You’ve finally decided to take the plunge, and you’re about to embark upon a window renovation adventure. After a couple of months of consideration, you’re excited to say goodbye to your old, drafty windows and give a big, overdue welcome to a set of shiny new ones. You’ve planned out which windows you want to replace and the ones you’re thinking of keeping. A tentative renovation timeline is already in place, and you’re all set to go. It’s time to start the renovation process!

However, as you look through window images and terminology, you quickly realize that you’re not a window installation expert. Your window knowledge goes as far as learning how to properly clean glass from the inside, and you’re still not sure if you should use a circular or up-and-down motion.

It’s pretty safe to say that you could use a little help before you permanently alter your home’s appearance. We’re Casa Bella — Mississauga windows and doors experts that know a thing or two about window replacement and installation. A family-run business for over 60 years, we’re proud to call ourselves window specialists. We’ve replaced many windows and doors over the years, and we’ve seen, first-hand, how important it is for clients to understand the installation process.

We believe clients deserve to be on the same page as us when we’re talking about something as important as your home. That’s why we’ve created a mini window glossary outlining relevant terms to keep in mind before you begin your upcoming home project.

General Window Terms

Pane

  • A pane is the glass area within a window frame.

Sash

  • The sash holds a window’s framework and glass in place.

Weatherstripping 

  • Weatherstripping seals and protects your windows from the elements of the outdoors, such as rain and snow.

Vinyl Frame

  • The vinyl framework surrounding the entire window. Vinyl is the superior material because it’s long-lasting, durable, and versatile.

Window Types

Awning

  • An awning window has a bottom that swings outward for ventilation.

Bay

  • A bay window sticks out from the outside of a house and usually has three rectangular frames. The objective is to let natural light into your home.

Bow

  • Like a bay window, a bow is a combination of four or more window frames jutting out from your home, in a bow or radial formation.

Casement

  • You can identify casement windows by their crank handles. These windows hinge at the sides and open outward, left, or right. They open and close with a crank mechanism mounted against the window’s inner frame. Turning the handle causes a supportive arm to move, pushing the window out or pulling it in.

Horizontal Slider

  • The Horizontal Slide is one of the more common window styles. Its sashes can be operated by sliding right or left within a single window frame. Both sides can open simultaneously, letting fresh air into your home.

Simulated Single Hung

  • Casa Bella’s Simulated Single Hung windows combine the look of a traditional vertical sliding window with the ease and energy efficiency of a casement window.

Specialty  

  • Specialty windows comprise decorative, distinctive shapes to suit your aesthetic taste, including elliptical, octagonal, and oval to enhance your home’s charm and beauty.

Miscellaneous Terms

Air Leakage

  • Leakage is when air passes through closed doors and windows, creating drafts and unwanted cool or warm temperatures.

Argon Gas

  • Argon is an odourless, colourless, non-toxic, safe, and non-flammable gas commonly used in place of air between the glass of an insulated, energy-efficient Low-E glass window to reduce temperature transfer.

Balance System

  • This device keeps the window panel from sliding down when pushed up.

Condensation

  • The phenomenon known as window condensation occurs because warm water droplets in the air deposit themselves on surfaces at low temperatures. The fog-like cloud that appears on your windows results from an excess of hot, humid air coming into contact with a cold glass surface.

Energy Efficiency

  • Energy-efficient windows are sometimes called energy-saving windows. They prevent your warm or cool air (depending on the season and if you’re using heat or air-conditioning) from escaping from your home. Their enhanced insulation reduces your home’s energy usage, saving you money while also keeping you more comfortable. You’ll want to find products that are Energy Star approved.

Now that you have a general understanding of the world of windows, you can begin your window renovation project with confidence. At Casa Bella, we’ll work with you every step of the journey to ensure you get the precise windows you’re looking for. We can’t wait to get started.