Window Types

The following is intended to provide basic familiarity with various types of windows with respect to operation.

Picture windows – Are fixed without operation. These can be square, rectangle, triangle or round in shape.

Horizontal sliders – These either operate from left to right, right to left and are also referred to as half vents. Meaning one side is operable and the other is fixed. Horizontal sliders are also offered by some manufacturers with double slide or from both directions.

Single hung – The lower section of these windows operates vertically with a fixed upper portion. The division of fixed and operating portions is established by the horizontal bar set.

Double hung – Both the upper and lower sashes operate vertically.

Casement windows – Look like picture windows in the sense that there is no horizontal or vertical member obstructing the view. They are operable however. Hinge mechanisms are placed in either side of the vertical legs of framing from which they pivot when a crank is rotated.

Awning windows - Are much like casement window however, the operable sash pivots from the hinge assembly placed in the head jamb of framing material in an up and outward direction.

Bay windows – Are generally a composition of three sections or individual units. The outside two units referred to as flankers are generally joined at either 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees.

Bow windows – Are much like a bay window in that the shape of unit is accomplished by a composition of 3, 4, 5 or 6 window segments. These segments join to create a gentle curve.

Garden windows – Project 90 degrees out from the home. The center of the unit is generally fixed with single hung side flankers and a fixed glass unit sloped atop. They come with a glass or metal grate shelf for plants or other affects to be displayed.