What Should I Know About A Window?

In the 2019 Remodelling Impact Report, the National Association of Realtor Research Group found that American families spend an average of $9,096 on windows. Replacing your windows can increase your home’s value, functionality, and appearance. Adding vinyl windows to a home ranks as the second most popular and most appealing exterior renovation project for homeowners. Installing vinyl windows will also add value when the home goes on the market for resale.

When you are looking for new windows, you will need to be familiar with the anatomy of a window. Window manufacturers, installers, and contractors use industry-specific terminology that you should become familiar with so that you are able to make an informed decision. Learn more about windows' anatomy and how new windows save you money, increase your home's value, and help save the environment by viewing the information below.

Exterior anatomy of a window

A window’s exterior anatomy consists of the following parts:

Frame

A window frame is composed of a head, jam, and sill that provide structural support to the entire window system.

Head

Window frames consist of four horizontal components that make up the head.

Jambs

A window frame has two main vertical components: side jambs and head jambs. Side jambs are vertical components, while head jambs are horizontal.

Sill

Sills form the bottom of the window frame and are the main horizontal component. Water is shed from its exterior by its tapered shape.

Jamb liner

It can either be installed during the manufacturing process or upon installation when the windows are replaced. Jamb liners are generally made of wood and may be installed either before or after the window frame and interior wall are attached.

Interior anatomy of a window

A window’s interior anatomy consists of the following parts:

Sash

Windows are made up of two operable sashes that fit within the frame and hold the window glass in place. They can be made of several materials including wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminium, and composites. When double-hung windows are installed, both sashes can adjust up and down. Casement windows have a handle for operating the sash while sliding windows have one that moves left to right.

Top sash

A double-hung window’s top sash is its upper sash.

Bottom sash

A double-hung window’s lower sash is its bottom sash.

Stile

Vertical parts of the sash are termed stiles.

Rail

Horizontal parts are named rails.

Check rail

There are two check rails on a double-hung window. The top check rail is at the bottom of the top sash and the bottom check rail is at the top of the bottom sash. Two vertical panes of glasses meet at the check rails of a sliding window.

Top rail

The topmost part of the top sash is the top rail.

Bottom rail

The lowermost part of the lower sash is the bottom rail.

Glazing

Window glazing refers to the sheet of glass inside the window frame. Traditional windows had just one layer of glass, while modern windows feature two to three layers of glass that are insulated with inert gases. Tinted or laminated glazing creates privacy and enhances strength, while invisible coatings can control the amount of light and heat that passes through a window.

Lift

Lifts are handles on single-hung or double-hung windows that raise the lower sash.

Sash tilt pin

With the tilt pin, panes can be cleaned from within the home by tilting them inwards.

Sash lock

Single-hung and double-hung windows with a sash lock are equipped with a locking mechanism that minimized rattling.

Balances

They originally used lead weights and pulleys but now utilize technology such as weight sensors in the jambs to counterbalance the sashes, making them easier to open and not slamming shut.

Operating handle

When the operating handle of a window is turned in one direction, the operating arm extends, and the sash opens and when the handle is turned in the other direction, the arm retracts and the sash closes. By pushing a handle, some windows open and close their sashes manually.

Operating arm

A casement, awning, or hopper window’s operating arm controls the operation of the sash by working with the operating handle to open and close the window.

Locking handle

To improve energy efficiency and security, the locking handle pulls the sashes together with a handle or lever.

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