Grilles are a key window design element. They can add an authentic touch to your home’s exterior and tie together various elements. If you’re planning on getting new windows, read on as Hinkle Roofing takes a look at what kind of grilles you should get — or none at all.
What Are Window Grilles?
Grilles, also known as grids or muntins, are strips of material that divide the window glass into smaller sections. Originally, grilles served as a structural component. During the Renaissance, glassmaking methods were limited to producing small pieces, and grilles were used to hold several pieces together, forming the main area of a window or patio door. Today’s glassmaking technologies may have rendered the original purpose obsolete, but grilles remain a key design element for many window styles.
Factors to Consider
There is a wide selection of window grille styles, which can be overwhelming if you don’t already have a particular look in mind. The following are some of the things you need to consider when choosing grilles or doing away with them altogether.
- Architectural style. Some architectural styles just won’t look right without the corresponding grille style. Most people would be familiar with the symmetrical grids found on Colonial-style windows, but there’s also the nine-panel Prairie style where the center panel is framed by nine smaller ones. There’s also the diamond-shaped grille style that’s central to Tudor style homes. Contrastingly, homes with modern architectural styles are more likely to have windows with no grilles.
- Views. If you want to capture a view with your windows, you probably don’t want grilles on your windows, or at least want a grille style that won’t block the view. The aforementioned Prairie-style grille is one such example: it adds a flourish to the window while keeping the central area clear for viewing.
- Maintenance. Windows with traditional grilles have many nooks and crannies that can be difficult to clean. Modern replacement windows typically have removable grilles that facilitate easy cleaning. They may not be as authentic as traditional ones but consider how they can save you a lot of effort in keeping your windows clean.
Hinkle Roofing provides window installation services to customers in Birmingham, AL, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (205) 324-8545 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.