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Window components can be confusing, especially when you are new to window replacement. Some terminologies are used explicitly in this niche, and when you are not careful, you can end up purchasing the wrong components for your home replacement project. Because you want to have the highest satisfaction from your project, there is a need for you to understand what you are getting into.
Although guidelines for installing replacement windows may vary depending on your locality, some features are standard overall. This guide from Thwindowsdoors will help you understand terms when replacing your vinyl window.
Window replacement Anatomy
- Head jamb: it is the top part of the window when you look at it horizontally. You can also hear people calling it the window head.
- Grills/muntins: these are parts that you find dividing window panes. They are used for aesthetic purposes and can be made of wood, vinyl, metal, or any material of your choice. If you no longer need grills on your window, you can remove them, usually done for free by window contractors.
- Glazing: it is the number of panes used in making a windowpane. Windows can be single, double, or triple-glazed. A person who installs windows is called a glazer. Double and triple-glazed windows are costly than single-pane windows and are enhances energy efficiency.
- Windowpane: it is a sheet of glass that, when put in a frame, forms a window. A pane protects your home from unwanted elements and allows natural lighting to your home. Depending on whether your windowpane is fixed or not, it can also provide ventilation. You can have your glass customized to suit your house’s needs.
- Sash: a sash is a part that allows the mobility of your window. Sashes come in different types and designs that you can choose, as well as lock combination.
- Sash lock: this is the part that secures the sash in double-hung windows or casement frames. It utilizes a two-part system, and when locked, intruders and weather elements are kept off.
- Jamb: it is the window part that provides structural support. Sometimes, it is used together with tracks and rails to enhance the operation of the window.
- Stile: if you look at your window horizontally, you will realize a vertical section on both sides. This section is called a stile, and it is the central part. A stile’s length is proportional to that of the window.
- Rails: these are parts that allow easy opening and closing of windows. Usually, they are in two-piece form, and you can find one piece where the window locks.
- Sill: it is found at the bottom part of the window and is usually trim. They channel water away from your home’s interior. If you have plants that thrive in sunlight, you can place them on the window sills.
Window Styles
Window replacement styles are many, and depending on your home design and your needs, you have a variety to choose. They include:
- Single-hung windows: their operating sash is found at the bottom, and open inwards. When you open it this way, cleaning becomes easier.
- Double-hung windows: unlike the single-hung windows, these windows can be opened from both the top and bottom.
- Casement windows: they are common in large homes. Casement windows can be used as a set when you have huge areas or as stand-alone when your area is not that huge.
- Awning windows: they are ideal to use in the bathrooms and basements. Awning windows open from the outside, and their hinge is found at the top. Due to how they open, they can be used in all-weather as they do not allow water to get in during rainy seasons.
- Slider windows: they are popular in suburban homes. To open or close them, you slide them either to your right or your left. You can have double or single sliding windows.
- Bay windows: if you are considering adding aesthetics to your home, these windows replacement are the best. You can set their angles either in 30, 45, or 90 degrees.
- Bow windows: they are similar to bay windows, but are curved to form a bow shape.
- Custom shaped windows: these are windows replacement that have added features from the regular windows.
Windows replacement Materials
The best window replacement material in terms of affordability, color variety, window tint, and durability is vinyl. But, you can have other materials, depending on the satisfaction you want to get from your window frame.
