WINDOWS AND WINDOW TREATMENT

HISTORY ORIGINATES FROM THE TERM “VINDAUGA” MEANS WINDEYE. IN EARLY 13TH CENTURY REFERRED TO AS AN UNGLAZED HOLE IN THE ROOF. EARLIER IN ENGLISH TERMED AS “EAGPRYL” LITERALLY MEANS EYEHOLE.

WINDOWS AN OPENNING IN A WALL OR SOLID SURFACE THAT ALLOWS THE PASSAGE OF LIGHT ,IF NOT CLOSED OR SEALED , AIR AND SOUND. THESE ARE GENERALLY GLAZED OR COVERED IN SOME OTHER TRANSPARENT MATERIAL. MODERN STYLE WINDOWS BECAME POSSIBLE AFTER ART OF INDUSTRIAL GLASS MAKING PROCESS WAS MASTERED. ADDS TO THE DÉCOR OF THE ROOM AS WELL AS ENHANCES THE PRIVACY OF THE ROOM.

TYPES OF WINDOW

Single windows A single window is the basic window with a single frame; it opens either inside or outside.

Single-hung sash window: One sash is movable (usually the bottom one)

Double-Hung Windows Double-hung windows are probably the most common type of window. They open by sliding the bottom half of the window up or sliding the top half down. Because only half of the window area can be open at one time, they provide less ventilation than casement style windows. An advantage of double-hung windows is they can be used to create air movement in the home by opening the top portion of the windows on one side of the house and opening the lower portion of the windows on the coolest side of the house. Air will naturally rise out of the higher opening, pulling cooler air in the lower opening.

Older double-hung windows have weight-and-pulley systems to make them easier to open. Unfortunately, these systems tend to stick or rattle and it is hard to stop air from leaking around the pulley openings. Newer models have spring-tension devices and work far better.

Horizontal sliding sash window: Has two or more sashes that overlap slightly but slide horizontally within the frame.

Awning Windows: Awning windows, also known as hopper windows, swing open like casements but are hinged on the top or bottom rather than on the side. Some swing inward, others swing outward. Because they are easy to clean and provide more security .

Rotating Windows: Rotating windows open by pivoting around a central point. They allow good ventilation because in the open position, almost the entire window area is unobstructed. Because either side can face in, cleaning them is easy.

Jalousie Windows: Glass louvers that overlap one another form the panes of a jalousie window. Operated with a crank or turn-screw, the glass louvers tilt to open, permitting fresh air from outside.

Fixed-Pane Windows : Fixed-pane windows do not open, which means they do not permit ventilation or easy cleaning, but their sealed edges protect against air infiltration.

Casement window: A window with a hinged sash that swings in or out like a door comprising either a side-hung, top-hung, or occasionally bottom-hung sash or a combination of these types, sometimes with fixed panels on one or more sides of the sash.

Mullion windows These really consist of a series of windows. Each window can be treated as a separate unit or unified into a single design.

French windows These are also called French doors. They open out into balconies or patios. For a softer touch, a traditional drapery treatment may be given to these windows; but the rods must extend be and the frame so that the draperies can be drawn out of the way of the opening doors.

Corner windows Two identical windows on two adjacent walls meet at a corner in this type. Corner windows can be treated as one unit or function separately. Drapes or vertical blinds should preferably be drawn towards the outside to let in maximum light whenever needed.

Bay windows These are three-dimensional windows made by placing windows on three walls that meet to form an alcove protruding outwards. They are usually large and give the room an illusion of spaciousness, beside serving their functional purpose. These windows can be treated separately or as one. To give the effect of one large window, it is best to treat them as one.

Bow windows This are made up of a number of windows and each window has smaller windows within. This type of window helps to reduce the intensity of the sunlight as a large glass pane is covered by a little woodwork. They are similar to bay window, but here the walls meet to form a curved alcove.

Picture windows These are large-paned fixed windows facing a picturesque view.

Ranch windows These are high windows set above eye level. They are provided basically to let light in.

Palladian windows These are windows with an arched top. To treat such shapely windows, flow with the curve or bend with the angle or, best of all, leave them untreated.

Skylights These are windows in the ceiling. They arc basically there to allow in sunlight. They are left untreated. In case some treatment is required, custom-made, remote-controlled shades are best.

Dormer windows They are provided in attics under slanting, gabled roofs, mainly to illuminate the rooms towards the middle of the building.

ANATOMY OF WINDOW

1. Head The main horizontal member which forms the top of the window frame. 2. Grids You can make standard windows and doors extraordinary with the creative use of window grids. Grid patterns placed inside the glazing unit include 5/8" wide flat grids and 1-1/16" wide sculptured pattern grids. Available for both our vinyl and fiberglass windows, these internal grids make cleaning a breeze both inside and out. Additional grid options are available within our fiberglass Ultra™ and WoodClad™ Series to produce the effect of simulated divided lites:

Vintage Grids: Create the look of individual panes of glass on both the exterior and interior of your fiberglass windows. This option provides the best simulated divided lite look. Craftsman Grids: Create the look of individual panes of glass on the interior of your fiberglass windows, leaving the exterior easier to clean. Legacy Grids: Create the look of individual panes of glass on the exterior of your fiberglass windows, leave the interior easier to clean. 3. Hardware Depending on the type of window you purchase, you have multiple options for the type of hardware you can install. Whether you select our patent pending Positive Action Lock™ for your horizontal slider or single hung window, or select the optional fiberglass window cam locks, you will be secure in the knowledge that our window hardware meets or exceeds the toughest forced entry codes in the nation. 4. Weather Stripping Milgard offers weather stripping to ensure the most efficient, weather-tight seals for your windows. 5. Insulated Glass A combination of two or more panes of glass with a hermetically sealed air space between them. Milgard windows come standard with SunCoat® Low-E coating for added energy efficiency and all around comfort, all year long. Optional argon gas may be used between panes, further improving thermal performance and energy savings. 6. Upper Sash A single assembly of stiles (sides) and rails (top and bottom) made into a frame for holding insulated glass. Single and double-hung windows have two sashes. The top sash is known as the "Upper Sash."

7. Jamb The window frame members forming the top, sides, and bottom of a window frame. 8. Lower Sash A single assembly of stiles (sides) and rails (top and bottom) made into a frame for holding insulated glass. Single and double-hung windows have two sashes. The bottom sash is known as the "Lower Sash." 9. Sill The main horizontal member forming the bottom of the window frame.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

In essence, window treatments are used to control the degree to which windows perform their various functions. They have great design potential as sources of beauty and character too.

Stiff window treatments There are many types of coverings apart from curtains that can be used on windows to ensure privacy and block out light.

Blinds Blinds are of the following types: Roller blinds These let in plenty of light when drawn up, yet give complete privacy when unrolled and let down. Roller blinds are made of thick fabrics used in conjunction with rollers.

Roman blinds These are made of fabric attached to cords When the cords are pulled, the blind rises up in accordion pleats to form a pelmet. They are heavier and warmer than roll blinds. Venetian blinds These actually originated in China, contrary to the name. They are made of parallel slats of wood, metal or plastic aligned horizontally or vertically. They are popular for their almost complete control of air, light, and view.

Vertical louvre blinds These are most effective on a large floor-to-ceiling window. They work on the same principal as the venetian blinds except that they close across the window rather than down Pinoleum blinds These are an inexpensive covering for large windows. They are made from fine strips of wood held together by cotton, and let a pleasant, soft light filter through.

Shades Bamboo and woven wood shades Shades may be of the following types: Bamboo and woven wood shades These were once considered rustic and informal. They are available in different weaves nowadays. Fabric roller shades These are inexpensive and can be flexibly adjusted to cover as much of the window as required at a particular time.

Types of curtains Curtains may be used to create various window treatments. Glass curtains These are also called sheer or net curtains and are usually made of cotton or polyester. Drapes/over-curtains Draperies refer to loosely hung (not taut or stretched) soft furnishings. These are made of heavier fabrics and may be lined.

Draw curtains These are usually made of translucent or opaque fabrics and are mounted on traverse rods. Casement curtains These cover the entire window and have casings at both top and bottom.

Tie-backs Either one panel can be tied back to one side or both the panels can be tied back to the two sides. French cafe curtains These cover only the lower part of the window, with the casing slipped over a tension rod mounted in the window frame.

Sheer curtains let light into a room and still maintain a good level of privacy. They should be bought in excessive width, about double the width of your window, to appropriately fold to cover your window with the adequate amount of privacy.

Curtain headings and accessories We shall now look at the various headings and accessories used with curtains. Pelmets and cornices Cornices are box-like shapes used at the top horizontal portion of the drapery treatment to hide the poles and other hardware.

Valances These are made of fabric that has been pleated, scalloped or ruffled. They should never exceed one-sixth of the window's height and should be about 8-12 inches in depth.

Drapery cranes These are the appropriate hardware to use where installations have to be flexible.

Traverse and decorative rods These are used in conjunction with runners, which are hooked onto the curtain. They come in many types. The conventional traverse rod is used with classic pleated draperies that pull away from the centre to either side.

Curtain rods are a very old curtain-hanging tradition Curtain rods are a very old curtain-hanging tradition. They come in many beautiful and durable designs, with a wide range of length options. Spacers in curtain rods extend outward from the wall for depth or to accommodate multiple rods. Both rod-pocket and tab-top curtains can be difficult to open or close on telescoping curtain rods. While hidden by many medium-weight and heavyweight materials, rods are visible through sheer curtains, and ring-top curtains often allow the rod to remain visible. Decorative rods may be best in these instances.

Finials are decorative ends of curtain rods Finials are decorative ends of curtain rods. They come in many styles and finishes, with different shapes, such as scrolls, leaves, fleur-de-lis and decorated oval or balls. They are available in brushed silver, copper and poly-resin finish. Because they are often the part of your window treatment that are most seen beyond the curtain, it is good to have them stand out but also to have them complement or match your other room décor.

Curtain rings are attractive and easily attached to your curtains or drapes. They slide easily along a curtain rod without having to pull open a telescope rod, making it easier to open and close your drapes. Curtain rings are available in many sizes, shapes and qualities, so shop around for the style that best meets your design needs.

Tiebacks are soft loops of fabric, cord, chain or other material that holds back drapes. They tie around the drape itself, either centering it or pulling it off to the side and tying it to a vertical rod. This allows a bigger view outside and more natural light to enter the room. Tiebacks are extremely common in curtains and drapes that do not use rings, since those are hard to open.