Content courtesy of George Barnsdale

What is “Fenestration” and where did the word originate from?

Originating from the Latin word fenestra, meaning window, fenestration refers to the openings in a building’s facade. In simple terms, fenestration can be explained as the arrangement of windows, doors and openings in a building.

However, there is more to fenestration than putting a load of openings in a building. The more solid a structure, the more stable it will be. When you start adding holes to any facade, the weaker it will become. Hence, why ancient temples and monuments have fewer windows and openings in them. Early builders struggled to maintain the strength of a structure when removing or replacing the supporting walls with space, as it is difficult to load weight onto a hole or gap.

Advances in construction have made it much easier for architects, and developers to match the aspirations to the builder’s capabilities. Therefore, fenestration has become an integral part to the designs and plans. It is still not as simple as installing as many windows as you can into any building, as fenestration can greatly affect the functionality of the location and required usage of the building.

At Westeck Windows and Doors, we manufacture bespoke fenestration products that will provide benefit to the specific needs of the project. Working with main contractors, architects, designers and clients, we recognize the requirements of each development are unique, and provide a custom solution to suit.

Westeck manufactures innovative windows for maximizing the view, ease of operation and impressive thermal performance. Thermal values reach Passive House and Net Zero targets.

If you or your architect can design it, our specialty department can most likely build it.

Westeck Windows and Doors now has 30+ sales professionals, across offices in BC – Vancouver, Chilliwack, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna and Washington State – Kirkland and Bellingham