What is it, what is needed and what happens

People see the eyes as a mirror of the soul. And the windows are called the eyes of the house. And, as the eyes are different in size and shape, so the windows are characterized by their own characteristics. And if you intend to change the double-glazed windows in your apartment, take into account the subtleties and requirements of your openings.

Different technical solutions

The standard view of modern glazing is familiar to everyone, perhaps: the window is divided vertically into two or three (rarely more) parts, at least one of which can be opened completely, or the so-called airing mode. If there are two openings in the room, one of them (smaller in size) may not break into the doors, representing a blind (not opening) window.

However, in old houses, where the ceilings are three meters, or even more, the windows are very high. The glass unit, divided vertically, becomes too heavy, the load on the hardware increases several times, causing it to quickly fail. So for such windows the transom becomes necessary. What is it? Transverse leaf at the very top of the window. It facilitates loading on all mechanical components of a double-glazed window and carries out functions of airing.

Note that in houses such a construction is infrequent, it is typical for the apartments of the so-called old fund. But in schools, polyclinics and in large institutions practically at each window a transom is mounted. That this design decision is mandatory, obviously, if you recall the size of the windows in such institutions.

Types of transoms

Their classical execution is a long rectangle at the top of the window. If the latter is not only high, but also differs a fair amount, this leaf is divided into several parts. This separation is necessary again to alleviate the weight that falls on the hardware. In the case of multisection, some parts are made deaf-so both the window and the transom are cheaper. That this, however, is not the only design decision, it is understandable, given the presence of windows of arched, for example, forms. In such cases, the upper leaf is made semicircular.

There is a difference in exactly where, inward or outward, the transom enters. What does this give? The position "inside" facilitates the control of the leaf and ensures that the accidentally fallen branch does not break the glass. The external opening, on the other hand, saves space in the room and looks more aesthetic.

It is needed not only for airing

We considered, so to speak, options for personal use. However, in rooms where there are a lot of people, in order to increase fire safety, smoke smokes are also made. They are mounted either in the roof (if this is the last floor), or in the walls, including in the window openings. Usually they are equipped with an electric drive, which allows opening the opening almost instantly. Such transoms in case of fire quickly draw smoke and harmful gases from the room, and also reduce the elevated temperature inside the building. As a result, it is easier for people to get to the exits, reducing the number of those who have been injured or having received a heat stroke, and firemen are much easier to work with.

Opening and closing methods

If the transom opens into the apartment, then, in principle, it is sufficient and usual rotary handle to throw it away. However, in this case too, if the windows are high, you will have to keep a stool or a stepladder near you to reach the right leaf. The opening of the transoms, which swing outwards, is carried out with the help of special rods. They, too, can be controlled manually, like the way rollers fall or curtains are pulled. But the majority of companies engaged in double-glazed windows, proposes to install at least cardan transmission, and even better - the electric drive, which is equipped with smoke exhaust smoke. This greatly simplifies the management of the upper doors, although the glass unit itself becomes more expensive.

Frankly, windows with transoms in any case will cost more than standard. However, if a professional recommends you just such double-glazed windows, follow his advice. Otherwise, there is a risk that your heavy and voluminous window will fly out simply from the noise of the passing truck.