Glossary of Terms

Windows

Fenestration: Products that fill openings in a building envelope designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles or people. (e.g.; windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing.)

Double Hung window: A window consisting of two sashes operating in a rectangular frame, in which both the upper and lower halves can be slid up and down. A counterbalance mechanism usually holds the sash in place.

Grids: The decorative patterns on a window pane locked between the panes of glass, can be colonial, diamond, or Prairie style.

Sliding window: A window fitted with one or more sashes opening by sliding horizontally or vertically. Vertical sliders may be single- or double-hung.

Bow window: A rounded bay window that projects from the wall in an arc shape, commonly consisting of five sashes.

Bay window: An arrangement of three or more individual window units, attached so as to project from the building at various angles. In a three-unit bay, the center section is normally fixed, with side panels operable as single-hung or casement windows.

Casement window: A window containing one or more sash hinged to open from side, that project outward or inward from the plane of the window

Exterior Condensation (summer condensation): Exterior condensation, which forms on the outside pane of the window, typically occurs in summer. This type of condensation can occur for several reasons: the glass temperature drops below the dew point temperature of the outside air, the air is still, there is a high relative humidity, there is a clear night sky, or there are plants located near your window. While unsightly, exterior condensation should not concern you, since it usually evaporates as the days wears on and will not affect the interior of your home. Seeing exterior condensation on those rare days should be a reassurance that your windows are doing their job: keeping your heating and cooling in your home where it belongs, and saving you money.

Picture window: A large, fixed window framed so that it is usually more horizontal than vertical to provide a panoramic view.

Awning window: A window, with one or more sash that rotate about its top hinge and projects outward.

Hopper window: Window with sash hinged at the bottom.

Sash: The portion of a window assembly that is installed in a frame and includes the glazing, stiles and rails, A sash may be operable or fixed.

Low-emittance (low-E) coating: Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to suppress radiative flow and reduce the U-factor. A typical type of low-E coating is transparent to the solar spectrum (visible light and short-wave infrared radiation) and reflective of long-wave infrared radiation.

Argon: An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating glass units to reduce heat transfer.

Fusion weld: The process of connecting the ends of vinyl extrusions together by heating them to a certain temperature and pressing them together. The result of this process is much stronger than chemical welding or screws.

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): NFRC is a non-profit, public/private organization created by the window, door and skylight industry. It is comprised of manufacturers, suppliers, builders, architects and designers, specifiers, code officials, utilities and government agencies. NFRC has established a voluntary national energy performance rating and labeling system for fenestration products. For more information visit www.nfrc.org.

ENERGY STAR®: ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary partnership among the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers. Partners help promote efficient products by labeling with the ENERGY STAR® logo and educating consumers about the benefits of energy efficiency. By choosing ENERGY STAR®-labeled products, you will minimize your utility bills and help the environment at the same time. For more information visit www.energystar.gov.

Patio and Porch Enclosures

Gable: Double sloped roof forming an upside down "V."

Studio: Single sloped roof style.

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 five 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 recut after tempering.

Footer system: A support system typically of concrete installed below grade to add structural support to concrete slabs and other above ground structures.

Under pin: The process of installing a footer system beneath an existing cement slab.

Frost heave: A condition that occurs when ground below a structure thaws and freezes causing the structure above to move.

Knee wall: The wall system between the bottom of a window and the floor track.

Header: A two piece structural member that spreads to roof load over a bearing wall and pivots to allow for the slope of the roof.

Hanger: A two piece structural member that spreads the roof load across the attachment point and anchors the roof system to the house wall or ridge beam. Also pivots to allow for roof slope.

R-value: A measure of the resistance of a glazing material of the U-factor (R = 1/U) and is expressed in units of hr-sq F/Btu. A high-R-value window has greater resistance to heat flow and higher insulating value than one with a low R-value.

Extrusion: The process of producing vinyl or aluminum shapes by forcing heated material through an orifice in a die. Also, any item made by this process.

Interlocker: An upright frame member of a panel in a sliding glass patio door which engages with a corresponding member in an adjacent panel when the door is closed. Also called interlocking stile.

Baked enamel finish: Painting process where enamel paint is baked to create a finish which assures years of maintenance free use.--resists cracking and peeling.

Stainless steel: Metal alloy that won't rust.

Siding and Trim

Fascia (gutterboard): The exterior board nailed to the ends of a series of rafters or trusses. The Fascia board supports the outer edge of the soffit and can also be used to support gutters. This board can be capped with a PVC coated aluminum coil for a maintenance free application.

Rake: The trim piece at the top of a wall where it meets the soffit on a gable or other sloped roof.

Corner posts: A vinyl trim piece with an integral J-Channel on adjacent sides of both the inside and outside corners of a wall. A corner post adds a finished look to the wall and hides the ends of the siding panels.

Frieze board: A trim board used at the top of brick walls where they meet the soffit. A frieze board allows for a seamless transition between the brick wall and soffit and can be capped with a PVC coated aluminum coil for a maintenance free application.

Band board: A trim board that designates the bottom of a wall. Commonly seen between multiple floors of a home. A band board can be capped with a PVC coated aluminum coil for a maintenance free application.

Backerboard: A fan-fold insulated panel that covers the wall prior to the vinyl siding being applied. The Backerboard adds insulation to the exterior wall and provides a more even surface which to apply the siding.

Starter strip: Foundation piece to which thee first piece of siding is clipped.

J-blocks: A trim piece with an integral J-Channel. Available in various sizes to accommodate most exterior fixtures.

Vents: A functional trim piece with an integral J-Channel. Available in various sizes to accommodate most exterior wall, foundation and soffit vents.

Trim cap: PVC coated aluminum coil used to cap the bottom edge of a substrate when the bottom edge would be visible.

Doors

Adjustable Threshold: Threshold that can be adjusted up and down to ensure a tight seal with the door panel.

Brickmould: Decorative moulding surrounding the exterior of the door frame.

Caming: Metal separator that holds individual pieces of decorative glass in place. Comes in a variety of finishes and designs

Door Panel: The actual door itself. In combination with the frame, creates the entry way for your home.

Frame: The outside edge of the door unit surrounding the door panel. Composed of the jambs, head and sill. The frame creates the boundary of the door and works with the door panel to ensure a tight, weatherproofed home.

Glazing: The glass system used in the door.

Handing: Describes the direction the door opens and placement of the handle. When standing outside, look at the closed door.

Head: Horizontal piece forming the top of the door frame.

Hinges: Metal plates and pins that allow the door to swing.

Jamb: An upright piece forming the side of the door frame.

Mull Post: Structural post between the sidelite and the door.

Multi-Point Locking System: Locks in more than one location on the door and frame. Provides increased security

Rails: Two horizontal pieces on the door panel above and below the glass or embossing.

Reinforcement Plate: Steel plates (or sheets) behind the locking system designed to increase the security of a door.

Sidelite: Fixed glass lite placed next to a door for decor and to allow in additional light.

Sill: Composed of two pieces: the threshold and the subsill. Works to keep weather (air and water) infiltration to a minimum.

Stiles: The two vertical portions of the door panel outside of the glass or embossing.

Strikeplate: Protects the jamb from the hardware latch. Covers the latch and deadbolt.

Subsill: Area beneath the sill. Sometimes includes a weep system to drain water away from the home.

Sweep: The weatherseal on the bottom of the door panel that makes contact with the threshold.

Swing-in: Describes a door which opens inward, toward the home, when in operation.

Swing-out: Describes a door which opens outward, away from the home, when in operation.

Threshold: The area you step through when entering or exiting through the doorway.

Transom: Decorative glass placed above the door to accent the style and appearance of the door. Comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Weatherstripping: Flexible material surrounding door panel to protect your home from air infiltration. When working properly it creates a seal when the door is closed.

Weep System: Located in the sill, it channels water away from your home.