JB Sash & Door - How to Buy - Become a Window Expert

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Become a Window Expert

At JB Sash, we are the experts in windows. To make the window buying process easier for our customers, we have gathered the needed general terms to round out the window education process. Below are common window terms.

Types of Windows

Awning: A window that opens upwards with hand cranks

Bay: A composite of three windows, usually made up of a large center fixed unit and two flanking units at 30-, 45- or 90-degree angles to the wall

Bow: A composite of four or more window units in a radial or bow formation

Casement: A window that opens sideways with hand cranks

Clerestory: A venting or fixed window above other windows on an upper outside wall or a room

Double-Hung: A window that has a top and bottom sash and can be opened by pulling up the lower sash or pulling down the upper sash

Double-Hung/Cottage: A double-hung window in which the upper sash is shorter than the lower sash

Hopper: An inverted Awning window, hinges are located at the bottom of the window, so the window opens down

Horizontal Sliding: Similar to Double-Hung, but the sashes are located on the left and right edges allowing the window to open on the side

Palladian: A large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on each side

Single-Hung: Similar to a Double-Hung, but only one sash moves

Single-Pane: A window that is only one piece of glass thick

Storm: Can be made from plastic film, plexi-glass, acrylic, polycarbonate or fiber-reinforced polyester and is put in a frame; it is adhered to the outside of a single-pane window frame to increase efficiency

Transom: A small window that fits over the top of a window, primarily for additional light and aesthetic value

Parts of Windows

Balance System: Device for holding vertically sliding sash in any desired position through the use of a spring or weight to counterbalance the weight of the sash

Casing: Moulding of various widths, thicknesses and shapes applied to the framework of a window

Check Rail: On a Double-Hung window, the bottom rail of the upper sash and the upper rail of the lower sash, where the lock is mounted

Flashing: A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water away from a window or skylight

Frame: The enclosure in which the window sash is mounted

Frame/Aluminum: Ideal for strength; high conductor of heat; prone to condensation (anodizing or coating can help to avoid corrosion)

Frame/Fiberglass: High R-value; excellent insulation; will not warp, shrink, swell, rot or corrode; can be hollow or filled with a fiberglass insulation; must be painted to prevent weather damage

Frame/Wood: High R-value; higher maintenance; a low promoter of condensation; if not protected could swell

Glazing Bead: A plastic or wood strip applied to the window sash around the perimeter of the glass

Glazing Stop: The part of the sash, which holds the glass in place

Grille: Windowpane dividers or muntins; generally they can be removed for ease of cleaning

Jamb: The main vertical members forming the sides of a window frame

Lift: A handle or grip installed on the bottom rail of the lower sash of a Double-Hung window to make it easier to raise or lower the sash

Muntin: Applies to any short or light bar, either vertical or horizontal, used to separate glass in a sash into multiple lights; a.k.a. windowpane divider or grille

Pane: A framed sheet of glass within a window

Rail: The top and bottom horizontal members of the framework of a window sash

Sash: A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for holding glass

Sash Cord: In a Double-Hung window, the rope or chain which attaches the sash to the counter balance

Spacers: Used to separate multiple panes of glass; usually made from aluminum, but can also be made from nylon, poly-styrene or rockwool

Stile: The main vertical members of the framework of a sash

Stool: An interior trim piece on a window that extends the sill and acts as a narrow shelf