Are you planning to replace your windows and tired of the classic clear glass designs? We’ve got the perfect solution – window grills!
When one looks for new windows, grills almost always come to question because they can truly improve window design and offer it a unique touch! They’re so customizable that you can play with styles however you want until you find the one you envision having on your windows.
Nonetheless, there are different types of window grills, and we’re here to guide you through this, so keep reading! You’ll learn how to differentiate them, their advantages and disadvantages, and customization options.
Key Takeaways
- There are three types of window grills: True Divided Lites (TDL), Simulated Divided Lites (SDL) and Grills-between-the-Glass (GBG).
- The most common window grill styles are colonial, prairie, and diamond. However, their design is fully customizable.
- Key considerations when choosing window grills include matching the home’s architectural style, ensuring energy efficiency, and understanding warranty coverage.
What Are Window Grills?
You may have heard of window grills under several names: window grilles, window grids, window muntins, and window lites. And the truth is, all these terms are correct, except that their definitions differ slightly.
True Divided Lites (TDL)
True Divided Lites are the most traditional window grills. They have been used in the window industry since the 1800s. Windows with True Divided Lites had smaller panes of glass which were separated by what we call window grills. In other words, they didn’t have one large glass pane and grills attached to it. Instead, the grills were in between smaller glass panes.
People often used this design because smaller pieces of glass were cheaper, safer, and easier to manage. However, it wasn’t the most practical solution because it made windows much more difficult to clean and reduced energy efficiency.
If you plan on putting grills like True Divided Lites into your windows, you’ll have to find a window manufacturer who can accommodate this, as TDLs aren’t as common nowadays.
As such, here are the advantages of True Divided Lites:
- They offer an authentic, traditional home design.;
- They’re perfect for historic homes that need to preserve original design.
- They have numerous customization options.
- They provide deeper window profiles and natural shadows.
- You can replace just one small pane of glass if it’s broken, not the entire glazing unit.
- They increase window safety.
Here are the disadvantages of TDL:
- Higher initial cost
- Reduced energy efficiency and increased risk of air leaks
- You’ll find it much more difficult to clean the windows
- Less light
- Expensive repairs, if need be
Simulated Divided Lites (SDL)
Over the years, most window manufacturers noticed that TDLs weren’t the best solution, so they came up with a new idea – to attach the grills to each side of the pane without separating the glass into individual pieces.
This way, the windows had the same traditional look but were much more practical and energy-efficient. Today, this design is called Simulated Divided Lites.
Here are the advantages of Simulated Divided Lites:
- They offer traditional design without sacrificing energy efficiency.
- The windows are easier to clean.
- They are more budget-friendly than TDLs.
- The grills can be easily replaced if damaged.
- They have numerous customization options.
- The grills can be painted.
Here are the disadvantages of Simulated Divided Lites:
- They’re not the best for historic homes that need to preserve the original design.
- A window grill installed on the glass surface may not be as durable as True Divided Lites (although this highly depends on materials and maintenance).
- They’re more expensive than Grilles-Between-the-Glass (described below).
- They do not improve window safety as well as GBGs and TDLs.
Grilles-Between-the-Glass (GBG)
After inventing Simulated Divided Lites, window companies went the extra mile and found an even better solution – installing grilles within the glass.
In other words, if you install double- or triple-pane windows, you can choose to have grills within your Insulated Glass Unit, meaning they’re installed between two glass panes. As such, they won’t protrude outwards, so when you clean the windows, you basically have to clean a clear glass surface because the grills are sandwiched between the glass layers within the Insulated Glass Unit.
Here are the advantages of Grilles-Between-the-Glass:
- They’re more budget-friendly than both True Divided Lites and Simulated Divided Lites because they do not have to be applied by hand.
- They have a cleaner, more delicate window design.
- Windows with flat grills between the glass panes are easier to clean than windows with both TDLs and SDLs.
- They offer increased energy-efficiency and acoustic performance.
- Windows with GBGs have a reduced risk of a window grill being damaged.
- They provide increased window security.
Here are the disadvantages of Grilles-Between-the-Glass:
- They offer limited design flexibility compared to other window grill options.
- They’re not the best for homes with a true traditional design.
- The flat grills may be more difficult to see from the outside when the sunlight hits the windows, which can affect curb appeal.
Popular Window Grill Styles
Once you choose one of the window grill options mentioned above, it’s time to pick a design – luckily, there are plenty! We’ll only discuss the most popular ones – ultimately, you can customize them (almost) however you want.
- Colonial and prairie decorative bars are among the most common in Canada. Prairie grills can make tall, narrow windows appear wider, enhancing their aesthetic appeal, while colonial ones frame a large window beautifully.
- Diamond grills provide your windows with a sophisticated look.
- Double prairie grills can further enhance the effects of simple prairie grills.
- Angled prairie grills can also make narrow windows appear larger, at the same time providing them with a more sophisticated look.
Window Grill Sizes and Profiles
Another thing you’ll have to choose besides the grill type and style is the grill size. This can be a tricky task. The thing is that each window dimension and style is usually matched with a certain grill width for a better design.
So, if you’re installing multiple windows of different sizes and styles, you may have to choose different grill widths for them or settle on a design that allows the same width for all. Usually, grills can be as narrow as 1/4 inches.
When it comes to grill profiles, you can choose rectangular, flat, or circular grills. You also have the option to install grills with a protruding edge.
Luckily, you don’t have to do this by yourself. If you book a free consultation with Magic, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Window Grill Materials
Choosing the right material for your window grills is crucial for durability, maintenance ease, and aesthetic appeal. Here are the most common options:
- Metallic window grills, particularly those made from steel and aluminum, are known for their durability and robustness. Mild steel is strong and easy to maintain but needs to be repainted to prevent rust. Aluminum grills are lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant – excellent for humid climates. Stainless steel grills offer a high-end appearance and require minimal maintenance due to their rust-resistant properties.
- Vinyl window grills are an affordable and low-maintenance option for homeowners. Unlike wood or metal grills, vinyl does not require frequent painting or refinishing, which saves time and money. However, vinyl grills aren’t as durable as aluminum ones, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions.
- Hybrid grills combine various materials, such as aluminum and vinyl, for better performance and aesthetics. Metal frames with vinyl coatings, for example, offer strength and durability while minimizing maintenance. These material combinations can also enhance energy efficiency and security.
Key Considerations When Choosing Window Grills
Here are some things to consider before picking window grills:
- Asses your home’s architectural style – window grilles that don’t match it will make your windows seem out of place. You can even combine different grill materials and styles if needed for a unified appearance. You can also install grills on your patio doors, which can really make a difference!
- The type of window grills you choose affects your windows’ energy efficiency, so make sure to confirm with the window manufacturer any uncertainties you may have related to this aspect.
- Don’t forget to confirm any details regarding the window grill warranty. For example, Simulated Divided Lites can fall off as the window settles, so it’s best to know in advance how to solve this problem. Fallen window grills may require replacing the entire sealed unit.
- Confirm with the window company what the best grid spacing would be.
Got a Design in Mind? Contact Magic – We’ll Make It Happen!
Do you already have a design in mind? Perfect! Magic can make your dreams come true, as we can accommodate almost any idea you think of! If you know you want window grills but can’t choose a design or color, there’s no need to worry – Magic experts are here to help.
Furthermore, choosing Magic doesn’t equal only fully customizable window grill options – it also means superior energy efficiency and durability thanks to our Hybrid Fusion Frame and incredible functionality thanks to our patented Parallex hardware.
Want to discover what our customers value in our windows? Book a free consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add window grilles to existing windows?
You can definitely add window grilles to existing windows. However, you can only add Simulated Divided Grills, which are added to the glass. Other types of grills are installed during the manufacturing process.
What is the purpose of a window grill?
Window grills are decorative bars that enhance the aesthetic appeal of windows. They can also improve window safety because they act as physical barriers that make it harder for burglars to enter through windows.
How much does it cost to install grids on windows?
The price of adding grids to windows depends on multiple factors, including the grill type, style, material, and thickness. On average, it costs $25-$50 per sash.
What is the best material for window grills?
The best window grills are made from composite materials that combine metal and vinyl. They are more durable and easier to maintain.
Do window grills impact energy efficiency?
A window without grills is usually more energy efficient and better insulated than the same window with grills. However, windows with grills and Low-E coatings are usually energy-efficient enough.
What are the most popular window grid styles?
Popular window grid styles include colonial, prairie, diamond, double prairie, and angled prairie. However, you can customize window grills in infinite ways.
Do window grids add value?
Window grills can certainly increase property value, as they contribute to home design and curb appeal.