormer windows
(h) Ventilators
Casement windows are common type of windows, provided in the outer walls. They are provided over 50 to 75 mm sill concrete at a height of 750 to 900 mm from floor level. Bay windows are provided on the projected portion of walls.
Corner windows are provided in the corner of a room. They need heavy lintels. Corner post of window should be strong enough to take load due to deflection of lintel and impact load from the shutters.
Clear storey windows are provided when the height of the room is much more than adjacent room/verandas. It is provided between the gap of low height room and the top of room with greater height.Gable windows are provided in the gable portion of the building. They are required in the stair cases or in the halls with gable walls.
Sky light windows are provided on a sloping roof.
It projects above the top sloping surface. The common rafters are to be trimmed suitably.Dormer windows are vertical windows on the sloping roof.Ventilators are provided close to roof level or over the door frames. They help in pushing outexhaust air. They may be provided with two split and separated glasses or with hung shutters.