Resources glossary of window terms |
| You know what's so funny... I'm on job sites all the time where the people are having difficulty describing what they're trying to say as it pertains to windows! So, for you purists out there who want to know exactly what that XYZ thing is... here you are: |
| Picture above: Jeff at age 9 helping Dad with a window project!! |
| GLOSSARY OF TERMS AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the fenestration industry. Accent Line (also known as “V-Joint” or “Highlighted Seam”) A joint formed by two adjacent pieces of wood in the same plane which have beveled edges. Accessory Groove A groove on the frame exterior of some window products; it is designed to allow easy installation of various trim and accessory options. ADA Compliance Often products need to be adjusted for use by the disabled. We are able to meet these needs with handicap sills, special operating hardware, and more. AF Operation (also known as “Active-Fixed Operation”; opposite of FA Operation) Two side-by-side door panels with the first (left) panel being active and the second panel being fixed (inoperable). Air Infiltration The amount of air that passes between a window sash and frame, measured in cubic feet per-minute per-square foot of frame area. Anodized Finish Metallic-look custom finish for products with extruded aluminum sash and frames. Apron Interior-side flat trim member which is used under the stool at the bottom of the window. Argon Gas A colorless, odorless, inert gas that fills the otherwise empty space within an insulating glass unit. Astragal A pair of door panels may open double-wide. The astragal is a vertical component attached to the meeting edge of one of the panels, allowing the two to lock together. Awning Window A window that opens at the bottom, usually with crank operation. Backband Casing usually installed over exterior flat casing, near the outer edges. Backbands are available on wood trim, extruded trim, and vinyl trim. Balances (also known as “Mechanical Balances”) The operating mechanisms within the jambliners of double hung windows. Bay Window One or more window units joined – usually at a 30°, 45° or 90° angle. Blind Stop On a wood double hung window, the blind stop is the frame piece located between the jamb and the brickmould. It forms a ridge that supports either a storm sash or screen. Bow Window Windows joined in a smooth curve. Usually, the outer two sashes operate. Box Size See Frame Size Brickmould (also known as “Moulding,” “Exterior Casing” or “Trim”) Moulding or trim applied around window or door frames on the exterior of a building to give it a finished appearance. While not necessary to achieve a satisfactory installation, it does look better aesthetically. Bronze-Lite Glass with a transparent, bronze tint, usually used to reduce glare. Bronze-lite is optional on some windows, however we often recommend LoE²-240 Glare Control Glass for solar control. Butt Hinge A hinge with a pin inserted into a round barrel, often used on swinging doors. When butt hinges are requested on casement windows, Euro hinges are standard. If desired, butt hinges must normally be requested specifically. Casement Window A window that open from the side, usually to the exterior, with crank operation. There are window companies that offer casement windows in wood, roll-form aluminum clad, extruded aluminum clad, vinyl, steel, and fiberglass. Some companies also offer Inswing Casements and Pushout Casements with either hinged or retractable screens. Casing (also known as “Trim”) Moulding or trim applied around window or door frames on the interior of a building to give it a finished appearance. Exterior brickmould is sometimes referred to as casing. Chain & Pulley Double Hung See Old World Classic Check Rails (also known as “Meeting Rails” or “Lock & Keeper Rails”) The two rails on single hung and double hung windows which meet horizontally in the center of the window unit. Locking hardware is normally installed on check rails of single hung and double hung windows. Check Stiles (also known as “Meeting Stiles”) The two stiles on slider windows which meet vertically in the center of the window unit. Locking hardware is normally installed on the check stiles of slider windows. The term “check rail” is often used although the meeting members are technically stiles. Clad Profile A wood window or door not having the brickmould or sill nosing traditional to wood windows. Wood units may be ordered clad profile to match the aluminum clad products. Cladding Material that covers the exterior of a window or door frame and/or sash, offering increased durability with less maintenance than other exterior finishes. Some companies offer aluminum clad products with a polyester finish, fluoropolymer finish, or anodized finish. Copper cladding is also available as a custom option. Clear Opening When a window or door is open, the amount of space available to enter or exit. Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening (formerly known as Egress) requirements are based on clear opening dimensions. Not to be confused with Daylight Opening. Clear Wood A single piece of wood that is not a veneer, laminated, or several pieces of wood joined in any way. A common misconception is that “clear wood” refers to the grain pattern and/or color of wood. Clerestory A window near the top of an outside wall. Cottage-Style Single Hung or Double Hung A single hung or double hung window with a bottom sash that is taller than the top sash. Many companies offer single & double hung windows may be ordered with cottage-style sash. Cripples The short 2" x 4" members used to frame under the sill or above the header in a rough opening for a window in a frame wall. CSI Specifications CSI refers to the Construction Specification Institute. CSI specifications provide a standardized method for manufacturers to communicate the technical details of a window or door product to architects. Curb A watertight wall or frame used to raise slope glazing above the surface of the roof as a preventative measure against water leakage from melting snow or rain run-off. Cutlite (also known as “True Divided Lite”) Cutlites are traditional window grilles with individual glass units separated by permanent wood bars. Daylight Opening (D.L.O.) The visible area of glass; the amount of glass area that allows light into a room. Not to be confused with Clear Opening. Design Pressure (known for "DP ratings") A numerical value that defines the structural wind loading requirements (in pounds per square foot) for a building and the components and cladding of a building. Direct Set (alternative to Sash Set) A window with no sash. The glass is set directly into the frame and, therefore, cannot operate. Double Hung Window A window with two sash that slide up and down. Many window companies offer traditional wood double hungs with vinyl compression jamblinersand some, as Kolbe, exclusively offer a wood Sterling double hung with hidden jambliners (in the Heritage and Ultra Series). Double Slider (also known as “Slide-By” or “Slider”) A window with two sash that slide horizontally. Drip Cap An accessory designed to eliminate water leaks. Wood drip caps are available for wood windows and doors. Integral vinyl drip caps are available for most wood and aluminum clad and clad profile products. Extruded aluminum drip caps are available for extruded aluminum products. And, vinyl drip caps are available for vinyl products. Drywall Return Receiver A U-styled accessory that is snapped into the interior accessory groove of some types of vinyl windows and doors. It allows the installation of wood or drywall up to 5/8-inch thick and provides a finished receiver for extensions or plasterboard returns. Elliptical Window An elongated, semi-circular radius window. Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings (formerly known as Egress Openings) A window or door large enough for a person to climb out and/or for rescue in case of emergency per local building code requirements. ENERGY STAR® ENERGY STAR® is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and manufacturers of windows, doors and skylights. The purpose is to promote energy efficient products and make them easily recognizable. Euro Hinge Euro hinges are used on segment head and half-circle top casements that operate, casements adapted for impact performance, and whenever butt hinges are requested. NOTE: Clear opening widths change when Euro hinges are used. Extension Jambs Wood extending from a window or door frame to accommodate different wall thicknesses. FA Operation (also known as “Fixed-Active Operation;” opposite of AF Operation) When there are two side-by-side door panels and the first (left) panel is stationary (inoperable) and the second is active. Fenestration Fenestration products are window and door products. Finger Groove (also known as “Finger Plough”) Grooves routed into the wood rails of double hung & slider windows that are used as hand-holds for operation. Fixed (also known as “Stationary”) In the window and door industry, “fixed” refers to a window or door unit that is inoperable or stationary; i.e., it does not open. Flanker A window or door joined beside another window. Flankers are the windows on either side of a bay window unit or picture window, for example. Flat Casing (also known as Casing or “Flat Brickmould”) Casing or brickmould with a flat surface. View flat casing: wood trim or extruded trim. Frame The parts of windows and doors that are secured into the rough opening of a building. Frame components include the head jamb, sill, and and side jambs. Frame Expanders Accessories used to cover exterior or interior gaps between the frame and rough opening after a window or door is installed. Frame Size (also known as Box Size) Measurement of a window or door unit from outside-of-frame to outside-of-frame, excluding the exterior trim. French Casement Two casement windows that have a double-wide opening because there is no center mullion between them but, instead, an astragal is attached to one of the sash. There exist companies that offer wood French casements in wood, roll-form clad, and extruded aluminum clad. French Door Two door panels that have a double-wide opening because the center mullion is replaced with an astragal attached to one of the door panels. Most swinging doors are available as French doors. Fusion Welding The process of mitering and heating the frame and sash corners of vinyl windows. This fuses the corners together for exceptionally strong joints and permanently sealed corners. The other method is to simply screw the corners using "corner keys" and make the frame more wobbly. Garden Window Garden windows project out from the house exterior and provide a multi-dimensional view and more sunlight than other windows. Gasket A pliable, flexible continuous strip of material used to effect a watertight seal between sash and frame of roof windows much like the seal around a refrigerator door. Gear Hinge (also known as “Piano Hinge”) An anodized aluminum gear hinge extending the full height of door panel on certain hinged patio doors. It provides optimal strength to the door panel. Geometric Window A window with a specific geometric shape. Common geometric shapes include octagons, triangles, diamonds, parallelograms, pentagons and trapezoids. Glass Size The measurement of actual glass, not just visible glass. Glass size includes the glass around the perimeter of a unit and is covered by glazing beads. Glass Stop See Glazing Bead Glazing Glazing refers to the glass used for windows, or when used as a verb, it refers to the act of installing glass into a window. Glazing Bead (also known as “Glass Stop”) A long, thin moulded piece of wood used to secure glass into a window. Some glazing beads are beveled as standard, with an ovolo profile being optional on most wood manufactured window products. Glazing Compound (also known as "DAP 33") A pliable substance applied between the windows sash and the lites of glass to seal against the elements and sometimes to adhere the glass to the sash itself. Gray-Lite Glass with a transparent, gray tint. Green Building The 'Green Movement' brings up many concerns about energy efficiency, as well as company philosophy and practices. Grid See Grille. Grille Bar See Muntin Bar Grille A grid that visually divides a window into panes. Generally speaking, the word "grille" normally refers to an interior removable wood grille. Grilles-in-the-Airspace (also known as “GIA” or “Bars-in-Glass”) Permanent grilles within an insulating glass unit. Half-Circle Top (also known as “Round Top” or “Arched Window”) Windows that are curved on top assuming a standard 1/2 diameter (radius). Non-Standard chords are sometimes referred to as "elliptical tops". Head Board The board applied to the top of a bow or bay window. Head Jamb The top, horizontal piece of a door or window frame. Hinging Hinge placement or operation on a window or door. Sliding patio doors are always viewed from the exterior to specify hinging. Swinging doors are specified by the swing; i.e. outswing door hinging is described as viewed from the exterior and inswing door hinging is described as viewed from the interior. Hopper Window A window that is hinged at the bottom and tilts in from the top for ventilation. Hopper windows are often used in basement or garage applications. Impact Glass Glass that has been prepared and tested for impact performance, especially in coastal areas where hurricanes may be a threat. Insulating Glass (also known as "IG") Glass units constructed of two or more glass panes separated by a hermetically sealed space. Inswing Casement Window A window that swings open from the side to the interior of the room. There are a couple of manufacturers that offer inswing French casements. J Channel An accessory for vinyl windows and doors that snaps into the exterior accessory groove. It is designed to provide a matching channel for the installation of siding. Jack Stud Framing members, generally 2x4s, which form the inside of the window or door rough opening. They run from the sole plate to the header, which is supported by them. When doubled-up sometimes they are regarded as "sister-studding". Jamb The top and side components of a window or door frame. Jamb Extender Clip An accessory for vinyl windows that is used to install extenders to the windows. The clip is snapped into the interior accessory groove, then stapled or screwed to the extender. Jambliner The vertical, side components of double hung windows that hold the sash in the frame and incorporate mechanical balances for operation. Keeper The protruding, hook-shaped part of a casement window lock, which is mounted on the inside surface of the sash stile. Kickplate A thin, polished metal plate applied to the bottom rail of a door to prevent damage to the surface. KPII KPII is a controlled-spray application that seals wood surfaces and provides a bond for the topcoat finish. Laminated Glass Two or more layers of glass bonded together using heat and pressure, with inner layers of transparent plastic. Laminated glass offers one of the best levels of ultraviolet ray blockage over the entire ultraviolet spectrum. Laminated Veneer Lumber (also known as “LVL”) Layers of lumber with the grain directions opposite each other and laminated together with adhesive. This provides additional strength and makes the lumber less prone to warping than clear wood. Leaded Glass True leaded glass is comprised of small, usually irregular panes of glass which may be multi-colored and joined by lead or zinc. However, popular usage of the term often refers to decorative glass with lead caming. Lift (also called "sash lifts" or "sash handles") Handles or grips (usually of a decorative metal type) installed on the bottom rail of the lower sash of a double- hung window to make it easier to raise or lower the sash. Lite Refers to a single pane of glass or, in some cases, an entire glass unit. (Ex: Cutlite refers either to individual panes of glass, or to individual insulating glass units. One “lite” of a bow unit refers to one sash of the multi-sash unit.) Low-E Glass See Low Emissivity Coating Low Emissivity Coating (also known as “LoE” or “LoE²”) LoE coatings reduce energy transfer through insulating glass units, and thereby achieves one of the highest levels of energy performance possible for glass. Magnum Double Hung Magnum double hung windows are designed for light commercial projects. Margin (also known as “Reveal”) The space between a door panel or window sash and the adjacent frame. Marginal Grilles (also known as “Queen Anne,” “Prairie-Style” or “9-Lite” Grilles) Marginal grilles are a grille pattern with a small square in each corner of a window unit; the standard corner square has a 4-inch x 4-inch daylight opening. Masonry Opening The wall opening in a brick, block or stone building where a window or door is installed. Several types of installation techniques are possible in such a situation, so some companies do not use masonry opening measurements for ordering purposes. Mechanical Balances See Balances Meeting Rails See Check Rails Meeting Stiles See Check Stiles Mortise A slot or rectangular cavity cut into a piece of wood to receive another part. Moulding See Brickmould Mull Casing Mull casings cover the joints between windows and/or doors that are mulled side-by-side and/or stacked. Mull Cover Mull covers are accessories for vinyl windows and doors that allow modular sizing of multiple opening widths and provides space for structural stiffeners, if required. Mulled Mulled windows or doors are joined together. Windows and doors usually may be mulled at the factory before shipping although sometimes they are done in the field (or rather "Field-Mulled") for practical purposes. Mullion The stationary frame piece that separates mulled window or door units. Being joined by mullions makes multiple window or door units appear to be one. Not to be confused with Muntin Bar. Mullions are vertical. Multi-Point Locking System A locking system with several points where locking occurs, such as on a casement window or a hinged patio doors. This system provides optimal security and keeps the sash in "plane" better over time. Muntin Bar (also known as “Grille Bar”) A short, light-weight bar that visually divides a window into “separate” panes. Not to be confused with mullion. Muntins are horizontal. Nailing Fin A strip of material, usually vinyl, around a window or door frame that makes installation easier. Some window companies apply vinyl nailing fins to most aluminum clad and clad profile units as standard. NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) The NFRC was established in 1989 to implement a national energy rating system for windows, doors and other fenestration products and was sanctioned by the federal government under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The NFRC energy rating system is based on whole product performance, so consumers can directly compare products with different construction attributes Nominal A nominal measurement is an approximate measurement; the actual measurement may vary slightly. O.S.M. “Outside Measurement” or “Overall Measurement” Obscure Glass (also known as “Pattern Glass”) Glass with a rough surface so that while it remains translucent, it offers the privacy of an obscured view. The rough surface is on the interior of the insulating unit for easy cleaning. Ogee Lugs Historically, ogee lugs were part of double hung sash stiles for stability. They limited operation, so glass wouldn't shatter if lowered too quickly. And, it was thought that they strengthened the check rail. Ogee lugs may be added on to double hung windows in order to maintain historical profiles. Old World Classic A double hung window with details similar to historic double hungs. The Old World Classic operates effortlessly due to its chain & pulley mechanism. One-Lite Usually refers to a single insulating glass unit. Operable (also known as “Venting”) A window that can be opened and closed. Operating Panel A door panel that can be opened and closed. Operator (also known as “Guide Bar”) A jointed, metal arm that opens and closes a casement or awning window. Ovolo A glazing bead or removable grille that curves outward from the glass and is a decorative alternative to the standard beveled profile. Palladian Window A Palladian window is a window grouping that is divided into three parts. The center section is larger than the two side sections, and usually includes an arched window. There exist companies that can recreate this style using double hungs on each side and a large half-circle top window in the center. Panel Generally, the panel is the raised panel on a door. Panels may also refer to the door 'sash' – the part that can be opened and closed. Performance Divided Lites Lites (also known as PDL and as "Simulites") A method of providing the look of Cutlite (true divided lites), while offering more energy efficiency. Grilles are "fused" to the glass in a variety of widths, usually" 5/8, 7/8, 1-1/8". Picture Window Usually a configuration of casement or double hung windows with one or more inoperable center sash and operable windows on either side. Pitch The pitch of a roof is the degree of the indication upward from horizontal or flat. It may be expressed in degrees or as the ratio of the number of inches it rises in each 12 inches of horizontal span. 4/12 means the roof rises four inches in every foot of horizontal span. Polyester Finish The finish used on roll-formed aluminum cladding. Prairie-Style Grilles See Marginal Grilles Queen Anne Style See Marginal Grilles R-Value Resistance to heat flow. A high R-value indicates that a window has good heat-insulating properties. Radius Window A window with curves, usually full-circle, half-circle, quarter-circle or elliptical. Radius-Top Windows Windows that incorporate a curve, or radius, at the top. Rails The top and bottom horizontal pieces of a door panel or window sash. Raised Panels Panels that are surrounded by the stiles and rails of a door panel and are “raised.” Raised panels are common decorative accents on doors. Reverse Cottage-Style Single or Double Hung (also known as "Contemporary" or "Oriel") A double hung window with a top sash that is taller than the bottom sash. Only a few companies offer single & double hung windows that can be ordered with reverse cottage-style sash. Roller Adjuster Hardware on the bottom and top rails of sliding patio doors that allows the door panel to be adjusted slightly up or down for ease of movement. Roll-Formed Aluminum Aluminum cladding that is applied to the exterior of the door or window frame and/or sash by snapping it around the wood. It fits closely to the wood, thereby maintaining the beautiful profile of wood windows/doors. Rough Opening (R.O.) The wall opening where a window or door is installed. Usually a half-inch is added to the frame (box) size which equals the rough opening. This is allowed for insulating and squaring the unit. One inch (1/2" on either side) is typically recommended when installing wood units with installation clips. Rough Sill The horizontal rough framing member, usually a 2 x 4, which forms the bottom of the rough opening. It is toe- nailed into the jack studs and is supported by cripples. Sash The part of a window that holds the glass can be opened and closed in an operating window. Fixed windows may also have sash – the glass is set into the sash, then the sash set into the frame. Sash Balance A system of weights, cords, and/or coiled springs which assist in raising double-hung sash and tend to keep the sash in any placed position by counterbalancing the weight of the sash. Sash Cord In double-hung windows, the rope or chain that attaches the sash to the counter balance. Sash Lock Generally, a cam-action type lock applied to the check rails of a sliding window or at the open edges of a projecting window to pull the check rails tightly together or to seal the sash tightly to the frame, both for security and weathertightness. Sash Set (alternative to Direct Set) A window with the glass set into a sash, then the sash set into a frame. Most windows are sash set as standard. Sash weights In older double-hung windows, the concealed cast-iron weights that are used to counterbalance the sash. Seat Board A board applied to the bottom of a bow or bay window, providing support as well as a flat, finished surface. Secondary Security Lock An optional lock for sliding patio doors that locks the door panel to the sill in a partially open or closed position, allowing ventilation without sacrificing security. Segment Head (also known as “Eyebrow Window” or “Arched Window”) A window or door panel with an arc at the top, where the arc is less than a true half-circle. Windows that incorporate a curve, or radius, at the top. Shims A thin, waterproof piece of material used between the window/door unit and the rough opening to support the unit, center it within the rough opening, and adjust it to a plumb, level, & square position. Side Jambs The vertical pieces of a window or door frame. Sidelite (also known as “Sidelight”) A wood or glass panel installed next to a door frame. Sill Horn The portion of sill nosing that extends past the side jambs. Sill Nosing (also known as “Sill Nose Trim”) A piece of moulding applied to a window sill exterior that acts as a drip edge. Sill The bottom, horizontal piece of a window frame or the bottom threshold of a door frame. Not to be confused with stool. Simulated Divided Lite (SDLs) A method of constructing windows in which muntins are affixed to the inside and outside (and in-between-the panes in a therompane) of a panel of insulating glass to simulate the look of true divided light. Single Glazing (also known as "monolithic glazing") A single panel of glass with no insulating airspace. Single Hung Window A window which looks like a double hung, but the top sash is stationary. The bottom sash slides up and down. Slider (also known as “Slide-By”) A window that slides horizontally. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Solar Heat Gain Coefficient refers to the measurement of solar energy transfer through the glass, rather than the entire unit. Lower SHGC means less solar heat transmittance into a room, which will reduce cooling costs. Sole Plate (also known by some as the "Sill Plate") The bottom horizontal member in a frame wall. Usually either single or double 2x6s. It is nailed to the deck or rough floor and the studs are nailed to it. Spacer Bar The bars that form the perimeter of insulating glass units. Spacer bars are a “mill-finish” silver-gray color as standard. They can also be: Champagne- or Bronze-colored. Square-Out, Segment-In (also known as a "Variation 6" window) A window or door sash/panel that is square on top, with a glass panel that is curved on top. Square-Out, Segment-In windows and doors have to be custom-ordered. Stacked Windows that are mulled vertically, one above the other. Stationary (also known as Fixed) “Fixed” windows or doors that do not open. Sterling Double Hung Window These are Kolbe's double hungs with concealed jambliners. Sterling Double Hungs are available in all-wood in the Heritage Series or with wood interior and aluminum clad exterior in the Ultra Series. Sticking In the window and door industry, “sticking” refers to the raised, profiled portion of stiles and rails which create the glass shelf on a window or door. Stiles The vertical pieces of a window or door sash panel. Stool Often called a window sill, the stool is a piece of wood that protrudes from the bottom of a window. Stools are commonly seen in 19th century homes; plants or knick-knacks are often placed on window stools. Strike Plate The piece of locking hardware on a door frame which receives the latch or dead bolt. Surround The wood frame around the perimeter of a removable grille assembly, providing stability, ease of removal and a finished appearance. Tempered Glass Plate glass with increased strength. Thermo-Edge Spacer (also known as “Warm-Edge Spacer”) Stainless steel spacer bars provide an increased edge temperature on insulating glass units, reducing the potential for condensation on the glass. Thermo-edge spacer bars are a “mill-finish” silver-gray color. Threshold The bottom of a door frame that is beveled on each side. Tilt Latch Hardware on some double hung windows that allows the sash to be tilted in or removed for cleaning. Tilt-Turn Window A Tilt-Turn window is a European-style window. The sash may tilt in like a hopper window or swing from the side like an inswing casement. Transom A stationary window unit that is stacked (or mulled) immediately above a door or window. Trim For interior trim, see Casing. For exterior trim, see Brickmould. Triple Glazing A sash glazed with three lites of glass, enclosing two Separate airspaces. Thought to be a true "thermal break" before the invention of "warm-edge" thermopane spacers. Frankly, nowadays, an excessive hunk of extra glass. Triple Slider (also known as “Picture Slider”) A sliding window with three sash. The center sash is usually a large, inoperable sash, sometimes referred to as a “picture” unit. True Divided Lite See Cutlite Turn-Tilt Window See Tilt-Turn U-Factor (formerly known as “U-Value”) U-value measures heat flow through a window or door. Low U-factor means better insulating properties and better energy efficiency, especially in winter. U-factor is the inverse of R-value. (U=1/R). Uniform Sight Lines (Sash Set vs. Direct Set) Fixed windows are often stacked above operating units. Some manufacturers install glass directly into the frames of fixed windows. Others, however, install the glass into a sash, which is then installed in the frame. This creates a "uniform sight line" from the operating unit below to the inoperable window above. This is considered "architecturally correct." Unison Lock A casement locking system which secures the window at two locking points by operation of one handle. Unit Dimension On clad and clad profile windows and doors, the unit dimension is equal to the Box Size (i.e., frame size). On wood windows and doors that are not clad or clad profile, unit dimension is measured from the outermost edges of the brickmould. Universal Design Often products need to be adjusted for use by the disabled or elderly. Many companies are able to meet these needs with handicap sills, special operating hardware, and more. uPVC uPVC refers to the chemical composition of the vinyl used in vinyl windows and doors. Poly Vinyl Chloride is unique among plastics because it is comprised of approximately 60% chloride stemming from rock salt (sodium chloride) and 40% polymers stemming from natural gas and petrochemicals. Utility Window A window designed for function, not aesthetics. Utility units are usually used for garages and basements. U-Value See U-Factor Vapor Barrier A watertight material used to prevent the passage of moisture into or through floors, walls, and ceilings. Veneer A thin sheath of wood usually applied over a stronger type of wood, creating a beautiful finish. Vents A window that “vents” or is “venting” is able to open and close; it is “operable.” V-Grooved Glass A type of decorative glass with grooves for decoration. Warm-Edge Spacer See Thermo-Edge Spacer WDMA (Window & Door Manufacturers’ Association) A nationwide association that sets standards and guidelines for the window and door industry. Weatherstripping A material that creates a weather-tight seal between a window or door sash and the frame. Weight & Pulley Double Hung See Old World Classic Double Hung Wind Bourne Debris Region Areas within Hurrican-prone regions within one mile of the coast where the basic wind speed is 110 mph or greater. |
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