When you’re looking to replace any of the windows within your home then you’re likely to be bombarded with facts and terminology which is brand new to you, this can often be quite daunting and in some cases lead to a lot of confusion.
This replacement windows glossary guide is designed to provide you with a list of the most commonly used words, phrases and expressions in the world of window replacements. This will allow you to fully understand what potential window contractors are saying to you as well as better understanding what you need and why you need it.
Replacement Window Terms
Double Glazing – A replacement window which has a two panes of glass, usually separated by a gas filled space. Commonly the gas will be argon but krypton is being more commonly used in energy efficient windows.
Triple Glazing – A replacement window which has three panes of glass, each separated with a gas filled space. Triple glazed windows are used in many colder climates where comfort in the home is more important due to the extreme cold.
Frame – The outermost part of the window which holds the glass and provides the main structural support. Frames can be made from any number of different materials including wood, metal, aluminum, vinyl and plastic.
Panes – The glass which sits inside of the window frame allowing you to see through the window and allowing light in whilst still providing protection from the outside elements.
Muntin Bars – Used to be used to provide separation and hold multiple panes of glass in place which made up a single window. Nowadays though they are more for decorative purposes and laid upon a single pane of glass to give the illusion that the window is made from several separate panes, rather than joining multiple panes together.
Single Hung Window – A window with only a single sash that moves in either an up and down or tilting motion.
Double Hung Window – A window with two sashes, both of which move in either a tilting or up and down motion.
Bay Windows – A window setup similar to bow window but these are usually installed in an angled configuration with 1 casement window to the right, 1 to the left and 1 or multiple is the center.
Awning Windows – A window which swings outwards from the frame, the hinges are usually fixed just below the window head.
Fixed Frame Windows – As the name suggests these have a single fixed frame with no opening portion to the window.
Sliding Windows – Windows which are able to slide open from one side to the other on a set of rails. A single hung sliding window has only one movable sash, a double has two movable sashes and a multiple hung sliding window contains more than two sliding sashes.