The 16 parts of a window and window frames and types (2023)

Take a moment to imagine your home without windows. The interior would not only appear significantly darker, but also much smaller! While it's easy to take them for granted, there are a surprising number of parts that make modern windows possible.

Parts of a window frame

You can't have a frameless window! The frame holds the sash together (more on that below!) and mounts the window in the surrounding wall. It also provides weather protection and a stylish finish for both the interior and exterior of your home.

Kopf:The head is the upper horizontal part of a window frame.

Shoulder pads:Frames are the two vertical parts on either side of a window frame.

Threshold:The sill or sill is the lower horizontal part of a window frame. Some rocker panels include additional parts:

Bank:The bench is the most visible part of the bench creating a distinctive shelf-like finish. It can be the same depth as the head and shoulder pads or protrude more than the rest of the frame.

Apron:A skirt is an optional sill piece that extends vertically across the wall. It's absolutely decorative.

Coating:The box is the decorative frieze applied to the interior and/oroutside a windowframe. The box covers the installation point for a clean, aesthetically pleasing finish.

Parts of a window frame

While the frame connects everything to the wall, thewindow framesit holds the glass panes in place.

Window frames can be movable - allowing many windows to be opened and closed - or fixed.

Rail:Rails are the horizontal parts of a window frame that run parallel to the head and sill of the frame.

Check the rail:The crash barriers are thosetwo rails overlapcommonly seen on single, double and sash windows. Control arms often include a locking mechanism.

Style:Stiles are the vertical parts on either side of a window sash. The steps run parallel to the stops of the surrounding frame.

The grill:Grilles are optional parts of a window frame that divide a single pane of glass into multiple segments. They can be structural or decorative. Some windows have removable grilles for easy cleaning.

posts and rungs arecommon typesof grills.

Post:A mullion is a single vertical lattice that divides a single piece of glass into two adjacent panels.

sprouts:Muntins are almost identical to the sets. The main difference is that muntins are used to split a single window into any number of panes - not just two.

parts of a window pane

Last but not least we have the humble windowpane.

Without the glass, a window would just be a small door. The panel allows us to see the landscape outside our homes. It also lets in natural sunlight during the day.

Glas:Perhaps the most important part of a window pane is the glass. Modern windows consist of several panes of glass. The most common is double and triple layer glass.

spacers:Spacers hold multiple pieces of glass in place to form a single pane. Spacers are essential for any high quality window pane. Spacers maintain a consistent spacing between layers of glass. They also create a seal that helpsInsulate the windowand prevents the formation of condensation inside.

insulating gas:Although invisible to the naked eye, fumes are an important part of many windows. The insulating gases are trapped between pieces of glass. Sealing spacers prevent gas leakage. Two of the most common gases used in windows areargon and krypton.

These gases help insulate the glass and prevent hot or cold air from passing from one side of the glass to the other. They can also block out unwanted noise from outside the home.

Body:Many residential windows have screens on one side of the glass. These screens often open and close independently of the window frame. Screened windows can be opened to let in fresh outside air without letting bugs or large debris into the home.

The screens also provide limited security by keeping wildlife out (although certain wild animals will not be stopped by a fine screen!).

The most common window types

Identifying the different parts of a window can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to renovating or maintaining your home. But not all windows are the same!

have in mind:Almost all types of windows can take on many different appearances. Ultimately, how a window works determines its style.

Here are some of the most popular window styles that might be in your home or at your local hardware store:

1. Hanging single

A drop-down window has two wings, only one of which can slide up and down. Often - but not always - the bottom lane is the mobile one.

Hanging windows are the most common style found in many contemporary homes.

2. Double suspension

A double-leaf window is like a single-leaf window. Oa differenceis that with a double window, both sashes can be moved up or down.

3. Awning

An awning window swings out from below. The upper part of the wing is hinged, allowing the lower part to swing out. Some awning windows have an additional fixed wing above or below the awning wing. Awning windows have a special part calledPoor Servants. This arm supports the window frame when opening.

Many awning windows open and close with the use of an internal handle.

4. wing

Acasement windowIt's essentially an awning window that opens from the side, not the bottom. Awnings and casement windows can also be mentionedcrank window.

Awning windows are wider than they are high. The opposite is true for casement windows.

Like awning windows, casement windows generally use the operator's arm and crank to open and close. Casement windows can be opened from either side - the direction in which a window opens is up to the installer.

5. Photos

Apanoramic windowIt's the one that doesn't open at all. In general, panoramic windows are very large. The main purpose of a picture window is to provide an unobstructed and aesthetically pleasing view outside.

6. Gliding

The best way to describe a sash window is a single or double fold down window turned on its side!

Sash windows can open in any direction - a sash window can have one or two movable sashes. They typically have a locking mechanism built into the support rail.

7. Schacht

A bay window is a multi-framed window that extends beyond the exterior wall of the home. Bay windows are often combined with benches or built-in cupboards.

Bay windows are typically associated with vintage design—Victorian architecture, for example—but they can be used effectively in all types of home design.

Bay windows are closely related to bay windows (many homeowners refer to both styles by the same name).

Most bay windows consist of a large picture window flanked on each side by a different type of window. Meanwhile, arched windows feature three or more frames of the same style.

final thoughts

The average homeowner doesn't install new windows themselves! But learning how your home's windows work can be a great way to expand your knowledge and feel better equipped to deal with routine maintenance.

What types of windows do you have in your home? Does your home have unique window styles that haven't been mentioned? Let us know in the comments below!