---
title: "Short note: Windows and its types"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_6/building_technology:windows-types-short"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/windows-types-short
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Windows and its types

Building Technology · Chapter 6: Doors and windows

- Asked in: 2066 Bhadra (old course), 4 marks; 2065 Shrawan (old course), 4 marks; 2062 Poush (old course) (asked 3 times)
- Video: [Types of Windows | Windows | Building Construction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvzyTvqxw3s) — SGK Online Education
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/windows-types-short
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-6

## Question

Write a short note on windows and its types with clean sketches.

## Short answer

Windows admit light and air. Types: fixed, casement, double-hung, sliding, pivoted, louvered, awning, hopper, bay, bow, dormer, corner, clerestory, skylight.

## Answer

A **window** is an opening in a wall, fitted with a frame and shutters, which admits light and air, gives a view and allows ventilation. Its sill is generally kept 0.75-0.9 m above the floor and the total window area is 10-20% of the floor area of the room.

#### Types of windows
| Window | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixed window | Glass fixed in frame, gives only light, no ventilation |
| Casement window | Shutters hinged at the sides, open like doors; most common |
| Double-hung (sash) window | Two sashes slide up and down in a frame with weights |
| Sliding window | Shutters slide horizontally on tracks; aluminium/UPVC |
| Pivoted window | Shutter turns on a horizontal or vertical pivot at the centre |
| Louvered window | Slats (fixed or movable) inclined at 45 degrees; ventilation and privacy |
| Awning window | Hinged at top, opens outward at the bottom |
| Hopper window | Hinged at bottom, opens inward at the top |
| Bay window | Projects outward from the wall in plan; extra space and light |
| Bow window | Curved bay |
| Dormer window | Vertical window projecting from a sloping roof with its own small roof |
| Corner window | Placed at the corner where two walls meet; light and cross ventilation |
| Clerestory window | High-level window above eye level; light and ventilation in tall rooms |
| Skylight | Glass in the roof slope; top light |

```text
 Casement        Sliding         Pivoted        Louvered
 +----+----+    +----+----+    +---------+    +---------+
 | /  | \  |    |    |>>> |    |    o    |    |=========|
 |/   |  \ |    |    |    |    |   /|\   |    |=========|
 +----+----+    +----+----+    +---------+    +---------+
```

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What are the usual sill height and window area proportion?
   A. Sill 0.75-0.9 m above floor; area 10-20% of floor area
   B. Sill at floor level; area 50% of floor area
   C. Sill 2 m above floor; area 1-2% of floor area
   D. Sill 1.5 m; area equal to floor area
   Answer: A. Sill is generally 0.75-0.9 m above floor and window area is 10-20% of floor area. (Key point: Window definition and sill level)

2. Which window is hinged at the bottom and opens inward at the top?
   A. Awning window
   B. Hopper window
   C. Pivoted window
   D. Fixed window
   Answer: B. A hopper window is hinged at the bottom; an awning window is hinged at the top. (Key point: Casement vs awning vs hopper)

3. What does a fixed window provide?
   A. Light and ventilation both
   B. Ventilation only
   C. Light only, no ventilation
   D. Extra floor area
   Answer: C. Glass is fixed in the frame so it admits light but gives no ventilation. (Key point: Fixed window)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Thermal insulation of walls, doors, windows, roofs](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Athermal-insulation-exposed-walls) — Building Technology, chapter 1, asked 3×