Replacement Windows: To Grille or Not to Grille?

Window grilles are just one way to add extra detail to your replacement window. Also known as grids or muntins, these window strips are usually made from vinyl, wood or PVC, and are used to divide the window glass pane into smaller panes.

In this post, Renewal by Andersen® of Montana discusses when you should or shouldn’t add grilles or muntins to your new windows.

When to Install Grilles

Window grilles are usually installed when you want to add some architectural detail to the windows to enhance their aesthetics. It’s not uncommon for windows with very large glass areas, such as picture, double-hung and casement windows to have some sort of muntin or window strips. These range from Colonial Grilles, which often fill in the entire glass, to the more subtle prairie and ladder type grilles.

Apart from enhancing the appeal of your windows, grilles are a good safety feature as well since they restrict entry in the event the glass is broken. Notable grille layouts that boast this added functionality include the aforementioned colonial which makes entering through the window impossible.

When choosing a grille layout for your windows, it’s important that you consider the architectural style of your home. Some of the more ornamental grilles are better suited for traditional homes, while others are designed to add some detail to more modern homes.

When Grilles Aren’t Practical

While the prospect of enhancing your windows’ looks is tempting, there are times when the grilles aren’t practical. Because they take up space inside the glass, they can reduce the amount of sun and exterior views entering your home. They can also slightly affect the energy efficiency of the window itself as the muntins allow for less gas fill in the sealed unit. You can counteract this though by using Low-E glass for the window.

The grilles can also fall from their place as the window settles, shifts or gets older. This also occurs when the frames shrink, with the muntins often popping out of the frame. While not really a problem unless the windows were damaged or are near the end of their operating life span, fallen grilles and muntins require you to replace the entire unit.

At Renewal by Andersen® of Montana, we offer a range of standard and custom windows that are manufactured to fit your home’s measurements. We offer a range of grille layouts to choose from, and we’ll help you decide if they are a practical addition to your new hardware. Give us a call at (406) 259-3944 for more information on our services.