Types of Windows We Restore
We Restore All Types of Wood Windows
The Windows Pictured Below, All Of Which We Restored,
Demonstrate The Wide Range Of Types We Are Able To Service.
Double-Hung Windows
The double-hung window has two sashes, one on top of the other, both of which move up and down. Many people do not realize the top sash opens because it has been sealed shut with paint. Besides being double-hung, this window also has “divided light” in the top sash. There are 10 smaller divisions of glass in this top sash. So, technically speaking, this is a 10-over-1 divided light, double-hung window.
Triple-Hung
Triple-hung windows have the same structure as double-hung windows. They also function similarly as double-hung windows. The only difference is that they have an additional sash. To achieve maximum ventilation, the top and lower sashes are brought into alignment with the middle sash, thus enabling wide openings on both the top and bottom of the window. Because they allow greater openness to the natural surroundings, triple hung windows are often found in rooms which are intended to be close to nature, such as sun rooms and enclosed porches.
Fixed Sash Windows
A fixed sash window is inoperable. The smaller sashes on either side in this set of windows are fixed sashes. While they are inoperable, they can be removed for maintenance and restoration.
Box-head (Pocket) Windows
A box-head window has a trap door in the jamb header which, when the sash is raised, opens to allow the sash to ride up through a trap door in the header, then up into the wall above the window opening. As you can see from the picture on the left, these box-head windows are quite large–more than six feet wide. The bottom sashes are four feet tall. Also notice that the bottom sash is twice as tall as the top sash. This is the reason these were constructed as box-head windows. The top sash is fixed. But the bottom sash can be raised up so as to push through the trap door in the header far enough for the bottom sash to open fully, the bottom rail sitting parallel to the bottom rail in the top sash. This then enables all six bottom sashes in this sunroom that overlooks lake Michigan to open to a four-foot tall by six-foot wide opening. That’s a lot of lakefront sun and air flowing into this room!
Circular Windows
You would think a circular window would necessarily be a fixed (inoperable) sash window. And that is the case for some circular windows. But the window pictured here reveals an innovative design. The bottom half of the window circles around and up, enabling air to flow through the bottom of the opening. An alternative way circular windows are sometimes made operable is by their attachment being fixed points on either side of the horizontal axis so as to enable them to pivot open and closed
Bow (or Compass) Windows
Bow windows are similar to bay windows, the difference being one of scale. Bow windows typically extend from a home’s exterior wall and are composed of four or more rows of sashes that join to form an arch. While bow windows are inoperable, they emit a lot of natural light. But our experience has been that they are most often poorly designed. They inevitably leak both air and moisture. If I were building a new house, this would be the last type of window I would ever consider installing! Note: In part because all the work must be done onsite, bow windows are also costly to restore.
Curved Windows
This dramatic bay consists of four curved, double-hung windows. Yes, glass can be bent! And it is still possible to replace bent glass that has broken. We replaced one piece of glass when we restored this set of windows. While it is a more complex process, curved windows can be restored the same way flat windows are. And they can be similarly upgraded with improved weather-seals.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are hinged on the bottom and open inward on the top. Because this style of window takes up very little room, it is commonly used in basements.
Awning Windows
These windows are similar to hopper windows, the difference being that they are hinged on the top so as to open up from the bottom. Awning windows are installed where ventilation is a premium quality, such as in transom windows above a back door of a kitchen. They also enable a lot of light to enter the room.
Casement Windows
Casement windows open side-to-side. The most difficult part of restoring the windows pictured here was replicating and replacing numerous “muntins” (the crossbars that hold divided light glass in place) because a squirrel had gotten caught in the apartment while the owners were out-of-town and had chewed many of the muntins in an attempt to escape. Casement windows allow for a lot of ventilation and light to flow into a room. While there are several reasons to prefer casement windows that open inward, ones that open outward have the advantage of not taking up interior space.
French “Door” Window
It’s a bit confusing to talk about a door that is a window. But that’s the best way to describe this common style of window. Typically, such door-sized windows are french door in style. They are not only beautiful windows but also let a lot of light and fresh air into a room. One often finds them in higher end vintage condominiums and apartments because they don’t take up a lot of space.
Stained Glass Windows
Stained glass units can be installed in any type of window frame.The individual pieces of glass are held together with zinc or lead strips called ‘came.’ The came and glass are then held together with a metal frame that is then inserted into the wood window frame. Importantly, the metal came that houses each piece of glass has small gaps in between it and the glass. These gaps are filled with glazing compound.to provide insulation from air and moisture. Over an extended period of time, this glazing compound degrades. It needs to be replaced with fresh glaze. But the good news is that this reglazing process has a remarkable effect on the appearance of the glass unit, restoring the original sharpness of the design while simultaneously improving insulation. Something to keep in mind before restoring stained glass windows is that they appear more stable than they often are. Once removed from the frame, one discovers the came has partially or completely degraded. While not an incidental expense, “re-caming” a stained glass window is not as expensive as making a new window. As can be seen here, though, stained glass is beautiful, introducing a whole new level of refinement into a room.
Transom Windows
Transom windows are either hopper or awning windows that sit above a door or another window. They can be either fixed or operable. If they are intended to be operable, a transom window operator is installed so that the window can be opened and closed without having to step on a ladder.
We Restore All Types of Windows
As comprehensive as this list is, these are only the most common types of windows found in residences. But we’ve never met a wood window that is too complex to restore! And thirty years of experience has enabled us to develop the skill and confidence to be capable of restoring whatever comes our way!