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Style and Function 101 - Part 1 of 2

8/19/2014

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Windows are one of the most distinguishing details of your home.  The windows you chose are as much about function as they are about style. Wood windows come in various styles that vary in function, air flow and price.

Double-hung - Two sashes slide up and down.  Sashes often tilt in for easy cleaning. When open, sashes cover half the window. Screens can be mounted on the exterior.

Single-hung - One sash slides up and down. Sashes often tilt in for easy cleaning. When open, sashes cover half the window. Screens can be mounted on the exterior.

Casement - A hinged sash swings out with a push or a hand crank. When open, a casement provides maximum ventilation. Screens can be mounted on the inside.

Slider - A slider has one or two sashes that move horizontally like a patio door. They are easy to use because you don't have to lift the sashes. Lower tracks need occasional cleaning. When open, sashes cover half the window. Screens can be mounted on the outside.

Awning and Hopper - An awning has top hinges and opens outward,  A hopper is hinged at the bottom and opens inward. Awnings have cranks and can have inside screens. Hoppers are pulled open and can have outside screens.

Fixed -  A fixed sash doesn't open, and therefore, can be less expensive and more energy efficient than other windows. Fixed windows are often used as architectural accents or in inaccessible areas, such as gable peaks. They are available in many sizes and shapes. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20350918,00.html


See our Portfolio for examples of window styles.



Stay tuned for Style and Function 101 - Part 2 - to learn how window style complements your home's architecture.











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Once in a while you get shown the light...

8/1/2014

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True Divided Light is a term for individual panes of glass in the window sash.  Not one piece of glass providing the look of panes divided (separated) by a grill.

In a True Divided Light window, each window pane is a separate piece of glass.  The glass is referred to as a “light”.  The “lights” or individual panes of glass are held in place with a Muntin – a thinner piece of wood dividing the lights – similar to the tick-tack-toe pattern.

Windows with true divided lights sparkle when viewed from the street.  If the glass is older and wavy, they sparkle even more.

Since muntins are made of wood, they provide a small shadow line on the glass pane. This makes the window pop with life and character, and changes with interest as the sun travels and the lighting changes.

We recommend both True Divided Light and muntins to our clients.  Muntins can be a more cost effective option than a True Divided Light.

Some replacement windows, instead, offer one piece of glass with a flat plastic grill attached on the interior to imitate the look of window panes separated by muntins.  The result is a very shallow, flat, and bland, not to mention cheap, appearance.  It appears as if it were painted on the glass.  Better options exist such as grills on the exterior and interior etc.  Fake window grills on both the exterior and interior must have a spacer in between to give the appearance of real muntins. Buyer beware! PORTALS does not  recommend cheap plastic products be installed in association with wood windows. are still not true divided light windows.



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    Owner of PORTALS Wood Window & Door

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