Have you ever wondered what certain parts of a window are called
or what their function is? Because, let's be real, most homeowners have never replaced their windows before, and there can be a lot of 'industry talk' that is confusing and hard to understand.
Keeping in line with our goal to make window shopping simple, today's blog is all about window 101- the basics of window terminology.
Let's get started…
1. Frame
- what holds the window together or, simply, the outer part of your replacement
window. This is one of the most important parts of your window, so it's smart
to educate yourself on the best window frame
material option.
• When
we talk about the Infinity Fiberglass windows being made of solid Ultrex® fiberglass,
we are referencing the frames being fiberglass. (There is still glass in the
window to look in and out of.)
2. Trim/Brickmold - this is separate from
the window itself. It is the decorative material - often wood - that goes
around the two sides and top of the window on the outside of your home. Think
of the trim/brickmold as a picture frame that frames in your window. (Don't let the name confuse you. Brickmold is
used on homes regardless of them being brick or not!)
• If the trim is rotting or in bad shape, we can
replace it when we are replacing the windows; however, it does not have
to be replaced just because your windows are getting replaced.
• On the other hand, if your trim/brickmold is
rotten and the window is in perfect condition, you can replace these pieces
without needing a new window. Most handymen or painters can help you with this.
We recommend using a composite material that does not rot.
3. Sill - A sill is often confused with the
interior window "shelf" at the bottom of the window. This interior
window "shelf" is actually called a "stool" in the window
industry. The sill is on the very bottom of the exterior of the window and it
is split into two pieces - the sill and the sill nose. It is very common for
the sill to be the first component to rot on wood windows. One reason for this
is because of the exposure it gets to water. It is always sloped on wood
windows so that when water hits your glass, it drops to the sloped sill and
runs off the house. You can think of this as a water slide for your windows.
Because it gets so much water, it rots quickly. Another reason the sill
begins to deteriorate is due to its exposure to the sun and elements. If the sill is rotten,
you should replace the window to permanently fix this issue. When researching
replacement windows, avoid flat sills and weep holes if you can as they do not
allow for proper draining.
4. Sash - Most Georgia homes have
'double-hung' windows. That means you have two sashes - a top sash and a bottom
sash - and both move. If you are ever confused by the term single-hung, this
means only the bottom sash moves and the top sash is permanently fixed.
All windows have sashes - casements, sliders and even picture windows.
5. Grids (sometimes referred to as grilles
or mutins) - these are optional and help divide the glass up into 'lites'.
There are two main types:
• GBG (grids between the glass) - these
grids are between the two panes of glass and cannot be touched.
• SDL (simulated divided lite) - these are
bonded to the exterior and interior of the window and can be touched on both
sides of the window. These provide the illusion that the glass is divided up
into separate panes of glass like older, traditional wood windows.
> Click here for more information on grids.
It's time for a quiz!
Q: Are any of these parts on your window giving you a problem?
A: It may be time to replace your windows.
We will educate you on window replacement and show you what we have
to offer. Your stress-free experience includes a quick, accurate proposal
without pressure or pricing games.
Give us a call today to set up your free consultation!
