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Understanding the shapes and styles of windows that are available for your home in Grand Rapids Michigan

At Alcor, we understand that renovating or building your home can be difficult and full of time-consuming choices. With 60+ years in the business, we’ve come to understand what styles and options work best for our clients and we can answer any questions you might have. Since there are a huge variety of window styles available, we took the time to lay out the features and benefits of each style and define some standard industry terms. 

 


 

Industry Term: Sash 

A window “sash” is the unified framed part of the window that contains the glass, frame, gaskets and other hardware of the window. Many windows have more than one sash. 

Industry Term: Mullion

A mullion is a vertical or horizontal connecting unit between two or more windows, mulling is a way of connecting windows to allow light and to create visual interest. 

 


 

Types of Window:

Double Hung Window
Double Hung: Both sashes on a double hung window open fully, meaning you can open and close both the top and bottom of the window as desired. 

Single Hung Window
Single Hung: The top sash on a single hung window remains fixed in place while the bottom sash moves to open and close the window. 

Double Slider Window
Double Slider: Both sashes open and close by gliding from side to side in this style of window.

Single Slider Window
Single Slider: Similar to the double slider, in this window only one of the sashes slides open and closed.

3-Lite Slider Window
3-Lite Slider: Also called the End Vent Slider this style is ideal for wide openings since it offers 2 operable sash with a fixed center sash.

Bow Windows
Bow Windows: Similar to a Bay window, Bow windows are more rounded in appearance due to the windows being mulled at 10-degree angles.

Bay Windows
Bay Windows: Bay windows are created by mulling three windows at either 30- or 45-degrees.

Picture Windows
Picture Windows: A picture window is a fixed window that does not open or close.

Geometric Windows
Geometric Windows: These are fixed windows available in stylish shapes, geometric windows are great for letting extra light in from an awkward or unused spot. 

Casement Windows
Casement Windows: In this style the sash are hinged on the side and crank open outward a full 90 degrees for maximum ventilation.

Awning Windows
Awning Windows: In this style the sash is hinged on the top and cranked out and upward to open.

Garden Window
Garden Window: A Garden window is essentially a sun-room in a window and creates a great place to showcase plants or collectibles. Featuring functional casement sidelites on the sides for extra breeze, the garden window is a great option.

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