Jamb
The term 'jamb' typically refers to the vertical up-right components that form the sides or of door or window frames.
In relation to doors, on one side, the jamb bears the weight of the door through the hinges (the hinge jamb), whilst on the opposite side, the door latches, deadbolts and so on, when engaged, will usually extend into a recess in the jamb (the lock jamb). It is therefore important to ensure accuracy of the jamb’s plumb (verticality).
The joint between the door jamb and the surrounding walls will typically be concealed by a casing sometimes referred to as a door surround or architrave.
Window frames are typically formed by two side jambs, a horizontal cill across the bottom and a horizontal member across the top sometimes referred to as the head jamb or headjamb. On a window, the jambs can be fitted with jamb liners to improve air tightness. As with doors, a casing will generally be used to conceal the joint between the frame and the walls.
NB Short Guide, Fabric Improvements for Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings, published on 1 March 2013 by Historic Scotland, defines jamb as: ‘The vertical side posts used in the framing of a doorway or window. The outer part of the jamb, which is visible, is called the reveal.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.