Glossary
ABC Chart
A – Air Tightness (the highest rating for air is A3) B – Water Tightness (the highest rating for water is B7), C – Wind Load Resistance (the highest rating for wind is C5).
Acrylic
Thermoplastic glazing material.
Air Infiltration
Air movement through the building envelope. In the case of windows the CSA A440 standard for windows, the “A” measurement rates air infiltration.
Aluminum
A lightweight metal used for building components.
Anchor Brackets
Metal clips used to secure frame to jackstud.
Arch Top
A term used to describe a window unit with the curved frame. These units, also called curved-tops or round-tops, are often placed over another window.
Argon
A non-toxic gas used in insulating glass units to reduce heat transmission.
Astragal
Center post between two swinging doors.
Awning
Window with sash swinging outward from bottom.
Balance
Mechanical device used in single and double hung windows as a means of counterbalancing the weight of the sash opening and closing.
Bay
A combination of window units that projects to the exterior. Usually features a large center unit with two flankers at a 30 degree or 45 degree angle to the wall.
Bow
A combination window that projects to the exterior. Usually features four or more window units in a curved formation.
Brickmold
A type of external casing for windows and doors.
Caming
The dividers between glass bevels in decorative glass door inserts.
Casement
Window with sash cranking outward, to the left or right.
Casing
Exposed moulding or profile around a window or door, on either the inside or outside, to cover the space between the window frame or door jamb and the wall.
Caulking
A compound for filling joints and sealing cracks to prevent leakage of water or air.
Cellular PVC
Extruded polyvinyl chloride material used in window and door components and trim. Unlike rigid vinyl, it features a foam or cell structure inside. It can often be nailed, sawn, and fabricated like wood.
Cladding
Another term for siding. A thin material made of vinyl or aluminum, fitted over wood sash, door jamb or window for weather protection and finish colour.
Combination Door
A screen or storm door used in combination with a primary door. Storm windows also are referred to as combination windows.
Composite
A term used for window and door components that consist of two or more materials, such as fibers or wood and plastic. The term also is used for windows and doors that combine two or more materials in the frame or sash construction, such products as a wood interior and vinyl or aluminum exterior.
Complete Tear Out Window Installation
A method of installing a replacement window where the older window is completely removed back to the original window opening (RSO).
Condensation
Water vapour from the air deposited on any cold surface that has temperature below the dew point.
Curved Top
A term used to describe a window with a curved frame. These units, also called arch top or round top are often placed over another window.
Design Pressure (DP)
A measurement of structural performance of a window or door. Usually specified as one-and-a-half times greater than necessary based on expected building, wind, and weather conditions.
Divided Lites
Separately framed pieces or panes of glass. A double hung window, for instance, often has several lites divided by muntins in each sash. These designs are often referred to as six-over-six or eight-over-eight, to indicate the number of lites in each sash. Designs simulating the appearance of separately framed panes of glass are often referred to as SDLs or simulated divided lites. Designs using actual separate pieces of glass are sometimes referred to as TDLs or true divided lites.
Door Frame
A complete door frame consists of two jamb legs, header and sill.
Dormer
An area that protrudes from the roof of the house, generally featuring one or more windows.
Door Skin
A single sheet of material used as the face of the door.
Door Slab
A complete door panel that has not been assembled into a frame.
Double Glazing
Use of two panes of glass in a window to increase energy efficiency and provide other performance benefits. May or may not refer to an insulating glass unit.
Double Hung Window
Window featuring two operable sashes that move vertically in the frame.
Drip Cap
A flashing of metal or vinyl placed above a wall opening (e.g.: window or door) designed to shed rain water away from the wall of the house or building.
Egress Window
Window designed to be large enough for a firefighter to climb in or a person to climb out of in case of an emergency. Building codes require each bedroom of a home to have an emergency exit window, with a minimum size specified for each province.
Energy Rating (ER)
A measure of the thermal performance of a window. A window’s air infiltration and solar heat gain are used to calculate that window’s ER. ER numbers range from 0 to over 40. The higher the ER number the better the energy performance.
ENERGY STAR
A program sponsored by Natural Resources Canada. ENERGY STAR qualifies windows that meet minimum energy performance criteria.
Extrusion
The process by which material is forced through a die to produce lineal profile building components.
False Mullion
A mullion simulating the look of a single hung window on a casement or a picture window. The unit is divided by a strip of vinyl (similar to the divided lites).
Fenestration
An architectural term referring to the arrangement of windows in a wall. From the Latin word “fenestra,” meaning window.
Fire Door
Fire doors are designed to meet independent testing for some applications where the fire code has specified this product.
Fixed Lite
Non-venting or non-operable window.
Fixed Panel
Non-operable door usually combined with an operable door unit.
Flankers
The two end windows in a multiple unit.
Flashing
A strip of metal or vinyl that diverts rain water away from a wall or roof assemble.
Fogging
If a sealed glazing unit fails, the moisture or the residue from evaporating moisture that collects on the inside surfaces is called “fogging”.
Frame
The main structural element of a window composed of two vertical side jambs and two horizontal components called a head and sill. The window sash fit (s) inside the window frame.
French Door
Generally refers to a pair of hinged doors that open from the middle.
Garden Window
A window that projects beyond the outside surface of the adjacent wall. These windows are designed to accommodate the growing of potted plants.
Geometric
With Atlantic Windows’ technology and expertise, almost any shape is possible.
Glazing
Glass (and other material) in a window or door. Also, the act or process of fitting a unit with glass.
Glazing Stop
A component of the sash or door panel that holds the glass in place.
Grill
A term referring to window dividers or muntins. It may be a type of assembly fitted to the exterior or the interior of the insulated glass unit.
Hard Coat Glass
A glass product that is coated during the manufacturing process at the molten glass stage. Also known as a pyrolytic coating. The other type of glass coating is a sputter coat which is applied in a secondary process. Sometimes referred to as soft coat.
Head
Main horizontal frame member at the top of a window or door.
Header
Horizontal framing member placed over the rough opening of a window or door to prevent the weight of a wall or roof from resting on the frame.
Heat Gain
The transfer of heat from the outside to the inside by means of conduction, convection and radiation through all surfaces of a house.
Height
The vertical dimension.
Horizontal Slider
A window with a movable sash that slides horizontally.
Infiltration
Heat loss due to air escaping through cracks or spaces around an exterior door or window.
Insulating Glass (IG)
Two or more lites of glass with a hermetically sealed air space between the lites. The sealed space may contain air or be filled with an inert gas, such as argon.
Jamb
Main vertical members forming the sides of a window or door frame.
Jamb Depth
Width of a window or door from the interior to the exterior of the frame.
Jamb Extension
A piece added to the jamb of a window (also head or sill) to make the depth of the window fit the wall thickness.
J Channel
Trim for siding used primarily at the sides of windows and doors.
Keeper
A lock which, when activated, prevents the sash from opening.
Krypton
Krypton is derived from a Greek word meaning, “the hidden one.” Because Krypton is a denser gas than Argon, it is also a better insulator. Krypton is a stable and chemically non-reactive gas, making it ideal for insulation. Krypton is more effective when the gap between window panes is narrow, which is why it is more commonly found in triple pane windows than double pane. Krypton is most effective in windows with around a 1/4”- 3/8″ gap. It only occurs in trace amounts within the atmosphere.
Laminated Glass
Two or more sheets of glass with an inner layer of transparent plastic to which the glass adheres if broken. Used for enhanced safety and security, as well as sound reduction.
Lift Rail
The lip that is attached to the sash of a slider window to allow the homeowner to grasp and open the window.
Lintel
A structural component or beam above a window or door opening that supports the wall above. Also referred to as a header.
Lite
A piece of glass. In windows and doors refers to separately framed panes of glass (as well as designs simulating the look of separately framed pieces of glass). Sometimes spelled light.
Low – emissivity (Low E)
A coated glass product that reflects heat.
Masonry Opening
The space in a masonry wall left open for windows or door.
MDF
Medium density fiberboard. A wood fiber composite used in a variety of window, door and millwork applications.
Mineral Core
Fire rated core of a door available in 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes.
Mullion
A component used to structurally join two window and door units.
Multipoint Lock
A locking system, operated with one handle that secures a window or door at two or more locking points.
Muntin
Profile or moulding, either vertical or horizontal, used to separate glass in a sash into multiple lites. Generally refers to components used to construct divided lite grids or grilles simulating a divided lite block.
Nailing Fin
A thin leg extending beyond the outside surface of a window frame. A nailing fin covers the spaces between the window and the window opening in the wall. A nailing fin provides temporary fastening of a window. Permanent fasteners pass through window jambs at shim locations.
NFRC
National Fenestration Rating Council. A body that has established methods for rating and certifying the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights and other fenestration products.
Night Latch
A safety device available in some windows that allow the sash to be opened a few inches for ventilation, but prevents maximum opening.
Picture Window
Large, non operating window. It is usually longer than it is wide to provide a panoramic view.
Pre-Hanger
A company that buys doors, framing, hardware, glass lites and other components, and prepares the unit for installation.
Prime Window
A primary window, as opposed to a storm or combination unit added on.
PVC (polyvinylchloride)
A thermoplastic material used for building components.
Pyrolytic
See hard coat glass.
Radiation
The transfer from heat and/or light energy through the atmosphere.
Rail
Horizontal member of the framework of a window sash or door.
Reflective Glass
Window glass coated to reflect visible light and solar radiation striking the surface of the glass.
Retro Fit Window Installation (insert window)
A method of installing a replacement window inside the frame of an older wood window.
Rough Opening (RSO)
Opening in a wall into which a window or door is installed. In wood frame construction this opening is often called the RSO (rough stud opening).
Round Top
One of several terms used for a variety of window units with one or more curved frame members, often used over another window or door opening.
R-Value
Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher R-Value numbers indicate greater insulating value. R-Value is reciprocal of U-Value (or rate of heat flow).
Safety Glass
A strengthened or reinforced glass that is less subject to breakage or splintering and less likely to cause injury if broken.
Sash
An assembly of stiles and rails (vertical and horizontal members) made into a frame for holding glass.
Sash Cord
Rope or chain in double hung windows that attach the sash to the counter balance.
Sash Lift
Protruding or recessed handle on the inside bottom rail of the lower sash on a double or single hung window.
Sash Lock
In an operating or opening window, locks are provided for extra security and tightness of the unit.
Sash Stiffener
A reinforcement, usually inserted into a sash profile prior to assemble, designed to increase the strength of the unit.
Sash Weights
Concealed cast iron weights used to counterbalance the sash of older double hung windows.
Sidelites
Narrow fixed units mulled or joined to operating door units to give a more open appearance.
Sill
The main horizontal member forming the bottom of the frame of a window and door.
Sill Pan
A product placed under a window or door during the installation process that is designed for water drainage.
Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs)
A type of grille or grid design that creates the appearance of a number of smaller panes of glass separated by muntins, but actually uses larger lites of glass with the muntins placed between and/or on the surfaces of the glass layers.
Single Glazing
Use of a single lite of glass in a window. Not as energy efficient as insulating glass or other forms of double glazing.
Single Hung
A window resembling a double hung, or vertically sliding window, with a fixed top sash.
Slabs
Main surface of a door. Door slabs come in different gauges and are hot dipped galvanized steel, primed white or prefinish white.
Soffit
Material running from the back of the fascia board to the wall, usually made of plywood, vinyl or aluminum. Soffit is often vented to allow air movement into the space under the roof.
Soft Coat Glass
A glass product that is coated in a secondary process known as sputter coating, usually to offer low-emissivity or solar control benefits. Hard coat or pyrolytic glass is coated during the manufacturing process at the molten glass stage.
Solar Control Glass
Glass produced with a coating or tint that absorbs and reflects solar energy, thereby reducing solar gain.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
A measurement of a window’s ability to transmit solar energy. The lower a window’s SHGC the less solar energy it transmits.
Solid Core
Wood block, particleboard or fire rated mineral fiber used in the core of a door. Solid core doors are either flush or raised panel.
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
A rating measuring a window’s acoustic properties or its ability to reduce sound transmission. An STC rating is determined by measuring the sound transmission over a selected range of sound frequencies. The higher the number, the less sound transmitted.
Stacked Unit
A combination unit where one unit is fixed on top of another.
Stile
The main vertical frame members of a sash or door.
Stop
A moulding used to hold, position or separate window or door parts. Also, the moulding or component on the inside of a window frame against which the sash rests or closes. Also called a bead, side stop, window stop, and parting stop.
Super Spacer
Silicone foam spacer bar that reduces thermal transfer at edge of glass. “Warm Edge”.
Tempered Glass
Glass heat-treated to withstand greater than normal forces on its surface. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces to reduce hazard.
Thermal Break
A thermally insulating or low conductance material used between interior and exterior aluminum (or other conductive material) window and door components.
Thermal Transfer
The movement of heat or cold through a substance.
Thickness
The depth dimension.
Tilt Window
A single or double hung window whose operable sash can be tilted into a room to allow cleaning of the exterior surface on the inside.
Transom
Window used over the top of the door or window, primarily for additional light and aesthetic value.
Triple Glazing
Use of three panes of glass or plastic with two airspaces between. Generally refers to a sealed insulating unit.
True Divided Lites (TDLs)
Traditional window construction incorporating smaller panes of glass actually separated by muntins, rather than simulating such an appearance with larger lites of glass and a muntin grid or grill placed between or on the surfaces of the glass layers.
U-Factor or U-Value
Rate of heat flow-value through a building component. U-Factor is the reciprocal of R-Value.
Ultraviolet light (UV)
Invisible rays of solar radiation at the short wavelength end of the spectrum. Ultraviolet rays can cause fading of paint finishes, carpets and fabrics, as well as deterioration of some materials.
UPVC
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride makes vinyl rigid.
Vent Unit
A window or door unit that opens or operates.
Vinyl
Generic term for polyvinylchloride or PVC (see PVC).
Warm Edge
A type of insulating glass construction using an airspacer offering lower thermal conductance than traditional aluminum spacer. Warm edge IG units typically offer higher resistance to condensation and an incremental improvement in window energy performance.
Weather-stripping
A material or device used to seal the openings, gaps, or cracks of venting window or door units to prevent water and air infiltration.
Weep Hole
A small opening in a window or sill member through which water may drain to the building exterior.
Wind Load
Force exerted on surface by moving air.
Window Styles
Single Hung, double hung, single horizontal, double horizontal, casement, awning, octagonal and specialty shapes.
Yard
An imperial unit of measurement equal to 36″.
Zero Clearance
A door with zero clearance refers to an installation problem when a prehung door cannot be installed to operate properly.
