A clerestory window is a window that is located above the roof line of a building and is used to let light into an interior space. They are usually large, rectangular openings that have been cut into the roof of a building or one side of a building. A clerestory window allows natural light to enter through the top of the building so that natural lighting can be utilised.
The most common way to install a clerestory window is by cutting through the roof of your home. You will need to have this done by an experienced contractor who knows how to do it safely without causing any damage to your structure or property. Clerestory windows also require special materials, such as glass and metal, for installation on your property’s exterior walls or ceilings.
Although clerestory windows are beautiful, they aren’t always the most practical option. Some houses simply can’t have them. If you’re thinking about installing clerestory windows in your home but aren’t sure if they’re right for your house, here’s what you need to know:
Clerestory windows: What are they?
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Clerestory windows are located on the uppermost part of a building’s exterior walls. They are generally located between the roofline and the floor of the roof. When they open up into the room below, they can provide an impressive amount of natural light into an otherwise dark room or hallway.
Clerestory windows are a great way to achieve a light and airy feel in your home. Additionally, they permit lots of natural lighting, which is the key to creating a healthy, clean environment. Some homes may have one window at ground level, while others might have many more, like two or three per floor.Â
Clerestory windows: HistoryÂ
The word clerestory is associated with Egyptian temples, whose columns are higher in the centre, allowing for more light.
Their appearance in gothic churches and Victorian architecture dates back to 300 AD when they were part of Roman basilica architecture.
Clerestory windows: Purpose
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A clerestory window is often used as an architectural feature to create light and ventilation in a building. Clerestory windows can be found in churches and cathedrals, where they are used to allow light into the interior of the building without letting in too much heat or cold.
In most houses, clerestory windows are rarely used because they require expensive materials and labour costs. However, there are some houses with fully exposed clerestory windows that have been renovated with less expensive materials so that they look like they were originally built this way.
If you want to add some style to your home while also making it more comfortable, consider installing clerestory windows on walls facing north or west. These types of windows will let in plenty of light without letting in too much heat or cold from outside air currents during winter months when most people spend time indoors.
Clerestory windows: Types
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There are two main types of clerestory windows: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal clerestories hang from the ceiling in front of each wall, while vertical ones sit on top of columns or posts behind one or two walls.
Clerestory windows: Differences with transom windows
Clerestory windows can be found in many homes and offices. They are frequently used as an alternative to transom windows, which are more conventional.
Transom windows are the most common type of window found in homes and offices. They can be made out of different materials, including glass, wood or metal. They also come in several shapes and sizes depending on what you want them to accomplish.Â
A transom window is usually placed at the top of a wall or ceiling. Clerestory windows are similar to transoms in that they have a pane of glass on either side of an open frame, but there are some differences between them as well.
The difference between clerestory windows and transoms is that clerestory windows do not need support beams underneath them as transoms do. A clerestory window cannot be installed on top of an existing roofline or structure if it is built around it.
What is the purpose of Clerestories?
In addition to illuminating an interior space, they don’t take up much wall space. They provide the same amount of light as lower ones but are less harsh in warmer climates. By filtering sunlight from above or the side through a nave, you can get good lighting without overheating your room.
Clerestory windows: Advantages and disadvantages
Any home can benefit from the light and colour that clerestory windows bring in without having to compromise on weatherproofing. Before selecting whether or not clerestory windows are ideal for you, you should weigh their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- They’re easy to install because they’re already built into your house’s structure. This means no new materials will need to be purchased or installed at all.
- They allow natural light into your home even when the weather is bad outside, think rain or snow. This could be especially useful if you live in an area that gets very cold during the winter months.
- They offer more privacy than transom windows because they don’t have any glass panes in them as regular doors do.
Disadvantages
- For one thing, you need to be careful about the size of your window if you want to incorporate clerestory windows into your design. You can’t just slap them on and expect them to look good. You’ll need to make sure that the width of the window and its height are proportional to one another.
- Installing and maintaining them might be expensive.
- You also shouldn’t forget that these windows are often quite heavy, so you may need help moving them around or even placing them on walls.
Clerestory windows: What should be the direction?
Because they are on every wall, they should face north or south. A south-facing clerestory must also have an overhang. A north-facing clerestory will receive less light, but will not overheat.
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Clerestory windows: Are they fixed?
The clerestory windows are usually fixed most of the time. In some cases, however, the windows can be opened just like any other window. However, they are generally open for ventilation.Â
Clerestory windows: Cost
There is a wide range of pricing for clerestory windows, but their cost depends on their size and style. Depending on the quality and materials, you will pay more for elegant models or clerestory awning windows.
Clerestory windows: HeightÂ
In terms of sizes, there is no standard. Some are 2 feet wide by 2 feet long, while others are 10 feet wide by 20 feet long. Narrow is the most common style for taller walls.
FAQs
What is the purpose of clerestory windows?
In comparison with normal vertical glazing, clerestories provide far deeper penetration of sunlight into a living space since they are located higher up.
Do clerestory windows need to be opened?
It is advised to open up the clerestory windows on nights to let the warmer and more buoyant air escape.
What is the recommended height for clerestory windows?
In terms of clerestory window dimensions, there are no set rules. The height of a 2' x 2' window may keep the glare inside the room down, even if it's small, letting in plenty of natural light.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
