Everything You Need to Know About Replacement Windows
When the time comes to replace your run-down, old, or out-of-style windows, you shouldn’t simply find the cheapest replacement windows available and have them installed. It takes a greater knowledge level to ensure you are getting the best, value-adding windows for your home and climate.
Windows play, at least to some level, a role in both the exterior and interior of your home. Their primary function is to let in natural light and make your home feel warm and inviting, and replacing old windows can benefit your home.
The downside to windows can be the unwanted airflow leading to drafts, expensive energy bills, and discomfort in your home, so the goal in searching for replacement windows should be to find the most beautiful windows available that also combat these three issues.
To do this, you as a homeowner must understand certain window terminology and what exactly you are looking for as well as hire a contractor you trust to install your windows. As an Infinity replacement window contractor, our Lakeside team wants you to feel secure in your window investment. Here are some of the most common window terms you should know before purchasing your replacement windows.
Window Frame Parts
- Frame— The actual frame itself is the surrounding structure of the window, the portion of the window that does not move.
- Head— The head is the top portion of the frame that lies horizontally.
- Jambs— The jambs are another portion of the window frame. They are the sides that lie vertically on either side of the framing.
- Sill— The thick, horizontal base of the window frame is referred to as the window sill or sometimes the ledge.
- Apron— Directly underneath the window sill, you will locate the apron. This is a decorative piece of trim installed below the sill to simply add visual interest. Not all windows will have an apron.
- Casing— The casing is used to dress up the window. It’s a surrounding, decorative trim that covers the seam between the wall and the window.
- Sash— This is where the pane of the window is housed.
- Stile— Stiles are the prominent vertical portions of the sash.
- Rail— The rails are the prominent horizontal portions of the sash.
Glass Jargon
- Panes— The panes are the pieces of glass that sit inside the sash. They can be doubled or tripled to allow spacing for insulating gases.
- Spacers— These metal or plastic pieces separate the various panes of glass in a window, allowing space for insulating gases in the window.
- Glazing— This commonly used term refers to the type and layers of glass in a window. Windows can come in a single, double, or triple glaze, which refers to the layers of panes the windows have.
- Glass size— When referring to actual glass size, this term refers to the entirety of a glass pane, not merely the noticeable portion.
Style Options
- Double Hung— The most popular window style in America, the double hung window has two sliding sashes rather than a single, lower sliding sash. The window shapes themselves can vary but typically fall into the traditional, lengthy, vertical window style.
- Casement— These windows open to either side, horizontally. They do not open vertically, and are typically opened by a crank or pull rather than a sliding sash.
- Glider— Instead of opening vertically, a glider window’s sashes slide open horizontally. One sash is typically immobile, while the other sash slides to open the window.
- Awning— True to its name, an awning window fastens to the home at the top of the window and opens outwards from the bottom, creating a sort of awning over the window opening.
- Bay— Rather than a singular window, a bay window is a grouping of three windows that protrude from the side of the home to for a sort of rounded effect.
- Bow— A similar grouping of protruding windows to bay windows. However, bow windows are made up of four or more windows.
- Fixed— A window that is set in place without the ability to open.
- Picture— Another window without the ability to open, a picture frame has a solid glass pane with no dividers, providing an unobstructed glass pane.
Energy Efficiency Terminology
R-Value
The R-value is the determinant of how resistant an object is to heat flow. Energy-efficient window glass will have a high R-value (the higher, the better), because they more effectively prevent heat loss.
U-Value
Rather than determining heat flow, U-value measures the rate of heat loss, meaning the lower the U-value of an object, the greater the insulation.
Low E (Low Emissivity)
This term refers to coated glass that helps prevent heat flow, adding to a lower U-value.
Insulating Gas
This term refers to the gas that lies in the spacer of the window and prevents airflow and heat loss through the panes. The most common gases used are argon and krypton.
Weather stripping
While not a foundational part of the window structure, weather stripping is an additional piece of metal or plastic that is placed around the perimeter of the window frame to seal air leaks.
Infinity Replacement Windows Benefits
As a replacement window contractor, we have studied our fair share of replacement windows. We choose to install Infinity windows for their many benefits.
- Infinity windows are an extremely durable fiberglass window, eight times stronger than vinyl.
- They contain quality Low-E glass.
- They utilize argon insulation to decrease airflow.
- They are easy to clean due to their tilt-in capabilities.
- They are customizable for your home.
- They are beautiful in their design.
Infinity replacement windows are a great option for any homeowner and can be customized to your exact needs.
Discover the Difference a Professional Replacement Contractor Makes
With an understanding of some common replacement window terminology to help you choose the perfect Infinity replacement windows for your home, you need a professional Infinity windows contractor to provide the perfect installation.
See how a skilled and experienced professional can make the difference. Learn more about our professional replacement windows services.
