Modern replacement windows come with a variety of new features and styles, but understanding all your options can be confusing. Read on to learn about the most important window replacement terms you need to know so you can make an informed decision when looking for new windows for your home.
Window Glass
Your window glass comes with a variety of options that help increase its energy efficiency and lower your utilities. Here are some glass components:
- Window Panes—This is the glass that is housed in the window sash. It can be single pane, double pane, or triple pane depending on your preference.
- Window Spacers—These metal or plastic pieces separate the panes of glass in your window so insulating argon gas can be housed there.
- Glazing—This refers to the type of glass, and layers of glass in your window.
- Glass Size—This is the actual size of the full window glass pane, not just the part that’s visible.
Double Hung
The most popular and most versatile window style, double hung windows look fabulous on many different home styles: from contemporary to traditional. They’re easy to clean with tilt-in features, making it a risk free (ladder free) project when it comes time to clean your second floor windows. Both the top and bottom sash move, making it easy for air to circulate in your home.
Single Hung
for historic homes because these fit with the period specific look, single hung windows boast low maintenance due to their low number of moving parts. Only the bottom sash moves, leaving the top sash in a fixed position.
Casement Windows
As the second most popular window type, casement windows open horizontally rather than vertically. Typically operated by a crank or lever to allow ease of opening, casement windows are often found over the tops of kitchen counters. Their airtight seal makes them energy-efficient, saving you on utilities.
Glider Windows
Get outstanding views and an abundance of natural light with glider windows that slide from side to side. Their frames can hold a lot of weight, so they can be quite large and seamless.
Bay and Bow Windows
Open up your indoor spaces with more surface space for lamps and decorations by adding a bay or bow window to your home. Create an inviting breakfast nook in your kitchen or a reading nook in your bedroom with bay or bow windows. Get more natural light in your home while creating gorgeous vistas of the outdoors to enjoy from the comfort of your home.
Picture Window
These beautiful, fixed windows give you an abundance of natural light in your home and great views of the outdoors. They don’t open or close, so they are super energy-efficient and need little to no maintenance. Enjoy lower energy usage and save on utilities with gorgeous picture windows. Customize them for your exact space to get the perfect look for your Raleigh, North Carolina home.
Energy Efficiency Terminology
- Insulating Gas—This is Argon or Krypton gas that lies in the space of the window and prevents airflow and heat loss through your window panes.
- R-Value—A measure of how resistant an object is to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the better.
- U-Value—A measure of heat loss. The lower the U-Value, the better.
- Low Emissivity (Low-E)—A thin coating on your glass that’s not visible, yet helps prevent heat flow.
Window Frames
Your window frame is the surrounding structure of your window that doesn’t move. It’s made up of several parts:
- Window Head—This is the top of your window frame that lies horizontally.
- Window Jambs—The two sides of your window frame that lie vertically and are another part of your window frame.
- Window Sill—The thick horizontal base of your window frame is your window sill or ledge.
Window Apron
Although not all windows have aprons, under some windowsills you’ll see a window apron. It’s a decorative trim that adds beauty to your window.
Window Casing
Used to dress up your window, the casing is a decorative trim that covers the seam between your wall and your window.
Window Sash
The pane of your window is housed in the sash.
- Stile—This is the vertical portion of the sash.
- Rail—This is the horizontal portion of the sash.
A Reputable Replacement Windows Contractor
It’s hard to know how to decide on replacement windows for your North Carolina home. That’s where the experts at Kelly Window and Door come in. We’re here to help guide you through the window selection process and ensure you get the best long-term solution for your needs.
Improve your home’s beauty and energy efficiency with durable replacement windows installed by the expert team at Kelly Window and Door.