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When buying new windows, it’s a good idea to determine your home’s needs. A lot of homeowners consider grid windows, contacting their provider for a quick, professional installations. Also referred to as grilles or muntins, grids are window strips—made from vinyl, wood, aluminum or PVC—which divide a pane’s glass into smaller panes.

If you’re considering buying grid windows, or if you want to know more about them, read on.

What are the Different Types of Grids?

When a window is divided into a grid system, three types of grids can be created.

Simulated Divided Lites

Simulated divided lites are grids which’re bonded to the window’s interior and exterior. Often supplying a high degree of durability, they’re perfect for bay windows and front-house-face windows. They’re wind resistant, and they carry a high lifespan.

Grids Between the Glass

You can purchase grid windows which feature internal grids. These grid systems are a bit cleaner, as the grid’s dividing sections are ‘sandwiched’ between the glass’s panes. This type of grid window is a bit more decorative, but it’s also highly durable.

Detachable Grids

Detachable grids are a great middle-of-the-road choice. If you want grid windows, but if you’re expecting a home remodeling project in the middle, you can easily remove this window’s dividers. While the grids are removable, it’s a good idea to avoid repeat alterations.

What Houses Look Good with Grid Windows?

Because grid windows are a stylistic choice, it’s a good idea to determine whether or not your home fits the bill, look-wise, to keep the grid window design. Grid windows are great for traditional and colonial houses. In fact, simulated divided lites look great on homes with wooden windows.

Along with a grid window’s aesthetic appeal, it packs a few benefits capable of lowering a home’s solar heat gain coefficient. A solar heat gain coefficient is the amount of sun heat blocked by a window. Whether your window’s grid is between its glass, on the glass’s surface or is removable, it’s blocking the sun’s rays. In general, grids can reduce your home’s energy bill.

Grids in Modern Homes

While grids are great for colonial and traditional homes, not having grids is a good choice for modern home upgrades. Ranch-style homes, bungalows and modern neighborhood houses benefit from clean, un-gridded styles. Windows without grids are a little easier to clean, and they can preserve your home’s viewable light space. While grids can be excellent modern home inclusions, you might be better off without them.

The Verdict

If you’re stuck on the fence, consider getting windows with detachable grids. You can always remove them, right? Otherwise, consider getting grid windows to reduce your home’s energy costs, add a stylistic touch and enhance your living area’s overall feel.

In general, it’s a good idea to have grid windows on a home’s front, rather than its back. Because grid windows are stylish, they’re best used as a home’s presentation. You have a lot of options available, and your window installer can help you determine your home’s best look.