Doors and Windows: Definitions and Functions

Doors and Windows Definition

• Door: An openable barrier in a wall opening that provides access to rooms and connects various internal portions of a building.
• Window: A vented barrier in a wall that admits light and air while providing a view to the outside.

Technical Terms Related to Doors and Windows

• Frame: Assembly of horizontal and vertical members for a door or window.
• Shutters: Total assembly including styles, panels, and rails forming the shutter.
• Head: The top horizontal part of a frame.
• Sill: Bottom horizontal part of a window frame.
• Horn: Horizontal projections on head and sill to assist in fixing the frame, typically 10-15 cm long.
• Style: Vertical outer member of a door or window shutter.
• Top Rail: Uppermost horizontal member of a shutter.
• Lock Rail: Middle horizontal member of a door shutter for locking mechanisms.
• Bottom Rail: Lowermost horizontal member of a shutter.
• Intermediate/Cross Rails: Additional horizontal rails between the top and bottom rails.
• Panel: Area of shutter enclosed between adjacent rails.
• Mullion: Vertical member dividing a window or door.
• Transom: Horizontal member subdividing a window.
• Hold Fasts: Mild steel sections (30mm x 6mm) bent in Z-shape for frame fixation, with a length of about 20 cm.
• Jamb: Vertical wall face supporting the frame.
• Reveal: External jamb of a door/window at right angles to the wall face.
• Rebate: Recess made inside the door frame to receive the door shutter.
• Putty: Mixture of linseed oil and whiting chalk used for fixing glass panels.
• Louver: Inclined timber piece within a frame.
• Sash: Frame designed to carry glass, made of light sections.

Uses of Doors

• Connect various internal rooms in a house.
• Enhance aesthetic appeal and visual charm of a house.
• Provide natural lighting and ventilation when open.
• Act as noise barriers, reducing external noise infiltration.

Types of Doors

• Ledged Doors: Comprised of vertical boards (battens) supported by horizontal ledges; simple and less concerned with strength and appearance.
• Framed and Paneled Doors: Consist of a framework with fitted panels, reducing shrinkage and offering a visually appealing design, typically featuring 1-6 panels.
• Glazed or Sash Doors: Allow more light with a 2:1 ratio of glazed to paneled areas, commonly used in institutions like hospitals and banks.
• Flush Doors: Feature a solid or semi-solid core covered with plywood or veneers, offering a flush, polished surface.
• Louvered Doors: Facilitate ventilation while maintaining room privacy.
• Collapsible Doors: Made from mild steel, allowing easy operation by pushing or pulling, often used in spaces requiring access control.
• Revolving Doors: Enable simultaneous entrance and exit for users and automatically close when not in use.