All about the windows

While constructing a house, there are many factors to put into consideration such as the design of the house, types of doors you want and the number of windows that will be needed.
However, for the windows, it is more than the numbers because they do not only help in the ventilation and aeration of your house but will also add beauty to the design of the house.

Considerations when choosing windows
Moses Amodoi, the sales and marketing manager at HwanSung Industries, says if a home owner has not made provision for concrete ventilation, then it is important for them to consider windows without ventilation.
Amodoi adds, “Materials used for the windows is also important and you should, therefore, choose it depending on the amount of money you have. Plus the type of glass you will use.”

Catherine Muyinda an architect advises that when constructing your house, it is important to look at the space you have in the room. She explains, “The size of the room will determine the size of the windows that you want to fix to allow proper ventilation and lighting.
The height of the window from the ground should also be put into consideration. “For areas such as the sitting room, the windows can be low but spaces that will need more privacy like the bathroom, the windows must be placed at a higher position,” Muyinda explains She also adds that it is important to consider the material and the cost of the materials that one has to use when placing windows in the house.

Types of windows
Traditionally, most windows were side-hinged windows, referred to as casements, and sliding sash windows. However, new opening mechanisms such as friction and pivot hinges among others are now increasingly popular.

Gliding/sliding windows
Moses Amodoi, the sales and marketing manager at HwanSung Industries, explains that these are windows with a moving panel that slides to the left or the right to open. He adds that these are currently the trendiest on the market and are preferred by most home owners.
Amodoi says sliding windows are a good choice if you have limited space. They are also less risky for people who have children because children cannot hit their heads on the edges.
Such windows are easy to open and do not project outward, so they work well next to walkways and patios. Additionally, their opening is usually big enough for an emergency exit.
However, Amodoi says, “Because of the open space sliding windows have to be fixed with a mesh so as to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from the entering the house.”

Casement windows
Willy Ssekembo from Nakawa fabricators explains that casement windows are a type that is hinged on the right- or left side and opens outward with a turn of a crank handle.
“It offers good ventilation and since this type is sealed all the way around when shut, it has a low air-leakage rate and good noise reduction,” he says.
Ssenkembo says the price of steel windows varies according to size. 4*5 will cost Shs280,000 while 5*5 will cost upto Shs350,000 without the glass.
However, Amodoi says this type of window is more expensive than sliding windows because of the materials used such as the hinges.

Fixed (or picture) windows
This type doesn’t open but offers unobstructed views. It is usually found at the stairwell for purposes of lighting. Amodoi says some people may prefer to have these above the windows for extra lighting. He adds that the disadvantage of fixed window is that you will not get any ventilation and you will need to clean the exterior from the outside.

Double-hung
This type features two movable panels that slide vertically to open and close. Opening both the top and the bottom creates natural ventilation. Cool air comes in at the bottom and warm air escapes at the top. The disadvantage of the double hung windows is that the horizontal rail in the middle obstructs your view.

Historic style windows/grills
Historic windows are those that can be found on historic architectural buildings such as the castles. Adding a touch of historic style, the window frame is fixed with a glass.

Skylight
This is a type of window installed in the ceiling. Some (called roof windows) are fixed; others open for ventilation.

Glass window louvers
These are a window blinds or shutters with horizontal slats that are angled to admit light and air, and keep out rain, direct sunshine, and noise. The angle of the slats may be adjustable and they can be fixed with glass or aluminum

Projected /awning Window
Amodoi says projected windows or Awning windows are hinged on top and open outward, enabling ventilation without letting in rain or falling leaves. Screens are on the inside of the window, where they’re more protected from the elements. Awning windows are often used for basements because they can be placed high on the wall and easily operate with a turn of the handle. They are a great choice to pair with non-operable windows, such as above or below a picture window and the bathroom, since awning windows are generally smaller in size than double hangs, casements or sliders.

Window materials

Most windows are available in a number of materials. Each material has advantages and disadvantages in terms of maintenance and appearance.

Aluminum
Aluminum is a light metal that can be used to make windows. There are two types of aluminum and these are the anodised aluminum, which does not fade and the powder coated aluminum which fades.

Steel
Steel is another material that can be used to make windows. It is cheaper than aluminum so it can be used if you are working on a tight budget.

Wood
Windows were traditionally made of wood, though it is not often used these days. Hardwood is expensive, but it is durable and only needs the protection of oil. You can also paint hardwood windows or give them a natural finish. If you are to go for softwood windows, you need to protect them with paint or a natural wood finish, and maintain them regularly.

BURGLAR PROOF
You might want to consider burglar proof for you windows for safety reasons. Thieves can get into your house either through the windows or the door.
Adding metal bars creates a barricade that allows you to be protected and blocking open space when the windows are open.
Jane Warike from Aubrey Trust interior and exterior designers says that the cost of burglar proofing depends on the size and design that the client wants.
“If the size is bigger, then it will cost more and if the design is more complex, then also the charge will increase,” she says.She adds that the average cost is Shs300,000.

Types of glass
Frosted glass
This type is mostly used for bathrooms and toilets. It provides privacy because it is not transparent. Amodoi says these can be bought at a cheaper price because they have limited use.

One way glass
This type of glass is ideal for the home because if the house has no light, you cannot see what is on the inside but those on the inside can see outside.

Tinted windows
These can also be used in residential houses as well as commercial buildings and they give privacy to the people indoors.