A guide to the essential components of windows
Feeling overwhelmed or confused by all the different parts, components and attachments of a window when trying to make a purchase? Don’t worry! We have created a comprehensive guide to all the important elements of a window, which should give you all the knowledge you need to make confident and informed decisions during the window purchase process.
Hinges
Purpose: The hinge is an important device in windows and doors as it supports the weight of doors and windows and ensures the opening and clothing functions of doors and windows as well as the ventilation, safety and security of the building. By choosing the right hinge, you can enhance the energy efficiency.
| Type offered by Klar | Purpose/Function |
|---|---|
| Side hung window hinges | Allow for a wider opening angle, so more air can flow into the room for better ventilation Easy to operate which makes them ideal for windows that need to be operated frequently Visible on the outside of the window Compatible with what types of Klar windows? - Georgian - Cottage - Casement windows |
| Top guided hinges | Hinge is mounted at the top of a window, allowing the window to swing open or close along a vertical axis up to 60° Provide support and allow for smooth operation of the window and help distributing the weight of the window evenly Offering enhanced security by restricting the opening angle Hinge is hidden in the frame Useful in settings where steady supply of fresh air is crucial Compatible with what types of Klar windows? - Top guided - Top swing - Combination - Opening floor to ceiling windows |
| Fully reversible | Allow the window sash to be fully rotated and opened inwards for easy cleaning and maintenance Window can be turned up to 170° The rotation happens in place, eliminating the need for stretching out of an open window at height Provide maximum and efficient ventilation Compatible with what types of Klar windows? - Opening floor to ceiling windows - Top swing windows |
| Side/ hung 170 degrees | The sash can be turned approximately 170° on the horizontal pane Easy to clean By allowing to open fully, these hinges enhance the overall usability and performance of the window, making it easier to maintain and ensure optimal ventilation |
| Side guided 90 degrees | Side- guided hinge mounted on the side of the window frame but not visible from the outside of the window Hinges use friction, meaning they provide resistance to movement in order to hold the window in place The sash can be opened in all positions up to 90° Space efficiency: the side guides and hinges ensure the window swings outward, saving interior space Compatible with what types of Klar windows? - Cottage - Georgian - Casement windows |
2. Latch types and Handles
Latches and handles are most likely one of the most important elements of windows as they are essential for opening and closing the window but also fulfil security purposes. While Klar offers both Latches and Handles, our Handles can be purchased together with a lock making the window even more secure and burglar-resistant.
| Type | Purpose/Function |
|---|---|
| Handles in white/chrome | Designed primarily for gripping and manoeuvering windows Used for pushing, pulling or turning |
| White/Chrome handle with lock | Combines the functionality of a handle with a locking mechanism Locking mechanism includes a keyhole that prevents the handle from moving and secures the window in closed position Adds an extra layer of security and making unauthorised access more difficult or prevents children from accidentally opening windows or doors Compatible with what types of Klar windows? - Compatible with all our window types |
| Latches Chrome with storm hook/ chrome with child safety lock and storm hook | Designed to hold a door in a closed position and serves as a fastening device Incorporated locking mechanism Often smaller and less prominent than handles Storm hooks work against extreme weather, help prevent windows from being blown open during a storm Child safety locks prevents unintended opening Compatible with what types of Klar windows? - Georgian - Cottage - Casement windows Note*: Latches can only be chosen for windows with only 2 layers of glass, whereas Handles are compatible with every window, regardless of the glazing type |
3. Glass
Selecting the right type of glass for your window is a crucial step, as it plays a vital role in meeting the key functions of a window, such as thermal insulation, enhancing energy efficiency, soundproofing, providing security against breakage or intrusion, and offering UV protection.
| Type | Purpose/Function |
|---|---|
| Clear glass | Most commonly used and known for its transparency Allows natural light to pass through Highly versatile and compatible with most architectural styles Smooth surface |
| Acoustic glass | Reducing the elasticity of the glass and providing an extra layer of noise reduction and dampening Offers improved temperature control |
| Hardened glass | The glass is exceptionally stronger and impact-resistant Reduced risk of injury Absorbs UV rays |
| Sun protective glass | The glass effectively reduces heat and thereby the need for air conditioning, leading to lower energy bills UV protection |
| Ornament | Provides privacy without sacrificing light: the textured surface distorts the view through the glas but it allows light to pass while obscuring the visibility Versatile for almost all applications, for example windows, doors, cabinet fronts or room dividers |
| Kura | Is a type of ornamental or decorative glass Provides a balance of light and privacy, as it is somewhat translucent, but the view is obscured |
| Satinovo | Has a smooth, satin-like matte finish without visible patterns, appears frosted Translucent appearance allows light to pass through while diffusing it, providing a gentle filtered light effect Obscures visibility for privacy Reduced reflection |
4.Profile
Softline and classic profiles describe different styles and designs of window frames. They both provide structural support for the frame and hold the glass in place but differ in their appearance and aesthetic:
Softline Profile
Smooth, rounded edges and contours for a sleek and contemporary look
Classic Profile
Feature angular edges and sharper lines, offering a more traditional look
5. Window blinds
Life Reflex
A mesh-like fabric with medium sunlight blocking
Darkens the room 70%
Silhouettes almost invisible
Glossy fabric and shiny tone
Flame retardant
Polaris
Offers most sunlight coming through
Darkens the room about 60%
Silhouettes outside are hardly visible
Matte tone - conservative looking
Neo
Darkends the room by 80%
Silhouettes outside almost invisible
Honeycomb fabric design, which has a double layer with insulation effect, preventing heat entrance/heat loss
Neo BO
Black-out experience with the double layered honeycomb fabric
Darkens the room by 90%
Silhouettes outside are absolutely invisible
Light transmission through the fabric is 0%
For each type of fabric, the absorption will differ. The lighter the colour, the less it will absorb. The frame of the blinds come in a colour that will match your internal window choice.
6. Trickle vents
Trickle vents are background ventilators that are integrated into window frames to allow constant airflow from the outside to the inside. It helps remove excess moisture buildup from the air that can cause mould and they can ventilate a room without having to leave the window open. They are designed to ensure a constant flow of fresh air and improve the air quality by reducing airborne toxins.
7. Mosquito Net
Klar offers two types mosquito nets for your windows which have different levels of transparency:
Standard mosquito net with 60% transparency
Premium mosquito nets with 80% transparency
The railing is 40mm and our frames are 44mm wide, which means that there is not a lot of space, preventing mould from building.
