Windows Q3

Thomas Sim PEA2066

Q.
a) Using diagrams, explain the different types of window based on the methods of opening. (15 marks)

b) Describe three (3) types of windows suitable for residential houses in Malaysia. Give reasons for your answers. (10 marks)

(2011 Q3)

A.
a)

Window styles and Types:

 

  • Fixed windows
  • Casement and awning windows
  • Horizontal and vertical slider windows
  • Single or double hung windows
  • Tilt-and-turn windows

As we planned the design of our home, we chose certain doors and windows that would fit with the design theme of our home, but we also thought about efficiency and practicality. The architect we worked with was very good and helping us choose designs that were aesthetically pleasing, and that were also environmentally sound to use. Remember, windows and doors are more than just openings into the outside world, they also play an important role in a number of systems in the home. They need to fit nicely with the functionality of the home, there needs to be enough space for movement and use, and it needs to go with the decor.

When building a wood-frame house, you also need to select the appropriate types and make sure they are installed properly. Any doors or windows that are poor quality will decrease energy conservation, which will then leave you with high energy bills. This can also happen if a high quality door or window is not installed properly. You will also want to think about how durable the items are, as well as how high maintenance it will be for you as a home owner. Different styles have different advantages and disadvantages, al l of which need to be considered when building your own home.
Types of House Windows
One of the most important things we thought about when we chose our windows and doors was how energy efficient  they were. We also thought about how they could contribute to the natural light and ventilation to the home.  And, of course, we thought about security and safety. We asked ourselves, how hard would it be for someone to break into the home and how accessible are the doors and windows from the outside? Also, windows are seen as a means to escape in the case of danger, and so they need to be designed in a way that the occupants can leave when there is a disaster.
Depending on the room, you will need different window and door sizes and designs.  Some rooms will need larger windows for increased natural light, and it is common practice to have at least 10 percent of the area in living rooms and dining rooms to be covered in window. For bedrooms and dens, it is usually 5 percent. Something interesting that we learned about windows is that they can be a fire hazard to surrounding properties. We were told that fires can spread from window to window, which is why there are strict codes about how big the windows can be and what percent of the room they can occupy.

Ref:
Verbatim from http://www.architecturecourses.org/buildingahome/installing-house-windows

b) 3 types of windows suitable for houses in Malaysia.

Malaysia is located in hot equatorial climate with ample rainfall. Hence, windows should facilitate convenient opening and closing due to change of rain and shine. A hot climate with no seasonal winter, or strong wind like tornado or typhoon, and ample sun light would need lots of shading. Hence, casement, tilt and turn and horizontal slider are suitable for our climate.

Casement and Tilt & Turn allow good ventilation with maximum air flow per unit space occupied. Virtually all space used can be utilized for ventilation. As for horizontal sliding window, it is easy to adjust the amount of ventilation, with maximum being half of the area covered by the window. It is easy to operate and seals off rain and shine better than casement and tilt and turn windows.

Security wise, tilt and turn has the best safety feature as people cannot easily crawl out of the window. In high rise buildings, tilt and turn is preferred to sliding windows. Casement is in between them in terms of safety. For most double-storey houses, they are used interchangeably, depending on the size of the wall.

Cleaning and maintenance is easier with sliding windows as they can be taken down separately for washing. However, dirt can build up on the grooves and obstruct the sliding rail. For Tilt and Turn, it depends on how any leaves are there per window. The more the leaves, the harder to clean. Dirt can also settle down on the upper surface of the window pane as hot dusty climate is a norm in Malaysia. Casement windows are easier to maintain than tilt and turn windows as dust does not accumulate on the glass panel.

However, each type has its flaws. Casement windows would post a danger if the outside is a walk way. It is like opening of car door without knowing someone is moving along behind. Similarly, casement windows will obstruct passer by outside of the window.

Tilt and turn does not protrude out as much as casement, however it has more joints which need to be oiled frequently for optimal performance. Spoilt joints can immobilize the panels, and thus render the window unable to be opened.

Lastly, sliding windows take up space. It only has half of its space truly for ventilation. Therefore, for the same glass material, the sliding window is truly window only half of the space utilized.

Ref:
Own account.