Residential Window Field Guide
Window Types |
Whether it's an ornate 1880's Queen Anne or a classic 1950's split-level, the character of an older or historic home is very often defined by its original windows. Beyond that, a home's windows – which typically comprise about a quarter of the surface area of its exterior walls – contribute greatly to the larger context of the older and historic neighborhoods in which they are located.
While they vary in size, shape, materials, and proportion, windows give scale to a home and provide a sense of depth. The proportion, divisions, and materials of a window are essential elements of design. In most cases, windows are the most dominant visual element of an older or historic house.
Like architectural styles, there are a wide range of window types. This is because windows have evolved as technology has advanced. However, from the early multi-pane, double-hung sash to the modern plate glass picture window, they have also changed along with the popularity of different residential architectural styles.
As a homeowner of an older or historic residence, you may want to learn more about your windows, why they are unique and, most importantly, how you can ensure that they are maintained and energy efficient. The weatherization of windows, as a part of a whole-house strategy, is important. Homeowners have choices; older windows can always be retrofitted to be more energy efficient through a variety of methods, depending on their type and design.
This residential field guide is intended as a resource to help get you started, and the first step is identifying some of the most common window types found in older and historic residential architecture.
Do you love your older and historic windows? Share that love with the world by uploading pictures to our special photo group on Flickr.
