The Dissection of a Home Window: Window Parts and What They are Called.

Whenever you are making a purchasing decision, it is important (I know goes without saying, but...) to be educated about your purchase. Knowledge is definitely power, perhaps one of the oldest adages. It is especially relevant when it comes to shopping. The more that you know about something, the more likely it is that you are going to make sound decision when it comes to the final purchase. In order to shop for replacement windows in Denver, the following is some information you will find useful in making decisions.

The Anatomy of Home Windows

When you are talking with Denver Window Companies, you will want to sound informed and "talk the talk" with your builder, window sales professional or remodeling company. Make certain that you know the different parts of a window to begin with. The diagram to the right dissects the different parts of a window.

Wood Frame Window

1. Head of the Window: The top of the frame is typically considered the "Head".
2. Jamb (Yes, that is how it is spelled): The side of the window frame is considered the "Window Jamb"
3. Sill: The bottom of the window frame is the "Window Sill"
4. Frame (I know you know what this is, but I should still cover it): The combination of items 1, 2 & 3 form an opening in which the window sash fits. So the Head, Jamb and Sill make up the window frame.
5. Window Sash: The assembly of stiles and rails which make up the movable frame. The sash actually holds the glass and fits into the frame. The stiles and rails are sometimes not movable in fixed windows that cannot be opened.
6. Glazing: This is the actual sheet of glass that fits into the sash.
7. Pane: The pane is a framed sheet of glass within a window.
8. Muntin Bar, grille, windowpane divider: Any bar that divides a window's glass into different sections as seen in the diagram to the right.

After having reviewed this anatomy of a window, you will be able to more intelligently speak to your builder or window company about the different aspects of your new windows. The different characteristics of windows will determine the individual price of each window.

So what constitutes quality in a window? Quality definitely depends on the features of the window. Some of the elements that you will want to shop will be the exterior protection, interior finish, insulation value, fade protection, between-the-glass options and glazing choices. We will go into detail on each of these features in future posts. Along with the elements just stated, you will want to consider the attention to detail in the production of the window. You will want to knoe about the interior harware on the iwndows and sliding doors from the manufacturer choosing the finish that best suits your interior. You will also want to consider option actions, in other words how the window actually opens along with the manufacturer's guarantee or warranty.

Now that we have covered the different parts that actually make up a window, we will cover the different features you will want to consider when shopping your Denver Replacement Windows.