Witch window - Revision history

Editor at 10:12, 5 October 2020

2020-10-05T10:12:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:12, 5 October 2020
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	The meaning behind witch window is linked to the mode of transport associated with witches - the broom. Superstition has it that witches could not fly their brooms at an angle, thereby making the witch window - and the rest of the building - witch proof. (Why the witches couldn’t fly through other windows and doors is another matter, but perhaps this is the reason why urban legends are urban legends.)		The meaning behind witch window is linked to the mode of transport associated with witches - the broom. Superstition has it that witches could not fly their brooms at an angle, thereby making the witch window - and the rest of the building - witch proof. (Why the witches couldn’t fly through other windows and doors is another matter, but perhaps this is the reason why urban legends are urban legends.)

−	The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. There may be some superstition or taboo associated with carrying a corpse down a staircase, but the true reason is not known.	+	The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. There may be some superstition or taboo associated with carrying a corpse down a staircase, but the true reason for this name is not known.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Designing Buildings at 05:50, 5 October 2020

2020-10-05T05:50:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:50, 5 October 2020
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	Windows are openings fitted with glass to admit light and allow people to see out. They are often openable to allow ventilation.		Windows are openings fitted with glass to admit light and allow people to see out. They are often openable to allow ventilation.

−	In the United States, witch windows (also known as coffin windows, Vermont windows, ~~Sideways Windows~~ or ~~Lazy Windows~~) are found on Vermont homes and farmhouses~~. Primarily found~~ on structures built in the 19th century, ~~witch windows are~~ sometimes ~~found~~ on modern homes ~~as well~~.	+	In the United States, witch windows (also known as coffin windows, Vermont windows, sideways windows or lazy windows) are found on Vermont homes and farmhouses, primarily on structures built in the 19th century, but also sometimes on modern homes.

	= What is a witch window? =		= What is a witch window? =

−	A witch window is placed in a very small space where a traditional window could not fit if it were installed in its typical vertical orientation. The witch window is rotated to ~~such a degree that it is diagonal and runs~~ parallel to the roof slope.	+	A witch window is placed in a very small space where a traditional window could not fit if it were installed in its typical vertical orientation. The witch window is rotated to run parallel to the roof slope.

	Witch windows can be double hung sash windows or single sided casement windows installed into the gable end of a house. This allows the installer to fit a standard sized window - rather than a custom window - into a very narrow space.		Witch windows can be double hung sash windows or single sided casement windows installed into the gable end of a house. This allows the installer to fit a standard sized window - rather than a custom window - into a very narrow space.

−	This type of window was typically installed in a wall during a home expansion project~~. It was a frugal way~~ to accomplish ~~two things:~~	+	This type of window was typically installed in a wall during a home expansion project, often to accomplish repurpose a salvageable window that might be otherwise obscured or disposed of as a result of the renovation.

−	~~# Repurpose a salvageable window that might be otherwise obscured or disposed of as a result of the renovation.~~	+	Witch windows were most often situated under the eaves of a roof to improve an upper level room or passageway without breaking through the roof to create a dormer window.
−	~~# Seize the opportunity to add a new window in a location that could benefit from additional light and ventilation.~~	+
−		+
−	Witch windows were most often situated ~~right~~ under the ~~part~~ of a roof ~~that projects out horizontally beyond the side of the structure it covers. This position under the eaves was the ideal place~~ to improve an upper level room or passageway without breaking through the roof to create a dormer window. (A dormer window is a small roofed structure that projects outwards from the main pitched roof of a building. Dormers can be included in the original construction of a building or added on subsequently.)	+

	{\|		{\|
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	\|}		\|}

−	One notable drawback to the witch window ~~has to do with the orientation, which~~ can make it difficult to ~~affix~~ siding around the outside wall where the window is located. Unless the siding is oriented in the same diagonal direction as the window (pictured above), it will create a problem with cutting the siding and waterproofing the wall around the window.	+	One notable drawback to the witch window is that it can make it difficult to fix siding around the outside wall where the window is located. Unless the siding is oriented in the same diagonal direction as the window (pictured above), it will create a problem with cutting the siding and waterproofing the wall around the window.

	= Superstition and folk tales =		= Superstition and folk tales =

Editor at 16:32, 2 October 2020

2020-10-02T16:32:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:32, 2 October 2020
Line 34:		Line 34:
	The meaning behind witch window is linked to the mode of transport associated with witches - the broom. Superstition has it that witches could not fly their brooms at an angle, thereby making the witch window - and the rest of the building - witch proof. (Why the witches couldn’t fly through other windows and doors is another matter, but perhaps this is the reason why urban legends are urban legends.)		The meaning behind witch window is linked to the mode of transport associated with witches - the broom. Superstition has it that witches could not fly their brooms at an angle, thereby making the witch window - and the rest of the building - witch proof. (Why the witches couldn’t fly through other windows and doors is another matter, but perhaps this is the reason why urban legends are urban legends.)

−	The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. ~~Perhaps there was~~ some superstition or taboo associated with ~~this procedure as well~~.	+	The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. There may be some superstition or taboo associated with carrying a corpse down a staircase, but the true reason is not known.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 16:12, 2 October 2020

2020-10-02T16:12:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:12, 2 October 2020
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* American architecture and construction.
	* Domestic windows.		* Domestic windows.
	* Dormer window.		* Dormer window.

Editor at 16:07, 2 October 2020

2020-10-02T16:07:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 2 October 2020
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−	[[File:WitchWindow.jpg]]	+	[[File:WitchWindow.jpg\|link=File:WitchWindow.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	{\|		{\|
−	\| [[File:WitchWindow2.jpg]]	+	\| [[File:WitchWindow2.jpg\|link=File:WitchWindow2.jpg]]
	\|-		\|-
	\| On this house, the clapboards are hung at an angle to match the window.		\| On this house, the clapboards are hung at an angle to match the window.
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	The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. Perhaps there was some superstition or taboo associated with this procedure as well.		The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. Perhaps there was some superstition or taboo associated with this procedure as well.
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Domestic windows.
		+	* Dormer window.
		+	* Eaves
		+	* Gable.
		+	* Loft conversion.
		+	* Window.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:International]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 16:05, 2 October 2020

2020-10-02T16:05:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 2 October 2020
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		+	[[File:WitchWindow.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	Witch windows were most often situated right under the part of a roof that projects out horizontally beyond the side of the structure it covers. This position under the eaves was the ideal place to improve an upper level room or passageway without breaking through the roof to create a dormer window. (A dormer window is a small roofed structure that projects outwards from the main pitched roof of a building. Dormers can be included in the original construction of a building or added on subsequently.)		Witch windows were most often situated right under the part of a roof that projects out horizontally beyond the side of the structure it covers. This position under the eaves was the ideal place to improve an upper level room or passageway without breaking through the roof to create a dormer window. (A dormer window is a small roofed structure that projects outwards from the main pitched roof of a building. Dormers can be included in the original construction of a building or added on subsequently.)

−	One notable drawback to the witch window has to do with the orientation, which can make it difficult to affix siding around the outside wall where the window is located. Unless the siding is oriented in the same diagonal direction as the window, it will create a problem with cutting the siding and waterproofing the wall around the window.	+	{\|
		+	\| [[File:WitchWindow2.jpg]]
		+	\|-
		+	\| On this house, the clapboards are hung at an angle to match the window.
		+	\|}
		+
		+	One notable drawback to the witch window has to do with the orientation, which can make it difficult to affix siding around the outside wall where the window is located. Unless the siding is oriented in the same diagonal direction as the window (pictured above), it will create a problem with cutting the siding and waterproofing the wall around the window.

	= Superstition and folk tales =		= Superstition and folk tales =

Editor: Created page with "= Introduction = Windows are openings fitted with glass to admit light and allow people to see out. They are often openable to allow ventilation. In the United States, witch wi..."

2020-10-02T15:58:10Z

Created page with "= Introduction = Windows are openings fitted with glass to admit light and allow people to see out. They are often openable to allow ventilation. In the United States, witch wi..."

New page

= Introduction =

Windows are openings fitted with glass to admit light and allow people to see out. They are often openable to allow ventilation.

In the United States, witch windows (also known as coffin windows, Vermont windows, Sideways Windows or Lazy Windows) are found on Vermont homes and farmhouses. Primarily found on structures built in the 19th century, witch windows are sometimes found on modern homes as well.

= What is a witch window? =

A witch window is placed in a very small space where a traditional window could not fit if it were installed in its typical vertical orientation. The witch window is rotated to such a degree that it is diagonal and runs parallel to the roof slope.

Witch windows can be double hung sash windows or single sided casement windows installed into the gable end of a house. This allows the installer to fit a standard sized window - rather than a custom window - into a very narrow space.

This type of window was typically installed in a wall during a home expansion project. It was a frugal way to accomplish two things:

# Repurpose a salvageable window that might be otherwise obscured or disposed of as a result of the renovation.
# Seize the opportunity to add a new window in a location that could benefit from additional light and ventilation.

Witch windows were most often situated right under the part of a roof that projects out horizontally beyond the side of the structure it covers. This position under the eaves was the ideal place to improve an upper level room or passageway without breaking through the roof to create a dormer window. (A dormer window is a small roofed structure that projects outwards from the main pitched roof of a building. Dormers can be included in the original construction of a building or added on subsequently.)

One notable drawback to the witch window has to do with the orientation, which can make it difficult to affix siding around the outside wall where the window is located. Unless the siding is oriented in the same diagonal direction as the window, it will create a problem with cutting the siding and waterproofing the wall around the window.

= Superstition and folk tales =

There are urban legends associated with the names given to these diagonal windows. The first has to do with witches’ broomsticks and the second has to do with the transportation of coffins.

The meaning behind witch window is linked to the mode of transport associated with witches - the broom. Superstition has it that witches could not fly their brooms at an angle, thereby making the witch window - and the rest of the building - witch proof. (Why the witches couldn’t fly through other windows and doors is another matter, but perhaps this is the reason why urban legends are urban legends.)

The term coffin window is equally spurious. The belief is that these windows were installed in order to make it easier to remove a coffin from an upper floor of the house (which was often where a bedroom would be located). The idea was that it would be safer to remove the coffin by passing it through the strategically positioned window rather than by carrying it down a narrow staircase. Logic fails here as well, since the simpler solution would be to keep the coffin downstairs and simply carry the body of the deceased person down. Perhaps there was some superstition or taboo associated with this procedure as well.