Transom Vs. Casement Windows

Casement Windows

• A casement window is the earliest form of movable window. It is made of glass in a wood or metal frame, with hinges on the side of the vertical sash. These hinges allow the window to open to the outside or to the inside along the entire length of the glass, just as a door would open.

  In Great Britain, windows typically open outward, while in France, they open inward. French casements were adapted in the United States to provide access to balconies and porches, and are known as French windows or French doors. In the United States casement windows are opened by using a hand crank located on the inside base of the unit.

Awning Windows

• An awning window is a type of casement window that is hung horizontally and hinged on the top. It opens outward at the top of the window and gives the appearance of an awning. Awning-style casement windows are designed to allow for air circulation while preventing rain from entering the home.

Transom Windows

• Transom windows are so named because they are placed above the beam or transom that separates the upper part of a window or a door from the wall. They may be stationary, or they may be hinged to admit air for ventilation. Transom windows expand the view and the amount of light admitted by a window or door. They have a long history and have added a decorative touch since the early Gothic period. They became especially popular in Victorian times.

Types of Transom Windows

• One style of transom window popular today is the semicircular or elliptical fanlight, typically designed with glazing bars radiating outward to give the appearance of a fan. Sidelights are a framed area of fixed glass placed next to a window or door to provide additional natural light. Rectangular fixed transom windows above the door serve the same purpose. Opalescent glass, popularized by Louis Tiffany in the 1800s, led to the incorporation of color into front entryway transom window design. Stained glass has remained a popular transom window option throughout the years.