So you’re shopping for new windows, but like most homeowners, you don’t have a lot of knowledge about replacement windows. The team at All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding put together this short guide to help familiarize yourself with the parts of a window, so when you do your research, you’ll know what these basic terms mean and you’ll know what to look for when shopping.
Know the Basics of Window Anatomy before Shopping
1. Frame – the frame is the outside structure (usually made of wood, or composite) that provides structure and rigidity so the window has a place to sit securely.
2. Cladding – made of vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, cladding is wrapped around the exterior of a wood or composite window to protect it from the elements. It also eliminates the need to paint the window.
3. Sash – this is the moving part of the window. It can slide up and down and allows the window to be tilted in for easy cleaning. Double hung windows have an upper and a lower sash.
4. Insulated Glass – double-glazed windows have two panes of glass sealed together. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with air or another gas that insulates better than air. Argon gas is the most common gas other than air used to fill the space.
5. Low-E Coating – this transparent coating improves the efficiency of the glass by reflecting heat while letting light in. In warm climates, the coating is applied to the outside of glass to reflect the sun’s heat and keep it out. In colder areas, it’s applied to the inside glass to keep heat in.
6. Grilles – these are the decorative pieces that criss cross the middle of the window, usually in a grid pattern. They are available in different designs to match architectural styles.
At All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, we are proud to offer Andersen replacement windows. We have found that these windows offer the best in quality and price.