Window with transom or without? Transom with tilt sash or fixed?

Hi,

we are currently renovating a house. The old windows all have a transom at the top and also a top-hung sash above. The house is going to be rented out and two apartments will be created.

Questions:

[*]Is the transom in the window purely an aesthetic feature? Can't you just install a large window? (Cheaper) Dimensions vary in height: 1820 - 1600, width 1150 - 1080. Maybe these are simply too large and a transom makes sense?
[*]If it should have a transom: The old windows have a top-hung sash in the transom. You can open the transom in tilt position. Is it sensible to order the transom with a tilt sash? I don't know if the tenants will necessarily use or even notice this. You could just leave the transom fixed and order the lower window with tilt-and-turn. (Cheaper)

That would be enough, right?

I know everything is supposed to be cheaper and cheaper, but there really are a lot of windows and in my opinion it's worth considering whether some functions are actually useful. We don't have an energy consultant or subsidies etc. With the current renovation, the house has received its first insulation. Previously just a brick wall. Now interior insulation has been installed afterwards between a double wall.

Best regards

Rolltür

It is ultimately the same issue that also arises with floor-to-ceiling windows, which have fixed glazing as fall protection in the lower area. How do you clean that from the outside without endangering your life?

In the end, it's the same issue that also arises with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing as a fall protection at the bottom. How do you clean that from the outside without putting your life at risk?

In the end, it's the same issue that also arises with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing as a fall protection at the bottom. How do you clean that from the outside without putting your life at risk?

Okay, I can understand the safety concerns. Are these the only reasons/main reasons why windows with transom windows including tilt vents are installed? I suppose then it will be with transom windows including tilt vents. I was just confused because in my apartment that I rent, windows with transom windows are also installed. However, the transom windows are fixed. Thank you very much for your answer!

In the end, it's the same issue that also arises with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fixed glazing as a fall protection at the bottom. How do you clean that from the outside without putting your life at risk?

And a large window without a transom window (tilt and turn) is not an alternative? Or does it simply not look good aesthetically? Thanks! :)

The assumption is at least plausible that this is a significant reason for a skylight with a tilt function. The parapet height in old buildings is generally not at a level where you should handle a telescopic pole through the open window.

Everything else is a matter of taste. I like windows without frills, but not everyone feels the same way.

The windows are not so large now that single-pane windows would look awkward. But you would also need to know the exterior appearance for that. Such windows - multi-pane as well as divided sash windows - were fashionable in old buildings (nice appearance: tall windows due to high ceilings, which then also transferred to "normal" houses) and offered a ventilation function that did not directly let cold air in at body height. I personally like something like that because this look exudes coziness. But purely for aesthetic reasons. If at all, then as a fixed transom. Cleaning is not such a big issue; you can still reach it relatively easily. But you definitely do not need the ventilation function (opening is also too cumbersome - in the office, automatic openers are easier anyway). My conclusion: do what you like. There are no significant advantages or disadvantages between single-pane and multi-pane. Tilt windows actually only have disadvantages compared to fixed glazing - more expensive and difficult to operate (be honest, what would you open when standing in front of the window? The sash or possibly get a chair and the tilt window?). I exclude cleaning as a disadvantage since with windows of the same height you are on a ladder or a step anyway. Lastly: please post a photo from the outside. Maybe then opinions will lean towards "two-part" because the single-pane look might look awkward from the outside!?

The single-leaf window is swung inward for cleaning, allowing you to safely stand on the ladder in the middle of the room. With the fixed glazed transom, you either stand on the ladder directly in front of the open window or rather with at least one foot on the windowsill, shifting your center of gravity dangerously far outside the window.

There is a reason why people undergoing overhead work on ladders regularly have special medical check-ups to determine if they can even do it without falling off the ladder disoriented ;)

Where it is already like this, nothing can be done. But if something new is installed, this completely unnecessary hazard should not be created in the first place. This is the first step in every risk analysis: How can I prevent a danger from arising at all, which I would otherwise have to mitigate constructively in a complicated way...