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
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.
Conservation in the age of the fourth (digital) industrial revolution.
Shaping the future of heritage
Embracing the evolution of economic thinking.
Ministers to unleash biggest building boom in half a century
50 major infrastructure projects, 5 billion for housing and 1.5 million homes.
RIBA Principal Designer Practice Note published
With key descriptions, best practice examples and FAQs, with supporting template resources.
Electrical businesses brace for project delays in 2025
BEB survey reveals over half worried about impact of delays.
Accelerating the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding in England
The government publishes its Remediation Acceleration Plan.
Airtightness in raised access plenum floors
New testing guidance from BSRIA out now.