Fixed and picture windows for big views

What is a fixed or picture window?

A fixed window has glass in a frame and no moving sash. A picture window is a large fixed window made to frame a view. Sun puts it simply: fixed lites “offer an unobstructed view and the ability to add more daylight to a room.” See fixed window for the plain definition.

With no hinges or latches to hold, the frame can be narrow. That is why fixed glass sits at the center of slim-profile designs. Read the slim profile windows guide for how sightline widths affect the look.

Where do fixed windows fit in a home?

Fixed glass works where you want light or a view but not airflow, or where a vent sits next to it. Common spots:

• Living room walls that face a yard, pool or skyline.
• Stair landings and tall entry halls, with a vent window nearby.
• Above or beside doors as sidelites and transoms.
• Corners, where two fixed units meet. See corner window.

Pair fixed glass with a casement or awning. Jada notes an awning can sit “below a larger fixed view window, so that your screen doesn’t interfere with the view.”

What does each maker offer?

Jada (steel). Its swing line includes fixed units on narrow-sightline Secco OS2 thermally broken steel profiles. Jada’s awning page also shows direct set combinations, such as awning with a direct set surround. Jada publishes no sightline numbers or maximum sizes for fixed units, so ask for drawings. See Jada.

Bertrand (aluminum, wood-aluminum). MB-79N CSF lists a minimum visible frame width of 1.39 in (35.2 mm) for fixed glass. ConceptSystem 77 is made as tilt and turn, outward opening and fixed windows. Bertrand lists a tested maximum frame of 94.5 in x 141.7 in, and a max frame size of 48 in x 96.5 in for inswing and outswing. Synergic fixed frames measure 88 mm. See Bertrand.

Sun (clad wood and vinyl). Sun’s fixed lite page lists:

• USA Direct Set, USA Contemporary Direct Set, USA Thoroughbred and USA Sash Set (clad wood)
• Patriot Narrow Frame and Wide Frame (clad vinyl)
• Series 57 and Series 2020 fixed lites (vinyl)

In general terms, direct set means the glass sets straight into the frame, and sash set means the glass sits in a sash-style frame like the operating windows beside it. Ask Sun’s size chart for each. See Sun Windows.

Can fixed windows have special shapes?

Yes. Sun lists “radius and geometric configurations” in USA Clad Wood and Series 57 Vinyl. It also offers an Arch Top Casement for operable arches. Jada’s side pivot windows come as squares, rectangles, ovals and full circles. They open, so they are the operable choice for a round shape.

How large can the glass be?

Large glass is a design draw, and the limits come from the glass maker and the frame. Jada says “Agnora glass can produce tempered insulated glass in very large sizes up to 130 x 300.” Jada prints no unit with that figure. Treat it as a glass limit, not a promise of a finished window size. Ask Honey Rock for the finished size limit on your exact opening.

Sun says oversize products are produced “without a warranty for the product or any oversized component of the product.” Ask Honey Rock how Sun counts oversize before you plan a large Sun unit.

What glass and performance should you ask for?

Large fixed glass drives heat gain, so the glass package matters more than the frame. Ask for:

• Low-E coating suited to Texas sun
• The U-factor and SHGC of the whole unit, as shown on an NFRC label
• Tempered glass or laminated glass where code requires it
• Argon fill and a warm-edge spacer. Jada says the optimum space for air and argon is “around 1/2” up to 5/8” between glass panes.”

See glass options for windows and doors.

How do the options compare?

	Jada	Bertrand	Sun
Frame	Thermally broken steel	Aluminum, wood-aluminum	Clad wood, clad vinyl, vinyl
Fixed styles	Fixed, direct set combos	Fixed in CSF, ConceptSystem 77, Synergic	Direct Set, Sash Set, Thoroughbred, Narrow/Wide Frame
Shapes	Round and oval pivots	Not confirmed	Radius, geometric, arch top
Published fixed frame	None	1.39 in (CSF)	None
Oversize note	Agnora glass to 130 x 300	Tested frame 94.5 x 141.7 in	No warranty on oversize

What should you ask before ordering?

• What is the maximum size for my line, in writing?
• Who handles glass breakage, delivery and lifting for large units?
• Is the glass tempered, laminated or both?
• What are the whole-unit U-factor and SHGC?
• What is the written warranty for the product and the glass seal?

How do mullions and joins affect the view?

When several fixed units sit side by side, the joint between them is a mullion. A mullion is a bar that joins two units. Jada says structural mullions are available for large openings and that “minimal mullions are used whenever possible to keep the narrow breakup between glass panes.” Bertrand says ConceptSystem 77 windows can be joined “frame to frame” into sets. Ask each maker how wide the joint is and whether it needs a steel or aluminum reinforcement for wind load.

How do you choose between fixed and operable?

Use this quick test for each opening:

1. Does a code or a bedroom need an exit? Then it must open. See egress.
2. Does the room need fresh air from this wall? Add a casement, awning or tilt and turn beside the fixed glass.
3. Is the view the point? Make it fixed and keep the frame slim.
4. Can you reach it to clean? Fixed glass above a stair may need outside access.
5. Is the shape special? Ask Sun for radius or geometric units, or Jada for a round pivot that opens.

Next step

Send your elevation or a photo of the wall you want to open up. We will propose fixed and operable units. See all windows or start your project. Call (214) 484-9982.