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Exercise 2. Read the text about types of windows.
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Exercise 1. Before you read the text talk about these questions.
What types of windows do you know?
What are some types of windows that might be used in an office?
Exercise 2. Read the text about types of windows.
Windows can be classified into types based on their configuration, or by the material they are made of. Fixed windows the simplest type of window. It cannot be opened or closed, which makes it the most weather-proof of windows.
A casement window is one that is hinged on its side, and normally opens outwards rather than inwards. This makes it very easy to operate. Since it opens outwards, it cannot be used in some situations, such as when the window opens out into a corridor, as it will block movement. These windows are designed to resist rain and wind from the outside in, so their direction cannot be reversed. A sliding window moves within its own plane. These may require effort to move them back and forth, and so may not be best suited for use by the elderly. A disadvantage of sliding windows is that they cannot be opened fully, in the sense that there is always a fraction of the window that is closed. One advantage of sliding windows is that they do not require any space outside the plane of the window, so they are ideal for use between two internal spaces, such as between an office cabin and a corridor. A hung window is one that slides vertically. A single hung window has one fixed pane and one sliding shutter. The fixed pane is typically above the sliding shutter, so only the bottom half is openable. These are similar to sliding windows in that a fraction of the window is not open to the outside. A double hung window has two sliding shutters, one above the other. Either the top or bottom half can be opened. Such windows are not very common, as it is unusual to want the top half of the window to be opened. The term hung windows is common in the united states; these are called sash windows in europe. A sash is a frame, usually filled in with glass, that forms the moving part of the window. The fixed part is the window frame.
An awning window is hinged on its top edge, so that it opens upwards and out. These are also called ventilators. An awning window can be difficult to operate, especially if it is heavy. These require stays to keep them open; their weight naturally forces them to close.
Double hung windows are one of theleast energy efficient windows in the market today. Since they can only be opened halfway, these type of window restricts the airflow more than any other window. Double hung windows are ideal for exterior areas near walkways and patios because they do not take up exterior space. One of their main advantages is that they are easy to clean and repair.
Pivoting window rotates on a vertical axis, which is usually placed in the exact centre of the window, so that the window is properly balanced. Pivoting windows are sometimes found in old church buildings (in warm climates), as they have windows that are very narrow and tall. These windows are rarely used in residential or office construction in contemporary times. They are unique in the sense that half the window opens inside, and half outside, and the frame of the window has to be designed to accommodate this function. Sliding folding windows or bi-fold windows these are high-performance windows; they hinge out as well as slide on a single track. They are used for a very wide openings; the window system can be slid to one or both sides, thus creating an unobstructed view to the outside. Every alternate shutter is attached to a roller that slides along the upper track of the window.
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| 1._____shutter 2._____rag rugs 3._____cork 4._____tile 5._____joist connection | a) a piece of cork or other material used as a stopper b)a thin, flat or convex slab of hard material such as baked clay or plastic, laid in rows to cover walls, floors, androofs. c)a hand-woven or machine-woven rug made with a heavy cotton warp and a filling of rags torn into strips whose ends are tied or sewed together d)a small piece of wood that connects the joists e) is the process of removing the top surfaces of a wooden floor by sanding with abrasive materials |
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