Glass and Windows
Glass and Windows
Windows are to the house; what fresh air is to us. Just like us, our house too needs to breathe; to inhale freshness and exhale staleness. Windows bring in the much-needed light and air, besides allowing the outdoors in. They showcase the outside world and break the monotony of everyday life.
Windows have a three-pronged or what we call The 3-O Approach - Objective, Orientation and Overall Look.
Windows are beyond mere aesthetics.They
Not for nothing, are windows designed with a sense of direction.
Base the overall look on the architectural design. For example:
Traditional Kerala Home
Modern Kerala Home
There are 3 major components of a window-
Frames
Once the type of window is selected, selecting the frame is the next step to provide durability to the window and ensure its longevity.
Glass
Over 90% area of the window is its glass. The type of glass used has an impact on:
A. Types of Glass:
B. Glass Fitment:
Every glass comes with a specific fitment into the window, as a Single Glazed Unit (SGU), Double Glazed Unit (DGU), or Laminated.
Single Glazed
A single layer of glass that provides medium to low energy-efficiency, depending on the glass chosen.
Double Glazed
Providing higher energy efficiency, a Double Glazed Unit comprises two panes of glass (an interior glass pane and an exterior one) and an embedded layer of inert gas which creates an insulated environment between the interior and exterior of a window.
Laminated
Comprising two or more layers of glass sandwiched with a polymeric interlayer like Polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Laminated Glass provides safety and acoustic comfort.
It is always advisable to go for toughened glass for windows. Toughening is a process wherein virgin glass is strengthened up to 4 times to withstand impact and ensure safety.
Good hardware is designed to enhance the look and style of the windows while ensuring smooth, effortless operation, for years to come.
HARDWARE IN A WINDOW:
Windows typically belong to one of the following types:
Sliding Windows
Shutters that glide either way to both the left and right, in one frame
Casement Windows
Shutters open both ways, as per window type
Fixed Windows
Non-openable and fixed on all sides
Awning Windows
Hinged at the top, and open outwards
Tilt And Turn Windows
Opens sideways like a casement window, or tilts at the top or bottom
Bay Windows
Collection of three or more windows angled towards each other
Combination Windows
Combination of sliding, casement, fixed, awning or tilt-and-turn windows
Ensures hassle-free maintenance of the window
