Window Basics
Windows provide natural light and ventilation and are classified by the method by which they open
and close (e.g. double-hung window). Windows
are made from wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, vinyl-clad wood or
aluminum. Some modern windows have a thermal break, usually Bakelite, between the
interior and exterior part of the window to prevent condensation during the
winter months.
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Components
- Pane
(or glazing): the plate of glass (usually 1/8 inch thick
for single pane.)
- Sash: the portion of the window that slides or pivots when you open
and close the window unit. The sash includes the glass, its supporting
framework, locks and lifts.
- Rails: top and bottom part
of the sash.
- Stiles: sides of the sash.
- Stops: hold the sashes in
place when sliding or stops a closing window that pivots.
- Jamb: the side of the
window frame.
- Sill: the bottom of the
window frame.
- Head: the top of the
window frame.
- Muntins or Mullions: used
to divide the pane into several sections (not shown).
- Casing or Trim: the
decorative material (usually wood) that covers from the edge of
the window frame to the finished wall (not shown).
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Most insulated glass units are double or triple-pane windows that are
sealed with an epoxy to create an air gap between each plate of glass. The
window frame is perforated on the inside and filled with a desiccant material
that absorbs the moisture vapors from between the glass plates. The wider the dry air space, the
greater the insulating value of the unit. Manufacturers also use a
coating over the glass for greater energy efficiency. The
coating is often called low-emissivity or low E glass. Low E glass reflects
radiant heat in the summer and retains interior heat in the winter.
Very few
manufacturers hermetically seal or create a dry air gap between the panes
and then use an air tight seal. Anderson Windows switched from
hermetically sealing the window to using the epoxy and desiccant method.
The double-paned window uses 1/8 inch or 3/16 inch glass
separated by a 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch or 1-inch air space. A double-paned
window is different from an insulated glass unit, because the glass panes
are not sealed to create an insulated air space. Consequently, the
panes can be replaced without replacing the entire sash.
For more information on the types of windows or common defects, follow the
links below.
Interior Main Page
Doors Main Page Walls and Ceilings Main Page
Floors Main Page Common
Interior Defects
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