What Are Divided-Lite Windows for DMV Homes?

You have probably seen divided-lite windows on many homes and buildings but may have not known what they were called.

These types of windows are called divided-lite windows. They have multiple small panes of glass that are separated by muntins or grilles. Divided-lite windows can also be referred to as multi-light windows.

Benefits of Divided-Lite Windows

Although divided-lite windows have a historic aesthetic and resemble the Colonial time period, don’t be fooled. They meet modern energy efficiency standards. In fact, many divided-llite windows have insulated glass or Low-E glazing. That’s one of their greatest benefits. Divided-lite windows offer unique architecture to your home (or school, office building, pool house, etc.) without compromising efficiency or performance.

True Divided-Lite Windows vs. Simulated Divided-Lite Windows

There are true divided-lite windows and faux ones. The good thing is, they look identical – in fact, just standing in front of a window, it would be hard to tell if it’s a true divided-lite window or simulated divided-lite window. So what makes them different?

A true divided-lite window, as mentioned, has multiple panes of glass that are separated by muntins or grilles. Simulated divided-lite windows have just one piece of glass with removable muntins attached to both the interior and exterior of the glass, usually with a strong adhesive called VBH tape. Because the grilles are removable, simulated divided-lite windows are extremely easy to clean.

Whether you have true divided-lite windows or simulated divided-lite windows, you have different grille width and design options. Most divided-lite windows have nine “lights” (pieces of glass) in a sash, three high and three wide. But there are different patterns available, and your divided-lite windows don’t necessarily have to adopt this standard one.

Divided-Lite Windows From Weather Shield

If you are looking for divided-lite windows for your home or business, we recommend Weather Shield windows. Weather Shield is one of the only manufacturers in the industry today that offers historically accurate true-divided lite windows. For homeowners looking for the best in architectural authenticity–whether to meet historical zoning guidelines or simply by choice–Weather Shield true divided-lite windows are the best choice.

For those that want the look of true divided-lite windows, but aren’t concerned with architectural authenticity, Weather Shield Simulated Divided-Lite windows are a great choice. These windows feature a glass pane with the muntin bar grilles permanently adhered to the interior and exterior surfaces to give it the appearance of a TDL window. An optional narrow spacer bar is available between glass panes and grille bars. This design offers modern energy efficiency while replicating the look of TDL construction where each lite is completely separated by a muntin bar.

Looking for Divided-Lite Windows in MD, DC or VA?

Although a lot of manufacturers don’t make true divided-lite windows due to simulated divided-lite technology and energy efficiency requirements, there are some that still do – it’s not impossible to get true divided-lite windows and doors.

Quality Window & Door offers products from manufacturers that make true divided-lite windows as well as modern, energy-efficient simulated divided-lite windows for DMV Homes. Contact us today to learn more about our windows and doors!

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