Hopper Windows
Most people have seen them at one time or another, but few know what they're called. They always seem to show up in TV shows and movies where somebody locks himself in a basement and luckily finds a window to call out to someone on the street. If you never knew it before, now you know ... that little window that you see at the top of your basement that opens just wide enough to poke your head out to passersby or let in a little ventilation is called the 'hopper' window. So, just what is a hopper window? How does it work? And how are hopper windows most widely used?
Hopper windows are a type of casement window. Casement windows have a panel, more commonly referred to in the industry as a 'sash,' that is hinged to swing in and out like a door. They are attached with hinges, typically on the outside, by frames on one side of the window. Casement windows are hung either in singles or in pairs with a common frame in between. Casement windows are held open with a casement stay, which is a metal bar used to hold the window open or closed. This keeps the window secure in either position. Casement windows are equipped with a handle or lever near the bottom for easy opening and closing.
Hopper windows, like all casement windows, do not slide open, but rather are hinged on the bottom for opening inward from the top. Hopper windows are often found in basements because they add ventilation in rooms that can be otherwise dank or musty. Hopper windows work well in basements because they have handles that are easy to reach. They are great for small spaces where larger windows aren't able to be placed such as in basements, or where larger windows might be unwanted, such as in bathrooms. Hopper windows usually have screens that are on the outside in order to keep flies and insects out of the basement, while still allowing in air for better circulation in small rooms. Hopper windows swing up so that they don't bump into anything outside. Hopper windows also are widely used for laundry rooms that need fresh air circulation in order to prevent mold in their humid temperatures, as well as additional lighting for better working conditions. A good idea is to add a second hopper window on an opposite wall for cross ventilation purposes, especially in laundry rooms and bathrooms where moisture builds up.
The window design of hopper windows makes them effective for air circulation, especially in small spaces, because they can be opened completely. Small spaces can only accept small windows, and it is this limited amount of space that makes hopper windows great for ventilating smaller areas of your home. Windows that only open halfway, such as sash or hung windows, do not allow enough air to get inside. Furthermore, hopper windows are often used above larger windows for additional ventilation or even for decorative purposes. Entranceways are a favorite for hopper windows with added designs or even stained glass for a stylish look that adds artistry to a home's exterior.
Hopper windows are also gaining in popularity in other rooms of the house where a little more ventilation is needed. Hopper windows are even being added in large closets in order to allow in ventilation and light, as well as to prevent moisture.
Security is also an important feature of hopper windows because, though they allow in a good deal of air, this type of window is extremely difficult to break into. That is why hopper windows are most commonly used in basements, since home invasions often occur through a window placed in the basement or at ground level. Hopper windows are also energy efficient because they can be securely closed, leaving no room for air leakage.
Hopper windows ... they're not just for basements anymore. More homeowners are realizing the many benefits of hopper windows, including good ventilation, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Hopper windows are an excellent choice for any area of the house where better air circulation is needed, or even to add greater style for a more complete look on the exterior of a home. If you're thinking an area of your Howard County home could use extra ventilation, a hopper window could be the way to go.
Hopper windows are a type of casement window. Casement windows have a panel, more commonly referred to in the industry as a 'sash,' that is hinged to swing in and out like a door. They are attached with hinges, typically on the outside, by frames on one side of the window. Casement windows are hung either in singles or in pairs with a common frame in between. Casement windows are held open with a casement stay, which is a metal bar used to hold the window open or closed. This keeps the window secure in either position. Casement windows are equipped with a handle or lever near the bottom for easy opening and closing.
Hopper windows, like all casement windows, do not slide open, but rather are hinged on the bottom for opening inward from the top. Hopper windows are often found in basements because they add ventilation in rooms that can be otherwise dank or musty. Hopper windows work well in basements because they have handles that are easy to reach. They are great for small spaces where larger windows aren't able to be placed such as in basements, or where larger windows might be unwanted, such as in bathrooms. Hopper windows usually have screens that are on the outside in order to keep flies and insects out of the basement, while still allowing in air for better circulation in small rooms. Hopper windows swing up so that they don't bump into anything outside. Hopper windows also are widely used for laundry rooms that need fresh air circulation in order to prevent mold in their humid temperatures, as well as additional lighting for better working conditions. A good idea is to add a second hopper window on an opposite wall for cross ventilation purposes, especially in laundry rooms and bathrooms where moisture builds up.
The window design of hopper windows makes them effective for air circulation, especially in small spaces, because they can be opened completely. Small spaces can only accept small windows, and it is this limited amount of space that makes hopper windows great for ventilating smaller areas of your home. Windows that only open halfway, such as sash or hung windows, do not allow enough air to get inside. Furthermore, hopper windows are often used above larger windows for additional ventilation or even for decorative purposes. Entranceways are a favorite for hopper windows with added designs or even stained glass for a stylish look that adds artistry to a home's exterior.
Hopper windows are also gaining in popularity in other rooms of the house where a little more ventilation is needed. Hopper windows are even being added in large closets in order to allow in ventilation and light, as well as to prevent moisture.
Security is also an important feature of hopper windows because, though they allow in a good deal of air, this type of window is extremely difficult to break into. That is why hopper windows are most commonly used in basements, since home invasions often occur through a window placed in the basement or at ground level. Hopper windows are also energy efficient because they can be securely closed, leaving no room for air leakage.
Hopper windows ... they're not just for basements anymore. More homeowners are realizing the many benefits of hopper windows, including good ventilation, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Hopper windows are an excellent choice for any area of the house where better air circulation is needed, or even to add greater style for a more complete look on the exterior of a home. If you're thinking an area of your Howard County home could use extra ventilation, a hopper window could be the way to go.