The Parts of a Window
By: Path Interactive
A new window can help improve your exterior curb appeal, the interior design and your home’s energy efficiency. Understanding the window terminology can help you have a smooth window shopping experience as you shop for new or replacement windows. To select the right window for your home, it’s helpful to know the names of the different parts that make up a window. Read on to learn about the parts of the interior view of a window.
Key takeaways for the parts of a window:
- Knowing window terminology can help you have a smooth window shopping experience.
- Some elements of the window are functional, others are decorative, and some are both functional and decorative.
- The window sash is the part of the window that moves up and down and holds the glass in place.
- Window grilles, also called muntins, are the thin pieces that separate the window glass into smaller squares. Grilles offer aesthetic benefits and don’t serve a functional use.
- The sash lock is on single or double-hung windows and can help to reduce window rattling. It can also be a decorative element, enhancing a window’s visual appearance.
Sash: The window sash is the part of the window that moves. The sash is the window frame that moves up and down and holds the glass in place.
Frame: The window frame is the overall structure that makes up the entire window. The frame surrounds the window and supports the elements that make up the window, such as the head, sill and jamb.
Head: The head of a window is the horizontal part of the window at the top, which forms the top of the window frame.
Pane: A window pane is a piece of glass that makes up the window. Most windows are made of more than one pane, and a frame surrounds each pane. Any piece of glass surrounded by a frame is an individual pane.
Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a resilient material that helps to reduce air leaks and to prevent water from entering by sealing any entry points. Weatherstripping is typically applied between the window sash and frame and covers the joint.
Window rail: The window rail is the horizontal piece of the window sash. There is a lower and upper rail, meaning the lower sash and upper sash.
Sash lock: The sash lock is on single or double-hung windows and can help to reduce window rattling. In addition, the sash lock can be a decorative element, enhancing a window’s visual appearance.
Spacers: Window spacers separate the panes of glass in windows that have multi panes. Spacers are either plastic or metal and hold the panes in place.
Grilles: Window grilles, also called muntins, are the thin pieces that separate the window glass into smaller squares, called lites, panes, or grids. Grilles are made of wood, metal, or vinyl. Grilles offer aesthetic benefits and don’t serve a functional benefit. Window grilles are often used in traditional architectural styles, instead of contemporary. Grilles can be both permanent and removable.
Lift: A lift is a handle to raise and lower the lower sash of a single or double-hung window. A lift is often found on wood windows.
Apron: A window apron is the trim that is under the window rail. The apron is a decorative piece that looks like it’s part of the window casing or molding.
Window Professionals
Turn to a professional to help you install your new or replacement windows by contacting the experts at AVI. AVI is your one-stop shop for all styles of windows and doors, with in-person and online service options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or come by one of our Southeast locations and let us help you!