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Function
Windows allow light and ventilation. Windows can add to the architectural appeal of the home, and can provide emergency exits (means of egress).
Materials
Window frames and sashes may be made of wood, vinyl (often polyvinyl chloride), metal (steel or aluminum) or fiberglass. Wood windows may also be vinyl-clad or metal-clad.
Glazing Materials
Conventional glass is the most common, although laminated, tempered and wired-glass may be found. Acrylic is common in skylights. Polycarbonates are used in windows where great strength and security are important.
Glazing Types
Windows may be single-, double- or triple-glazed. Single-glazed windows may have storm windows and screens. Double- and triple-glazed windows and skylights may have additional energy efficiency features, such as low-E glass and gas-filled spaces.
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Window Types
Common window types include—
- Single-hung (only the bottom sash is operable)
- Double-hung (both the top and bottom sash is operable)
- Casement (the windows may swing in, out or pivot)
- Horizontal sliders
- Awning (hinged at top and open outward)
- Hopper (hinged at bottom, may open in or out)
- Fixed (includes conventional glazing and glass block; glass block may be structural)
- Jalousie (typically used only in warm climates, since they do not seal tightly but are good for ventilation)
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Window Components
There are many window components. It can be a little overwhelming trying to remember all the names. The illustration is probably the best way to learn these. Let’s deal with some of the main components.
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Frames
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The frame is the perimeter structure of the window.
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Sashes
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Sashes support the glass and are the movable part of the window.
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Muntins
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Muntins divide the glass into individual panes within the sash. In the early days of glass making, it was hard to make large panes of glass. Muntins were used to create large windows. Muntins may be wood, lead, brass, vinyl or decorative tape. Many muntins are decorative and applied adjacent to the glass; they don’t actually divide the glass into separate panes. Many of these are clip-in systems that are removable to make it easy to wash the windows. True muntins separate the glass into individual panes. Many modern muntin systems are simply to create an architectural effect. Now that glass can be made in large sheets, it’s much less expensive to have fewer large panes of glass than several small ones.
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Mullions
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Mullions are the posts separating two adjacent windows in a group. Mullions are typically wood, vinyl or metal.
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