Windows

Window basics

Selecting new windows isn’t a task that you’ll do very often. Before you begin to shop for windows, it will pay to spend a few minutes becoming familiar with the components and styles of windows as well as technical terms you’ll encounter.

Styles

There are two basic categories of windows: those that open (operable windows) and those that don’t (fixed windows).

There are several types of operable windows. Here are the most common styles:

Glazing

The term “glazing” refers to the transparent or translucent material in a window. Glazing is most often glass but sometimes can be a plastic sheet or film.

The most basic technique to reduce the heat loss and improve the condensation resistance of a window is to add extra layers of glazing. Windows referred to as single-, double- or triple-glazed simply mean that that these windows have one, two or three layers of glazing.

A window’s performance can be further enhanced by the application of a special low-emissivity coating (low-E) coating to the glass. This coating reflects heat back into the home during winter months and reduces radiant heat from entering the home in summer.

Two types of low-E coatings are available: soft coat and hard coat. This refers to the manufacturer’s method of applying the coating to the glazing.