What Are the Different Parts of a Window?

You may be familiar with terms like windowsills and window panes, but it’s understandable if you can’t name every window part. If words like aprons, mullions and jambs aren't in your vocabulary, our window terminology guide is here to help. We’ll teach you basic window anatomy that’ll help you speak the lingo like an expert the next time you're looking to upgrade the windows on your Des Moines home.

Why Should Des Moines Homeowners Be Aware of the Correct Terminology?

Understanding the precise window terminology can be invaluable for Des Moines residents during their window replacement journey. This knowledge helps you engage in discussions with window experts with confidence, safeguarding yourself against deceptive sales tactics and ensuring you make well-informed choices to avoid expensive errors. With a bit of window expertise, you will enjoy a smoother window replacement experience.

Common Window Types

Windows play a crucial role in defining the character and functionality of a home. They allow in natural light, add beauty inside and out and affect your home’s energy efficiency. When it comes to selecting the right windows for your Des Moines home, it's essential to know the most common window types and their distinguishing features. Explore what replacement window style is right for you:

• Double-Hung Windows: This classic window style features two vertically sliding sashes that open from both the top and bottom. This allows for improved airflow while maintaining a timeless and versatile appeal.

• Sliding Windows: Sliding windows have a space-saving design with a single moving sash that glides open horizontally. They’re easy to operate, provide unobstructed views and create a sleek, modern appearance. 

• Casement & Awning Windows: Casement and awning windows open outward using a crank mechanism, allowing fresh air into your home. They boast excellent ventilation, a tight seal when closed for energy efficiency and panoramic views when open.

• Bay & Bow Windows: Bay and bow windows extend toward the outside, creating a charming alcove or bay-like space. They’re popular for maximizing your living area and view, infusing more natural light into the room and adding architectural interest to your home's exterior.

• Picture Windows: Picture windows are designed to offer expansive, unobstructed views and ample natural light. They are custom-made and available in countless shapes (all securely sealed).

• Garden Windows: Garden windows extend outward from your home and often have mutle panes of glass. They’re perfect for plant lovers to display their herbs and allow ample natural light into the room.

• Architectural Shapes: These windows come in a variety of full and half circles, octagons, hexagons, ovals and more. They are perfect for homes that feature high-vaulted ceilings and will add drama to any space.

Exterior Parts of a Window Frame

The window frame surrounds and supports the window pane and can be made of aluminum, fiberglass, wood or vinyl. Each part of the exterior frame is a distinct component of a window:

1. Head: The head of a window is the horizontal top part of the frame, which helps to support the structure and maintain the window's integrity.

2. Sill: The window sill is the horizontal bottom piece of the window frame that serves as both a structural support and a barrier against moisture infiltration.

3. Jamb: The jambs are the vertical sides of the window frame that provide stability and contain tracks or rails that let the windows open.

4. Apron: The apron is a decorative molding that is installed below the windowsill. It adds an aesthetic touch while protecting the wall beneath the window from moisture.

5. Weep Holes: Weep holes are small openings built into the bottom of metal and vinyl window frames. They allow precipitation that collects in the window tracks to drain off.

Interior Parts of a Window Sash

Your window sash is the moveable part of the window that houses the pane of glass. But it’s much more than just the part that holds the glass. Here are the components of a window sash:

1. Pane: The window pane is the piece, or pieces, of glass in your window.

2. Window Rail: The horizontal part of the frame at the top and bottom of the sash are called window rails. They contain grooves that hold the window panes.

3. Spacers: Spacers separate and support the different panes of glass in a window. Window World of Des Moines windows use the Intercept™ warm-edge spacer system to provide superior insulation and extend the life of your windows.

4. Sash Lock: This is the locking mechanism that prevents rattling and drafts and keeps your windows secure.

5. Lift: The lift is the handle for lifting and lowering the sash.

6. Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is used to seal gaps and cracks where the window frame and sash meet. It provides an extra layer of energy efficiency and protection against the elements.

Additional Window Parts

A window is more than a frame and a pane. Here are some other window part names you should know:

1. Casing: The casing (aka window trim) is the decorative molding that surrounds the exterior window frames. It seals gaps between the window frame and the wall to prevent drafts from entering your home.

2. Mullion: A mullion is a vertical or horizontal structural piece that divides the frame into different sections. It creates the appearance of separate smaller windows within a larger window frame. 

3. Grilles: Grilles are decorative pieces that create a visually appealing grid pattern on the window. They can also provide additional security and protection.

4. Fixed Panel: Also called the stationary or picture window panel, a fixed panel is an unmovable, non-operable glass pane that does not open or close. It is most commonly seen in single-hung windows.

What Makes a Window Energy Efficient?

Windows are so much more than just their parts. It’s important that they’re energy efficient. Here’s some key terms about energy efficiency to help you select the most energy-saving windows for your needs!

1. Low-E Glass: Low-E glass (short for low-emissivity glass) is a type of window glass that has been treated with a thin, invisible coating designed to filter the amount of UV light that enters your home. This coating helps reduce heat transfer and energy costs all year.

2. Argon Gas: Argon gas is used as an insulator in double and triple-pane windows. Combined with Low-E glass, this colorless, odorless gas keeps the window closer to room temperature, helping eliminate drafts and increase energy efficiency.

3. Intercept™ warm-edge spacer system: This spacer minimizes condensation and keeps the edges of glass windows warmer, creating a more comfortable temperature year-round.

Tips for Des Moines Homeowners After Learning Window Terminology

Understanding window components is only the beginning for Des Moines homeowners considering window replacement. You should also recognize signs your windows need to be replaced such as increased energy bills, drafts, visible damage, condensation between panes, or outdated aesthetics as indicators for replacement. Minor repairs like torn window screens can sometimes resolve these issues, but extensive damage may warrant window replacement.

Ready to talk with window replacement professionals? During your consultation, make sure to get multiple quotes to compare prices and services, ask about warranties offered by the window professional or the manufacturer, discuss energy-efficient options and clarify the window buying and installation process. Getting this information upfront can help you find the perfect windows for your Des Moines home without future hassle.

Upgrade for Premium Window Design 

At Window World of Des Moines, our windows are meticulously crafted with your needs in mind, delivering unparalleled strength, security, visual appeal and energy efficiency. When you're ready to enhance your home's windows, our window experts are here to review all the window terms and replacement benefits with you. Contact us today to request your free estimate.