Comprehensive Guide to Doors & Windows

Hinged Doors:

• Single-leaf hinged doors: These are the most common doors in residential and commercial buildings, swinging open on hinges attached to one side.
• Double-leaf hinged doors: These doors consist of two panels, often found in entrances requiring wider access.

Sliding Doors:

• Pocket doors: These doors slide into a compartment in the wall, saving space and providing a seamless look when open.
• Barn doors: Typically mounted on tracks, barn doors slide to the side, offering a rustic and stylish touch to interiors.

Folding Doors:

• Bi-fold doors: These doors fold in half, allowing for wide openings and a compact footprint when open.
• Accordion doors: Similar to bi-fold doors, accordion doors fold but in a zigzag pattern, suitable for larger openings.

Revolving Doors:

• Revolving doors are circular and consist of multiple wings that rotate around a central axis, allowing for continuous entry and exit without significant air transfer between spaces.

Pivot Doors:

• Pivot doors rotate on a vertical axis near the center of the door frame, providing a unique and modern aesthetic.

Flush Doors:

• These doors have a flat surface without any panels or raised features, offering a minimalist look.

French Doors:

• French doors consist of multiple glass panels and are hinged to open outwards or inwards, often used for access to patios or gardens.

Automatic Doors:

• These doors open and close automatically using sensors or buttons, commonly seen in public buildings for convenience and accessibility.

Revolving Doors:

• Revolving doors are circular and consist of multiple wings that rotate around a central axis, allowing for continuous entry and exit without significant air transfer between spaces.

Security Doors:

• These doors are reinforced with strong materials like steel and often feature multiple locking points for enhanced security.

Casement Windows:

• Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward or inward, providing good ventilation and a tight seal when closed.

Double-Hung Windows:

• These windows have two sashes that slide vertically within the frame, offering versatility in ventilation and easy cleaning.

Sliding Windows:

• Sliding windows have one or more panels that slide horizontally, ideal for spaces with limited vertical clearance.

Awning Windows:

• Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom, allowing for ventilation even during light rain.

Fixed Windows:

• Fixed windows are stationary and do not open, commonly used for aesthetic purposes and to maximize natural light.

Bay Windows:

• Bay windows protrude from the exterior wall, creating a small alcove inside and offering panoramic views and additional interior space.

Bow Windows:

• Similar to bay windows, bow windows are curved and consist of multiple panels, adding architectural interest and enhancing interior aesthetics.

Jalousie Windows:

• Jalousie windows have horizontally arranged slats that can be opened and closed simultaneously, allowing for controlled ventilation.

Skylights:

• Skylights are windows installed on roofs, providing natural light and ventilation to spaces like attics and stairwells.

Transom Windows:

• Transom windows are narrow windows located above doors or other windows, adding light and architectural detail to interiors.

Wood:

• Traditional and aesthetically pleasing, wood is a common material for doors and windows, offering warmth and character to spaces.

Metal (Aluminum, Steel):

• Metal doors and windows are durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for modern designs. Aluminum is lightweight and resistant to corrosion, while steel provides strength and security.

Vinyl:

• Vinyl is a cost-effective and energy-efficient material used for windows, offering good insulation and minimal upkeep requirements.

Fiberglass:

• Fiberglass doors and windows are durable, weather-resistant, and can mimic the look of wood while being more durable and low-maintenance.

Composite Materials:

• Composite materials combine different materials like wood fibers and plastics to create doors and windows with enhanced durability, insulation, and customization options.

Glass:

• Glass is a fundamental component of windows, available in various types such as clear, tinted, frosted, and insulated for different functional and aesthetic purposes.

Hinged Doors:

• Single-leaf hinged doors: These doors are versatile and commonly used for interior and exterior applications. They are available in various materials such as wood, metal, fiberglass, and composite.
• Double-leaf hinged doors: Ideal for wide entrances like main doors or entrances to large rooms, providing a symmetrical and grand appearance. They can be customized with decorative elements like glass inserts, panels, or carvings.

Sliding Doors:

• Pocket doors: Suitable for spaces where swinging doors are impractical due to limited space, such as closets or small rooms. They offer a clean and unobtrusive look.
• Barn doors: Originally used in barns, these doors have gained popularity in interior design for their rustic charm. They can be made from wood, metal, or a combination, adding a touch of nostalgia to modern spaces.

Folding Doors:

• Bi-fold doors: Commonly used to connect indoor and outdoor spaces like patios or decks, providing a seamless transition and maximizing natural light.
• Accordion doors: Ideal for dividing large rooms or creating temporary partitions, such as in conference centers or banquet halls. They are available in a range of materials and finishes.

Revolving Doors:

• Manual revolving doors: Operated by pushing the door wings, they are energy-efficient as they minimize air exchange between interior and exterior spaces, making them suitable for high-traffic entrances.
• Automatic revolving doors: Equipped with sensors or push-button controls, these doors offer convenience and accessibility, often seen in airports, hotels, and commercial buildings.

Pivot Doors:

• Pivot doors can be pivot-hung on a single point at the top and bottom or use a pivot box mechanism. They are popular for modern and minimalist designs, creating a focal point in entryways.

Flush Doors:

• Flush doors are sleek and minimalist, blending seamlessly with contemporary interiors. They can be solid or hollow-core, depending on the desired level of sound insulation and affordability.

French Doors:

• French doors are characterized by their glass panels, allowing natural light to enter while maintaining a visual connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are often used in living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms leading to balconies or gardens.

Automatic Doors:

• Automatic doors improve accessibility for people with disabilities or limited mobility, complying with building codes and standards. They are available in sliding, swinging, and revolving configurations.

Security Doors:

• Security doors are designed to withstand forced entry attempts, featuring reinforced frames, multiple locking points, and impact-resistant materials like steel or aluminum. They are commonly used in residential and commercial settings.

Casement Windows:

• Casement windows offer excellent ventilation and a tight seal when closed, making them energy-efficient. They are available in various styles, including single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane for enhanced insulation.

Double-Hung Windows:

• Double-hung windows are easy to clean as both sashes tilt inward, allowing access to the exterior glass surfaces. They are popular in traditional and colonial-style homes.

Sliding Windows:

• Sliding windows are practical for contemporary architecture and modern aesthetics, providing unobstructed views and easy operation. They can be horizontal or vertical sliders, depending on the design.

Awning Windows:

• Awning windows are ideal for ventilation in humid climates, as they can be left open during light rain without water entering the interior. They are commonly installed above or below fixed windows for airflow control.

Fixed Windows:

• Fixed windows are non-operable and often used in conjunction with other window types to enhance natural light and architectural design. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as picture windows and circular windows.

Bay Windows:

• Bay windows add dimension to both the interior and exterior of a building, creating cozy alcoves for seating or decorative displays. They are versatile and can incorporate casement, double-hung, or picture windows.

Bow Windows:

• Bow windows consist of curved glass panels, offering panoramic views and a sense of openness. They are popular in Victorian and Edwardian architecture, adding elegance to living spaces.

Jalousie Windows:

• Jalousie windows are suitable for tropical climates, allowing adjustable airflow through multiple glass slats. They are easy to operate and maintain, providing privacy and ventilation simultaneously.

Skylights:

• Skylights are installed on roofs to bring natural light into interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. They come in fixed, vented, and tubular designs, enhancing energy efficiency and aesthetics.

Transom Windows:

• Transom windows can be decorative or functional, adding architectural interest above doors or windows. They come in various styles, including rectangular, arched, and triangular transoms.

Wood:

• Wood doors and windows offer a classic and timeless appeal, with options like oak, mahogany, pine, and cedar. They can be stained or painted to match interior or exterior color schemes.

Metal (Aluminum, Steel):

• Aluminum doors and windows are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for modern architecture and coastal areas. Steel doors provide exceptional strength and security, commonly used in commercial buildings and high-security residences.

Vinyl:

• Vinyl doors and windows are affordable, low-maintenance, and available in various colors and finishes. They offer good insulation properties, reducing energy costs and outside noise.

Fiberglass:

• Fiberglass doors and windows are weather-resistant, energy-efficient, and can mimic the look of wood with less maintenance. They are durable and suitable for harsh climates.

Composite Materials:

• Composite doors and windows combine materials like wood fibers, resin, and polymers to create products with the benefits of both natural and synthetic materials. They offer durability, thermal efficiency, and design flexibility.

Glass:

• Glass options for windows include clear, tinted, low-E (low-emissivity), frosted, and patterned glass. Double-glazed and triple-glazed windows improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and enhancing sound insulation.