12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

Clerestory Windows | Clerestory Architecture |

Clerestory Window Installation
By Hiren Patel (https://civilstep.com/author/hirencivilstep-com/) - July 9, 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction of Clerestory Windows

Clerestory means any high window. In the interior of the Gothic church, the windows
above the main floor are seen in clerestory style. The word is derived from a
combination of the words “clear” and “story. These windows are installed above eye
level.

The idea of the clerestory is visible in the temples of ancient Egypt. The word
“clerestory” is found associated with Egyptian temples.

Clerestory was used in Hellenistic architecture during the later period of ancient Greek
culture.

What Is Clerestory Window?

The clerestory window is a set of long and narrow windows placed above eye level to
add natural light to the interior space. They are usually in a single row under the roof.
This window is installed above the roof lines or overhangs to maximize the amount of

https://wordtohtml.net 1/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

light. Clerestory window is usually found in modern homes along with floor-to-sealing
windows and skylights.

The regular window can be opened in a wall covered with a glass pane so that fresh air
can enter the house. The high window is used as a specialty of interior design and
installed at the upper part of the wall to accept the light.

Purpose of Clerestory Windows

The Clerestory window is useful in highlighting the interior space. This window can be
used to get more light without using more wall space. This window allows the light to
penetrate just like low light in warm climates.

As sunlight comes into the room from the top or from the sides, it spreads light all over
the room. When the other pane is fixed at the upper part of the wall, the wall appears to
be made of glass.

Clerestory Architecture

The bedroom has a clerestory window that resonates with the dynamic geometry
formed by both ceilings, angular ceilings, and wooden beams. The house has the same
roofing windows around and it is useful in providing attractive views of the valley.

https://wordtohtml.net 2/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

A two-story living room with liberal clerestory is found in the penthouse. Cast in a
neutral palette that offers a beautiful feature for the view of the sky and the city.

The large living room of the house that is more opened by the clerestory underlines the
entire space. The row of windows is complemented by low, linear furniture, in which
furniture such as leather chairs and Cassina table is used beautifully.

https://wordtohtml.net 3/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

The clerestory on the house is seen as a wedge between the wall and the ceiling, which
already spreads sunlight in the open kitchen. The glass adjacent to the ceiling also has
windows that can remain open and ventilate the inside.

The guest with a high clerestory looks wonderful in the bedroom in a house located at
the base of the mountain range. With the addition of excess sunlight, the clerestory
windows add extra height to the space and give a high level of architecture to the
home.

https://wordtohtml.net 4/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

Home repairs work in harmony with the open-plan architecture. The living room has a
high arch and an outer wall of glass that provides views of the side courtyard. A
whitewashed brick wall without windows offers a good space to display artwork and
decorative items.

The coastline has a cozy study, which does not seem to be enclosed by a narrow,
released clerestory. Winds and shelves without windows provide good space that can be
used to display artworks and books.

Clerestory Windows Sizes

Clerestory window is available in different sizes. There is no standard for any time. Some
clerestory is 1 foot wide and 2 feet long. Some other clerestory is 10 feet wide and 20
feet long. Go-to-style is found to be used for narrow high walls.

https://wordtohtml.net 5/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

Clerestory Window Installation

The clerestory window is installed at the outer or interior walls of the house at the
same height as the roof. In the interior installation, this window is often found along the
walls of the corridor that can cause a lack of natural light source.

It is very important whether framing support is present. These windows place the
pieces of the walls so that they usually have to bear the load. Considering this, it is
important to consider the design of the building, when choosing the right location of
the window. The process of installing a clerestory window should be done by keeping in
mind certain things to prevent problems during or after installation.

Installing a clerestory window is structurally easy. They are usually either under the
eaves or above the stairs. Both of these areas gain the benefit of additional natural
light.

These windows should be installed in the north or south way. South-soft clerestory
windows require overhangs. The windows on the north will get less light which is
favorable for the house because such a condition will not overheat the room.

Clerestory Windows Cost

1. Economy Clerestory Windows

The clerestory window is available in custom-maid designs to fit the specific needs of
the building. It is imperative to seek the help of an experienced professional to install in
the house as there is a need to make extensive changes in the building.

Due to these various factors, the cost of installing a clerestory window can vary
significantly. This window does not have different parts so this window replacement
window price may be higher.

Installing the Economy Clerestory window can cost around $ 850 to $ 1500.

2. Standard Clerestory Windows

The standard clerestory windows are made of glass and have 3 or 4 narrow window
panes. This window is usually fixed in place so cannot open for ventilation.

Install the standard clerestory window has to cost around $ 1500 to $ 2550.

https://wordtohtml.net 6/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

The standard clerestory window is probably made of materials like double-paned, vinyl,
fiberglass, or wood. Adjustable windows are found on the outer edges in many places in
the mid-range clerestory window installation.

3. High-End Clerestory Windows

Installing a high-end clerestory window can cost around $ 2500 to $ 4100.

These high-end windows are usually made of wood or steel and are larger than the
standard window.

High-end windows include adjustable window units such as a casement or awning

window. This type of configuration is able to provide maximum ventilation in the
interior of the home.

Clerestory Window Vs Transom Window

The clerestory window is a narrow window installed under the ceiling in the interior
space of the house. The clerestory window is sometimes designed to open and enter
fresh air. This window is designed to increase the amount of light in many large spaces.

The transom window is located above the door. This window allows light and fresh air
to enter the room when the door is closed. A transom window is usually more common
in the ray house. This window provides long, narrow corridors light, and ventilation.

Advantages of Clerestory Windows

Here are the clerestory windows’ pros as follows.

1. Lighting

Lighting can be considered the most obvious and biggest benefit of clerestory windows.
They enter the natural light into the heart of the building directly and can provide a
beautiful view of the sky.

The clerestory window is a good option to display the furniture and pieces of artwork
against the walls in the room. This window is an excellent option to allow light when
leaving plenty of space for precious items.

https://wordtohtml.net 7/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

2. Style

The clerestory window is useful to make the home very modern and aesthetic. Many
modern architectures emphasize highly creative window styles and placements.

Many of the high windows are responsible for them being dirty, and they have difficulty
cleaning. But if the clerestory windows are properly cleaned, it works well.

3. Health Benefits

Natural light offers many benefits for health as well as better mood and well-being as
much as possible in natural light. These windows can provide a lot of light as the wall is
located at a height.

4. Temperature Regulation

If the clerestory window is operable design it allows the wind to move throughout the
house. In the summer months, such windows are very useful to allow extra heat to go
out of the house.

5. Size

The size of the clerestory window works importantly. Large windows can provide a
wonderful view, light, and air environment outside the room, but as well as they affect
the energy efficiency of the home.

If the small windows are set in a thick part of the wall and made of the right type of
glass, they can deal with the problem of temperature fluctuations. Fitting blinds or
shades on small windows for temperature control is also easy.

Disadvantages of Clerestory Windows

Here are the clerestory windows’ cons as follows.

1. Less Energy Efficient

Excessive amounts of light from this window enter the room, so the room temperature
rises. To reduce this high temperature, resources like air conditioners have to be used.
Therefore, this window proves to be weak in terms of energy efficiency.

https://wordtohtml.net 8/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

2. Expensive

These windows are expensive compared to regular windows because they are located at
a high height on the wall.

https://wordtohtml.net 9/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is the Difference Between a Transom Window and a

Clerestory Window?

The clerestory window is a narrow window installed under the ceiling in the interior
space of the house. The clerestory window is sometimes designed to open and enter
fresh air.

The transom window is located above the door. This window allows light and fresh air
to enter the room when the door is closed. A transom window is usually more common
in the ray house.

What Direction Should Clerestory Windows Face?

These windows should be installed in the north or south way. South-soft clerestory
windows require overhangs. The windows on the north will get less light which is
favorable for the house because such a condition will not overheat the room.

Can You Open Clerestory Windows?

Clerestory windows are often used for natural light. Sometimes they are designed to
open and remove the inside air. The clerestory window is available in both designs:
Fixed and Operable.

What Are Windows at Top of Wall Called?

The windows located at the top of the wall are called clerestory windows. The clerestory
window has a large window or structure that is in a range of small windows at the top
of the wall. Clerestory windows are a type of glass window used in residential and
professional construction.

(https://civilstep.com/author/hirencivilstep-com/)

Hiren Patel (https://civilstep.com/author/hirencivilstep-com/)

https://civilstep.com (https://civilstep.com)

Hi, my self Hiren Patel. I am a civil engineer. I have 10 years of experience as a project coordinator. When i see
misinformation on the website, i think i should give the right information to this society. This website has been created

https://wordtohtml.net 10/11
12/3/22, 11:14 AM Convert Word and PDF files to HTML | Free online HTML editor
for that purpose. Let's go for knowledge

https://wordtohtml.net 11/11