What was the purpose of a transom?

Asked by: Michele Lautner

Transoms historically were used to allow passage of air and light between rooms even when doors were shut. They make perfect sense in row houses, which typically have long, narrow floor plans with windows only at the front and back. This house originally had four transom windows; all were painted shut.

When were transom windows used?

14th Century

Transom Windows date back to at least the 14th Century and were a popular feature in 19th Century and Victorian (1837-1901) homes. The transom style window is also found in Georgian architecture (1714-1830) and Colonial Revival (1880-1955).

Why did they used to put windows above doors?

Also, transom windows placed above interior doors were able to open and close, providing ventilation in between rooms. This was a vital comfort aspect before air conditioning was commonplace. In modern times, transom windows mainly serve a decorative purpose.

Why is it called a transom window?

Transom windows are named as such because they are located over top of a window or door’s transom– this is the beam that separates the top of the window or door from the rest of the wall. Consequently, transom windows can come in many different shapes, styles and designs, but retain the name due to their location.

Are transoms outdated?

Transom windows fell out of fashion for several decades, but are making a comeback with the resurgence of other contemporary styles.

Why is there a window above my bedroom door?

Historically, operable transom windows above doors played a role in the heating and cooling in a home. Operable transoms have sashes that can be opened or closed to help regulate the temperature in a room when the door is closed.

Can a transom window open?

Yes, you can! As we said, transom windows that open are much rarer now since they are no longer needed for ventilation. However, if you want one that opens, it is still possible.

Why do old houses have a door on the second floor?

This is an access door the ice delivery man used to use. Homes had an area in the pantry or kitchen dedicated to the icebox. Access was created for this door on the exterior, allowing for the delivery of fresh ice to the house without coming inside.

What is a coffin door?

Most frequently associated with 18th and early 19th-century houses in Connecticut, the coffin door is an exterior door located on the side of the house and typically situated near a corner of the side wall.

Why do old houses have so many doors?

Historically, each room tended to have a very particular use, so it was advantageous to keep them separate. There was a practical element to this, too: The ability to close doors between rooms also helped heat and cool the home—no sense wasting energy in rooms weren’t being used.

What is the small window above a door called?

Transom

Transom or transom window is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece. A transom window is a curved, square, balanced, or asymmetrical window that hangs above a transom, and its corresponding doorway.

What is the small window in a door called?

Sidelights are tall narrow windows found on one or both sides of a door. Sidelights allow more light into entryways, improve views, and can create a more welcoming entry point experience.

What is the wood above a window called?

The head is the main horizontal part forming the top of the window frame. Jambs are the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame.

What is a stool on a window?

What is a Stool? The window stool is the part of the window commonly called the window sill. However, a stool and a sill are two different things. The sill of the window is the bottom horizontal portion of the window.

What is the space between two windows called?

Muntins can be found in doors, windows, and furniture, typically in Western styles of architecture. Muntins divide a single window sash or casement into a grid system of small panes of glass, called “lights” or “lites”.

What are the squares in windows called?

Today, mullions are the vertical bars between the panes of glass in a window.

What does XO mean on a window?

Horizontal Slider ( XO ) typically called an XO or OX meaning the X is the sliding or vent portion and the O being the fixed.

Are window grids outdated?

Window grids once served a crucial purpose: they held together multi-paned windows. This made it possible to ship window panes further without fear of breaking the glass. Today, window grids (also known as grilles or muntins) are largely decorative.

What is a 2 over 2 window?

The traditional window and grille pattern is a double-hung window with a 2-over-2 pattern. The Colonial pattern, the 2-over-1 pattern or no grilles at all may also be used as alternatives.

What are old style windows called?

Casement windows were used in both houses and commercial buildings. A casement window has hinges on the side of its sash or sashes, much like a door. It might be made of wood or steel. Casement windows were used in residential houses from many different eras and in many different house styles.

What are floor to ceiling windows called?

What are floor-to-ceiling windows called? add. Floor-to-ceiling windows are commonly referred to as window walls. They are a combination of large windows that give the appearance of a wall of glass.

What is a French casement window?

Similar to a hinged French door, a French casement window has two sashes that extend outward from the center of the window to create a wide opening. With no central post in the window frame, French casement window panels crank open simultaneously for twice the ventilation and an unobstructed view.

What is a hopper window?

Hopper windows are typically a small, narrow window that opens from the top. This type of window opens downward and inward and is commonly installed as a bathroom or basement window. They are usually found in pairs on either side of a door or along the bottom of casement windows.

What are windows called that crank open?

Casement windows are hinged on the side and crank open outward to the left or right allowing for full top to bottom ventilation.

What is the main drawback to the use of a casement window?

You cannot install window air conditioners into casement windows due to the windows cranked outward. Air conditioners need windows which slide up and down to secure a window conditioner unit. Casement windows, in most cases, cannot have screens or storm windows.

Why use double-hung windows?

If you have more room to reach both the top and bottom sashes, a double-hung window is a great option. Because double-hung windows are able to tilt in toward the home for cleaning, they’re the perfect fit for rooms on the second story of your home, or where cleaning is difficult outside.

Why are casement windows more expensive than double hung?

Casement windows are usually more expensive than double-hung windows, often twice as much. This can be attributed to the more complex mechanical operations of casement windows, combined with the lower consumer demand.