Glossary of Terms
1/3 1/3 1/3
Configuration of an equally divided three panel of three lite unit.
1/4 1/2 1/4
Configuration of an unequally divided three panel or three lite unit where the center
area is twice the width of the outer area.
A
AAMA
American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade association that
establishes voluntary standards for the window, door, storefront, and curtain wall
and skylight industries.
Above Grade
A term applied to any part of a structure or site feature that is above the adjacent
finished ground level.
Acrylic
(Plastic) A non-crystalline thermoplastic sometimes used for glazing.
Adhesion
A materials ability to stick or bond to the surface to which it is applied.
Air Infiltration
The amount of air leakage through a door, window, or wall; the lower the number
the better. Standard measurement is ASTM-E283.
Air space
A cavity or space in walls, windows or other enclosed parts of a building between
various structural members. Usually used in reference to IG glass Issues.
Air tightness
The ability of a house envelope to resist the infiltration and exfiltration of air.
Anchorage
The method or type of fastening system used to install the product to its substrate.
Annealed glass
Standard sheet of float glass which has not been heat-treated.
Anodize
To provide an extremely hard non-corrosive oxide film on the surface of Aluminum,
by electrolytic action. The electrochemical process produces an Anodic coating by
conversion of aluminum into essentially aluminum oxide. Appearance depends upon
both the allow involved and the surface silver, gray or brown. Anodic coatings may
be transparent, of varying shades of silver, gray or brown or colors may be incorporated
by the use of dyes or pigments.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute – An organization that generates standards
and specifications for a multitude of products.
Arch top
A single hung window where the head is curved into a radius equal to 1/2 the window
width.
Architectural shaped windows
Fixed glass geometric shaped windows.
Argon Gas
Argon is a safe, odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable inert gas that is
commonly used in place of air between the glass panes of an insulated Low-E Glass
unit to reduce temperature transfer.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials – an organization that sets standards
for testing of materials.
Astragal
The vertical member of a multi-panel door, which is attached to the fixed or inactive
door panel and receives the active or operating door or panel.
Awning window
Window in which the sash(es) crank out from the bottom and are hinged at the top.
B
Back bedding
The seal between the glass and the glazing bed.
Balance
A mechanical device used in hung windows to offset the weight of the sash.
Bay window
An angled combination of three windows that project out from the wall of the Home.
The windows are commonly joined at 30 or 45 degree angles.
Bead
A sealant or compound after application in a joint, irrespective of the method of
application, such as caulking bead, glazing bead, etc. Also molding or stop used
to hold glass or panels in position.
Bearing wall
A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bite
Amount of overlap between the top of a stop and the inserted edge of a panel of
lite of glass; also the amount of overlap of a heel bead into the glass of panel.
Bore
The holes made in a door rim into which the door handle or dead bolt fits. Also
referred to as the prep.
Bottom rail
The bottom horizontal member of a sash or panel sometimes referred to as the sash,
vent or panel sill.
Bow window
An angled combination of windows in 3, 4, or 5 lite configurations. The windows
are attached at 10-degree angles to project a more circular, arced appearance.
Box screen
A heavy duty sliding glass door screen frame that simulates the actual glass panels.
It is typically similar in size and shape of the glass door panels.
Brittany
Muntin configuration that frames a single centered large lite and intersects near
corners. Also known as prairie grid.
Buck
Material used to frame an opening for attachment of the window or door frame.
Buck dimension
Opening with buck strips installed and ready for window or door installation. Also
referred to as a finished opening.
Buck opening
Opening with buck strips installed and ready for window or door installation. Also
referred to as a finished opening.
Bug sweep
A flexible rubber seal that is mounted to an extrusion and attaches to the bottom
of the cabana door to keep out insects and prevent air from passing underneath.
C
Cabana door
A swing type door with several window insert options and uses a z-bar extrusion
Outer frame. Commonly used in sunrooms.
Cam lock & keeper
The mechanisms which pull the sash together when placed in the locked position.
Casement
A window in which the sash(es) crank out from the side and are hinged from
the other side.
Caulk
A mastic compound for filling joints and sealing cracks to prevent leakage of water
and air, commonly made of a silicon base, bituminous, acrylic, or rubber based material.
Colonial configuration window or door style in which vents or panels are divided
into small sections (lites) by adding muntins.
Commodity
Standard sizes developed for Florida construction in accordance to block sizes.
Most commonly used in the masonry trade.
Condensation
When water vapor, which is present in all but the driest air, comes in contact with
a surface that is below what is called the “dew point temperature,” the vapor becomes
liquid and is called condensation. Condensation forms
on a glass of ice water since the surface of the glass is down to the dew point
temperature of the inside air.
Configuration
Describes the setup of panels or vents on windows and doors. For example: XO, OX,
XOX or XXX. Florida’s Best refers to “X” as operable and “O” as stationary.
Corner key
A plastic or steel 90 degree angled piece designed to be inserted into an extrusion
to maintain corner alignment.
Countersink
A tapered indentation that will allow the placement of a flat head screw so that
the top is flush with or below the surrounding material.
Cover plate
A flat piece of metal used to cover the opening in the frame.
Curing time
The time required to complete the chemical reaction of a product to reach its final
physical form as a result of chemical reaction.
Curtain wall
An exterior building wall which carries no roof or floor loads and consists entirely
or principally of metal, or a combination of metal, glass and other surfacing materials
supported by a metal framework. There are two basic types:
- Custom – Walls designed specifically for one project, and using
parts and details specially made for this purpose.
- Standard – Walls made up principally of parts and details standardized
by their manufacturer and assembled in accord with either the architect’s design
or the manufacturer’s stock patterns.
Custodial lock
Hardware only operable with a key or tool.
D
Dade County (201)
Protocol for testing windows for impact large or small missile.
Dade County (202)
Protocol for testing windows for air, water and structural.
Dade County (203)
Protocol for testing windows for cyclic.
Deglaze
Removing the glass from the window frame.
Desiccant
A material used in insulating glass to prevent water vapor which causes fogging.
Design load
Wind load pressure, usually expressed in pounds per square foot (psf). Equal to
2/3 of the structural test load.
Design pressure
See Design load.
Die
A device used in shaping or stamping an object or material.
Door jam
See Jamb
Dormer
An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical
wall suitable for windows or other openings.
Double Hung
A window consisting of two sashes of glass operating in a frame, both the upper
and lower halves can be slid up and down and usually use a counter balance mechanism
to hold the sash in place.
Drip cap
A molding placed on the exterior top side of a door or window frame to cause water
to drip beyond the outside of the frame or at the bottom of a wall of siding (drip
mold).
Drywall
(sheet rock) An interior wall constructed with a dry finish such as gypsum board
or plywood.
E
E.S.P.
Electrostatic Paint – painting process used to paint aluminum extrusions – the metal
is charged negatively and the paint positively to enable total coverage of the surface.
Egress
A fire code that requires entry and exit specifications.
Egress bar
An optional bar which connects two locks on a window that opens both locks in a
single motion. Specifically designed for the casement and horizontal roller. This
will not make a window meet Egress (see Egress).
Egress hinge
A hinge on the casement window that pivots closer to the corner and creates a greater
clear opening.
Egress opening
See Egress
Egress window
A window that meets most egress codes.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is an independent U.S. government program establishing a standard set
of guidelines to recognize the energy efficiency of various products. ENERGY STAR
guidelines are used in conjunction with a variety of building materials, including
windows and patio doors.
Exterior glazed
Glass set from the exterior of the building.
Exterior stop
The removable molding or bead that holds the lite or panel in place when it is on
the exterior side of the lite or panel as contrasted to an interior stop located
on the interior side of the lite or panel.
Extrude
The process of shaping metal by forcing it through a die.
Extrude bead
Bead that is used for exterior or interior glazing (see glass stop).
Extrusion
A linear shape that is formed by forcing heated material through a hardened steel
plate or dies that has the desired shape cut into it.
Eyebrow window
An arched window that has vertical legs and a radius top.
F
Fenestration
the placement of window openings in a building wall, one of the important elements
in controlling the exterior appearance of a building. Also, a window, door or skylight
and its associated interior or exterior elements, such as shades or blinds.
Fin seal
A mylar fin that extends outward from pile weather-stripping to reduce air infiltration
and improve contact.
Fire-resistance rating
The time in hours or fraction thereof that a material or assembly of materials will
withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire
under specified conditions of test and performance criteria. Does not typically
apply to residential windows.
Fixed lite
A pane of glass installed directly into non-operating framing members; also the
opening or space for a pane of glass in a non-operating frame.
Fixed meeting rail
Frame member attached to the master frame to separate fixed glass or vents.
Fixed panel
An inoperable panel of a sliding glass door.
Fixed vent
An inoperable vent that is secured in the closed position.
Fixed window
A window with no operating sashes.
Flange frame
A window frame profile where the exterior leg is longer than the interior. It's commonly
used to overlap the surrounding construction.
Flashing
A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water away from a seam
or joint in the construction.
Flat bar
Flat muntin material used commonly as the interior of a double applied colonial.
Can also be used as the exterior colonial.
Fogged unit
An insulating glass unit with a permanent deposit of contaminates on an interior
glass surface.
Frame
The enclosure in which window sashes, door panels or fixed glazing are mounted.
G
Gasket
A preformed shape of rubber or foam-like composition used to fill and seal joints
or openings either along or in conjunction with a supplemental application of a
sealant.
Geometric
Specially designed windows classified as either straight line geometrics such as
rectangles, triangles, trapezoid, octagons, pentagons, etc., or radius geometrics
which include half-rounds, quarter-rounds, full-rounds, sectors, ellipses, eyebrows,
etc.
Glass bite
The overlap of glass on the glazing bed.
Glass distortion
In heat treated glass both monolithic (Non Impact) and laminated (Impact). It
is more prevalent in Lites of glass that are square than rectangular. Distortion
occurs more often in Lites that measure over 21 Square Ft. The distortion viewed
by the human eye is simply observing visible light being bent by transmission through
or reflectance from an imperfect flat plane of glass. The angle of incidence of
the light entering the piece of glass is not the angle of reflectance or transmission.
Glass stop
See glazing bead.
Glazing
Glass or other material that is placed into a window or door frame, or the process
of installing this material.
Glazing bead
A molding or stop placed around a window to cover the glass edge.
Glazing stop
See glazing bead.
Grids
Decorative horizontal or vertical bars installed between the glass panes to create
the appearance of the sash being divided into smaller lites of glass. Also referred
to as muntins.
Grille
A term referring to windowpane dividers or applied muntins.
H
Head or header
The horizontal top portion of the main frame.
Hinge
A jointed or flexible device on which a door or other swinging part turns.
Hinged egress
An awning or single hung window hinged inside a picture window frame for escape
in case of an emergency.
Hip
The sloping ridge of a roof formed by two intersecting roof slopes.
Hip roof
A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building.
Hole plug
A plastic plug used to fill in an opening on the extrusion
Hollow Extrusion
An extrusion with a fully enclosed cavity within it.
Hookstrip
An interlock that attaches to the wall to engage the end moving panel on a pocket
door.
Hopper window
A window unit in which the top of the sash swings inward.
Horizontal slider
Window whose movable sash slides horizontally.
I
I.G. Unit
Insulating glass – Two or more lites of glass separated by a spacer and hermetically
sealed at the glass edges.
ICC
International Code Council – A national organization that publishes model codes
for adoption by states and other agencies. Codes include the International Building
Code (IBC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
IECC
International Energy Conservation Code published by the ICC. The successor to the
Model Energy Code, which is cited in the 1992 U.S. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) as
the baseline for residential Energy Codes in the United States.
Inside glaze
When the window is glazed from the inside of the house.
Inswing
A term used on doors that swing into the interior of the home. Is viewed from the
inside for hinging.
Interlock
Design feature which enables sash, vent or panel to engage with another when closing.
J
Jamb
The main vertical members forming the sides of a window or door frame.
K
K.D.
Knocked down – product components that are shipped unassembled i.e. the frame for
a sliding glass door.
Keeper
Device into which a window or patio door locking latch hooks for positive closure
of sash or panel.
L
Laminated glass
Two or more pieces of glass bonded together with an interlayer between each lite.
Used for overhead, safety and sound reduction.
Lift rail
A handhold for raising and lowering the sash. Rail implies that the handhold is
continuous across the sash.
Lock stile
The vertical section of the sash or panel where the lock is attached.
Low-E (Emissivity) Glass
Glass with a transparent metallic oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface.
The coating typically allows short-wave energy to pass through but reflects long-wave
infrared energy which improves the U- value.
M
Main frame
The head, sill and jamb sections of a window and or door.
Masonry opening
Actual block opening – not including the buck strips. Also referred to as the rough
opening.
Mechanically fastened frame
Refers to the frames that are not welded or molded, typically a screw assembly.
Mesh
Fabric made of either fiberglass or aluminum, used in the making of screens.
Mill finish
Original finish produced on aluminum when it is extruded or cold rolled.
Miter joint
A joint formed by fitting together two pieces cut at angles to form a corner.
Mitered corners
Angled joints where vertical members meet horizontal members.
Mock-up
A model of a section of a wall or its parts, built to scale or at full size, for
purposes of studying its construction details, judging its appearance, and/or testing
its performance.
Modular
Standard window and door sizes given in feet and inches.
Monolithic
Referred to as single unit of glass (not insulated).
Mortise lock
A lock that is recessed in the edge of a stile and has a throw hook that engages
with a keeper.
Mull clip
A clip designed to anchor a mullion into an opening.
Mullion / mull
A member that connects two or more windows or doors together in a single opening.
Muntin
A decorative lineal that can be applied to the exterior, interior, and in between
panes of glass to simulate a true divided lite window or door.
N
Nailing fin/nail fin
An integral extension of a window or patio door frame which generally laps over
the conventional stud construction and through which nails or screws are used to
secure the frame in place.
Negative pressure
Load placed to the interior of the product.
NFRC
National Fenestration Rating Counsel.
Nominal Size
The ordinary commercial size by which timber or lumber is known and sold on the
market, but it may differ from the actual size. (the nearest whole number size)
Also, a ‘call out size’ measured in feet and inches (i.e. 2-4 x 5-0) for windows
and doors, where the window or door’s actual size is usually less than the nominal
size.
Notch
A contoured cut out in a component.
O
"O"
Indicates a fixed section of a door or window. (O, OX, XO, XOX)
Obscure glass
Glass that has been made translucent instead of transparent.
Operable window
Window that can be opened for ventilation.
Operator
Crank-operated device for opening and closing a window.
Oriel outside glaze
Another name for Pro-view window. Glazed from the exterior side of the window
or door.
P
Panel
A frame with glass that goes into a larger “main frame” of a door. A panel may be
sliding or fixed.
Panning
In replacement window work, the outside aluminum trim that can extend around the
perimeter of the window opening; used to cover up the old window material. Panning
can be installed in the opening before the window, or can be attached directly to
the window before installation.
Pass thru
Single hung window without a main frame sill; has a cap piece with foam that fits
onto the sash sill.
Patio Door
A secondary door, not the primary door.
Perimeter
The outside edge around a unit.
Picture Window
A window that has no moveable sash.
Plumb
The state of being exactly perpendicular, vertical.
Pocket door
Sliding glass door that when opened slides clear of the opening.
Positive pressure
Load placed to the exterior of the product.
Prep
Used in reference to holes that get bored or punched on a door.
Pro-View
A window that has a sash smaller than the fixed lite also called an oriel.
Projected window
A window with a sash that opens out from the bottom.
Q
Q-Ion
Brand name for a type of weatherstripping with foam inside and vinyl outer layer.
R
Radius top window
A shaped like an architectural eyebrow, comes to a point where head and jambs
meet.
Rail
The top and bottom horizontal members of a window sash or panel.
Raised muntin
A decorative lineal that can be applied to the exterior, interior, and in between
panes of glass to simulate a true divided lite on a window or door.
Reflective glass
Glass which reduces solar radiant energy and visible light with a metallic coating
applied onto/into glass surface.
Reinforcement
A steel or aluminum bar that is inserted into a hollow extrusion to add strength.
Retrofit
Window or door replacement, change out, or remodel.
Reveal
Clearance or spacing between components in an assembly.
Roll form bead
A glazing bead (or glass stop) that is made from roll formed sheet metal.
Roll formed screen frame
A screen frame that is made from a roll formed sheet metal.
Rough opening
An unfinished opening in a frame wall, sized to accept the frame of a door or window.
S
Sash
A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for holding glass. Sometimes
referred to as vents.
Sash stop
A metal or plastic piece in the jamb track which limits the travel of the sash on
windows.
Sash guides
A plastic piece that is placed in the top of the sash stile to prevent the sash
head from rubbing against the balance.
Screen
Woven mesh of metal, plastic or fiberglass installed over a window opening to permit
air to pass through.
Screw boss
A channel or void in an extrusion which accepts a certain diameter sheet metal screw.
Screw channel
See screw boss
Shims
Small pieces of material used to secure the window or door unit in the rough or
masonry opening in a square, level and plumb position during and after installation.
Sidelite
Fixed units mulled or joined to the side of a door to give a more open appearance.
Sill
The main horizontal member forming the bottom of the frame of a window or a sliding
door.
Sill pan
A type of flashing used to ensure that incidental water that penetrates the building
envelope will be collected and allowed to drain.
Single hung window
Window in which the upper portion is fixed and the lower portion moves vertically.
Slide bolt
Hardware placed in the stiles of a French door to secure the inactive door to the
header and threshold. Also known as the throw bolt.
Side slider
Horizontal sliding window
Sliding glass door
A door fitted with one or more panels that move horizontally.
Solar heat gain coefficient
The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight,
both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. The solar
heat gain coefficient has replaced the shading coefficient as the standard indicator
of a window’s shading ability. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The
lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits,
and the greater its shading ability. SHGC can be expressed in terms of the glass
alone or can refer to the entire window assembly.
Square foot
An area equal to that of a square the sides of which are 12 inches; 144 square inches.
Multiply width by height (in inches) and divide by 144.
Stile
Vertical sash or panel extrusion sometimes referred to as the side rails or jambs.
Stop
The removable molding at the front of the rabbet, either or both serving to hold
lite or panel in the sash or frame with the help of spacers. Also the part of a
door frame against which the door closes.
Strike plate
Metal piece with holes punched on the frame jamb or astragal, which accepts the
lock plunger.
Stucco
An outside plaster made with Portland cement as its base.
Studs
The vertical framing members between the posts used to support vertical loads and
provide nailing surfaces for interior and exterior sheathing.
Swing
The term used with swing doors (French door) in regards to which way the door opens
or swings (out or in).
T
Tempered glass
Treated glass that is strengthened by reheating it to just below the melting point
and then suddenly cooling it. When shattered, it breaks into small pieces. Approximately
four times stronger than standard annealed glass; is required as safety glazing
in patio doors, entrance doors, side lights, and other hazardous locations. It cannot
be re-cut after tempering.
Thermal break
An element of low conductance placed between elements of higher conductance to reduce
the flow of heat. Often used in aluminum windows.
Thermal conductivity
The rate at which heat penetrates a material (measured in BTU’s).
Thermal expansion
Change in dimension of a material as a result of temperature change.
Three point lock
Deadbolts that protrude in three separate directions with the movement of a single
lever or key.
Threshold
The member that lies at the bottom of a sliding glass door or swinging door; the
sill of a doorway.
Threshold cover
A cover placed in the threshold track, typically after the fixed panel.
Tilt latch
Mechanism that unlocks the sash and allows it to tilt in from the main frame.
Tilt-in/lift-out sash
A sash that can be tilted to the interior and removed for cleaning.
Tinted glass
Glass colored by incorporation of a mineral added mixture. Any tinting reduces both
visual and radiant transmittance.
Tip-to-Tip
Measurement for windows, which is taken from the outside of the flange to the outside
of the flange.
Tolerance
The allowable deviation from a normal or expected dimension of value.
Top rail
The top horizontal member of a sash or panel sometimes referred to as the sash,
vent or panel sill.
Transom
A window that fits over the top of a door or window, primarily for additional light
and aesthetic value.
Triple glazing
Three panes of glass or plastic with two air spaces between.
True divided light
A term which refers to windows with multiple individual panes of glass or lights
assembled in the sash using muntins.
Turtle Law
What is commonly referred to throughout the glass industry as “Turtle glass” is,
in short, glass with a visible light transmittance of 45% or less in the visible
spectrum (400 to 700 nanometers).
U
U-factor (U-value)
A measurement of the insulating quality of the window or door. U-factor is used
to determine how well the window or door stops the flow of heat into an air-conditioned
home or out of a heated home. The U-factor is based on the temperature difference
between the inside and outside, and does not include the energy passed by sunlight
(see SHGC). The lower the U-factor, the better.
United inch
Unit of measurement: width plus height= United inch.
V
Vent
The sliding or projecting portion of the window.
Vinyl
A rigid or flexible material made of poly vinyl chloride material used in window
and door frames and glazing.
Visible Light Transmittance (VT)
The fraction of visible light from the outside that passes through the window or
door into the home. VT is used to determine how bright the inside room will be from
the natural daylight passing through the window or door: the lower the VT, the darker
the room.
W
Washable hinges
Track type hinges on casement windows that aside from normal operation has the ability
to slide towards frame center and allow for easy sash cleaning.
Weatherstripping
A material or device used to seal the openings, gaps or cracks of venting window
and door units to prevent water and air infiltration.
Weep hole
A small opening in a wall, door or window sill member through which water may drain
to the building exterior.
Weep hole cover
A plastic or metal piece that inserts into the weep hole to prevent air and bug
infiltration.
Wind load
Measurement of pressure (in psf) put forth by the wind.
Wire glass
Polished or clear glass, 1/4” thick. Wire mesh is embedded within the glass such that
the glass will not shatter when broken. The wire pattern is available in many types.
It is frequently used in skylights, overhead glazing, and locations where a fire-retardant
glass is required.
X
"X"
Indicates a moveable panel or sash in a window or door.
Back To Learning Center