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Marilyn needs some advice on transom windows vs. screens for better air circulation:
Dear Re-nest,
I'm considering whether to convert a static window above the entry door to a transom window or whether to add a screen door instead. The goal is to maximize air circulation (at night especially) and to maximize privacy as well (of course, there will be security bars on both). My question is how effective are transom windows in letting cooler air in at night, versus the screen door. Logic would indicate that the screen door is best in terms of air passage; but is a transom window also very effective?
Thanks,
Marilyn
The purpose of a transom window is to let out the hot air that's pooled at the top of the room. You still need a window or a vent that's low to the floor (ideally) to let the cool air in, which will then flow across you then up and out the transom.
view SunnyBlue's profile
I want transoms in my house! I am so jealous.
view slipperymarshmallow's profile
well as far as maximizing airflow you're going to do best with the screen door, and it'd probably be the easier project to install. costwise, you're probably looking at the transom being cheaper, but i could be wrong there considering the installation is likely going to be harder and cost more.
personally i would say to go for the screen door, growing up with one i always appreciated them, and sadly they seem to be a dying utility. transom windows are nice, but would still be as a static window with a screen door underneath.
view atomdari's profile
definitely keep the transom - they are meant, as SunnyBlue pointed out, to exhaust hot air that's pooled at the top of the room. If you have single or double hung windows open the bottom sash and open the transom to get cross ventilation. Transoms also work great in conjunction with whole-house fans. They're there for a reason - they'll provide the ventilation and privacy you're looking for. This website has good hardware to convert it to an operating window -
http://www.kilianhardware.com/tranwinhar.html
view Rachelw's profile
I would seriously consider doing both. If it's cost-prohibitive to do both now, I would do the window first and plan to do the door as money allows.
In the meantime, you could consider some inexpensive temporary screening options for the door that could be used during the day at times when someone is around and security is less of an issue.
If you're seriously in need of ventilation, you might look into getting a door that has the side-light ventilation panels. Those are made to only open a few inches, when they span from floor to ceiling, they're very helpful. This could require putting in a wider door. It all depends on your budget.
view parhelia's profile
Here's an example of the side-light panels I mentioned, though the style is obviously a little different from yours: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/painting-fixing-repair/1970s-ranch-remodel-the-oregonian-052709-085754
view parhelia's profile