Discover window frame terminology and explore window terms for types and styles. The following is 1 of 4 pages on our section dealing with window terminology.
Window Frame Terminology
Aluminum
Aluminum Clad
wood frame windows in which the exterior wood frame is covered by a sheet of aluminum so that it is more durable and low maintenance. This provides the interior beauty of wood with the exterior weather resistance of aluminum.
Double Glazed
Comprised of two panes of glass that have space between them filled with air or gas (argon or krypton) for added insulation.
Egress
windows that are large enough so that humans can exit a building in an emergency.
Fiberglass
windows made from a composite material of glass fibers and plastic.
Knocked-Down Windows
pre-manufactured but unassembled window kits.
Metal Clad Windows
wood frame windows in which the exterior wood frame is covered by a sheet of metal, steel or aluminum so that it is more durable and low maintenance. This provides the interior beauty of wood with the exterior weather resistance of metal.
Tilt and Turn
windows with sashes that can be pivoted or tilted in to make them easier to clean.
Triple Glazed
windows comprised of three panes of glass that have space between them filled with air or gas (argon or krypton) for added insulation.
Vinyl Clad
wood frame windows in which the exterior wood frame is covered by a sheet of vinyl so that it is more durable and low maintenance. This provides the interior beauty of wood with the exterior weather resistance of vinyl.
Window Styles Terminology
Awning
Typically rectangular in shape that are hinged on the top so that they can open outward from above. When opened, they resemble awnings, providing both ventilation and an awning for rain.
Bay
A set of three (or more) windows that are connected along the vertical edges and jut out from the wall of a house. The frames sit at an angle to one another with the center pane typical larger than the two outside sections.
Bow
A series of multiple windows that are connected and angled in such a way as to form a curved or bowed window that extends out from the exterior wall of a house.
Casement
These have a set of hinges on a vertical side of the window (either right or left side) that allows the sash to swing opened and closed. These windows can open towards the interior or exterior of the house, depending on how the hinges are mounted to the sash.
Clerestory
They that are mounted high up on a wall to allow the maximum infiltration of light into a room.
Colonial
These have multiple panes, or the illusion of multiple panes, within a sash. They are typically single or double hung windows and are referred to as 6-lite, 9-lite, 12-lite, etc., which indicates how many panes are in the window.
Double Hung
Windows that have two movable sashes, one above the other.
Fanlight
Semi-circle windows that have bars radiating out from the center. This type of window is typically placed over another window or a door.
Fixed Or Fixed Frame
windows that do not open.
Geometric
windows that come in a variety of geometric shapes other than rectangular, square or round. Examples are octagons and trapezoids.
Greenhouse
similar to bay or bow windows, but the top of the window is also comprised of glass.
Hopper
windows that open in from the top. Hinges are placed on the inside bottom of the sash.
Jalousie
windows that are made up of a series of horizontal glass panes that resemble slats. The slats can be pivoted open using a hand crank.
Lancet
windows with a pointed arch at the top in the Gothic style.
Lattice
windows with diagonal shaped panes made possible by diagonally situated muntins.
Transom
windows that are placed above a door to provided added light. Operable transoms can be opened to provide ventilation.
Oriel
similar to bay windows, these windows are supported completely by attachment to the exterior wall and do not extend down to the ground.
Palladian
Large rectangular or square windows that have smaller semi-circle windows above and other small windows on each side. Also called Venetian windows.
Picture
Large fixed or stationary windows that do not open. They can be flanked by operable windows for ventilation.
Queen Anne
windows in which the upper sash is comprised of a number of small panes arranged in a variety of patterns.
Sidelights
windows that are mounted on the sides of a door to let in additional light and ventilation, if operable.
Single-Hung Windows
that have two sashes, one above the other, but only the lower sash is movable and the upper sash is fixed.
Skylight
roof mounted windows that provide light from above. Operable skylights can be opened to provide ventilation as well.
Venetian
Large rectangular or square windows that have smaller semi-circle windows above and other small windows on each side. Also called Palladian windows.
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Window Components Terminology
Window Construction Terminology
Window Installation Terminology
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