Choosing a window size are important in the construction of a home. Choosing a window size is important because the size of a window will affect the amount of light that enters a home, the amount of air that enters a home, and the safety of the windows. Single-hung windows is a common choice in homes because single-hung windows tend to be more affordable than other types of windows, and people generally consider single-hung windows to be easier to use.
The size of the window that will be used in the construction of a home must be accurately measure to ensure that the window will fit into the wall opening. An infographic show the different standard sizes for windows, and the infographic also depicts the actual measurements of nominally sized windows. When framing a wall, a builder must account for the opening of the window.
How to Choose the Right Window Size for Your Home
An opening must be made in the wall that is larger than the actual size of the window to allow for shimming of the window into the opening. Shimming is a process of placing small pieces of materials into the opening in the wall to ensure that the window is level. Ensuring that the window is level to the rest of the wall is important for the proper functioning of the window.
If the size of the window are incorrect, the framing of the wall may have to be changed. Changing the framing of a structure is difficult and costlier. Egress windows are required in bedrooms, and there are specific requirements regarding those windows.
An egress window must have a net clear opening of at least 5.7 square foot. In addition, the window also must be of a certain minimum height and width. It is possible that a window may appear to be large enough for a certain purpose, but the window may not be large enough if it does not meet the requirements for egress windows.
For instance, a portion of the window that is the meeting rail and the stiles of the window will take up some of the space within the window. If the window fails to take into account the portion of the window that is taken up by the meeting rail and the stiles, it may not allow for egress through that window. Single-hung windows is another popular class of window.
For single-hung windows, only the bottom sash of the window can move. The upper sash of the window is always in place. Because this upper sash cannot move, single-hung windows have fewer moving parts than double-hung windows.
Fewer moving parts leads to better weatherstripping around the window. Better weatherstripping means the window will have better insulation. An advantage of single-hung windows is that the upper sash cannot be tilted to clean the upper glass of the window.
However, you can clean the lower sash by simply sliding the sash upwardly. The materials for the window will have an effect on the performance of that window, as well as the cost of the window. Vinyl windows is relatively affordable and require little maintenance.
However, vinyl windows expand and contract with changes in the temperature around the window, which may have some effect on the window over time. Wood windows offer an appearance that is often considered traditional for residential construction. However, because wood can rot, windows made of wood require regular maintenance of that wood to ensure that it does not decompose.
Fiberglass windows are more expensive than windows made of the other materials, but the windows maintain their shape when the temperature changes. Aluminum windows can be made thin, but they require a thermal break to prevent condensation on the surface of the window. The installation of the window will play a role in the size of the windows that are available for an order.
For new construction, a nailing fin will be placed on the window to attach the window to the wall of the home. For replacement of windows, the size of the window will be smaller than the opening of the existing window frame. In addition, the width of the opening in the wall must be measured at three different points.
The smallest of those measurements is the measurement that should be used to order the window. Beyond the size of the window, there are other features of windows that can be ordered. For instance, windows can have colonial grids or prairie grids, both of which are patterns that may be placed on the glass.
Additionally, some sashes may be designed to allow the cleaning of the lower glass from within the room. However, the fixed upper sash of a single-hung window will require the person to clean that portion of the window from outside the room. Basement windows has special planning considerations.
For instance, basement windows may be located below ground level. In this case, the window opening will require an exterior well. Such exterior wells have specific requirements for their dimensions and drainage.
Proper drainage is required for the well for it to properly function, as a well without drainage will become filled with water. Security bars are often placed on windows for added security. However, the bars must be able to release from inside the window with no tools.
Additionally, the security bars must be able to release without tools in the case of a fire to the building. An infographic can help a person to select a window size based off the purpose of the room. For instance, a bathroom does not require egress windows, but bedrooms requires an egress window.
Living areas may benefit from windows of a larger size to allow for more light into the room. The infographic will show the size of windows that maximize the amount of light into the room. By understanding the need of windows based upon the purpose and use of each room in the home, a person can order a window of an appropriate size to each room.
