Want a new set of windows for your home but hate squeaky hinges? This three-part blog series focuses on popular window designs that do not use hinges.
Part 3 – Fixed Windows: Unhinged and Unmoving
Hinges are for windows with moving parts, so isn’t it natural to have an unhinged window that doesn’t move? The fixed window may not be as mobile as other options, but there are plenty of situations where unhinged and unmoving are the right option.
Also known as, picture windows, fixed windows are characterized by a single solid frame and lack of any sashes or moving windowpanes. As a result, fixed windows remain permanently closed. You may think that a window that can’t be operated is never a good choice, but a fixed window is far from useless.
One of the best things about fixed windows is that it offers the best water resistance and insulation of all window types. This is because other types of windows may still have small gaps at points where the moving panes meet the frame or the edge of another frame. Fixed windows have a solid, unmoving panel that leaves very little (if any) room for water or air to seep through.
Because of its outstanding ability to keep rainwater out, fixed windows are often used for skylights, providing natural sunlight with minimal risks of moisture damage during foul weather. Furthermore, fixed windows rarely have any nooks or crannies where dust can accumulate, making maintenance a breeze.
Areas that require great outdoor views but limited ventilation can greatly benefit from fixed windows. For example, bay windows that have too many casement windows are inefficient because opening all panels at once offers too much ventilation. Adding fixed windows to the mix prevents excess ventilation without sacrificing appearance and natural lighting.
Another, often overlooked advantage of fixed windows is ease of production. Because there’s no need to add hinges, rails, or even locks during the manufacturing process, siding windows take less time and resources to make than other windows of the same size. Fixed windows also require very little maintenance, since there’s nothing that require oiling or parts replacement. This, combined with a naturally airtight design, makes the fixed window a very cost-efficient window option.
This wraps up our blog series about windows without hinges! I hope that the next time you’re out window shopping, you’ll consider going “unhinged”.