When the time comes to replace the windows in your Des Plaines, IL, home, it’s important to have an understanding of your options and how a window is constructed. The experienced and trusted team at Opal Exteriors can answer all of your questions and provide you with plenty of window options, including vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and composite. Below, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions related to windows our team receives from customers.
What Is the Window Frame?
The frame of a window attaches to the house and holds the window in place so it does not fall out of the opening. The frame consists of the sill, jamb, and head.
What Is a Sill?
A window sill is the bottom area of a window.
What Are Window Jambs?
The jambs are the sides of the window that go vertically from top to bottom.
What Is a Window Sash?
A window sash is the moveable part of the window that contains the glass.
Do Windows Have Rails?
Yes, all windows have rails. The rails are located on the bottom and the top of each window. The rails are installed horizontally.
What Is a Muntin?
A muntin is a bar that separates two or more pieces of glass inside the window. The muntin is small and dates back quite some time to when glass could not be made in larger sizes without the risk of it breaking.
Does a Window Have a Mullion?
A mullion is an important part of window installation because it connects two or more windows together. When this happens, it is known as having the windows mulled together. The mullion runs either vertically or horizontally on each window.
What Is the Trim and the Casing?
The trim of a window is on its exterior (outside of the house) that is a decorative frame. The casing of the window is on the interior (inside of the house).
What Are Grilles on a Window?
The grilles of a window are decorative pieces used to separate the window panels, which helps to give the window the appearance that there are multiple panes of glass.
Popular Types of Windows for Des Plaines, IL, Homes
Working with the experienced team at Opal Exteriors makes your window installation project easy. Our Mission Statement is simple: we want you to have a wonderful remodeling experience. Below, you will learn about some of the most popular types of replacement windows for Des Plaines, IL, homes that we install.
Single-Hung Windows
A single-hung window can only open in one direction. Only the bottom half of the window can open for airflow. These are not quite as popular as double-hung windows, which are explained next.
Double-Hung Windows
By far one of the most popular types of windows, double-hung windows are very easy to clean because both the top and bottom portion of the window can open. In most cases, the top of the window can also fold into the house for ease of cleaning without having to go outside.
Sliding Windows
Another popular window option for homeowners is that of the sliding window. Sliding windows are often installed in areas of a home where the window might be difficult to reach and open. With a sliding window, opening the window for fresh air is much easier than struggling to push a window up into the open position when you can just slide it to the side.
Casement Windows
Casement windows are another great window option for areas of the home that are hard to reach, especially if you want these windows to open often. The window is installed in a casement and is opened using a crank that pushes the window out from the casement to the exterior of the home.
Hopper Windows
Hopper windows are most often used in basements and bathrooms. These windows crank or push open. Hopper windows are great for insulating an area of your home that has struggled with air infiltration because when the window closes it does so flush against the casing.
Awning Windows
An awning window has its hinge at the top of the window and opens out from the house. An awning window adds airflow to a room with ease. These windows open either by pushing the window out from its casing or by using a crank. An awning window is often installed below or above another window in place to add airflow for the room.
Bay Windows
Bay windows not only add space to a room such as the kitchen, but also add curb appeal to the exterior of your home. There is a central fixed window in the middle with two smaller, angled windows on either side of the central window. The windows on the side can be casement windows or double-hung windows.
Bow Windows
Another type of window that is used to add space to the interior of a home is the bow window. A bow window consists of four windows connected together in a rounded shape. A bow window can add space for plants, books, and collectible items. The bow window also offers you a panoramic view of the outside of the house.
Picture Windows
A picture window is perfect for providing a room with the maximum amount of light. Picture windows cannot open, which is why they should only be installed in a room that has other means of egress and ability to provide airflow. Picture windows are the most energy efficient windows on the market because they are sealed shut. Picture windows are most often installed at the top of a stairwell near a chandelier.
Schedule an Appointment With Opal Exteriors Today
Are you ready to invest in your Des Plaines, IL, home? If so, it’s time to call the experienced team at Opal Exteriors to schedule an appointment. We will visit your home in order to create a custom estimate for your project. We operate offices in Naperville and Des Plaines to better serve you. Call us today or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.
