Clerestory Windows Pros and Cons from Ramesh Chodhari's blog

Clerestory Windows Pros and Cons: Clerestory, in architecture, any fenestrated (windowed) wall of a room that is carried higher than the surrounding roofs to light the interior space. 

In a large building, where interior walls are far from the structure’s exterior walls, this method of lighting otherwise enclosed, windowless spaces became a necessity.

What Exactly Is a Clerestory Window?

Clerestory windows are desirable in home design because they let in plenty of natural light. But they do so in an indirect way, illuminating a space without the glare you often get from traditional windows.

 Transom windows act in a similar way, but they are installed above door frames or even other windows, whereas clerestory windows are installed high up along the expanse of a wall.

Clearly, clerestory windows are not suitable as the only type of window in a home. But when they are installed as part of a larger fenestration design, they can make quite an impact. 

Clerestory roofs are an ancient design feature that dates back to Egyptian and Roman times.

These types of roofs were used in ancient Egyptian temples, where slits were made into high stone bricks to create a source of light. 

These types of roofs were also prominent in ancient Roman architecture, predominantly in basilicas.

Clerestory roofs can also be seen in early examples of Christian churches in Europe. There is also a reference to a clerestory roof in the bible, which King Soloman built as part of a temple.

They were used because the windows were an ideal way to naturally illuminate large buildings while also preventing people from peeking inside. It is for these reasons that clerestory roofs are still popular today, in modern public buildings as well as offices and homes.

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What are the Main Benefits of Clerestory Style Windows?

There are many advantages to installing clerestory windows in your home.

1 – Add Natural Light Without Taking Up Too Much Wall Space

While the windowed wall look is attractive, it does have disadvantages. For starters, it’s more challenging to use that wall for anything other than viewing the outdoors.

With clerestory windows, you can introduce natural light without using up all of your wall space. In living areas, placing windows high up on the wall allows you to brighten up the space while still using wall areas for art, shelving or whatever else you may need.

For smaller spaces, clerestory windows can instantly make your home feel more welcoming without forcing you to give up valuable usable space.

2 – Brighten a Space Without Overheating It

If you live in a warmer climate, clerestory windows allow you to brighten up a room without overheating it.

Clerestories can increase solar gain in your living space, particularly when placed along the home’s northern side. When used with high mass walls and floors, clerestories can store solar heat during the sunniest parts of the day. These windows should be protected by the roofline, overhangs, or other architectural features to maximize their efficiency.

Windows that are double glazed with low air infiltration rates and low U-values can help improve energy efficiency and save you money on your energy bills.

3 – Safer Than a Wall of Windows

Clerestory windows can be placed above other windows to create the illusion of a windowed wall. A support beam positioned between the two rows of windows allows you to enjoy the beauty of expansive windows without all of the risks.

4 – Can Be Fixed or Opened for Ventilation

Clerestories can be either fixed or operable to allow for better airflow and ventilation. In warmer climates, operable clerestory windows can work with your lower windows to push hot air out and circulate cooler fresh air throughout the space.

Alternatively, you can install fixed, double-glazed windows if you live in a cooler climate to help keep the space warm and comfortable throughout the year.

5 – Bring the Modern Windows Style to Your Home

If you’re remodeling your existing home, clerestories can help you create a modern look. Consider adding these windows along narrow and dark areas of your home to introduce natural lighting while bringing the mid century style into your space.

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Cons of Clerestory WindowsTemperature Regulation

As the air enters your home during summer days, you might notice your house feels warmer because of the additional heat from daylighting. This situation increases discomfort, compelling you to switch on your air conditioning unit for comfort and spend more on electricity costs.

With increased heat and humidity, the air conditioner strains to provide the much-needed cool air for you and your loved ones during the hot, scorching, and oppressive summer days, increasing energy expenses as well.

Poor Design

If you purchase the windows without the help of a window contractor with the expertise and extensive experience in energy-efficient windows, you might get one with a poor design. The poorly designed windows might not allow fresh air and light to enter your rooms, averting the possibility of energy conservation.

Expensive to Install

Compared to regular windows, installation of clerestory windows is expensive. Since the window installers have to use more resources and skills to mount the windows on the roof, it becomes costly to pay the company because of the risk expenses involved.

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