If you were briefed on the types of windows, you would definitely choose a clerestory for your living spaces. They are the only type that ensures enhanced natural lighting and ventilation while adding to the architectural beauty. They are the perfect antiques for your high ceilings and expansive interiors.
This guide explains everything about Clerestory windows, from their advantages and disadvantages to how to choose various styles and maintenance tips.
With these windows, you can brighten and make your living space more inviting. It’s the best feature your ceiling can use to transform and redefine your living areas. But what actually is a clerestory?
Define Clerestory Window
How would you define a clerestory window? They are transom windows that can be seen above a window or door. Obviously, not! People often confuse these windows with transom windows.
A clerestory window is a timeless architectural feature. These windows are designed and positioned high on walls just below the roofline. People often use them in their residential homes, commercial buildings, or historical structures for balanced light, more privacy, and optimised airflow.
These windows date back to historical times when they filled the upper levels of churches and cathedrals. Check out this history guide on clerestory windows for more information. In today’s modern world, clerestory story windows are placed high on a wall, above eye level.
What are the Advantages of Clerestory Windows?
You wish to open your curtains to let the light in without worrying about something disturbing your privacy. That’s relatable. Of course, many people like you have been there.
This is a common disadvantage associated with standard room windows. But with interior clerestory windows, you can fix your privacy and many other concerns. Keep reading to explore the unthinkable benefits of these windows.
Increased Daylight
Would you install clerestory windows if you were told that they could reduce your energy bills? You wouldn’t think twice. These windows can play a key role in spaces that might be difficult to illuminate.
They are positioned above eye level and can capture sunlight from the top of the building, where light is more abundant and less obstructed by surrounding structures or objects.
You can now light your ambiance more with natural lighting and say goodbye to extravagant energy bills. If you have always struggled to light the space with natural lighting, here is a collection of amazing doors and windows to choose from.
Elevated Privacy
Clerestory windows are positioned high on the walls. They can let in natural light while keeping your room private and comfortable.
As outsiders can’t peek inside, the windows can give you peace of mind. You can enjoy daylight while still being confined to your room.
Optimized Airflow
These windows are the best natural ventilation and lighting source in multi-story buildings. In ancient architecture, they were used as an alternative to ACs to regulate indoor temperatures and improve air quality.
These windows are placed at a higher level on the wall, allowing warm air to rise naturally for escape. Consequently, the upward movement of air creates a natural convection current within the space.
Complement your clerestory windows with folding patio doors to ensure improved room temperature in summer.
Visual Charm
The best thing about these windows is that they can transform smaller rooms into more expensive ones. Clerestory windows boost the overall design of your building with their bold and stylish look.
You can enjoy the feeling of openness and make your home more welcoming and spacious, which will inspire the guests. So if you want to frame outdoor views, you can do that from your room with these windows.
Due to their unique demand, these windows may be hard to find. If they’re not available in your country, here is how to import from Chinese door and window manufacturers.
Save Wall Space
The design and placement of clerestory windows empower you to decorate your room just the way you like. As they are built high on the wall, there is plenty of space for furniture placement, storage, or artwork.
It complements your knack for keeping the lower portion of the wall unobstructed for other purposes, such as art and design. You can now move your furniture, sofas, and bed, and completely change the look of your room without being blocked.
If you like these windows and are looking to purchase them, China’s top 10 doors and windows manufacturers can provide you with numerous clerestory designs.
Disadvantages of Clerestory Windows
Don’t get discouraged by the word “disadvantages”! Besides the tempting benefits, clerestory windows also have some drawbacks. There are some limitations that you need to consider while installing them.
Do read this section to understand some things and make an informed decision about whether they are right for your space.
Difficult to Clean
Yes, it’s because of the height! It’s one of the main drawbacks of the clerestory windows design. Reaching them may require ladders, scaffolding, or professional help, ultimately reducing maintenance time, cost, and effort.
Unlike traditional windows, these windows require you to book a time slot to reach them and clean them out, as they are the “highest in the room.”
Hard-to-Find Window Treatments
Of course, you can’t just leave your windows open all the time. They need to be shut to control light, temperature, and privacy. Adding window treatments might be easy for other types of windows, but this one requires extra attention and cost.
Due to their height, it’s quite difficult to manually close or open the window treatments, such as shades or curtains. For this reason, you will need something automatic or motorized, which is heavy on the pocket and complicated, too. They add to the beauty but also demand extra effort.
Privacy Concerns in Certain Areas
This advantage may sound like a caution. These windows can make you overthink, especially if you have taller buildings in your vicinity.
They provide you privacy, but, depending on their height and placement, you can get annoyed by your neighbours seeing inside your living space. That’s concerning!
Design Compatibility Issues
Modern Clerestory windows may not always suit your current room’s design. As they are best suited for expansive buildings, installing them in older or traditional buildings requires you to do extra modifications or redesigns, which is not always possible. Low ceilings make it even more challenging.
Excessive and Strong Sunlight from Above
Depending on their design and orientation, clerestory windows can let in too much sunlight, particularly in summer. It can increase the room temperature and make you uncomfortable.
However, this can be fixed if your windows are protected with shades or curtains. Pair them with folding patio doors to improve ventilation and help regulate indoor temperatures.
How to Choose Clerestory Windows?
Before placing an order, here are some important considerations to remember when choosing these windows. Let’s look into some of the important ones:
1. Consider the Orientation of Your Clerestory Windows
It’s important to consider the direction of your windows. You can control how much light you want to let in, the temperature of your room, and the energy efficiency.
Go for the north-facing if you want consistent and indirect light. On the other hand, use the south-facing if you want a warmer environment during winter
2. Evaluate the Height and Size of the Windows
Just because these windows are designed for high-on-the-wall spaces doesn’t mean you should overlook evaluating their height and size.
The height and size of these types of windows determine how much light enters the space. Choosing larger windows for more light and ventilation allows more heat to enter the room. So, when selecting the clerestory window sizes, balance the need for light with the potential for overheating, glare, and privacy concerns.
Similarly, the height of the windows should be decided based on the layout of the room because higher windows work better for maximum light, compromising wall space.
3. Consider Privacy and Neighboring Buildings
Consider your surroundings. If your home is near a busy street or tall buildings, you will have to ensure more privacy. This is applicable in urban areas, where you will need to ensure that the window height doesn’t expose you to the outside.
But just like your privacy is a priority, you should also consider the privacy of your neighbors. Ensure your clerestory window doesn’t open directly into someone else’s space.
4. Choosing the Right Material for a Clerestory Window
Choosing clerestory windows made of any material is not the right approach. Consider the window’s practical needs. For example, wood materials could be used for their warmth and natural beauty, but they come with high maintenance costs, especially during sealing and staining.
Aluminium is the best choice. It adds to the modern look of your windows and makes them more durable. It will also reduce the maintenance and overall cost of your clerestory windows.
5. Incorporate Ventilation and Shading Solutions
Think about how you can avoid overheating and glare. You need to ensure better control over the amount of heat and light coming through. In this context, add automated blinds or shades to your windows.
Try to look for operable clerestory windows. They are a passive cooling option that enables hot air to escape and promotes cross ventilation. These two things are equally necessary for keeping your space comfortable throughout the year.
Maintenance Tips for Clerestory Windows
Clerestory windows are worth investing in due to their beautiful look and practical design. After getting them, you need to maintain them regularly to ensure they remain functional.
- Safe Access Methods for Cleaning: Always use extension ladders and cleaning poles. These are the most secure options.
- Use Appropriate Cleaning Tools and Solutions: Use soft microfibre towels because you don’t want to damage the glass. Never use harsh chemicals to clean the glass. They could damage both the glass and the surroundings, ruining the ambiance.
- Protect the Pathway Exposed to the Windows: Clerestory windows are vulnerable to external elements. These could be flying debris or stones. Therefore, it’s best to ensure no loose stones or pebbles can be propelled by nearby foot traffic. You can use fences to shield the windows from outside damage.
- Check the Seals and Weatherstripping: Over time, the seals around your windows can crack or wear out. This can lead to drafts and even leaks. So, it’s a good idea to check them regularly—at least once a year—and replace any damaged sections. This will help keep your energy bills down and prevent water damage.
- Clean the Tracks (If They Open): If your clerestory windows are designed to open, they’ll have tracks or mechanisms that allow them to slide or swing. These can get dirty and dusty, making it hard to open and close the windows smoothly. Clean the tracks regularly with a brush and a lubricant to keep them working well.
Conclusion
Clerestory windows are an amazing choice. They enhance natural lighting, ventilation, and the overall appearance of your living space. What makes them unique is that they provide more privacy than transom windows.
Whether you are incorporating them into the walls of your newly built mansion or renovating your space with them, this guide gives you many reasons why a clerestory is the best option.
After all, it’s not just about the design; it’s about the vibe. So why settle for a transom when you have extraordinary clerestory windows?
