Even the most seasoned homeowner sometimes get bewildered with the technical terms a consultant uses when talking about replacing their residential windows. Our representatives are happy to explain these terms when asked, but once in awhile, we do get clients who are too shy to ask.
Anatomy of a Window
Don’t worry, though, as we’ve prepared a quick guide describing the parts of a replacement window. We recommend that you save a copy of this for future reference.
Argon gas – Argon is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic inert gas added to the space between window glass panes, and acts as an insulator. Renewal by Andersen® replacement window glass can be optionally filled with argon gas.
Beveled glass – A glass panel with an angled cut around the periphery, typically used for ornamentation.
Casing – This is the trim that covers the window borders, and the transition between drywall and window frame. This helps seal the area around the frames and gives it a cleaner look.
Cladding – This is the cover installed around window exteriors as a waterproofing element. Improper installation can result in leaks around the window edges, which are commonly mistaken for roof leaks.
Dormers – Dormers are gabled extensions added to attics, which has double hung windows typically installed. Some architects include false dormers, which is a purely cosmetic addition and doesn’t affect the attic interior in any way.
Jamb, Sill and Head – The jamb is the vertical part of a window or door frame. The bottom part is called the sill, which bears the weight of the entire window assembly, while the top part is called the head.
Lintel – A load-bearing horizontal component spanning the top of a window, and is not to be confused with the window head. While being a structural component, lintels are used as ornaments in some architectural styles.
Low-emissivity glass – Commonly abbreviated as “Low-E”, low-emissivity glass features one or more layers of surface coating that filter invisible spectra such as UV and infrared rays, while welcoming visible light. Our own High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass options feature multi-layered Low-E4 coating that filters up to 95% of UV rays and up to 72% of solar heat.
Mullion – Also referred to as grilles, these are the divisions that hold multiple panes of glass. While traditionally made to hold several smaller panels, today’s replacement windows, including ours, have grilles built into the airspace between or on the glass panels. This keeps the windows energy-efficient and more customizable.
Sash – The operable section of the window that holds up the glass. It can either slide or swing open, depending on the window style.
Renewal by Andersen® of Kansas City serves Olathe and Independence, MO and other nearby areas in Tulsa City and Oklahoma City. To know more about sliding windows and other window styles, call us today at (913) 956-0887 or fill out our contact form for a free in-home consultation with our home improvement experts.
