“MUST KNOW” COMPONENTS OF A WINDOW Like everything, windows have their own terminology and components you need to understand or at least be familiar with before you begin to investigate replacing your windows.  When you talk to window contractors and sales people they will throw around words to describe window components and choices of features that will affect the function and importantly the price of your window and it can be confusing.  On top of knowing what features you need not all window contractors will produce a quote based on the same information. You will want to be sure you are comparing quotes based on the same products, service and installation features. How is a window put together? Understanding how a window is made will help you understand what makes a window energy efficient and meet your usage needs. The window itself is composed of panes of glass with a spacer between them for separation, the sash which supports the glass panes, the frame which supports the sash and is used to fasten the window to the wall framing, and the exterior sill.  See drawing supplied by Jeldwen Window and Doors. Every window is finished with trim. There is the trim that goes around the window opening it cover the drywall edges and framing the finishing trim that matches your baseboards and other door trims in your home. The “jamb extension” is a piece of 1x4” or 1x6” wood trim laid along the four sides of the window to extend over the rough opening.  Basically it is an interior sill that hides all the wood framing around the window. The“moulding” or “casing” is the trim around the window that covers the gap between the drywall and the jamb extension mentioned above.  This is the trim that should match the baseboards and other door trim you are using in the room.  Both the jamb extension and the moulding can be installed by the window suppliers for an additional cost so make sure it is either included or excluded from all quotes when comparing.  When you purchase a window from a big box store the trim required to properly finish the window will not be included you will have to plan to purchase this in addition to the window. What to look for when getting a window quote You need to be able to compare quotes which include the same product and service. Not all window installers and contractors will include all of the window components you will need when they are providing your requested quote. Be sure to compare your quotes looking at the same elements. When requesting your quote you will need to clarify with your window installer: Type...