What are the Different Parts of a Window Called?

Use this diagram to familiarize yourself with the different parts of a window.

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. For example, on a single-hung window, the piece you slide to open the window is the sash.

The frame has three main parts: the sill, or horizontal strip along the bottom of the frame; the jamb, the vertical sides of the frame; and the head, the top horizontal strip on the frame.

The sash also has several components. Stiles are the vertical sections of the sash. Rails are the horizontal sections. Inside the sash is the glass, which is sometimes called the windowpane. A common decorative feature of windows are grilles. Grilles are an option containing dividing lines, either inside the glass (GBGs) or on the glass’s exterior (SDLs).

Now that you are familiar with the different components of a window, check out our great selection.

FAQ Friday is a weekly feature where we answer Frequently Asked Questions about our products, service or industry. To see other FAQs we’ve answered, visit our FAQ page. If you have a question you don’t see an answer for, just ask in a comment or contact us.

Yve, September 9, 2016

I am contacting you because I do NOT know the manufacturer of my windows-- I am hoping you can decode the part of the label that is left on the window.