Window Replacement Done Right

A window frame is the structure that surrounds and supports a window. It consists of several components, including the sill, which is the horizontal piece at the bottom of the frame; the jambs, which are the vertical pieces on either side of the frame; and the header, which is the horizontal piece at the top of the frame. The frame also includes the window stops, which hold the window in place and help to seal it against drafts. In addition to supporting and enclosing the window, the frame also plays a role in the overall appearance of the window.

Window sashes are the parts of a window that hold the glass in place and allow the window to open and close. In most cases there are two sashes in a window – the upper and lower sash for a double hung window or the left and right sash for a slider window – however there are custom window options that have more than two sashes and sometimes only one sash. In a double-hung window, both the upper and lower sashes can be moved up and down. In a single-hung window, only the lower sash can be opened and closed. In a casement window, the sash is hinged on one side and swings open like a door. In a sliding window, the sashes slide horizontally along a track in the frame.

In addition to allowing for ventilation and light, the sashes also help to seal the window against drafts and improve energy efficiency. Odyssey Window sashes also have security and vent locks to both help protect against burglaries or unwanted intrusions and allow you to vent your windows.

Lock and lift mechanisms are features that allow you to lock and unlock a window sash and raise and lower it as needed. On Odyssey windows, these mechanisms are located on the sides of the sashes and are used to secure the window in place and prevent it from being opened or closed.

In our double-hung window, the lock and lift mechanism is located on the bottom rail of the sash. To open or close the window, you can use the mechanism to release the sash and slide it up or down as needed. In our casement window, the lock and lift mechanism is located on the side of the sash that is hinged to the frame. To open the window, you can use the mechanism to unlock the sash and then lift it up and out of the frame. To close the window, you simply need to push the sash back into place and lock it using the mechanism.

Lock and lift mechanisms are an important part of a window, as they help to secure the window in place and prevent unwanted access. They also allow you to easily open and close the window as needed, which is important for ventilation and light.

The window sill is a horizontal piece of trim at the bottom of a window frame. Window sills are an important component of any window – they help to support and seal the window as well as protect the building from water damage.  The window sill serves several important functions, including:

1. Supporting the weight of the window: The window sill helps to bear the weight of the window and keep it in place. It is usually supported by the window frame and may also be anchored to the wall or foundation of the building.

2. Providing a weather seal: The window sill helps to seal the gap between the window and the frame, helping to prevent drafts and keep the interior of the building warm and dry.

3. Protecting the wall and foundation: The window sill helps to protect the wall and foundation from water damage by directing water away from the window and towards the exterior of the building.

4. Adding decorative appeal: In addition to its functional purposes, the window sill can also add decorative appeal to the window. It can be finished in a variety of colors and styles to match the overall design of the building.

The window jamb is the vertical piece of trim that runs along the sides of a window frame. It serves a similar function as the window sill in supporting the weight of the window, protecting the wall and foundation, and adding decorative appeal.

The glass in Odyssey windows is specifically designed to exceed energy star qualifications for the Midwest regions while allowing you a clear and unobstructed view of the outdoors.  Our glass packages come in double pane or triple pane options, all with multiple coats of Low-E and filled with at least 90% of argon gas.

Our standard high-quality window glass is made of float glass, which is a type of glass that is produced by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal, typically tin. This process creates a smooth, even surface on both sides of the glass and helps to minimize distortions and imperfections. In addition to float glass, and depending on the specific needs of the application, there are options of tempered glass  and laminated glass. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is treated with heat to increase its strength and resistance to breakage. Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that consists of two layers of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic in the middle. It is used in applications where added strength and security are required, such as in skylights or storefront windows, and also greatly reduces sound penetration.