Like any industry, the replacement window industry has its own set of specific terminology. As a consumer, it’s not necessary to understand all of the terms related to replacement windows, but there are certain ones that you should know. For example, you should have a general understanding of the types of windows available for residential use and their names.
Some of the names of the various window types are fairly self-explanatory. For example, a geometric window is a type of window that comes in various geometric shapes, such as octagons, circles, and half-circles. A picture window is a type of window with just one solid pane of glass. Like a picture you would hang on your wall as art, a picture window acts as a “canvas” for the view outdoors.
One type of window that is maybe not as self-explanatory is a 3-lite slider. This type of window is commonly used in larger rooms, such as living rooms, family rooms, and master bedrooms. This is because 3-lite sliders are wider than most other types of windows and need a fairly substantial amount of wall space.
What Is a 3-Lite Slider?
A 3-lite slider has three “lites” or individually framed glass panels. The two outer lites are operable and are able to slide horizontally over the center lite, which is fixed. The operable lites have screens behind them, so when opened, they can let in fresh air, but keep out bugs and debris. The center panel is larger than the two outer panels, giving homeowners a large, unobstructed view of the outdoors.
Michal Bohm, owner of BM Windows in San Diego and a veteran of the replacement window industry, had this to say about 3-lite sliders: “3-lite sliders are a very popular type of window in San Diego and elsewhere. They are great for rooms where you want a large window that also can provide the room with some ventilation. We recommend this type of window to many of our replacement window customers in San Diego in rooms where lots of natural light is desired, but there isn’t a space for a patio door.”
Bohm continued, “If you currently have an older 3-lite slider and have found that it can be hard to open and close, you should know that today’s 3-lite sliders with vinyl frames are very easy to operate. You can practically open them with one finger! As long as you keep the tracks clean that the window panels slide on, they will operate flawlessly for many, many years.”
To learn more about replacement windows, including the various styles of windows and how they operate, visit the “Products” page on the BM Windows website. You can also schedule a free, in-home consultation with the San Diego replacement window company, where you can have all of your questions answered and receive a quote.
