The lites in a window sash are divided horizontally and vertically by narrow strips called what?

Muntins are the narrow strips that divide the lites, or panes of glass, in a window sash both horizontally and vertically. Their primary function is to create a grid-like pattern in the window, which can enhance its aesthetic appeal as well as provide structural support to the individual glass panes. In traditional window design, muntins are important for maintaining the stability of the window's overall structure, particularly in larger panes where without them, glass could be more prone to breakage or sagging. Understanding the role of muntins is essential for recognizing how windows were historically constructed and how modern window designs may vary. This knowledge is particularly useful when inspecting homes for their architectural features or when determining the historical significance of windows during an inspection.