How To Install Transom Window Over Door

If you're looking for a window that adds both dazzler and functionality to your home, transom windows are a perfect option. They add together nifty effect to any room and come in various styles and sizes to suit your needs. Find out how to install and replace them in simple steps.

When it comes to architectural decisions for homes and commercial buildings, many people resort to transom windows. Granted, they are not every bit common today as they in one case were. However, there are still some homes that feature this style of window.

Transom windows add interest to your home'south exterior. Plus, installing a minor transom over an existing door often requires minimal framing and redecorating.

If you're wondering about the implications that come with calculation transom windows, here's everything you need to know about these architectural elements.

Everything Yous Need to Know about Transom Windows

Notice all crucial aspects of transom windows, including sizes, types and styles, transom window treatments, and advantages and disadvantages. Y'all can too notice out details about installation, replacement, cleaning, blocking low-cal, repairing, and examples with images.

What Is a Transom Window?

A transom window is a small-scale, horizontal window often found higher up a door. Information technology's typically used to provide lite and ventilation to a room and tin can also add actress infinite to a room by increasing the corporeality of glass surface area.

Since transom windows are pretty small, they're best suited for homes with limited wall infinite. They're too ideal for adding an extra layer of light and ventilation to hallways and other small areas.

Due to their size, transom windows are ideal for entryways or hallways, where the additional lighting and air circulation would exist nearly beneficial. Nonetheless, there are many creative means to use a transom window even if your home doesn't have an area that needs information technology.

For example, you could install a ready of double transoms directly beyond from each other on both sides of a large window. It will create the illusion of two separate windows when viewed from outside your home while still providing a nice design element inside. It's besides possible to combine smaller single transoms with sidelights to add multiple embellishments to your home'south entryway.

Transom Window Sizes

Most transom windows are either 6 or 8 inches by six or 8 inches. This size window does not accept any existent structural power, and then larger ones volition probable need boosted support.

The best way to make up one's mind the size of the transom window you demand is to measure your available wall space. This fashion, your new window tin can help maximize what little wall space in that location may exist in a room without taking up besides much of it yourself.

Every bit a rule of thumb, the size of your transom window should be no larger than 5/8ths of the width or pinnacle of your door. In other words, if you lot have a 36-inch wide door, your transom shouldn't exceed 18 inches in either direction.

Transom Windows: Types and Styles

There are a few dissimilar types of transom windows. Wood and vinyl versions, in detail, have their advantages and disadvantages.

Transoms can come in many shapes and sizes – from rectangles to arches. Plus, their appearance may vary significantly, depending on whether they're frameless or encased in wood molding.

It's important to consider what style will look best with the balance of the architecture in your habitation before making a final buy.

Vinyl Transom Windows

Vinyl transom windows cost less than their forest counterparts – but they don't concluding as long. Transoms fabricated from vinyl can handle extreme oestrus and cold better than wood options. They're also less likely to rot or be damaged past insects over time.

Forest Transom Windows

Exterior-grade wood is the most popular textile for this type of window frame. It's available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and textures to complement your home'due south exterior design scheme. It will typically cost more than a vinyl version, but it'll add a impact of luxury to your home's appearance.

Rectangular Transoms

A rectangular transom is the virtually common type of transom window. These windows normally consist of a single pane of drinking glass and a sturdy frame. They oft resemble a door, so they're so famous for homes with front doors with sidelights or other decorative panes on either side of the main entrance.

Round Transoms

Round transoms are less common than rectangular ones, but they can add an interesting visual element to your home's exterior. In addition to providing light and ventilation, round transoms come up in handy if you want to add more space to a wall while keeping your budget in check.

While two circular-topped windows may await odd when placed side past side, they can exist very effective when used above a doorway or at the corners of a edifice.

Arched Transoms

An arched transom window is another adept way to add together architectural interest to your home's exterior while keeping costs downward. The arch shape can be lovely when used in conjunction with sidelights, which are minor windows that sit on either side of the main door.

If y'all're struggling to find the perfect finishing touch on for your front porch or entryway, consider getting an biconvex top instead of round or square tops.

Circular Transoms

Just like biconvex transoms, round transoms are not equally standard as their rectangular counterparts, but they brand excellent alternatives if yous want to add some flair to your home's exterior.

Similar other styles of transom windows, they come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be placed over doors or walls. They're likewise versatile enough to go with most architectural styles and provide ventilation and extra glazing for the rooms they adorn.

Interior Transom Windows

Y'all tin also use a transom to add actress natural low-cal and ventilation to your home'southward interior. In addition to keeping rooms from becoming stuffy, interior transom windows can add an interesting aesthetic dimension without compromising too much bachelor space.

The only drawback with using them indoors is that they typically don't offer complete protection from insects, which means you'll need to keep them closed if y'all're going to exist abroad for a while.

Outside Transom Windows

Exterior transom windows can exist sealed very tightly, making them platonic for use in homes with high humidity levels. They let you bask the beauty of your outdoor spaces without letting bugs or rain inside.

As mentioned to a higher place, exterior transoms are unsuitable for use indoors because they don't protect from insects and inclement weather. However, some models combine an interior window pane with an external or insect-proofed transom congenital into the wall surrounding the bottom role of the window.

Doors with Transoms Attached

Some exterior doors have transoms congenital into their frames' upper portions. These are generally pricier than traditional versions because they crave more artistry, merely they may provide a few other advantages also:

They tend to exist energy-efficient because they cut downwards on airflow. Furthermore, doors with transoms fastened permit light to enter the room from above and at floor level. And they tin exist used to add extra space and natural or bogus lighting above a narrow entryway.

While most transom windows are attached to the outside of building walls, there'southward no reason why they can't be used inside your home either – peculiarly over doors and wall openings that pb into large interior spaces such equally living rooms and dining rooms.

Fixed Transom

A stock-still transom window does not open up. This type of window is often used for decorative purposes and is best suited for homes with plenty of wall space.

Swinging Transom

A swinging transom window can exist opened to provide ventilation or allow admission to the room backside it. Swinging transoms are ideal for homes with limited wall space, every bit they don't crave as much room to open up equally traditional swing-out windows do.

Hopper Transom

A hopper transom window is a blazon of swinging window that opens inwards. This blazon of window is perfect for areas where you demand easy access to the room behind it, such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Transom Windows vs. Other Window Types

Take you considered all possible options when deciding on a replacement for your current transom? Hither's how they stack up against one another.

• Transom windows are best suited for smaller homes with limited exterior walls. They're likewise ideal for hallways and other small-scale spaces.
• Casement windows are hinged on i side and open outward, making them perfect for homes with limited space on the outside.
• Awning windows are hinged on the top and open outward, providing good ventilation and piece of cake access to the exterior for cleaning.
• Sliding windows open up by sliding horizontally on a track, making them a good pick for homes with limited wall infinite.

When choosing a transom window design, it's important to go on comfort in listen. Transoms with larger panes of glass such as stock-still units will allow more lite into your dwelling than units that consist of smaller sections such as casement windows.

Withal, when installing replacement transoms over an existing door, you must ensure that the unit will fit without obstructing as well much space or adding additional weight to your door'south hinges.

If you're unsure which blazon of window is all-time for you, reach out to a professional person for help. They'll be able to guide you in the right direction and help you notice the perfect window for your home.

Types of Transom Window Treatments

If you're interested in giving your home's interior or exterior transom windows a makeover, here are some popular options to consider.

Sheer Defunction

Sheer window treatments allow you to control sunlight without blocking information technology out entirely, making them ideal for rooms that need ventilation only aren't suited for open-window designs. Depending on the blueprint and color of your sheer defunction, you can use them all yr long to match whatsoever décor while calculation privacy when necessary.

Window Pic

Window film is often used by people who want their homes featured on TV shows promoted by channels like HGTV. It comes in an array of colors and allows upwardly to seventy% of natural light into your home while blocking rut gain during the summer months.

Beaded Window Treatments

Window bead treatments are pop for their decorative value. They can be used to decorate pocket-sized or large transom windows and come in various styles, shapes, weights, and colors, depending on the blueprint you like.

Lace Curtains

Lace curtains are both decorative and functional – information technology allows up to seventy% of natural light into your dwelling while providing privacy when desired. There's also another option that looks similar lace merely is completely transparent.

Transom Window Blinds

Blinds attach easily to your transom window and come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and styles so that you tin can find something that matches your décor perfectly. You can likewise purchase special rods designed specifically for blinds so the entire unit looks uniform even though it'southward existence used with a transom design.

Decorative Rods

Decorative rods resemble fancy vertical blinds that you'll want to show off rather than hideaway. They're piece of cake to install and remove when, plus they add only the right corporeality of decorative flair to your transom windows.

Other Transom Window Treatments

There are many other types of window treatments designed specifically for transoms. For example, console drapes hang from a bar attached beyond your walls. Valances are a kind of curtain that attaches to a bar and wraps effectually a corner of a room. Meanwhile, cornice boards are a type of valance that consists of a headpiece fastened to a decorative board.

Transom Windows: Advantages and Disadvantages

If you're thinking of calculation a transom window to your abode, the commencement thing you'll demand to decide is how you program to use information technology. Will it exist used for light or ventilation? If so, then what type of functionality are y'all looking for?

A stock-still pane of glass that cannot be opened is expert for maintaining proper ventilation levels in a room. Withal, if yous're looking for additional lighting, so look for one with an operable sash.

Continue in mind that larger windows tend to offering better indoor illumination than smaller ones do, so tall people might not want a transom window over their door.

Aside from functionality, you'll also want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of transom windows. For instance, they are more affordable than most types of larger replacement windows. They are also easier to install since they can exist fitted into existing infinite.

However, transom windows typically have stock-still panes that cannot be opened for ventilation. So if you lot prefer using chimneys, this type of window might not work well in your home. Besides, since it is frequently used over a door or other entryway, some homeowners may experience claustrophobic with this window size in their dwelling.

If aesthetics are important to you, then yous should know that these kinds of windows typically don't heighten the aesthetic entreatment of a room  – especially because they are usually placed above doors.

A Few More than Things to Consider When Buying Transom Windows

When you lot're ready to buy new replacement windows for your home, also consider the following things: if you plan to employ the transom window for calorie-free and ventilation, and so y'all'll need to make sure it comes with an operable sash. Also, remember that more advanced ventilation options will toll more than basic ones.

If your home is close to the main road and you need more than privacy, consider choosing a frosted glass option for your transom windows. Otherwise, go along in mind that clear glass provides no privacy whatsoever.

You should also measure the height of your door before buying new transoms. This is particularly important if you're looking to supplant older style transoms since some newer models crave more infinite up to a higher place (and may not provide every bit much light every bit they could).

Quick Tip: if you have ii doors next to each other with a shared wall, yous could install a transom window betwixt the two doors to create a window wall effect. This tin can be a great mode to add natural low-cal and ventilation to two small spaces at once.

How to Install a Transom Window

It's best to resort to professionals for adding a transom window to your dwelling house. Only If yous're feeling handy, you tin can install a transom window yourself. Here are the basic steps:

1. Remove the existing window sash and trim from the window frame.
2. Measure out the height and width of the opening to make sure your new transom window volition fit.
3. Cut the new window to size and so fit information technology into the opening.
4. Install the trim around the outside of the window frame to cover up any gaps or crude edges.
5. Reinstall the window sash using new screws or nails (depending on your type of window).
6. Double-check that everything is level and plumb earlier finishing up.
7. Enjoy your new transom windows.

How to Supervene upon a Transom Window

If you've decided a transom window is correct for your needs, you'll need to supersede it if it'south no longer functional. Replacing i takes only a piddling bit of bones carpentry skills and about 30 minutes of labor per window, depending on how many windows you're replacing.

Footstep 1: Remove the Old Frame (and Glazing)

Remove all hardware from the old frame. You may be able to slide out the glazing – or thin pieces of drinking glass – with ease; otherwise, gently pry them loose using a screwdriver and hammer. Once everything is removed, place the sometime frame and glazing materials in a recycling bin (unless they're damaged).

Stride two: Measure the Opening

Take authentic measurements of the opening in which the new frame will exist installed. Be sure to include the width and height of the opening, equally well equally the thickness of the window frame.

Pace three: Cut the New Frame to Size

Using a circular saw, cut the new frame to size based on your measurements. If you lot're not comfortable using power tools, have a professional person do this for you.

Step 4: Install and Secure the New Frame

If you're installing a vinyl transom window, utilise adhesive caulk to attach it to the opening. Simply if y'all're adding a wooden transom window, utilise structure adhesive and screws to secure it in place.

Secure any glazing that you may have installed in the new frame. Be sure to utilize caulk or weatherstripping around the edges to ensure a tight seal.

Footstep v: Finishing Touches

Reattach any hardware to the new frame and requite it a good cleaning. Y'all're at present ready to enjoy your beautiful new transom window.

Transom Windows FAQ

Discover more than information about transom windows.

How exercise I cake lite from a transom window?

If you want to reduce the amount of light that comes into a room through a transom window, consider adding transom window treatments. These can be sheer curtains, window film, chaplet, lace curtains, blinds, decorative rods, panel drapes, valances, cornice boards, or something else.

Can I open up a transom window?

Yeah. Most transom windows come with operable sashes and then you lot tin command the corporeality of calorie-free and ventilation that comes into the room.

What'southward the best way to clean a transom window?

The best way to clean a transom window is by using a mild detergent and h2o. Be certain to wipe down both the within and outside of the window. For difficult-to-achieve areas, use a small brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.

Can I install a transom window in my home?

It depends on your home's compages, the location of the window, and whether you recall it's a good fit for your needs. If you're not sure, you could consult an experienced contractor or builder.

When would yous utilize a transom window?

Transom windows are typically used on the top of doors and windows, just they may be placed over a garage door or on a wall. They can provide ventilation and an actress source of light in small homes, apartments, and other buildings.

Can you install transom windows yourself?

Yes. Installing a transom window yourself takes about 30 minutes per window, depending on the type of transom window you're installing.

Do transom windows demand to be tempered?

No. Transom windows aren't typically tempered because they're made of sturdy materials like wood, aluminum, or vinyl for stability and strength. Equally long as the material'due south thickness matches what it was designed for, there's no demand to temper it.

What is the difference between a transom window and a clerestory window?

A transom window is a small window that's located above a door or some other window. A clerestory window is a large, horizontal window that'southward placed loftier up on a wall to allow light into the room.

What are transom windows fabricated of?

Transom windows are typically fabricated out of woods, glass, vinyl, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. Some might be fabricated from a combination of materials. You tin besides find custom-made transoms in many unlike styles and designs today.

Is at that place an easy mode to remove quondam glazing from transom windows?

Scrape out any caulk that may have been used with a putty knife to loosen it upwards before removing information technology completely. You lot tin can then use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean off any residue. Be certain to clothing gloves and a respirator when using these chemicals.

What are the benefits of transom windows?

Some of the benefits of transom windows include increased natural light, improved ventilation, and added architectural detail. They can also exist an affordable fashion to add together some style and character to your domicile.

How do I clean transom windows?

When it comes time for cleaning, most transoms can be hands taken down then you'll be able to clean them from the inside. To ensure they're completely make clean when reinstalled, follow these tips:

• To prevent dust and clay from getting trapped behind your transom's panes, consider buying an indoor blower brush explicitly designed for this purpose.
• Utilise masking tape to marking each pane before removing it, just in case it breaks during the cleaning process. The record volition go far easy for yous to put panes back where they belong.
• Remove and clean the transom's air conditioning vents if equipped with one.
• Gently make clean and dry each pane and replace them in their proper position.

How can I repair my broken transom window?

If your transom window requires repair, you'll want to get it taken care of quickly to avoid further impairment. The most common problems include:

• Broken glass panes. Whether it'due south just one or several that broke, you tin either buy replacement panes or completely supercede the entire unit of measurement. If only ane pane broke, consider purchasing a single-panel substitute rather than replacing the whole unit since you likely won't need another set of windows. If multiple panes are cleaved, you lot may want to simply replace the entire transom window.
• Croaky or broken frame. Replacement is your best selection if your transom window'southward frame is cracked or cleaved in several places.
• Contaminated glazing. This consequence can be hard to spot unless you know what to await for (cracking around the glass panes, missing putty or grout effectually the glass). If y'all suspect that there might be something wrong with the unit, inquire a professional most it.

If you're because repair services, make sure they offer warranty options and come highly recommended past other customers in your area.

Transom Window Ideas

Equally we have already established, there are many ways in which you can install transom windows in your home. Information technology all depends on the measurements of your abode and your preferred style. If you feel similar looking for inspiration, here are some cool transom window ideas worthy of your attention:

1. Transom Windows Everywhere

If you lot have glass doors facing your backyard, consider adding transom windows all effectually that side of the wall. This way, you can bring in lots of light and brand your space look bigger and airier, ideal for enjoying your morning java.

It's such a beautiful design that it makes you think about an indoor greenhouse. Merely bank check out this Instagram mail service published by @hackleyarchitects to see what we mean.

2. Door Transom Window with a Vertical Frame

This image portrays a beautiful home with a bay window and a drinking glass-paned door that'southward equipped with a sidelight and transom window. The door transom window adds that trivial extra superlative to the room, helping information technology experience even larger than it is.

This proves beneficial in small rooms where light is needed near. What's interesting about this concept is the vertical frame of the transom window. It definitely adds character to an otherwise ordinary house.

iii. Interior Transom Windows with Contrasting Colors

If you want your interior door to stand up out, effort painting information technology a contrasting colour to the wall. This allows for an interesting feature that doubles every bit an architectural particular. Or, you can opt for an all-white door and transom window, which contrasts with the wall colors.

In this photo shown by @ahdandco on Instagram, we run across navy blueish on the walls, together with a white interior transom window. It's such a stunning contrast that truly makes the doors pop. The small horizontal window with iii bars adds another layer of interest to the space, making it feel even cozier.

4. Transom Windows Outside

The outside transom window placed on pinnacle of your front door doesn't necessarily have to have an intricate pattern. Instead, you can opt for an arched style with a plain wait since it doesn't make the door look too busy.

In this instance, the transom window is not directly placed above the front end door since a small portion of the wall divides the two. Just we can notice the brick design on elevation of the transom window, which matches the brick design on the porch.

5. Biconvex Transom Window Above Door

If your home has a large front door with small windows on both sides, y'all tin can install an arched transom window to a higher place the door to consummate the await and make your house seem elegant and more than inviting.

Besides, it volition bring in more natural low-cal into your doorway. Simply put, an arched transom window is a mode to add some character and beauty to your dwelling house.

half-dozen. Shed Transom Windows

If y'all have a shed in your backyard, you tin put transom windows on top of the door to bring some light inside. Information technology'southward similar to the outside transom window pattern merely arched.

And, if washed right, the shed transom windows will provide extra storage space. Therefore, information technology enhances the shed's look even more without having to buy more shelving units or cabinets for storage purposes. For more inspiration, take a await at this Instagram mail fabricated by @minnbarns.

7. Transom Window Coverings in the Bedroom

Bedrooms need privacy, especially if the windows face a neighbor who might take no trouble looking inside. So, if you want to brand the bedroom look more attractive and add more calorie-free by installing transom windows, then using transom window coverings is a must.

Information technology can exist washed past calculation a curtain rod above the door and hanging defunction or panels. But there are other options, too, such as window blinds. Here'due south an excellent concept we institute on Instagram, courtesy of @gotchacoveredofsugarland.

The coverings are hung in a way that allows light to come through while besides providing privacy. It's such a simple solution but makes a significant touch on.

8. Vintage Farmhouse Bathroom Transom Window

Transom windows tin bring a lot of natural calorie-free into your minor bath, which is essential, especially when the bathroom is a bit darker and you need some brightness.

In this image portrayed on Instagram by @tannabydesign, the transom window has been placed just to a higher place the bathroom door. It's perfect since you don't need any blinds for privacy. As such, you don't have to constantly worry about people looking inside while you're using the restroom.

9. Front Door With Transom

A forepart door with a transom window above it can make your home classier. The boosted height of the transom will give some depth and light to this space and enhance size perception.

We love this presentation considering the vivid yellowish color of the door doesn't friction match the simple white of the columns and transom. So you can apply this every bit an instance to brand a statement by painting your forepart door in an unexpected color.

10. Stained Glass Transom Windows

A sure way to add color to your dwelling is by installing stained glass transom windows. These windows can come in all shapes and sizes, so you lot can observe i that matches the expect and experience of your forepart door.

Like the other examples we've seen, stained drinking glass transom windows also permit in natural light and make a space feel larger. The main divergence is that the light that passes through the glass is colorful. Then, if yous're looking for a unique way to enhance your home'southward beauty, then stained glass transom windows are a great option.

Concluding Thoughts on Transom Windows

As you can encounter, at that place are many benefits to installing a transom window in your home. They provide extra low-cal and ventilation and can besides add together architectural interest to your domicile's exterior.

If you're considering replacing an old window with a transom window, be sure to do your research showtime. There are many dissimilar types and styles of transom windows bachelor, so you're sure to find i that fits your needs.

In the end, the decision to install a transom window is a personal one. Consider your needs and preferences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this type of window, before making your final purchase. With careful consideration, you can be sure that yous're making the best choice for your home.

What are your favorite transom window ideas? Let us know in the comment department below.

Source: https://www.diys.com/transom-windows/

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