Here’s a fun fact: alongside architecture, fenestration has long existed throughout history, albeit with some differences. See those windows and skylights from your local shopping centre? They were already a thing back then, with their unique design.

Of course, our modern glass walls and sleek windows are the product of innovation in technology and design. From bringing in light, ventilation, and even passage in and out of a building, fenestration keeps evolving.

If you’re new to this industry, read this guide to learn about fenestration as we attempt to highlight its importance.

Fenestration: What Exactly is It?

Simple explanation: Fenestration is your quality of life upgrade from many years ago. 

Longer explanation: Fenestration is the arrangement of openings in a building. 

Some common examples are windows, doors, and skylights. Historically, think of it as a new discovery because people wanted light and air for their houses. And now? It evolved to cater to your more complex needs, such as beauty and aesthetics, energy efficiency, and comfort.

Why is Fenestration Important?

Fenestration is more than just windows and doors that make up a building. It started as an answer to people demanding convenience (and later vanity). Here are some reasons to appreciate more of its importance.

For Energy Efficiency

Believe it or not, fenestration actually helps a building’s energy performance. Energy-efficient windows and doors, such as those with double glazing or low-emissivity coatings, help regulate indoor temperatures. 

In simpler terms, imagine a comfortable winter and summer—you’re perfectly warm and cool! Its main benefit is lowering the cost of heating and cooling, saving you money on those expensive electric bills.

For Better Comfort Indoors

A good placement or design of doors and windows can make the inside of your house (or building) more comfortable to live or work in.

For example, placing windows in the right spot allows natural light to flood a space while you enjoy the fresh air from the outside through proper ventilation. As generic as it sounds, it positively impacts your mental and physical well-being (besides comfort). 

Also, remember that modern fenestration systems can now help regulate indoor temperatures for a more comfortable environment.

For Aesthetic Appeal

Fenestration is like the finishing touch on a building’s personality. It doesn’t matter if you put sleek glass facades or charming bay windows in your home. You’re providing great service for yourself (and the building) by making it appear more visually appealing. Of course, you must be picky with your designs to make sure beauty and functionality complement each other well.

For Increasing Property Value

Are you trying to flip houses or make them big in the real estate industry? Anyone wanting to enter that field knows that having high-quality fenestration systems often means the property will sell high. By that, we mean the usual comfort and energy efficiency (although the overall design is also a factor.

For starters, prioritise repairing or upgrading a property’s windows or doors.

For Sustainability

Sustainability has been around for so long that many industries include practices that appeal to eco-conscious individuals. Imagine having a modern window that reduces a building’s consumption with double glazing or low-emissivity coatings. Again, the keyphrase here is “house temperature optimisation”.

Different Types of Fenestration Systems for Buildings

A fenestration system integrates various components to meet a building’s functional and aesthetic needs. Let’s explore the primary types:

Windows

You’ve probably seen a window before. It’s an opening in a wall meant to let light, air, and sound pass in and out. Of course, it has a frame that holds glass, but it could also be made of acrylic or makeshift materials. It should be a no-brainer that it helps regulate airflow and temperature.

Here are some common types of windows:

• Casement Windows. These are like your standard doors, but they open outwards. Casement windows are hinged on one side and have a handle or crank for you to operate.
• Sliding Windows. These windows move side to side like a standard sliding door. They are great for properties and rooms that don’t have enough space for a standard window (like a Casement) to swing open.
• Double-Hung Windows. This window type has two parts called sashes that you can move up and down. 
• Picture Windows. Unlike other types mentioned in this mini-list, picture windows are fixed and don’t provide ventilation. They’re decorative, make your room bigger, and let in a lot of light (thanks to their size).

Exterior Doors

A door lets you access buildings (entrance and exit). The most common types are:

• Entry Doors. This is your common door that you can see wherever you go. Entry doors are durable thanks to materials like wood, steel, and fiberglass. 
• Sliding Glass Doors. Like sliding windows, sliding glass doors are great for saving space while letting in a lot of sunlight. This type of door can connect to a patio or garden.
• French Doors. Imagine putting glass on your standard entry door and making it two times bigger. These are called French doors, and you’ll see them in some houses to separate rooms or open up to a porch or backyard.

Curtain Walls

Curtain walls are lightweight, non-structural glass you’ll encounter in commercial buildings. While they don’t support an office tower’s weight (for example), they help protect from rain, wind, and changes in temperature. There are two classifications of curtain walls:

• Stick systems. The curtain wall frame (mullions) and the glass are installed by piece.
• Modular system. This type of curtain wall is made of modules that are assembled and glazed in the factory before being assembled on-site.

Skylights

If you haven’t seen skylights before, those are the windows you’ll see on the highest floor in a large building. They’re great at saving power as they’re meant to let in sunlight instead of using a lot of artificial lights.

Some examples of skylights are fixed, ventilating, tubular, and smart.

How to Optimise Fenestration Systems at Home

If you’re trying to replace old windows from a recently purchased house or maybe adjusting window frames for your air conditioning unit, you’re probably best asking for a professional fenestration service.

But if you want to do it yourself or you’re trying to help a client, here are some things you must consider when optimising fenestration systems:

1. Choose the Right Window and Door Type. As outlined above, there are multiple window and door types. Consider the following questions:

• What is the window or door for? For windows, is it going to be decorative or not?
• For both components (and if not decorative), how much space is available? For example, picture windows are great for maximizing views while sliding windows work well in compact areas.
• What materials are suitable for your climate? For hotter regions, consider vinyl or aluminum to help with the rising heat. If you’re in a colder region, you could resort to wood or fiberglass.

2. Fenestration Placement and Orientation. Placing your fenestration systems at the right spot ultimately helps with energy efficiency and comfort. Consider the following:

• Where is the building (location and climate-wise)? For example, should you go for south-facing windows for natural light?
• How would you balance scenic views with energy efficiency? How about heat loss or glare?

3. Energy-Efficient Fenestration Features. With the rising cost of power generation in the UK, you probably should be energy-conscious. For example, you might consider opting for:

• Low-E coatings that allow light into the room without pestering you with heat.
• Gas fills (like Argon or Krypton) that help with insulation. Both are useful during winter and summer.

4. Maintenance and Repair in the Long-Term. Of course, our fenestration systems deteriorate over time, so it’s good practice to keep them in good shape from time to time. You can service clients with maintenance (or do it for your home) by:

• Replacing worn or damaged materials.
• Cleaning and lubricating moving parts in sliding windows and doors.
• Inspecting for air leaks and damage helps deal with potential reductions in energy efficiency and comfort.