ᐅ Windows with transom or without? Transom with awning sash or fixed?

Hello,

we are currently renovating a house. The old windows all have a top transom and also a tilt window at the top. The house is going to be rented out and will be divided into two apartments.

Questions:

• Is the transom in the window purely an aesthetic feature? Could you simply install one large window instead? (Cheaper) Dimensions vary from height: 1820 - 1600 millimeters (72 - 63 inches), width 1150 - 1080 millimeters (45 - 42 inches). Maybe these are just too large and a transom makes sense?
• If we want a transom: The old windows have a tilt window in the transom. You can tilt open the transom. Is it advisable to order the transom with a tilt function? I’m unsure if tenants will actually use or notice this. Could you just fix the transom in place and order the lower window with a tilt-and-turn function? (Cheaper)

Would that be sufficient?

I know everyone wants to save money, but there are quite a few windows, and in my opinion it is worth considering whether some features are really necessary. We don’t have an energy consultant or subsidies, etc. The house received its first insulation during this renovation. Previously it was only a brick wall. Now interior insulation has been added between a double wall.

Best regards

Rolltür

It is ultimately the same issue that arises with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing at the bottom for fall protection. How do you clean them from the outside without risking your safety?

xMisterDx schrieb:

Ultimately, it’s the same issue you get with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing at the bottom as a fall protection. How do you clean those from the outside without risking your life?

xMisterDx schrieb:

Ultimately, it’s the same issue you get with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing at the bottom as a fall protection. How do you clean those from the outside without risking your life?

Okay, I understand the safety concerns. Are these the only or main reasons why windows with a transom including a tilt function are installed? I assume it will be windows with a transom including a tilt function then. I was just confused because in the apartment I am renting, there are also windows with transoms installed. However, the transoms there are fixed.

Thank you very much for your reply!

xMisterDx schrieb:

Ultimately, it’s the same issue you get with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing at the bottom as a fall protection. How do you clean those from the outside without risking your life?

And what about a large window without a transom (tilt & turn)? Or does that simply not look good aesthetically?

Thanks! 🙂

It is at least reasonable to assume that this is a significant reason for a skylight with a tilt function. The parapet height in older buildings is usually not at a level where you should be handling a telescopic pole through the open window.

Everything else is a matter of personal taste. I prefer windows without frills, but that is by no means the case for everyone.

The windows are not so large that single-pane windows would look odd. However, you would also need to see the exterior appearance for that.

Such windows—whether multi-pane or divided by muntins—were common in older buildings (with a nice look: tall windows due to high ceilings, which then influenced “standard” houses) and offered a ventilation function that didn’t let cold air directly enter at body height.

Personally, I like this style because it conveys a cozy atmosphere. But that is purely for aesthetic reasons.

If you do choose that, then as a fixed top window. Cleaning is not a big issue, as it is still relatively easy to reach. But you definitely don’t need the ventilation function (opening is also too inconvenient—for an office, automatic openers work much better).

My conclusion: Do what you like. There are no significant advantages or disadvantages between single-pane or multi-pane windows. Tilt windows have mostly disadvantages compared to fixed glazing—they are more expensive and harder to operate (be honest, if you stand in front of the window, what would you open? The sash or maybe get a chair to open the tilt window?). I rule out cleaning as a drawback because, with windows of the same height, you’d be standing on a ladder or step stool anyway.

Lastly: Please post a photo from the outside. Maybe then opinions will lean towards “divided,” because a single pane might look awkward from the outside!?

The single-leaf window swings inward for cleaning, allowing you to stand safely in the middle of the room on the ladder. With a fixed glazed transom, you either stand on the ladder directly in front of the open window or, more often, with at least one foot on the windowsill, which shifts your center of gravity dangerously far outside the window opening.

There is a reason why special medical check-ups are regularly required for overhead work on ladders to determine whether the person is even capable of performing the task without losing balance and falling off the ladder 😉

If that’s already the case, there is nothing you can do. But when installing something new, this completely unnecessary hazard should be avoided altogether. This is the first step in any risk assessment:
How can I prevent a danger from arising in the first place, instead of having to mitigate it later with complex structural measures...