In any industry, there is terminology used by the experts that may be unfamiliar to those who do not have much experience. The same goes with the Window & Door industry. Because we know how overwhelming it can be to decide what type of window may be best for your home, especially when you are not familiar with industry-specific window terms, the Window & Door professionals at Acadia Windows & Door have provided a convenient overview of window jargon so you can become better equipped to handle the window replacement process.

Window Structure Terms

In order to understand how a window works, it is important to have a basic knowledge of the parts of a window. The top of a window frame is called the head, the sides of the window frame are called the jambs and the bottom of the window frame is called the sill. Additionally, the sashes of the window are located in between the head, jambs and sill and holds the glass, or glaze, of the window. Sashes can either be moving or non-moving, depending on the window.

Operable Window Terms

Operable windows are windows that can be opened or closed to regulate the interior temperature of your property as well as allow in fresh air. Examples of operable windows include double hung, slider and casement windows. A double hung window is described as a window with two sashes that move in a vertical motion to open or close. Depending on the size of the window, the sashes are hung on a variety of different balance types, which place tension on the sashes so they can stay opened or closed.

Unlike double hung windows, slider windows have sashes that move in a horizontal fashion and can be opened by moving the sash to the right or left. A casement window opens outward and is operated by use of a crank.

Hung Windows

There are two common types of hung windows: single hung windows and double hung windows. Single hung windows have top sashes that remain stationary while having operable bottom sashes. This is compared to a double hung window, where both sashes are operable. Additionally, there are multiple types of double hung windows including a side load double hung window, a twin window and a picture window. A side load double hung window can have its sashes removed for ease in cleaning, a twin window refers to double hung windows combined together to fill a space too large for a standard single window, and a picture window can describe two double hung windows on either side of a fixed single window.

Slider Windows

The term “lites” is used to describe slider window sashes. A lite can either be operable or fixed, much like in a hung window, and the most common residential sliders include two-lite and three-lite sliders. Two-lite sliders have two sashes that slide left to right and have either one or two operable sashes, and three-lite sliders have three sashes with the middle sash being fixed and the flanking windows being operable, much like a picture window.

Casement Windows

The most common terms used when describing casement windows are “awning” and “hopper.” An awning window projects outward with a hinge on the head of the window, and this appears to make the window look like an awning. A hopper window, however, opens into the interior of the room and can also be referred to as a projected invent.

Learn More Window Terminology with Acadia Windows & Doors

When speaking with a window contractor and installer, it is beneficial to know some window terminology in order to make informed choices and ensure you are obtaining the windows that are the best fit for your home. Here, the window providers and installers at Acadia Windows & Doors explained the most popular terms that are important to know when looking to update your property’s windows. For more information on common window types as well as basic window terminology, contact the window and door suppliers, manufacturers and installers at Acadia Windows & Doors today.