Popular Home Windows
Helpful Information when selecting new Windows
Window Links (Click on to Compare Types of Windows)
Window Types With Descriptions (Casement, Double Hung…)
Window Terms Dictionary
Windows are intricate pieces of work.
The physics of letting in the light while keeping out the cold and bugs presents a challenge when it comes time for installation, maintenance, and repair.
Windows have many factors beating their existence. Ultraviolet rays, moisture, temp. changes, and misplaced throws of softballs, footballs, or your dog's bone to name a few.
Window maintenance and upgrades pays off long term in the area of service as well as your energy savings.
The beauty new windows add to your home is definitely an added bonus.
http://www.andersonwindows.com
Popular Windows - View & Compare Page!
Michigan family owned and operated business serving Zeeland, Holland, Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.
Building? Remodeling?
CONTACT BRANDS CONSTRUCTION TODAY:
616 283 1151
616 875 2005
FAX 616 875 2085
Need help in seeing how the windows will look in your home?
How about a free elevation? (a picture of your home with the different windows styles)
No Worries - Contact us!
Some common window types :
Double Hung Circle head Casement
Window Words (Kind of like a Dictionary) Windows A-Z
Today's windows are complicated. They're more than a single piece of glass set into a wood or metal frame so choosing the right windows for a new home or a remodeling project for an older one challenges almost every homeowner to learn some new words that describe the window and door products involved. All windows and sliding patio doors have features inside and out that make them effective Some of these features are better than others. To do comparison shopping, you need to know what the terms mean. These features have names that are industry terms used by window manufacturers, the government and private industry rating and testing agencies and by contracting professionals. Knowing more about what you're buying can be very important to long term satisfaction with your new windows and doors.
Even if you're just buying one window or door, it is helpful to speak the language of today's windows.
Knowing the language of the fenestration industry can explain why one window brand may cost more than another but produces better value long term. Some of the terms important to a good understanding of your window and door investment are included here. We have chosen some of the most frequently used terms and provided what we hope are some easy answers.
Windows A-Z
Argon and Krypton Gas
An inert, odorless and colorless gas used to fill the air space between panels of glass in an insulating glass component of a window. The gas acts to resist heat transfer through the insulating glass unit, working with the low emissivity (low-E) coating on the glass to produce better U-Values. Another inert gas often used in custom made windows is krypton gas. Krypton gas is typically slightly more expensive than argon gas but has been shown in some studies to be a more effective insulator. It is very important that the window sash and frame that holds the glass be stable. Expansion or contraction of the frame/sash typical with alternative materials such as aluminum, wood and vinyls, can adversely affect the insulated glass seal and the efficiency of the window. Since glass has little or no expansion and contraction, and fiberglass is glass-based together they have the best potential of preserving the energy efficiency of the window or door over the life of the product.
Balance
In old double hung windows, tension was provided by two large weights tied to ropes or chains that kept the open bottom sash—or open top sash—in the selected open position. Today's windows use a mechanical balance system in the jambs of the window. These balances are engineered and properly matched to the window size to facilitate the tension necessary to hold the sash in place.
Bay Window
Typically, an arrangement of three windows, one centered, that together form projection from the interior wall.
Bow Window
An arrangement of four or more windows that form a radial, or bow, projection from the interior wall.
Casing (Window)
The flat or decorative molding that encases the window on the inside covering the rough opening area between the window and the wall.
Casement Window
A window that is divided into two sections, opening on pivots outward with the use of hand crank hardware.
Custom Window
A window made to the exact dimensions of the opening or windows made to fulfill a fenestration design, or grouping of windows in either a replacement or in a new construction application. Many windows sold today are standard stocking items; that is, they are made and inventoried in standard, ready-to- ship sizes. These standard sizes typically are the most frequently requested sizes for new construction applications. However, not all window openings, especially in old, custom-built houses are the same. Using standard stocking sizes can mean that the installer has to fill around the closest sized window to make it fit. A custom window is made to the exact dimensions required for a perfect fit to the opening. Buying a custom replacement window can be important to the long-term performance of the window. A custom window also allows more individual owner preferences like color, glass tints, high performance insulating glass and hardware options. A custom window may cost a little more initially but the cost can be offset by a more efficient, faster installation and by better performance over the life of the product.
Dormer
A vertical window and its structure projecting out of a roof
Fenestration
The arrangement, including proportion and design, of windows in a building.
Finger Jointing
Wood trim that is made from short pieces of wood joined together in angled fingers, glued and pressure sealed at the joint. The frame around windows is sometimes finger jointed; however, it must be painted to hide the joint. For staining, a single piece of wood is preferred.
Glazing
The glass in a window
Double Glazing
Two panes of glass separated by an insulating air space and set into the frame. Triple glazing is the use of three panes of glass separated by two insulating air spaces and set into the frame.
Hopper Window
A window, typically horizontal in shape, that is hinged at the top of the sash in a way that the window opens to the inside. May be used at the bottom of another window for additional ventilation.
Keeper
The top portion or hooked portion of a window locking mechanism that engages the lock.
Lift
A handle or rail on the operating sash of a double hung window that acts as a handle for opening and closing the window.
Lite or Light
The glass portion of a window encased by the sash. A window lite is an area of glass; for example, a single lite fixed or picture window.
Low-E Glass (Low Emissivity Glass)
Glass that has been coated to reduce by a measurable amount the ability of radiant heat and UV rays to pass through the glass.
Meeting Rail
On a double hung window, the bottom rail (cross member) of the top sash and top rail of the bottom sash that meet in the middle of the window where the lock is mounted. It is important that this area have insulation between the meeting rails to inhibit air flow between the sashes.
Mullion and Mulled
A vertical or horizontal profile that joins two or more window units.
Muntin
A narrow piece of material—in older windows, wood—that separates small glass lites. In early America, it was not possible to make large sheets of glass so muntin strips were used to hold the small panes of glass. This is called a true divided lite. In modern windows, between the glass muntins provide the desired aesthetics and the benefit of easy cleaning.
Panel
In sliding glass doors, a panel is each section of the door, whether fixed or operating. The glass in the panel is a lite.
Pultrusion
The method used to join glass fibers and resins through lineal-forming machines with the end result begin a formed profile that when joined to other profiles, form a window, door or sash frame.
Rail
The horizontal part of a frame in a double hung window. The upper sash has a bottom rail and a top rail. The lower sash has a bottom rail and a top rail. The lock is located on the top rail of the bottom sash.
Rough Opening
The opening in a wall into which a replacement window will be installed.
Sill
The board or material that extends out at the bottom of the window on the exterior. This area is usually sloped downward to facilitate drainage out and away from the window.
Single Hung
A window that looks like a double hung window but has a fixed top sash and an operable bottom sash. This style, though useful in some applications, removes the opportunity for both sash units to ventilate and tilt in for easy cleaning.
Stile
The vertical members of a window sash.
Transom
A smaller window placed above another window or above a door.
Paid Sponsored Listings:
Order Blinds Online for Great Prices and Good Customer Service.
Note: You will need to measure and install the Blinds.
http://
http://
http://
Are You buying New Windows? Do you need to cover them?
Remember to Include Blinds in your Budgeting!
Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland, and Zeeland Michigan Areas.
For Free Plans or an Estimate call
616 283 1151
Or email@BrandsConstruction.com
“Be a Leader: Remember The Lead Sled Dog Is The Only One With A Decent View.”
Honor Books, Inc