A transom window is a kind of window that is small, horizontal usually found above a door. It is generally used when it comes to providing light as well as ventilation to a room and can also add extra space to a room by expanding the amount of glass area. Due to the fact that transom windows are pretty small, they are best suited for homes having limited wall space. They are also perfect for adding an extra layer of light as well as ventilation to hallways and other small areas. Due to their size, transom windows are a great choice for entryways or hallways, where the extra lighting and air circulation would be most beneficial.
However, there are many creative ways when it comes to using a transom window even if your home doesn’t have an area that needs it. For instance, you could place or fix a set of double transoms immediately across from each other on both sides of a large window. It will create a deceptive appearance or impression of two separate windows when viewed from outside your home while still providing a nice design element inside. It is also possible to combine smaller single transoms with sidelights in order to add multiple embellishments to your home’s entryway.
Step By Step Process Of Installing Exterior Transom Window
It is possible to install transom windows yourself provided you use the right tools & follow the right technique. However, it is important to consult a professional craftsman for any home installation that needs creating a hole in your wall. Go through the below-mentioned step-by-step process carefully in order to install a new transom window in a non-load-bearing wall above a front entry:
- Carefully Measure The Install Area
Calculate or compute the width of the doorframe in order to ascertain or establish the desired size of the window. Next, compute the wall thickness in order to firmly decide how thick the transom unit, which is the frame that the window panes sit in, will need to be. Buy a transom window as well as a unit that will fit that opening. - Remove The Drywall Above The Door
If the doorway is an exterior door, then it is very important to remove the exterior cladding, which safeguards the structural parts of the house from the outside elements. - Remove The Wall Studs
After that, you need to pull out the section of wall studs above the door, due to the reason that the transom window unit will replace it. - Install New Drywall
As soon as the window is in place, you will need to install new drywall. If the doorway is an exterior door, then it is important to add new exterior cladding in order to safeguard the house against rain and snow damage. You can also add a weatherstrip, which is a standard addition to windows that will keep drafts away from leaking in and warm air within the house from leaking out.
Structural Considerations For Installing Transom Windows
Before you install a transom window, it is important to make sure that the wall can support it. It is best to consult a professional when you are looking to install a transom window in your home. Consider the following few points before installing transom windows:
- Opening
The installation process is different if you already have an opening for a transom window and it is different if you need to create a new opening. For the latter, it is important to consult a professional who can ascertain or establish the installation process of the window without damaging the wall’s structural integrity. - Load-bearing
If the wall is load-bearing, then you need to add structural support to the wall. The majority of the doorways are non-load-bearing, which makes the installation process easy when compared to a load-bearing exterior wall or an interior wall. - Wall Height
Generally, walls more than 8 feet high are well-suited for transom windows. If you are looking to install a transom window into a standard eight-foot wall, then you need to consult a professional craftsman to see if you can shift the wall’s load transfer to the ceiling.