A window is an opening in an otherwise solid and transparent surface through which light and, sometimes, air can pass through. It is usually glass or a strong, transparent plastic.
Different Window Styles
Modern household windows come in many styles. There are so many choices of designs throughout the world, and is largely dictated by the prevailing weather conditions. Coastal climates tend to have smaller outward-opening windows due to the stronger winds experienced - e.g. England.
Double-hung sash window
The traditional style of window in the USA, and many other places that were formerly colonized by the UK, with two parts that overlap slightly and slide up and down inside the frame. The two parts are not necessarily the same size. Nowadays, most new double-hung sash windows use spring balances to support the sashes, but traditionally, counterweights held in boxes either side of the window were used.
Single-hung sash window
One sash is movable and the other fixed. This is the earlier form of sliding sash window, and is obviously also cheaper.
Horizontal Sliding sash window
Has two or more sashes that overlap slightly but slide horizontally within the frame. In the UK, these are sometimes called Yorkshire sash windows, presumably because of their traditional use in that county.
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. In the USA these are usually opened using a crank, but in Europe they tend to use projection friction stays and espagnolette locking. Formerly, plain hinges were used with a casement stay. Handing applies to casement windows to determine direction of swing.
Roof Lantern Window
A Roof Lantern is a multi-paned glass structure, resembling a small building, built on a roof for day or moon light. Sometimes includes an additional Clerestory.
Bay window
A multi-panel window, with at least three panels set at different angles to create a protrusion from the wall line.
Oriel window
A window with many panels. It is most often seen in Tudor-like houses and monasteries. An oriel window projects from the wall and does not extend to the ground. Oriel windows originated as a form of porch. They are often supported by brackets or corbels. Buildings in the Gothic Revival style often have oriel windows.
Replacement Window
Replacement windows take the place of existing ones when they have become drafty or non-functional. Replacement windows increase the resale value of the house, and may greatly increase energy efficiency and outside noise. Most newer window replacements carry an E-Star rating for home efficiency, and may be custom ordered to meet the customers preferences, both functionally, and aesthetically.