Unfortunately, new windows will always have a narrower casing and the majority of new construction windows and wood window replacements are even completely absent of window casings.Ī homeowner may order a replacement window and be satisfied with all the details discussed with the sales person only to discover that the window is delivered with a Brick Mold instead of window casings.Ī Brick Mold is a wooden trim used on masonry buildings to cover the gap where the brick masonry meets the window sash. See the 1926 Bennett Building Catalog’s description and measurements on a window frame. More contemporary revivals of this style will not work with this narrow width due to the lack of complementary elements) (One exception exists and that is only for Federal Style buildings circa 1800 – which can be as narrow as 2 inches. If a casing is less than 4 inches wide (3.5 inches wide at the absolute least), it will appear too weak and narrow to carry the load of the window, upsetting the balance of the entire house. A typical window casing is 1 x 4.25 to 6 inches. Don’t destroy the architecture!Ī window needs a casing to provide a visual frame for the window. The size of the window opening and the window casing/trim around the window are proportional to the structure of the building they were designed to be in. Changing the width of the frame or the size of the opening will seriously destroy the fenestration ( the arrangement of windows) of the building! It is therefore called one-over-one. If the window was a Colonial style with six window panes in each sash, it would be called a six-over-six double hung window. In this example each window sash has one piece of glass inserted. A double-hung window means there two window sashes – an upper sash and lower window sash. The window sashes are the movable part of the window. Windows, interior trim etc were all designed after Greek & Roman columns and classic rules for proportion that is pleasing to the senses. Enabling your inner senses to feel the support it provides. Aesthetically, these features provide the illusion of structure. These features are designed to provide protection, and runoff for rain water. The window sill provides a visual base and a Sub-Sill extends the window sill outward. The inside of the Jamb Casing is the Jamb – not unlike a door jamb.Īll windows – yes each and every window must also have a window sill at the base. The vertical side casing is referred to the Jamb Casing. To dress of the window there may be a cornice or window crown molding located at the top of the head casing. The top portion, also referred to as a window header or head casing, will always include a drip cap. The reason they do it this wrong way is because they were trained installing vinyl siding. Never should the window casing be installed over the siding like many contractors do today with Hardiboard. This way the siding butts up against the window casing. Window casings should always be installed before siding. Window casings provide a visual frame around the window. Window casings cover the edge of the window jambs and the rough openings between the window unit and the wall. The window casing is a wood molding that surrounds a window. Basic Window Casing Styles What you need to know for proper function and design. There is a capital on top a shaft in the center and a base at the bottom. Remember, the architect who designed your house specified the window design so they would work in harmony and speak the same language as the house.īefore we show you window designs to avoid, let us first understand the basic parts of a simple window and what details create interest and character.Īlmost everything in architecture is base on the Classical Rules of Design, more simply explained as a Greek or Roman column. The shadows are eliminated and details created by contrasting shadows from sharp details are wiped away. Maybe these differences are subtle to you, but they add up and alter the architectural balance of the house.
Vinyl and aluminum windows, however, have flat, square, or exaggerated profiles. Wood windows tend to have articulated moldings. Learn more about aesthetics here.īecause of differences in their material and construction characteristics, wood, vinyl, and aluminum windows do not look the same, although the window salesman will tell you that they do. Understand that replacing windows will give your house an entirely different look and feel because most vinyl and even wood replacement windows defy the principles of aesthetics. Old and historic window replacement is an epidemic that has a strong negative affect on the curb appeal of your home and neighborhood.Ĭurb appeal is important and your windows – the eyes and soul of the house – are the most prominent feature that can make or break your home’s appearance.
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