Window bars go by several other names as well, including “burglar bars”, “security bars”, “window guards” and “safety bars”. The main objective of window bars is to defend against home intrusions, but there are also window bars available that are designed to prevent children from falling out of windows in high buildings.
What is a window bar?
Window bars (also called safety bars and security bars) are metal bars that are installed to prevent intruders from entering a building. As an unintended consequence, window bars can slow or prevent egress during an emergency.
What are the different types of window security bars?
There are various types: Permanent security bars are designed for constant, long-term use. Swing-away bars are hinged for cleaning the window glass or for emergency egress. They’re secured with a padlock or quick-release mechanism available only from the inside.
What is the bottom part of a window called?
A sill is the main horizontal part forming the bottom of the frame of a window. A jambliner is a strip which goes on the sides of a window frame that provides a snug fit for the window sash. The interior of a window is the side homeowners will see most frequently.
What is a swing away bar on a window?
Swing-away bars are hinged for cleaning the window glass or for emergency egress. They’re secured with a padlock or quick-release mechanism available only from the inside. Removable bars are designed to be used when bars may detract from appearances.
What is the bar above a window called?
In architecture, a transom is a transverse horizontal structural beam or bar, or a crosspiece separating a door from a window above it. This contrasts with a mullion, a vertical structural member. Transom or transom window is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece.
What is a muntin vs mullion?
Mullion/muntin: A mullion is a heavy vertical or horizontal member between adjoining window units. Muntins are the narrow strips of wood that divide the individual panes of glass in a traditional sash.
What are window grilles called?
muntinA window grill is a decorative grid pattern consisting of horizontal and/or vertical bars that divide a larger sheet of glass into smaller panes. Traditionally, a window grill, known historically as a muntin, muntin bar, sash bar, or grid was invented purely for ease of production and economical reasons.
What is window muntin?
What Is a Window Muntin? Muntin refers to the vertical dividers that separate glass panes in a window. Muntin applies only to the inner vertical pieces; the outer pieces that form the frame are stiles and rails.
What are horizontal muntins called?
While window and door people usually use the term mullion to describe both vertical and horizontal members, the term transom is the most correct name of horizontal “mullions”. Muntins on the other hand divide, reinforce and join glass within a single window or sash frame.
What are fake muntins called?
Some window grills are imitation muntins, meaning they appear to look like muntins, but they don't truly separate individual panes of glass. Instead, they attach to one large piece of glass. This often appears on newer homes, as it provides the same beauty of muntins without the risk of causing as much draft.
What are window grids?
Window grids, also known as window grills or muntins, are partitions used to visually divide a window into smaller sections for aesthetic reasons. There are a variety of styles and types of grids.
What are the things in windows called?
Most windows have two main components, the frame and the sash. The frame is the outermost area, or casing of the window, and inside it are the sash and the glass. The sash is the area inside the frame, the part that holds the glass.
Are window grids outdated?
Window grids once served a crucial purpose: they held together multi-paned windows. This made it possible to ship window panes further without fear of breaking the glass. Today, window grids (also known as grilles or muntins) are largely decorative.
What is mullion trim?
Mullion moulding is the vertical trim between window casings or panes, adding a visual break in the window itself. Though generally small moulding, mullion moulding comes in a variety of styles.
What do mullioned windows look like?
Mullioned windows often have unusual shapes, and they are frequently arched at the top. Gridded windows are square or rectangular, and the grid is regular, with evenly spaced panes of glass divided into a grid, rather than large blocks of glass divided by mullions or transoms.
How do you replace muntins?
How to Replace Window MuntinsCut along both sides of the damaged horizontal muntin on the same side of the glass with a utility knife to free it from glazing, caulk or any type of glue that may be holding it to the glass.Insert the tip of the utility knife between the glass and the horizontal muntin and pry up gently.More items...
What is a window bar?
Window Bars. Window bars (also called safety bars and security bars) are metal bars that are installed to prevent intruders from entering a building. As an unintended consequence, window bars can slow or prevent egress during an emergency.
How many people die from window bars?
Facts. Roughly 25 people die or are injured annually in fires where escape is hindered by window bars. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the number of deaths caused by fire related to security bars is on the rise.
What prevents access to a key?
Fire and smoke may prevent access to the key or obscure view of the lock. Occupants may not know the combination or know where the key was placed. It should not require any special tools, such as a screwdriver. The mechanism should be able to be operated with relatively little force.
Why are sandpapers used in windows?
They are a deterrent to potential burglars. They are mostly used in ground-floor windows, which are most vulnerable to intrusion. They provide a sense of security to building occupants. They can prevent children from falling out of the window.
Can a window bar block an exit?
They can block the exit for occupants during an emergency, such as a fire. The occupants may feel secure from burglary, but they have severely limited their avenues of egress. Ironically, it is possible for occupants to become trapped behind window bars while trying to escape from an intruder who has managed to enter the building.
Can window bars be used for firefighting?
They can potentially block the entry point for firefighters. Houses equipped with window bars can potentially decrease the home’s property value. Window bars can make a neighborhood appear insecure to potential home buyers.
Do window bars need a quick release mechanism?
Windows that are equipped with bars and which are intended for emergency egress should have a quick-release mechanism installed. If a room’s egress requirements are already satisfied by another window or door, it is still helpful for window bars to be equipped with a quick-release mechanism.
What is the part of a window that holds the glass and opens and closes called?
Sash. The part of the window that holds the glass and opens and closes is called the sash. Window sashes and frames can be made out of several different kinds of materials including wood, aluminum, fiberglass, composite, and vinyl.
What are the parts of a window frame?
The stationary components of a window that enclose either the sash on an operating window or the glass on a direct glazed window are called the frame. Jambs, sills, and moldings are the primary components of a window frame. Narrow frame windows are available for a more modern aesthetic and are a popular choice ...
What is a jamb liner?
Jamb Liner. Jamb liners span the distance and cover the space between the window frame and the finished interior wall. Jamb liners are typically made of wood and can be installed at the factory or on site. Plaster or drywall is sometimes applied directly up to the window frame, which eliminates the need for jamb liners (Not shown).
What is the operating handle on a casement window?
The operating handle on a casement or awning window is the mechanism used to open and close the sash. The type of operating handle shown here is called a crank handle. Turning the crank in one direction extends the operating arm and opens the sash, and turning the crank in the other direction retracts the arm and closes the sash. This handle folds down when not in use. Some casement, awning, hopper, and tilt-turn windows have non-crank handles used to simply push the window open and close it manually.
What is a direct glazed window?
These are called direct glazed windows. The glass on a direct glazed window is secured directly into the frame. The absence of stiles and rails creates a larger daylight opening and unobstructed view.
What is a lock handle?
The handle or lever operated lock found on a variety of window types is called the locking handle . When pushed closed, locking handles are designed to pull the two sashes tight together for improved security and energy efficiency.
What is an operating arm?
An operating arm is attached to both the window frame and the sash on casement, awning, and hopper windows. It is the mechanism that works in conjunction with an operating handle to open and close a sash. It also holds a sash in position when open.
What is a rail in a window?
Rail: a horizontal component separating glass panes that goes between a pair of stiles just like the top, bottom and/or intermediate rails on a door. To be a rail, the part must cross the entire width of the opening in one unbroken piece. Bar: a component separating glass panes ...
What is a window muntin?
2) A window muntin is any framing member that divides panes of glass. He defines several specific types of rails, all of them horizontal members that cross an entire door from stile to stile, and all of them surrounding panels (not glass).
What is a bar rail?
In effect, if the part goes horizontally all the way across the opening it can be called a "rail" or a "bar," but if these primary unbroken components do the same thing vertically, then they are a "bar.". Bar rail: totally unrelated to the above but clearly preferred by many at the end of a long hard day.
What is a mullion in carpentry?
As defined in "Modern Carpentry", by Willis H. Wagner, first published in 1969: Mullion: "A slender bar or pier forming a division between units of windows, screens, or similar fram es - generally nonstructural.". Rail: "Cross or horizontal members of the framework of a sash, door, blind or other assembly.".
What is the lower rail on a window?
The lower rail is the lower part of the lower sash. Upper Rail. The upper rail is the top part of the upper sash. Lift. Most commonly found on wood windows, a lift is a handle used for raising the lower sash in a single- or double-hung window. Sash Lock.
What is a fiberglass window?
Fiberglass windows include a frame and sash made from a patented five-layer fiberglass material. Vinyl. In vinyl windows, interior and exterior frame and sash surfaces are extruded rigid PVC. With a better understanding of window parts and functionality, you will be prepared to discuss your window needs.
What is a transom window?
Transom windows that are set above your operable window can be a beautiful way to let additional light into your home. Fixed Panel. A fixed panel refers to an inoperable panel of a window, like the top sash of a single-hung window or the pane of glass used in a picture window. Mullion.
What is the gas used in insulating glass?
Argon is an inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating glass units to reduce heat transfer and make your home more comfortable year-round. Casing. Casing is the decorative molding or framing around a window that is used to cover the space between the window frame or jamb and the wall. Hinged Glass Panel.
What is aluminum clad window?
Aluminum Clad. Aluminum clad refers to the exterior wood parts of a window that are covered with extruded aluminum, with a factory-applied finish to deter the elements.
What is a casement window?
Operated by a hand crank, a casement windowpane extends open away from the home to catch breezes . The crank allows homeowners to direct how much air enters the home. For maximum ventilation, casement windows can open fully.
What is the check rail on a double hung window?
Check Rail. On a double-hung window, the check rail is the part where the bottom part of the upper sash and the upper part of the lower sash come in contact. Also known as the middle of the window. Glass. This refers to the framed sheet of glass within a window frame. Rail.
What type of glass is used for window?
Window Glass. Many manufacturers use different types of glass for specific window applications. Laminated Glass – This type of window glass fuses a layer of polyvinyl butyral to make a very strong sheet of glass that won’t break into shards, if broken at all.
What is the lowest part of a window?
Sill – The lowest part of the window frame. Head – The highest part of the window frame. Jamb – The vertical sides of the window frame. Apron – A piece of decorative trim installed beneath the railing or sill.
What gas is used to fill the void between double pane windows?
Argon – Inert and non-toxic gas used to fill the void between double-pane windows to increase thermal efficiently. Manufacturers also use Krypton or a combination of both gases. Spacers – These are special strips between panes filled with desiccant to absorb moisture and prevent fogging.
What is the sill of a window?
The window frame is usually made out of wood or vinyl. Sizes vary and are usually available in standard dimensions or can be special-ordered for custom fits. Sill – The lowest part of the window frame. Head – The highest part of the window frame.
What is casing and trim?
The terms window casing and trim are used interchangeably to describe the decorative wood that surrounds the perimeter of the window to cover the space between the wall and jamb.
Do windows come in all shapes and sizes?
Window terminology may seem confusing, but once you know the basics, you can find the exact window part you’re looking for. We wouldn’t be Glass Doctor if we didn’t know each and every part of our patients. Learn all about window terminology ...
Where is the little bar on the clock?
The little skinny bar to the right of the clock can be easy to miss, but it's quite handy. Click it and your windows will be temporarily hidden so you can see everything on your desktop. If you click that slim bar again, previously open windows will zip back up to full size.
How to move the taskbar to the top of the screen?
Right-click it to alter how the taskbar behaves, such as by adding additional toolbars, or hiding the Task View button. Hold down your left mouse button while the cursor is in this space, and move it to the left, right, or top of the screen if you'd rather the taskbar there.
How to switch between two windows?
To switch between multiple windows of an application, just move your mouse cursor over the icon, and thumbnails of each window will show up. Move your mouse over each of those thumbnails, and they will highlight on screen. Click whichever one you want to switch to.
What is an instant computer?
Instant computer — just add a screen. That’s the general idea behind the ultra-portable PC, but it can be hard to know which one you want. Relax, we have you covered!
Where is the Start Menu on my computer?
Start menu. Those four little squares in the bottom-left of the screen are the Windows button. Click it, and you'll get access to some of your favorite programs, and the ability to browse a full list of apps that are installed on your computer. The Start menu also lets you shut down your computer and diving into system settings.
What is a mullion in a window?
Generally, mullions are the single vertical bars that separate two sides of a single window . The Oxford English Dictionary calls a mullion "A vertical bar between the panes of glass in a window.".
What are the elements of a grill called?
Major window manufacturer Pella calls all of these elements a grille, whether muntins, grids, windowpane dividers, or mullions.
