A window is made up of several parts, each with their own specific role to play, helping a unit perform its primary functions, such as letting in natural light to illuminate a room, improving overall insulation for the home, and keeping the elements out of your property. Major parts of a window include:

THE SASH AND WINDOW FRAME

A sash essentially refers to moving part of a window, made up of window glass, rails (the horizontal portion of a window sash) and stiles (the vertical portion). It is fitted within the window frame, which encompasses the perimeter of a window and is made up of the head, jambs and sill, the top, side and bottom portions of a frame, respectively. In the case of a double hung window, for example, it has two operable sashes: the upper and the lower sash. These open or close by sliding up or down along tracks located on the jambs.

The sash and window frame can be made from various materials, your choice of which can also factor into how well a window performs. For instance, wood is a traditional favorite because it is beautiful and insulates well. However, it requires a lot of maintenance, which if you don’t provide will result in rapid deterioration as the material is naturally prone to rotting. Vinyl doesn’t insulate as well as wood but it is easier to maintain, while composite works to combine the charm and insulative properties of wood with the ease of maintenance vinyl has to offer.

PART I - THE NECESSARY PARTS

THE GLASS PANE

No window is complete without a glass pane. And because it covers a significant portion of the unit, it is a major determinant of window performance. There are different window glass options but, to address the growing interest in energy efficiency, most window manufacturers produce dual-paned (or double-glazed) units as standard as these are more energy-efficient than their single-paned (or single-glazed) counterparts. Low-emissivity (low-E) glass coating is also another feature that helps promote energy efficiency. It effectively filters out heat from the sun without impeding natural light let in by a window to help stabilize indoor temperature and complement daylighting efforts.

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Windows can be good on their own but there are enhancements that can make them even better. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more about window grilles!

PART I - THE NECESSARY PARTS

A lot of people treat windows as purely functional parts of the home that they overlook the possible contributions a unit can have to improving the overall appeal of a property. Windows are visible so there’s no helping that they will affect your home’s appearance. If that’s the case, you might as well take advantage of the opportunity to improve the look of your home.

What are grilles and how can they enhance your windows?

Also called muntins, grilles are decorative pieces that are attached to window glass, dividing it into smaller panels. Don’t confuse them with mullions, which are vertical bars that separate two window panels. There are different varieties of window grilles. Some are placed in between glass panes, while some are snapped on over interior or exterior side of the glass, making them removable. Exact options available, however, will vary from manufacturer to manufacture, although most should offer the enhancement as grilles have become standard.

PART 2 - THE ENHANCEMENT - WINDOW GRILLES

Are grilles worth adding?

Typically, grilles are treated as add-ons, with your usual unit simply featuring the basic design for a certain window type. But while their foremost purpose is to improve your window’s aesthetic appeal, grilles are also built to be tough so you can expect them to be durable, lasting as long as the window they are attached to. A range of grille options are available to not just address your personal preferences but to ensure as well that you find one that will complement your home perfectly. Given the boost in aesthetic appeal that grilles can offer, they are definitely worth considering adding when you’re shopping around for a window replacement.

A QUICK NOTE

Grille options for double hung windows depend on the number of smaller square panels formed on a sash. For example, a six over six grille option means that the upper sash is divided into six squares while the lower sash has six squares as well.

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Want a little something more for your window? Check out Part 3 of this e-book as we talk about hardware finishes and how the extra touches can take your window to the next level.

PART 2 - THE ENHANCEMENT - WINDOW GRILLES

Hardware make up very little of a window so it’s easy for them to go unnoticed. However, given the boost that a simple hardware change can offer, it shows that paying attention to hardware finishes will go a long way towards ensuring aesthetic appeal for your windows.

YOUR OPTIONS

Available hardware finishes will depend on what your window manufacturer is offering. For instance, Renewal by Andersen offers the following color options: white, stone, distressed nickel, distressed bronze, polished chrome, bright brass, antique brass, satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze and brushed chrome. Hardware will also age with use and the passage of time so you also have to take into consideration what a finish will look like in the future when choosing. Do keep in mind, however, that as different hardware will be subjected to different levels of wear and tear, it is possible that the same finish will end up looking dissimilar in two different homes down the line. If you want to make sure that your finish retains its appearance, talk to your contractor about sealing your hardware before installation.

PART 3 - THE EXTRA TOUCHES - HARDWARE FINISHES

WHAT TO CHOOSE

Window hardware are generally only visible from the inside of your home so that means your choice of finish should complement your interiors. Love the charm of antique brass? Feeling the vibe of polished chrome hardware? Brushed finishes generally impart a sense of elegance and sophistication while distressed nickel looks great against a light-colored window, if you’re looking to achieve contrast. Other than taking the time to match hardware finishes with other things inside your home, you are more than free to choose whatever you like.

Getting a window replacement is a great way to boost your home’s form and function. But more than just getting a new window, you should also make the effort to get the right window for your home, and that includes making the most out of the enhancements and extra touches available to you. After all, you can’t go wrong with having an even more beautiful window. Talk to your local contractor today to get started on finding the right window replacement for you.

PART 3 - THE EXTRA TOUCHES - HARDWARE FINISHES

Renewal By Andersenof San Diego

8266 Miramar Rd NE, San Diego,CA 92126

(858) 201-6742(858) 201-4321(858) 360-7700

RbASanDiego.com