Posts by frankandmaven

Grids, also known as grilles, are optional decorative bars that can be placed in or on a window horizontally and/or vertically to create the appearance of a divided sash. Grids are often customized to create an attractive design or to match the architectural style of a particular home. Colonial, prairie, and diamond grids are three…

Jambs form the sides and top of a window frame. They are the vertical and horizontal supports of the window. The vertical jambs are also known as “side jambs,” and the horizontal jamb at the top of the window is called the “head jamb.” In some windows, the jambs house other pieces, such as tracks,…

Krypton gas is one of two gases frequently used to fill the spaces between panes in double- and triple-paned windows. Like argon (the other gas used to fill windows), krypton gas is nontoxic, inert (nonreactive), colorless, and odorless. Krypton is slow-moving and denser than both air and argon. Krypton increases the energy efficiency of a…

The lift, also called a sash lift, is a handle for raising or lowering the sash. A handle that runs along the entire length of the sash is also called a lift rail.

Low-emissivity, or low-E, glass has been treated with an extremely thin coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. Windows made with this type of glass help prevent heat transfer, are more energy efficient, and can help reduce the amount of heating and cooling needed in the home. In very cold climates, low-E…

The meeting rail is the portion of a window or sliding glass door where the two sashes meet when the window is closed. The meeting rail forms a weather barrier when the two sashes come together.

The R-value of a window represents its resistance to heat transfer, or thermal resistance. A higher R-value indicates better insulation and less heat transfer. The R-value for most insulated windows will be at least 2. The R-value is significant because much of the heating and cooling loss in a home occurs through the windows. Windows…

A window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measurement of the amount of heat that passes through it from direct sunlight and absorbed heat. A smaller Solar Heat Gain Coefficient indicates a greater ability to resist heat gain. The increased temperature within a building caused by solar heat gain can be either positive or…

A spacer is an object placed between the panes of glass in a window. The spacer serves several purposes: It maintains a uniform distance between the panes of glass. It helps prevent sealant distortion. It accommodates stress caused by changes in temperature and pressure. Combined with sealants, it prevents moisture and gas leaks within the…

Weatherstripping is a strip of material that forms a seal around the sash to prevent air and water leaks. The materials used to create weatherstripping must be durable, resilient, and weather-resistant. Some common materials for weatherstripping are sponge, foam, felt, vinyl, rubber, and metal.