Table of Contents
What is a transom beam?
In architecture, a transom is a transverse horizontal structural beam or bar, or a crosspiece separating a door from a window above it. This contrasts with a mullion, a vertical structural member. Transom or transom window is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece.
What is the purpose of a transom?
Transoms historically were used to allow passage of air and light between rooms even when doors were shut. They make perfect sense in row houses, which typically have long, narrow floor plans with windows only at the front and back. This house originally had four transom windows; all were painted shut.
Is lintel and transom the same?
In architecture, a transom is a horizontal beam or crosspiece that sits above a doorframe and below a window. As a structural element that supports both the door and the window, it is a type of lintel; however, is distinguished from other lintels by the presence of the window.
What does transom frame mean?
A transom is a small detail window or a horizontal crosspiece that is placed above a door, and sometimes, a window. Transoms are mainly used to separate a door’s framing from the window frames, lights, hinged flaps, and other types of decorative accents that are normally used on top of doors.
What is a transom in a window?
A transom window is a bar which is found over the top of a window or door, segregating the main glazing panel and decorative ones which are commonly installed above a window. Transom windows originated in 14th Century Europe, and were commonly installed a doorframe to let in fresh air and natural light.
What is mullion and transom?
A transom is a horizontal beam that is paired with a mullion that divides a window’s upper part into additional lights. When transoms are positioned, generally they will be placed above head height to avoid obstructing the view from a window.
What is the wood above a window called?
The head is the main horizontal part forming the top of the window frame. Jambs are the main vertical parts forming the sides of a window frame.
Are transoms worth it?
They are often just ornamental, but some transom windows do serve a purpose by letting more light into an entryway or living space. Some styles of transom window even open, giving you both light and ventilation. If used on interior doors, transom windows can allow for airflow even if the doors are shut.
Why do doors have transoms?
Historically, operable transom windows above doors played a role in the heating and cooling in a home. Operable transoms have sashes that can be opened or closed to help regulate the temperature in a room when the door is closed.
What is the trim under a window sill called?
The trim piece below the sill is called the apron, and it’s often made of simply a flat painted board.
What is the space between two windows called?
A mullion refers to the vertical piece of wood separating the panes of glass, not both the verticals and the horizontal stile pieces. Today, mullions are the vertical bars between the panes of glass in a window. As with muntins, their role is primarily decorative now.
Do transom windows need to be tempered?
In general, any glass in a door, or glass within a 24” arc of a door, is required to be safety glass. The exception is if it is more than 60” above the floor; so a window above a door (a transom), often does not need to be safety glazed.