Many homeowners are looking for different ways to add natural lights. While transom windows are one of the best ways to do that, many people may not have heard of them. No worries, Gharpedia is bringing the detailed information on Transom Window.
This is a great way to let more light enter your house while giving vintage elegance. This article will discuss the transom window’s purpose, its types, advantages and disadvantages, and installation procedures.
First, let’s understand what a transom window is.
What is a Transom Window?
A transom window is a narrow window placed above a door or window, usually above the top beam of a door or window. The transom separates the top of a door or window from the wall above. It is also called transom lights or door windows.
You can add interior transom window to traditional room dividers to make it look better or to let in more light. It can also let air in and out with an open and closed transom.
Different Types of Transom Window
01. Fixed Transom Window
A transom window that does not open and close, and has a single fixed location is a fixed transom window. It is installed above the door and window so that natural light can flow inside the room. These window types serve decorative purposes in living rooms, backyards, and elevation parts.
02. Shed Transom Window
A shed transom window has a long, flat design on both the roof and the upper wall. Shed transom window comes in many shapes, sizes, and materials, like fiberglass and wood. It is used in temporary places like storage rooms and parking spaces.
03. Arched Transom Window
The best way to decorate your house is by using a semi-circular arched transom window. It is used on the roofs and over the windows and doors. A window with an arch is best for a pitched or sloped roof. This window can either be fixed, or it can be moved, depending on your requirements. It doesn’t go with modern homes with clean roof-lines.
04. Bathroom Transom Window
The bathroom transom window is a horizontal window that works wonderfully as an opening in shower stalls and vanities. You can improve ventilation in the bathroom by installing this type of transom window. Also, the adjacent rooms can use the fixed transom windows in the bathroom.
Advantages of the Transom Window
- With fixed transom window, there is no need to worry about cabin lighting.
- Sunlight can easily enter the room, making the room look bright and big.
- Like other windows, a transom window saves energy.
- This type of window is as cheap as French or casement types.
- It’s easy to use; you can open or close it using rope.
- The transom window has a very elegant look, which makes your room appear luxurious and spacious.
Disadvantages of the Transom Window
- It is difficult to clean the transom window, and if you don’t clean it properly with a wet cloth, there’s a high chance of mould and termite attack.
- A fixed transom window does not provide ventilation as you cannot open or close it.
- The transom window will not work in every room. It does not look good in small spaces with a low ceiling height.
- It requires regular dusting or vacuuming. However, repair costs will quickly increase if the window frame shows wear and tear.
Structural Consideration for Installing Transom Window
You may have to consider the following points while installing a transom window:
Opening
If you don’t have an existing opening for a transom window, you’ll need to make a new one before you install it. Take the advice from the structural engineer for the latter case, as they will know how to set up the window without compromising the wall’s strength.
Height of Wall
A transom window is typically more suitable for walls over eight feet in height. Take professional help if you can shift the wall’s load transfer to the ceiling.
Load Bearing
A load-bearing wall may require additional support. The door is typically easier to install than the exterior or interior wall, which must support weight, as it is not load-bearing.
Installation of Transom Window
- Before deciding on window size, measure the width of the door frame. After that, you’ll need to measure the thickness of the wall to figure out how thick the transom unit (the window panes’ supporting frame) needs to be.
- You may have to remove the exterior cladding that normally shields the house’s structural components from the weather if the entrance is exterior.
- You may have to remove the section of wall studs above the door to make room for the transom window unit.
- After the window is installed, new drywall must be installed. If it’s an outdoor door, you should clad it with new weatherproofing to keep the elements out. A weather strip is a common accessory for windows because it seals the gap between the window and the frame, keeping the cold air outside and the warm air inside where it belongs.
Conclusion
The transom window adds vintage elegance and architectural intrigue to your home. This window will add more value to your interiors, allowing more natural light and design in your room. So, find the perfect transom window type that will enhance your home.
Also Read: Sliding Windows: The Best Choice for Canadian Houses?
FAQs
01.How does a Transom Window Work?
Different types of transoms use various mechanisms to make them functional. You can find transoms with bottom hinges, latches, and chains that require a long pole to pull open, transoms with side hinges that open like doors, and transoms with top hinges that open with fixed lifts that require manual operation.
02. When would You Use a Transom Window?
You can use a transom window inside your home to create a physical barrier between two rooms, like the kitchen and the dining room. It can also be placed above the interior door to let light travel from one room to another, a feature typical of farmhouse decor.
03. How High should Transom Window be?
Transom windows typically have a height of between 12 inches (1 feet) to 36 inches (3 feet). Sizes range from small to large to accommodate a variety of needs. A transom window’s typical width is between 15 inches (1.25 feet) to 96 inches (8 feet). Doors with transom windows are the most attractive in rooms with high ceilings because of the visual height they provide.
04. Does Transom Window Need to be Tempered?
No. A transom window isn’t usually tempered due to the design’s focus on durability. When the material’s thickness is suitable for its application, tempering is unnecessary.
05. Is Transom Window Outdated?
Although the transom window is undoubtedly a more traditional element of architecture, it is still perfectly acceptable today. Transom window not only let in more natural light, but it is also a stylish option that has made a comeback in recent years, making them a good fit for any entrance.
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Author Bio
Sikandar Choudhury – Sikandar Monwar Huda Choudhury is a freelance article writer who is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with others through writing. With several years of experience in the engineering field and having written 100+ articles related to construction, Sikandar is a skilled writer with a talent for breaking down complex concepts and making them accessible to a wider audience. Sikandar is always looking for new opportunities to share his knowledge and experience with others through writing and is available for hire as a freelance civil engineering article writer. He is easily reachable on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sikandar-monwar-huda-choudhury-2b3a1a20a/.