If your planning a remodeling project or home-improvements with replacement windows or new construction windows, you probably have many questions about window styles, colors and features and window installation. We have a list below of some some of the window terms you may have:
Window Terms Glossary:
Window Types:
- Double Hung Window – Double-Hung Windows have two sashes that operate vertically and can have additional features like tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning.
- Single Hung Window – On Single-Hung Windows, only the bottom sash operates vertically. The top sash is fixed and does not operate. Some single-hung windows have tilt-in sashes on the bottom sash.
- Casement Window – Casement windows are hinged on one side either left or right, with a sash the opens like a door, and usually have a crank to operate the window.
- Slider or Sliding Window – Slider windows have two or more sashes that slide horizontally to offer ventilation on half of the window.
- Awning Window – Awning windows are hinged on the top of the window, allowing you to push out on the bottom to offer ventilation.
- Hopper Windows – Hopper windows are hinged on the bottom to allow you to push out the top of the window for ventilation.
- Replacement Windows – These windows are designed to use the existing window frame for installation of the window.
- New Construction Windows – These windows are designed to be installed into a rough opening when remodeling or during new construction. They have a nailing fin around the outside of the window for securing the window from the front on new construction.
Glass Types & Glass Options:
- Double-Pane Glass – The window has two layers of glass.
- Triple Pane Glass – The window has three layers of glass.
- Air or argon gas — which has better insulating properties — is sealed between the panes as an insulator.
- Double-strength – This glass is thicker and more resistant to breakage than a single-strength glass.
- Low-E Glass – Low-emissivity Glass is a coating that lets light in, but helps blocks heat from getting through. This coating helps keep your home cool on hot day by blocking the heat out and on cold day’s it helps keep your interior heat from escaping through the glass. It also reduces the amount of fading on your upholstery, curtain and carpet by reducing the amount of UV (ultraviolet) light let through.
- Argon Gas — a gas inserted between the sealed panes of glass on your window to increase the insulation properties of the window.
Window Options & Accessories:
- Woodgrain Interiors: – Window manufacturers offer many different colors of simulated wood coatings on the inside of the windows. This coating in usually very durable and helps the window look more natural when the interior trim of the house is a finished wood.
- Window Colors – Window colors are offered the exterior and interior of most replacement and new construction vinyl windows.
- Grids Between Glass – These are horizontal and vertical grid options that are usually between the glass and simulate a multi-pane look.
- Window Locks – Window locks have many different styles and finishes.
- Security Stops – These are installed on most windows to limit the operation of the window.
