Window Hardware

In the present context, window hardware amounts to all those items which are responsible for maintaining the proper functionality and lending an aesthetic look to the windows. Doors and windows share many common hardware items like bolts, clips, hinges, handles, and hooks. In particular, window hardware may include a conventional lock or a complex opening and closing mechanism.

Windows are primarily of two types, i.e., interior and exterior, and so are the window hardware items. But, the majority of hardware items are common in both these types of windows. Some important window hardware items are mentioned below:

1) Window Sash Locks: Sash locks are the locks that can be installed on both single and double hung windows. These locks provide a special and simple way of locking the windows. They belong to the contemporary class of window locks and possess an aesthetic appearance. These locks are also ideal from the security point of view as they can't be unlocked from outside. Window sash locks are available in finishes like brass, bronze, nickel, and sterling.

2) Window Sash Lifts: Window sash lifts serve the purpose of lifting the windows. They are basically the handles that are used for opening the window by lifting it up. Sash lifts, as the name suggests, are suitable for only sash windows. Nowadays, they are available in various impressive designs and styles like bar, beveled, hook, and flush.

3) Window Turn-buttons: Window turn-buttons are the hardware items that provide adequate protection to the storm windows and screens from outside. They ensure that the wooden framed storm windows will remain fitted in their jambs. Turn-buttons are generally fabricated from metals and alloys like stainless steel, brass, and galvanized steel.

4) Window Fasteners: Window fasteners are the same in scope as the door latches, but they are totally different in formation and mechanism. The type of fastener to be used depends upon the type of window on which it is to be installed. For instance, the window which opens in a clockwise direction requires a right handed casement fastener while a left handed casement fastener is required in case of an anticlockwise opening window.

5) Window Casement Stay: This window hardware device is meant for securing the window at a particular position, according to the desire of the user. It is basically a flat metal bar with small holes at equal spacing, which is fixed to the bottom rain of a window. The window can be positioned at various angles by accordingly hooking the holes that are present along the length of the casement stay in a fixed iron pin. Casement stays are usually fabricated from brass, iron, and aluminum.

6) Window Screens: Window screens refer to a window hardware item that is meant for keeping the excessive daylight, dust, insects, etc. from entering the interiors. It is basically a complex network of wires (usually steel wires) that looks like a sieve's net. Window screens permit proper ventilation and visibility, along with providing security and keeping the unwanted things outside. They are proving to be a modern and elegant substitute of the conventional window rods.

7) Window Grills: Window grills belong to that class of window hardware items that has to do with the security of the window. One should not forget that windows are the favorite entrances of the thieves. The modern designer window grills not only ward off such unwanted guests, but also enhance the appearance of the window. These grills are also of great use in the houses with small children, as they save the child from falling out of the window. Window grills are generally fabricated from stainless steel or wrought iron.

Buying considerations regarding Window Hardware

Selecting the right kind of window hardware is very significant, both from the point of view of safety and elegance. It is not an easy job to select the most appropriate hardware items from the vast range of such items that are available in the market; misguiding advertisements and representations further add to the complexity of this task. But, if you will pay heed to the considerations given below, you will be able to take a rational decision as regards the selection of window hardware:

• Harmony between new and existing hardware: While purchasing or choosing the window hardware, ensure that it goes with other hardware items like door hardware, curtain hardware, and so, that are already installed in your home, office, etc. This consideration will help you in maintaining the regularity and uniformness among the hardware items installed at your place, which will ultimately lend it (your home) an aesthetic look.
  
  
• Window hardware should be functionally rich: Elegance is important, but it will not work alone. So, you should also take into consideration the functionality of the window hardware items. They should be functionally rich, especially in the cases where security is more significant. This point can be understood from a simple example, like if you have more of the bay windows or external windows in your home, building, etc. then you must install the hardware items like window fasteners and window screens or bars.
  
  
• Ensure the number of items required: You should make it sure that you have purchased enough of the hardware items that will be adequate to outfit all the windows present in the home. At times it happens that you have not purchased enough pieces of a particular hardware item and when later on you fall short of them, you would not get them. This consideration becomes more significant in case you are doing repairing work on the windows.
  
  
• Quality is not a matter of choice: Never compromise with the quality of the hardware items you are selecting. Durability, strength, and functionality of the hardware devices should be your prime considerations. Cheaper items might attract you at first, but remember that they might prove costly as there is no assurance about their functional efficiency and longevity. So, don't hesitate to spend a little more if you are getting good quality window hardware, because ultimately you will be in benefit.
  
  
• What about your pocket: Budget is something that is significant everywhere. Budget plays an important role in determining the kind of window hardware you will purchase. So before heading towards the hardware shop, scrutinize your pocket, manage your budget, and then step out. But then again, the thing is the same that you should never choose inferior hardware for the sake of saving a few pennies.

Door Hardware Marketplace

Product Catalog   Door Hardware Manufacturers & Exporters   Trade Leads for Door Hardware