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Stan Greer
Millworks
Toll Free: 800-341-9450
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Hereford Office
5930 S Hwy 92
Hereford, AZ 85615-9229
520-378-9311
Fax 520-378-0424
Tucson Office
3791 N Highway Drive
Tucson, AZ 85705-6913
520-888-3088
Fax 520-884-5269
ROC #156232
Bonded & Insured
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR DOORS
- A -
ACTIVE DOOR: The door on a set of double doors which has the operating
hardware and is used when a person enters or leaves a building. The
other door is referred to as the INACTIVE DOOR.
ASTRAGAL: A vertical moulding affixed to the inactive door of a double
door set. It serves to hide the seam where the two doors meet thus it
prevents air flow into the inside and in good quality doors it is fitted
with a piece of weather-strip). It is also where the flush bolts are
attached on an inactive door to hold the door secure.
- B -
BACKSET: The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the
face bore (the 2 1/8" hole we create in the door stile - see more at
face bore)
BRICK MOULD: A decorative wood trim which is fastened to the exterior
edge of a frame in order to conceal the seam between the door frame and
the wall edge. It also hides the shims and insulation placed between the
wall and the backside of the jambs.
BEVELED GLASS: Extra-thick glass, (usually 3/16" or 1/4") the edges of
which have been ground down, or beveled, at an angle from an established
margin along the perimeter. One face of the glass is beveled, and the
other remains flat. Beveled glass has a three-dimensional quality.
- C -
CAME: A metal separator usually lead but we use zinc or brass for
durability and added strength) which divides individual pieces of glass
in a decorative glass panel. Came in our entry doors is available in
either lead color, shiny brass or chrome-look.
CASING: A decorative strip of wood usually with mitered corners, which
is nailed to the interior and exterior edges of a door or window frame
to cover the joint between frame and wall and helps to secure the door
or window unit in the opening.
CLEAR FINISH: The transparent to nearly transparent topcoat (s) applied
over a stain or bare wood. There are a variety of clear topcoats used on
wood.
Lacquers and water bases topcoats are the most transparent. Lacquers are
not suitable for exterior use and water based applications still present
problems . The two most common exterior clear finishes used on doors
today are polyurethanes and varnishes.
- D -
DOOR SWING: SEE HANDING.
DOOR SYSTEM OR DOOR UNIT: The door(s) along with any sidelights and/or
Transom including the frame (s) the hardware (hinges, flush bolts) and
weather-stripping.
DUAL GLAZED: Also called Insulated Glass. A glass option for windows,
sliding patio doors and swinging french doors in which two pieces of
glass separated by a peripheral metal spacer and sealed on the edges
with rubber, are glazed into the opening. The dead air-space between
each piece of glass increases sound-absorption and energy efficiency.
DUMMY HARDWARE: The non-functioning hardware placed on inactive double
doors which gives the door unit a look of symmetry.
- F -
FACE BORE: A hole drilled from the front of the door stile through to
the back. It usually has a diameter or 5/8" or 2 1/8". Our standard face
bore is 2 1/8". The hole is covered by the handle or lever hardware. It
allows the handle to engage the latch mechanism which is located through
a hole drilled into the door's edge (edge bore) at a depth that places
it at the center of the face bore.
FACTORY FINISH:
FLOATING PANEL CONSTRUCTION: The wood panel(s) in a door which are not
fastened in place by nails or glue instead they are allowed to move
(expand or contract) in response to differences in the humidity. This
protects the panel from splits or cracks.
FLUSH BOLTS: The bolts which are installed in the astragal which is
affixed to the inactive door of a double door unit. These bolts slide up
into the jamb header and the sill to lock the inactive door into place.
We use Baldwin flush bolts on our double doors.
FRAME: The perimeter of a door unit which consists of two vertical
jambs, a horizontal head jamb, and a sill on the bottom.
FRENCH DOOR: A door with rectangular glass panels (lites or lights)
supported by strips of wood (muntin bars) extending the full length.
- G -
GLAZING: A general term referring to any type of glass installed in a
door or window.
- H -
HANDING: The way a door opens or swings in the opening. When you face
the door from the outside if the door swings into the house and the
handle is on the right - the handing or swing is termed a left-hand
swing in. If the handle is on the left the door is a right- hand swing
in. When you face the door from the outside and the handle is on the
right and the door swings outside - the door is classified as a
left-hand swing out. If the handle is on the left the door is a
right-hand swing out. These swing out conditions are more typical of
commercial building in the United States.
HEAD OR HEAD JAMB: The horizontal framing member which fits over the
door top. Some companies use two or three head jambs on door units which
have one or two sidelight attached to the door. We use one continuous
jamb header on our door units.
HINGES: The metal plates with pins that allow a door or window to swing
in or out. One leaf of the hinge is attached to the jamb and the other
leaf is attached to the edge of the door stile. The hinges come in
various sizes, shapes, and finishes. We use a 4" x 4" sized square
cornered ball bearing solid brass hinges on our doors( sometimes
referred to as BUTTS - short for BUTTERFLIES).
HORNS: The projections on the sill's sides are called horns and allow
the exterior trim to rest on the sill which gives a more esthetic effect
and protects the end grain of the exterior trim ( Exterior Casing (our
standard) or Eastern Brick mould). Horns are standard on all our wood
sills and project 3" out to the side of the wood sills.
- I -
INACTIVE DOOR: The door on a double door set which is normally not used.
It is the door where the astragal and flush bolts are attached.
INSULATED GLASS: SEE DUAL GLAZE.
- J -
JAMB: The vertical part of the frame which is fastened into the rough
opening, to which a door or window is hinged or otherwise attached. All
our exterior jambs are rabbeted and kerf cut.
- K -
KERF: The notch or slit made by a saw blade. The jambs, head, and
astragal of door frames are kerf-cut inorder to allow weatherstripping
to be pressed into the slit made by a saw blade's width.
- L -
LITE OR LIGHT: The glass part of a door or window. A french door with 10
pieces of glass in it is refered to as a 10 lite.
- M -
MORTISE & TENON CONSTRUCTION: A centuries-old method of locking wood
together involving the cutting of a mortise(cavity or pocket) in one
piece of wood and a tenon( which is a projection or tongue) at the end
of another piece of wood that is shaped to fit inside the mortise. The
pieces are then fit tightly together to form a secure bond between the
two components.
MOULDING or MOLDING: A decorative trim piece, usually made of wood,
which serves a dual function, to hold in place a wood panel or piece of
glass in a door and, in the case of raised moulding, to add a three
dimensional quality to the surface of the door.
MULL CAP: The vertical trim over the seam created by the joining of the
sidelight frame to the door frame.
MULLION: A vertical wood member which adds structural support to a door
or window.
MUNTIN BARS: The wood strips or grilles which partition the glass in a
true divided lite.
- P -
PANEL: Refers to either a piece of glass (glass panel) fit into an
opening in a wood door, or to a wooden piece (wood panel) inserted into
an opening in a wood door.
POCKET DOOR
A sliding door that has the moving panels slide into (interior) or onto
(exterior) a wall when opened.
PREHUNG OR PREHANGING: A term which applies to an entry or french door
unit in which the door or doors come hinged, weather-stripped and with a
complete jamb or frame, sill and moulding.
PRIVACY LEADED GLASS PANELS: Leaded glasses panels for entry doors in
which relatively opaque textured glass is used instead of clear glass,
to provide privacy inside the home. No beveled glass is used in Privacy
leaded glass panels.
- R -
RABBET: A recess cut out of the edge or face of a piece of wood inorder
to receive another piece of wood ( Jambs are rabbeted inorder to receive
a door).
RAIL: The horizontal framing members of a door.
RAISED MOULDING: The wood trim pieces that hold a door panel secure.
ROUGH OPENING: A opening constructed to accomodate the outside
dimensions of a door or window frame. It is usually made 1" wider and
3/4" higher then the outside dimensions of the door frame.
- S -
SASH(SURROUND): The wood framework in which panes of glass are set in a
window or door.
SHOE: A form of adjustable weatherstripping that consists of a brass
anodized or bronze anodized sleeve. It slides over the bottom of the
door with a flexible bulb shaped projection that compresses tightly over
the threshold. It prevents air flow underneath the door.
SIDELITES: Side panels which look like narrow doors and flank the entry
door. Sidelites usually have glass and are inoperable. The design of the
sidelites generally reflects the design of the door or doors. Can only
be used in door openings with widths of 48" or more.
SILL: The bottom horizontal component of a doorframe. It is the part one
walks over when passing through a doorway, sometimes called a threshold.
Sills are available in a variety of materials such as oak, bronze or
brass anodized aluminum, and Corian©.
SLIDER: A sliding french patio door. Designed as a replacement for
standard sliding aluminum patio doors in many post World War II homes,
these are wooden french doors in a frame that slide past one another,
instead of swinging, which saves space inside the home. A sliding wood
screen is standard.
STRIKEPLATE: A metal plate usually made of brass or brass plated which
protects the wood jamb from wear by the lockset latch. It also serves to
cover the hole in the lock jamb.
STILES: The vertical structural members of a door or window.
SWEEP: A weatherseal affixed to the bottom of the door which makes
contact with the threshold. The two most common types of sweeps are the
fin or bulb and fin sweeps.
SWINGSET: A swinging french patio door or doors. This is a set of one or
more hinged french doors in a frame. A screen is optional on some units.
- T -
TEMPERED GLASS: Glass, which has been heated, then cooled, creating a
"safety" glass which when broken, shatters into very small pieces
instead of long shards. Most tempered glass normally comes with a
stencil on it notifying the customer of the fact that the glass is
tempered. Since some customers do not like
the appearance of the stencil, we can order the glass without the
stencil.
TENON: A tenon is a projection or tongue at the end of a piece of wood
that is shaped to fit inside a mortise
THRESHOLD: SEE SILL.
TOPCOAT: SEE CLEAR FINISH.
TRANSOM: A fixed sash unit, rectangular or radius, framed in wood, that
is placed above a doorway to allow light into an entry or room. The
glass design generally reflects the design in the doors and sidelites
below.
TRIPLE GLAZE: A glazing method used in entry doors with leaded glass
panels. The leaded glass panel is sandwiched between two pieces of clear
tempered glass separated by metal spacers along the perimeter. The outer
edge of this unit is then sealed with rubber, to create a fully sealed
glass unit with an overall thickness of 7/8". Benefits: reduction in
sound transfer, energy efficiency, easy cleaning.
- V -
VARNISH: SEE CLEAR FINISH.
- W -
WEATHERSTRIP: A flexible material which seals the outside edges of a
door or window. We use Q-lon weatherstripping on our door units.
WINDOW AND
PATIO DOOR TERMS
ACTUAL
DIMENSION
The outside horizontal and vertical measurements of a window or door
excluding the nailing fins. Also referred to as overall dimension.
AIR
LEAKAGE (AL)
Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration through cracks in the window
assembly. Air leakage is expressed in cubic feet of air passing through
a square foot of window area. The lower the AL, the less air will pass
through cracks in the assembly. While many think that air leakage is
extremely important, it is not as important as U-factor and the Solar
Heat Gain Coefficient.
AIRSPACE
The measured distance between the inner surfaces of the two pieces of
glass in an insulated unit. Also used in reference to the thickness of
the spacer bar.
ANGLE TOP
Any window with a horizontal sill, vertical jambs, and a straight
sloping head (See TRAPEZOID)
ANNEALED GLASS
Non-tempered glass. The most common glass used in window products.
ANODIZE
An electrochemical process that increases the natural oxide coating of
aluminum. Clear anodizing gives aluminum a smooth consistent surface
that reduces corrosion, especially in salt air. Color anodizing can be
effected by the use of dyes or special alloys. Anodizing is not normally
used in residential applications, except in some coastal areas.
APPLIED MUNTIN
A muntin in a glazed window that does not actually separate individual
lights of glass. This muntin may be of a material different than the
main frame- work of the window. The applied muntin may be attached to
the glass with an adhesive or placed over the glass and held in place by
the glazing bead.
ARCH
TOP
Any window with a horizontal sill, vertical jambs, and a head that is
curved upward. (See CIRCLE TOP and EYEBROW)
ARCHITECTURAL MODULAR
An early method of sizing Awning windows for frame construction.
ASSEMBLED
A condition of a sliding glass door when all of the parts are in place,
as opposed to Knocked Down (KD).
ASTRAGAL
A channel on a sliding glass door panel, which allows another panel to
slide into it. May also be used on screen doors.
AWNING WINDOW
A window with the sash hinged at the top that can be opened outward.
Awning windows can have more than one sash and allows for a maximum
venting area. Though once common in Florida and more tropical areas, it
is less popular today.
BALANCE
A device in a hung window that allows the sash to be adjusted to any
position between fully open and fully closed. Originally, balances were
weights attached to the top corners of the sash and draped over a pulley
on either jamb. The weights and the friction of the pulleys "balanced"
the weight of the sash. Balances normally are placed in pairs for each
sash, one at each jamb. A heavier window may use two balances on each
jamb. (See BLOCK AND FRICTION BALANCE, SPIRAL BALANCE, or TACKLE
BALANCE)
BALANCE ROD
Same as Spiral Balance.
BALANCE TOOL
A hook-like tool used for adjusting spiral balances.
BAY
A combination of three window units mulled together with the end units
offset at a 45 degree angle. The center unit, which is parallel to the
wall, can be a mulled window of two or more units.
BLOCK AND TACKLE BALANCE
A type of balance that employs a block and tackle apparatus and coiled
spring. This type balance allows the sash to be easily removed from the
window frame. A block and tackle balance can normally carry a heavier
load than a spiral or friction balance. (See BALANCE)
BLOCK MODULAR
A method of sizing Awning windows for concrete block construction.
Dimensions are based on full or half block sizes.
BOW
A combination of two or more windows mulled together with each window
offset at a small angle (usually between 10 and 20 degrees). A
horizontal cross section would resemble an archer's bow. Bow window
units normally consist of four to six individual hung windows or picture
windows or a combination of both types.
BUCK
DIMENSION
The height or width a window will finish to on the inside of the
structure.
BUMPER
A soft vinyl or rubber cushion that prevents the moving panel of a
sliding glass door from striking the jamb on the fixed panel side of the
door.
BYPASS DOOR
A sliding glass door style whereby the door panels pass around each
other on separate tracks.
CALL OUT
SIZE (C.O.S.)
The nominal size of a window or door. In other words the "name" of the
size. For instance, a window that is 3 feet wide and 4 feet high would
have a call out size of 3040.
CAM
LOCK
A pivoting type latch usually attached by a screw or rivet to the top
rail of a single hung sash or the centermost side rail of a sliding
window sash. The latch locks to the meeting rail, some type of keeper,
or strike plate attached to the meeting rail.
CAULKING
A soft semi liquid material used to seal cracks around a window and
doorframe adjacent to the wall opening. Normally, this is applied from a
tube in a caulking gun.
CENTER JAMB
The same as Lockstile.
CERTIFICATION
A document that certifies a window or door has been tested and has met
certain requirements of strength, safety, air and water infiltration,
and resistance to forced entry. Qualified testing labs issue
certifications after testing or witnessing the test of a manufacturers
product.
CHANNEL GLAZING
A method of glazing that entails a soft vinyl or rubber gasket-like
material folded over the edges of the glass and then fitted inside a
channel opening in the sash frame members. It is most commonly used in
sliding glass doors. Also known as marine or wrap around glazing.
CIRCLE
A fixed lite window in the shape of a whole circle.
CIRCLE TOP
A fixed lite window whereby the head of the window is formed into a full
radius half circle. This curved head is either attached to the jambs of
a window or to a sill section that can then be attached to a horizontal
head of a standard window. Circle top units are occasionally used alone.
CLERESTORY
A window in the upper part of a lofty room, usually out of reach from
the floor. These windows can be fixed or operating and an extension
device is used for operating clerestory windows.
CLOSED POCKET DOOR
A sliding glass door style whereby the door panels stack up inside a
wall.
COLONIAL LITE
Windows with small rectangular panes or divided lites and designated as
a 12-lite, 16-lite, and so on.
COMMERCIAL WINDOW
A window used in commercial buildings, which are normally heavier than
residential windows and often anodized.
COMMODITY
A Florida window industry method of determining standard window opening
sizes.
CONDENSATION
A condition caused by warm moist air coming into contact with a colder
object with moisture appearing on the colder surface. A large difference
in the temperature of either side of a window and humid air present on
the warmer side will cause condensation to appear.
CORNER KEY
A metal or plastic device used to secure the corners of a sash, frame,
spacer bar, or screen section. The device is generally an "L" shaped
part that fits inside mitered ends of the perimeter parts. The corner
key can be crimped (staked) in place or screws can be inserted. The
corner key makes a rigid joint possible. (See CORNER LOCK)
CORNER LOCK
The same as Corner Key.
CRF
(Condensation Resistance Factor)
A number assigned to a tested window that determines how much moisture
might condense on its inner surfaces. The testing is done in a chamber
with controllable different temperatures on each side of the window.
DIVIDED LIGHT
A pattern of muntin bars using horizontal and vertical members to form a
"tic tac toe" design on a light of glass. Originally, these crossed
muntins divided a single glazed light into smaller pieces (called true
colonial). Insulated glass can have the muntin bars placed between the
panes of glass (called internal muntins) or attached as a grid on the
inner side of the structure, but not outside the insulated glass light
itself (called external muntins). Divided light windows are sometimes
referred to Colonial Lite, "Cut Up" windows or True Colonial.
DOOR
A movable device used to close off the entrance to a structure, room, or
covered enclosure, typically consisting of a panel of glass, wood or
metal. It slides horizontally or swings on hinges.
DOUBLE
Two windows mulled side by side to form one unit. Also known as a twin
window.
DOUBLE HUNG
A type of window with two vertically moving sashes, with each sash
employing balances. (See BALANCE and HUNG)
DOUBLE STRENGTH GLASS
Glass that is approximately 1/8” (3mm) thick. (See DSB, SINGLE STRENGTH
GLASS, SSB)
DROP
IN GLAZING
A type of glazing that attaches directly to the glazing leg in the sash
and frame members using glazing compounds or tape and glazing bead.
DSB
This symbol represents Double Strength sheet glass, which is 1/8" (3mm)
in thickness. The B specifies “B quality” glass that at one time was a
lesser grade than “A quality”. Improvements in glass manufacturing are
now such that B quality is of very good strength and clarity. The term
“A quality” is not used today.
EGRESS
The act of leaving an enclosed space. In the window industry, the term
refers to the dimensions of the net clear opening of a window or door
(the horizontal clear distance, vertical clear distance and the net
clear opening are established by local building codes). The reason for
establishing minimum egress dimensions is to insure that a person
attempting to leave a building in an emergency situation will have room
to maneuver. Also, proper egress will allow a firefighter to enter a
home while wearing emergency equipment. In 2001, the minimum egress
dimensions required by most codes are 20" horizontally, 24" vertically,
5.0 square feet net clear opening for first floor applications and 5.7
square feet net clear opening for second floor applications. Some areas
of the country use different dimensions.
ELEVATION
The front view or views from the street as shown in the blueprint plans
of a home.
ENTRY DOOR
A door, usually swinging or hung, that leads to the outside of a
structure.
EXFILTRATION
The escape of air from a structure. The opposite of infiltration.
EXPOSED POCKET DOOR
A sliding glass door style whereby the door panels stack up onto the
exterior of a wall.
EXTERIOR TRACK SLIDING GLASS DOOR
A sliding glass track style that is used for exterior applications and
is available in various riser heights to protect against water
infiltration.
EXTRUSION
The act of forcing a material through a die to form a part that has a
cross section similar to the opening in the die. In the window industry,
the resulting part obtained from the extrusion process makes up the
structural members of a window or door. This part is usually aluminum or
a vinyl. Vinyl parts are sometimes called "Profiles" and aluminum parts
are sometimes called "Shapes" or "Extruded Shapes". As an example, when
toothpaste is squeezed from a tube, the portion of paste squeezed out is
an extrusion that has a cross section similar to the opening of the
tube. If the tube has a round opening then the paste is cylindrical, but
if the tube were to have a square opening, the paste would have a cross
section with four straight sides.
EYEBROW
A fixed lite window with a gently arched head similar in appearance to
one's eyebrow and has jambs of equal height.
EYELID
A fixed lite window with a gently arched head similar in appearance to
one's eyelid. Similar to an eyebrow but the eyelid has no jambs.
FER
(Forced Entry Resistant)
A requirement of some codes that a locked window or door meet certified
tests that determine if the product is resistant to entry from the
outside using normal hand tools. Also, that any attempt to enter the
locked door or window will show definite signs of the attempt. FER does
not mean "burglar proof". Any structure can be entered with enough time,
privacy and effort.
FIELD GLAZE
The glazing of a window after the frame has been installed in the
structure. (See OPEN)
FINISH
The preparation of the surface of an aluminum window that adds color or
protection to the aluminum. Mill finish is the unfinished surface of
aluminum just as it comes from the mill. Painted finishes are factory
applied to the aluminum extrusions before the assembly of the final
product. Painted finishes come in many colors most commonly bronze (or
brown), white, or beige. In rare instances and by special order, gray,
blue, red or any color can been used. Anodized finishes are sometimes
used, but mainly in architectural applications because of the expense.
Clear lacquer finishes are called for on mill finish surfaces for
protection during construction. (See ANODIZE)
FIXED FRAME
A type of window with no operating parts, just simply, a frame and
glass. Also, referred to as a Picture Window.
FIXED LITE
A light of glass in a window or door that does not operate. It is
usually the upper light of a single hung window. Sometimes the same as a
picture window or fixed frame window.
FIXED PANEL
The non-operating panel of a sliding glass door or the
FIXED VENT
The non-operating sash, lite, or panel of a sliding window or door.
FLANGE
A term used for masonry construction, it is a window frame with a head,
jamb, and sill exterior perimeter leg _” longer than the interior
perimeter leg.
FLAT
GRID
A rectangular shaped grid applied to the exterior side of a light.
FLOATING MUNTIN
A type of muntin that actually separates lights of glass in a window but
is not attached to the frame itself. (See MUNTIN and DIVIDED LIGHT)
FRAME
The outer members of a window or door. The frame includes the head, sill
or threshold, the two jambs and the meeting rail of a window.
FRICTION BALANCE
A type of balance that holds a sash in position by friction. The
friction balance usually has an adjustment device. This is a low cost
substitute for other types of balances and is often not accepted by many
building codes.
GASKET
A type of channel glazing that uses vinyl glazing material formed into a
rectangular piece that fits around a particular size of glass. The
gasket has welded corners to form a continuous cushion. This type of
glazing is usually found in sliding glass door units or commerical
applications. (See CHANNEL GLAZING)
GLASS
Any of a large class of materials with highly variable mechanical and
optical properties that solidify from the molten state without
crystallization. They are typically based on silicon dioxide (sand),
boric oxide, aluminum oxide, or phosphorus pentoxide, generally
transparent or translucent, and are regarded physically as supercooled
liquids rather than true solids. (From The American Heritage Dictionary)
GLAZE
The act of installing glass or other glazing materials, such as plastic,
into a window or door. (See REGLAZE)
GLAZING BEAD
A part used to trim around the edge of the glass after it has been
installed in a window. Glazing bead can be made from vinyl, aluminum
extrusion, or aluminum formed sheet. The glazing bead either is screwed
in place or snapped into grooves in the sash member.
GLAZING COMPOUND
A pliable material placed between the glazing leg of a window or door
and the glass around its edges to seal the unit against air and water
infiltration and to help hold the glass in place.
GLAZING LEG
A flat surface in frame members parallel with the glass, to which the
glass is affixed using a glazing compound and glazing bead.
GLAZING TAPE
A tape with adhesive on both sides used to glaze glass to the glazing
leg of a sash member.
GREEN HOUSE WINDOW (Garden Vu)
A five-sided window unit that protrudes out from the exterior wall of a
structure. The unit acts as, and somewhat resembles, a greenhouse. The
unit contains shelves and has ventilating apparatus.
GRID
A removable muntin pattern applied to a single light of glass. Whereas a
true divided light actually separates the pieces of glass, a grid only
appears to divide the glass into smaller lights. A grid is applied to
the exterior side of glass.
HANDING
A term describing the way a sliding glass door opens or on which side of
a hung (swinging) door the hinges and locks are located. (See OX, OXO,
XO)
HEAD
The top or uppermost horizontal member or of the frame of a window or
door. Sometimes called a header.
HEADER
The structural member in a building that spans the upper portion of a
window or door opening. (See HEAD)
HEAT-STRENGTHENED GLASS
This glass is produced in much the same way as tempered glass, but with
lower levels of surface compression, 3500-7500 psi. The final product
is two times stronger than annealed glass. The break pattern varies
with level of surface compression with lower levels having a break
pattern similar to annealed glass. And higher levels resulting in
patterns similar to tempered glass.
HEAT
ABSORBING GLASS
Types of glass containing minute particles of metal that absorbs solar
heat and is primarily used in commerical applications.
HEAT
LOSS
Heat escaping from a structure.
HEAT
GAIN
Heat entering a structure.
HEXAGON
A six-sided fixed lite window with opposite sides parallel but not
necessarily with all sides of equal length.
HINGED WINDOW
A operable window that is hinged on one side and is primarily used to
meet egress requirements.
HOLLOW SHAPE
A class of extrusion with a cross section enclosing an open area. A tube
is a hollow shape. It is a stronger and more rigid part than a solid
shape. In other words, a channel extrusion of the same height, width and
wall thickness will not be as strong as a square tube. Hollow shapes are
generally more expensive than solid shapes and are used mostly in
meeting rails, sash heads, and sash sill or bottom rails.
HORIZONTAL ROLLER (Horizontal Slider)
A common type of window with a horizontal rolling or sliding sash. (See
PICTURE SLIDER, PICTURE WINDOW SLIDER, and SLIDER)
HUNG
A type of window with one or more vertically moving sashes that employs
balances. (See BALANCE, DOUBLE HUNG, SINGLE HUNG, and TRIPLE HUNG) Also
refers to a type of door with hinges on one jamb. A hung door is a
swinging door as opposed to a sliding door.
IMPACT
RESISTANT GLASS
A dual lamination of glass and plastic that is designed to resist
penetration from flying debris.
INFILTRATION
The air or moisture that leaks through the cracks of a window or door
from outside of a structure. A tight window (low infiltration rate) will
prevent the loss of energy more than any other single factor. (See
EXFILTRATION)
INSULATED GLASS
A light of glass made up of two sheets of glass, a spacer bar filled
with a desiccant material placed between the two sheets at the
perimeter, and a sealant applied around the entire perimeter of the
assembly. This assembly creates an envelope of dead air which when used
in a window or door, greatly reduces the passage of heat through the
glass, thereby producing a savings at an increased material cost. For
more information on laminated glass, go to our
NuImpact Product section.
INTEGRAL FIN WINDOW
A window with a nailing fin, it is primarily used in wood frame
construction. (See NAILING FIN)
INTERIOR TRACK SLIDING GLASS DOOR
Also known as a flush track, it has no riser to protect against water
infiltration.
INTERLOCK
A design feature of a window or door that provides a hooking action
between the sash rail and the mid-rail, sill or jamb. This action
reduces air infiltration and increases security to the unit.
INTERMEDIATE JAMB
A vertical member in a window or door, with three or more panels, that
is located in the central area of the unit, and acts as a jamb in
receiving the moving panel.
INTERNAL MUNTINS
Muntin bars located between the sheets of glass in an insulated glass
unit. These muntins are purely decorative and only give the appearance
of a divided light window. (See MUNTINS)
JAMB
The sides or outermost vertical side members of a window or door frame.
(See INTERMEDIATE JAMB)
KD
Abbreviation for Knocked Down or not assembled. All of the parts of a
window or door are ready for assembly.
KEEPER
A part of a locking device attached to the frame or mid-rail of a window
or door that accepts the mating part of the lock. (See STRIKE)
LAMINATED GLASS
A type of safety glass composed of a plastic film with adhesive
sandwiched between two sheets of glass. This type of glass is used in
windows, doors, skylights and automobile windshields. For more
information on insulated glass, go to our
NuEnergy Insulated Glass section.
LATCH
The locking device on a door or window.
LIGHT
A piece of glass in a window or door. (See LITE)
LIGHT AREA
The area of a window or door, expressed in square feet, that allows
exterior light to enter a structure.
LIGHT (LITE) PATTERN
The arrangement of muntin bars in a window.
• A single or double
hung window with one horizontal muntin in each the upper and lower sash
would have a light pattern designated as 2/2, which is called "two over
two". A similar window with two horizontal muntins and three vertical
muntins in the upper sash, and one horizontal muntin and three vertical
muntins in the lower sash would be designated 12/8 which is called
"twelve over eight". A similar window with no muntins in either sash is
a 1/1 called "one over one".
• A horizontal
sliding window or door with no muntins would be designated 1 x 1, which
is called "one by one". Windows or doors with muntins are designated by
the number of individual lights in each sash or panel. For instance a
window with one vertical muntin and two horizontal muntins in each sash
would be designated as 6 x 6 or called "six by six".
• A non-operating
window (Picture Window) with no muntins is designated as 1 light. A
Picture Window with no two vertical and three horizontal muntins would
be either a 12 light unit or sometimes a 3 x 4 unit. Windows with
diagonal muntins are referred to as "Diamond Light" units. (See DIVIDED
LIGHT or COLONIAL LITE)
LINTEL
A structural member, usually a steel angle or channel, designed to
support the wall or siding above a window or door.
LITE
Another term for a pane of glass used in a window. Frequently spelled "lite"
in the industry literature to avoid confusion with light as in "visible
light".
LOCK
The device on a window or door that secures it in a closed position.
This can either be a keyed lock, a sliding bolt, a spring-loaded catch
or a pivoting part that engages a keeper or strike.
LOCKSTILE
The vertical rail in a sliding glass door panel containing the lock.
LOW-E GLASS
Stands for low emissivity glass, it is a glass type with a transparent
coating applied to its’ surface that helps keeps your house cooler in
the summer and warmer in the winter.
MARINE
GLAZING
The term comes about because this type of glazing is often used in boats
and other marine applications. (Same as CHANNEL GLAZING or WRAP AROUND
GLAZING)
MASONRY OPENING
The opening size in a concrete block wall where a window will be
installed. It is measured block to block.
MEETING RAIL
A cross member of a window or sliding glass door where the sash comes
together with an interlocking action. (Same as MID-RAIL)
MILL
FINISH
Uncoated aluminum as it comes from the mill. (See FINISH)
MODULAR
The national industry standard method of determining standard window
opening sizes.
MOVING VENT
The operating sash of a window or the operating panel of a sliding glass
door.
MULL
A shorten version for Mullion. Also used as a verb, as in "to mull” two
windows together.
MULLION
A horizontal or vertical member that holds together two adjacent lights
of glass or windows or sections of curtain wall.
MUNTIN
A part of a window that divides a light of glass into smaller sections.
A true muntin (the first "n" in "muntin" is silent) actually separates
the pieces of glass. Insulated glass usually uses internal muntins,
which only appear to divide the glass into smaller lights. Muntins are
normally either vertical or horizontal although diagonal and curved are
also used. (See DIVIDED LIGHT)
NAILING
FIN
A protruding portion of the frame of a window or door that allows the
unit to be secured in a structure by driving nails (or screws) through
it and into the framing of the structure. (See INTEGRAL FIN WINDOW)
NOMINAL SIZE
The name of the size of a door. (See CALL OUT SIZE)
O
The designation for a door panel or window vent that is fixed in place.
OBSCURE GLASS
A type of glass with one surface roughened in such a way as to reduce
visibility but yet allow light to enter a structure. This type of glass
is often used in bathroom windows. Also referred to as translucent
glass.
OCTAGON
A type of fixed window with eight sides whereby opposite sides are
parallel but not necessarily equal in length.
OFFSET
A measurement in a bow or bay window specifying the distance from the
outer edge of the floor plate to the nailing fin line of the window unit
furthermost from the floor plate.
OPEN
A window frame with no glass installed. Sometimes an open frame is
installed in a structure and glazed later. This is done to prevent
construction damage to special glass that is very expensive or difficult
to replace. (See FIELD GLAZING)
OPERABLE WINDOW
A window that can be opened for ventilation.
OX
The designation for a two-panel sliding window or door with the right
hand panel, as viewed from the exterior of the structure, the movable
panel.
OXO
The designation for a three-panel sliding window or door with the center
panel operable and the two end units fixed (non-moving).
OXXO
The designation of a four-panel sliding glass door with the two center
panels operable. One sliding panel must lock against the other. This
type door gives a larger opening.
PAINTED
FINISH
After aluminum extruded shapes have been anodized (See ANODIZE), a
coating of paint is applied, usually electrostatically and then oven
dried. This coating is available in many colors (most commonly dark
brown, white or tan) and helps protect the metal, as well as, add beauty
to a window or door.
PANE
A lite of glass.
PASS-THRU WINDOW
A single-hung window without a sill that is used for counter-top
applications.
PATIO DOOR
A sliding glass door used in a patio area.
PATIO DOOR SCREEN
A rolling screen for a patio sliding glass door.
PICTURE WINDOW SLIDER
A horizontal sliding window with two moving sash, one each located on
either side of a fixed panel to make up a three-panel window.
PICTURE WINDOW
A non-operating window consisting only of frame and glass.
PRIMARY WINDOW
A window installed into the wall of a structure. Storm windows, which
attach to or over a prime window, are called secondary windows.
PVC
(Polyvinyl Chloride)
A material used to make vinyl window parts, weather strip and glazing
bead.
QUARTER
CIRCLE
A fixed special non-operating window shaped of one quarter of a full
circle.
R-FACTOR
A number indicating a body's resistance to transferring heat. (See
U-FACTOR)
RAIL
The outer members of a sash. (See STILE)
RAISED GRID
A dimensional grid applied to the exterior side of a light simulating
the same look of a true divided light when used with a backer. The shape
resembles a modified triangle.
REFLECTANCE
A coefficient that indicates the capability of glass to reflect
sunlight.
REFLECTIVE GLASS
A type of glass with a mirror-like surface that reduces the
transmittance of sunlight through a window.
REGLAZE
To glaze a window or door again or to replace broken or defective glass
or other glazing material in a window or door. (See GLAZE)
REMOVABLE SASH
Any sash in a window that can be easily removed without tools or by a
major disassembly of the window or door.
RETURN
A channel formed in the outer frame of a window or door that accepts
sheet rock or some other wall covering. This channel allows for a neat
and inexpensive way of finishing. Also the distance from the inside edge
of a window or door to the inside surface of the wall into which the
window or door is installed measured perpendicular to the wall.
REVEAL
A protrusion on the head and jambs of a window frame, parallel to the
wall of the structure allowing room for final trim within the opening in
the wall.
RIGID VINYL
A type of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used as glazing bead or weather strip
in a window or door. This vinyl is firmer than soft vinyl, which is also
used as weather strip.
RISE
In a window with a curved head, the vertical distance from the uppermost
point of the curve to the top of the shorter jamb, if the jambs are
different heights. (See EYEBROW)
ROLLERS
Wheels attached to the bottom of the sash or panel of a window or door
that allows it to slide easily.
ROUGH OPENING
The space in the wall of a structure into which a window or door is to
be installed. This space is slightly larger than the actual buck size of
the window.
SAFETY
GLASS
A type of glass designed to prevent injury if it is broken. (See
LAMINATED GLASS and TEMPERED GLASS)
SASH
Normally the moving segment of a window, although sash is sometimes
referred to as fixed sash. (See PANEL and VENT)
SASH
GUIDE
A part of the sash of a window usually made from some type of plastic,
which allows the window to move freely within the frame.
SASH
HEAD
The uppermost horizontal member of the sash.
SASH
JAMB
The outermost vertical members of a sash. (See SIDE RAIL)
SASH
SILL
The bottom member or rail of a sash. Also known as a lift rail.
SCREEN
A product used with a window or door, consisting of a four-sided frame
surrounding a mesh of wire or plastic material used to keep out insects.
The screen can be fixed in place or it can be rolled side to side as on
a sliding glass door.
SCREEN CLOTH
The mesh of wire or plastic used in a screen. (See SCREEN)
SCREEN SPLINE
A thin strip of plastic used to hold screen cloth into a screen frame.
SCREW BOSS (Also SCREW SLOT)
A "C" shaped groove in an extrusion that will accept a screw parallel to
the extrusion when forming a joint of two parts perpendicular to each
other.
SECONDARY LOCK
A lock on a window or door in addition to the primary locking device.
This lock is required by some building codes for additional security.
SETTING BLOCK
A small block of material, usually a rubber-like product but sometimes
wood, placed between the edge of insulating glass and the glazing leg to
cushion the glass. These blocks are placed at the sill but sometimes at
the jambs and head.
SHADING COEFFICIENT
A number expressed as a percentage, indicating the amount of sunlight
that passes through a piece of glass relative to another piece of glass
used as a standard.
SIDE
RAIL
The same as a Sash Jamb.
SIDELITE
A fixed lite rectangular shaped window that is placed next to a door for
ornamentation and/or to allow light to pass through.
SILICONE
A plastic type material used for sealing cracks in window frames, and is
used sometimes as a glazing compound.
SILL
The threshold or lowest horizontal member of the frame of a window or
door.
SINGLE GLAZED
A window or door that is glazed with a single sheet glass, as opposed to
multiple glazing (insulated glass) which uses two or more sheets of
glass.
SINGLE HUNG
A type of hung window with only the lower sash being operable. (See
DOUBLE HUNG and TRIPLE HUNG)
SINGLE STRENGTH GLASS
Glass that is approximately 3/32” (2.5mm) thick. (SSB)
SKYLIGHT
A type of window installed in the roof of a structure to allow
admittance of sunlight. These units can be fixed in placed or they can
be of a type that opens for ventilation. The glazing, either plastic or
tempered, can be a single sheet or multiple and can be clear or tinted.
SLIDER
A horizontal sliding or rolling window or sometimes a sliding glass door
(See HORIZONTAL ROLLER)
SLIDING GLASS DOOR
A type of door with one or more horizontally sliding glass panels. This
type of door acts as a window, as well as, a door. It is commonly used
for access to patios and may be called a Patio Door.
SOFT
VINYL
A type of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) material used for glazing bead or
weather strip in a door or window that is more flexible than rigid
vinyl.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)
The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a
window and is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a
window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits.
SOLID SHAPE
An extrusion that has no enclosed voids, as opposed to a hollow shape.
(See HOLLOW SHAPE and EXTRUSION)
SPACER BAR
A hollow tube with flat sides used around the perimeter of insulated
glass to separate the sheets of glass and provide for a dead air space.
The tube is vented to the interior of the piece of insulated glass and
is normally filled with a desiccant to absorb any moisture that might
have been present during the manufacture of the insulated glass. The
tube is usually made of roll formed thin aluminum sheet, although other
materials such as plastic are also used. The first insulated glass used
wood strips. (See INSULATED GLASS)
SPECIAL WINDOW
A group of windows that are not listed in a manufacturers standard
catalog. These windows can include shapes such as trapezoid, diamond,
hexagon, triangle, circular or nonrectangular configurations. Special
windows may also have nonstandard glass types, muntin bar arrangements,
unusual finishes, or nonstandard locking devices.
SPIRAL BALANCE
See Balance.
SSB
This symbol represents Single Strength “B quality” sheet glass, which is
approximately 3/32" (2.5mm)
thick. (See DOUBLE STRENGTH GLASS, DSB, SINGLE STRENGTH GLASS)
STACK
A condition where one or more windows are attached above another window
or door that is to be installed in a structure. Also refers to the total
thickness of an insulated glass unit.
STANDARD LIGHT (2/2, 3/2)
A designation for a window with horizontal but no vertical muntins, with
a light pattern of either 2/2 or 3/2. (See LIGHT PATTERN)
STEP
SILL
A condition in the sill of a door or window that employs a "step like"
configuration to act as a dam against the infiltration of water.
STICK BUILT
A slang term for a prefab structure with a framework made of wood.
STILE
Another name for the vertical side rails of a sash or a sash jamb.
STOOL
The part of the framing around a window located at the bottom of the
window opening and either under or next to the window's sill.
STRIKE
A part of a locking device into which the moving portion of the latch
engages. The moving parts to the lock are usually located on the sash or
panel of a window or door, while the strike is located on the jamb or
meeting rail.
TAB
CORNER
A type of joinery in a window or door frame, that uses a tab on one part
that fits into a slot on the part to be joined to, and then the tab is
bent over to secure it, such as awning vents.
TAB
LOCK
A type of joint, in the corner of a sash of a window or door, that
employs a protrusion on one part that fits into a groove on the other
part, and tends to keep the corner square. This corner usually is also
screwed together.
TAPE
BALANCE
A type of balance using a spring retractable strip of steel that
resembles a retractable steel tape measure. (See BALANCE)
TEMPERED GLASS
A type of safety glass that has been heat treated so when it breaks it
separates into very small pieces that reducing the possibility of
injury. Tempered glass is used in doors, windows located near doors, and
other locations where safety is critical. Glass tempering is achieved by
heating annealed glass to near it's softening point, rapidly cooling the
surface and allowing the inner core to cool naturally. The result is
layers of high compression at the surfaces balanced by a high-tension
layer through the center of the glass making it much stronger than
annealed glass. Once tempered, the glass will fracture if cut.
THERMAL BREAK
A type of window that employs an insulating material in the sash and
frame members to reduce the flow of heat either inward or outward. The
outer portion of the frame and sash are separated from the inner
portion. This type of frame is mostly used in colder climates because it
saves energy and reduces condensation on the inner surfaces of the
window.
TINTED GLASS
A special type glass with additives, usually metallic particles that
reduce the passage of sunlight. Tinted glass can be bronze, gray, green
or blue as well as other more exotic colors.
TRANSOM
A fixed lite rectangular window that is placed over a door.
TRAPEZOID
Another name for an Angle Top or Rake Head window.
TRIPLE
Three windows mulled together horizontally in the same plane to form one
unit.
TRIPLE HUNG
A hung window with three operable sash each in it's own track and with
it's own balances.
TRUE
COLONIAL
A pattern of muntin bars using horizontal and vertical members to form a
"tic tac toe" design on a light of glass by dividing a single glazed
light into smaller individual pieces.
TWIN
Two windows mulled together in the same plane to form one unit.
U-FACTOR
The number of BTU's that will pass through each square foot of area of a
window or door per hour, per degree Fahrenheit difference from one side
of unit to the other. For example, a 3050 window (15 sq. ft.) with a
U-factor of 1.0 will allow 150 BTU's to escape every hour if the outside
temperature is 55 degrees and the inside temperature 65 degrees (a
difference of 10 degrees). The lower the U-factor the better the unit is
at conserving energy. The U-factor of a window or door is an indication
of how much heat will be lost while the R-factor indicates a body's
resistance to losing heat. The R-factor is used when referring to a
single construction material, while the U-factor is used when there are
several materials involved such as aluminum, glass and plastic. The
U-factor divided into 1.0 will equal the R-factor.
UNITED INCHES
Total of one width and one height of a window or lite of glass in
inches.
VENT
Another word for a sash or panel of a window or door.
VENT
AREA
In a fully opened door or window, the area of the opening that will
allow passage of air in or out. Some building codes require a minimum
vent area in a structure, which is usually a percentage of the floor
area or the wall area.
VINYL
A shortened form for polyvinyl chloride or PVC. (See PVC)
VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE (VT)
Visible Light Transmittance indicates the amount of available visible
light energy that is allowed to pass through a transparent or
translucent material. This measurement is noted as a percentage figure
and the higher the percentage, the more visible light is transmitted
through the material.
WEATHER
STRIP
A part of a window or door, used to seal the cracks around moving sash
or panels against the passage of air or water, when the door or window
is in the closed position. Weather strip can be made of metal, vinyl,
wool pile or other materials.
WEEPHOLE
An opening at the sill of a window or door allowing moisture to drain
free.
WINDOW
An opening constructed in a wall or roof and functioning to admit light
or air to an enclosure, usually framed and spanned with glass mounted to
permit opening and closing. (From the Old Norse word "vindauga", which
is an eye for the wind" or "wind eye".)
WOOL
PILE
A type of weather strip material used to reduce the passage of air or
water around sash members of a window or door.
WRAP
AROUND GLAZING
The same as Channel Glazing or Marine Glazing.
XO
The designation for two-panel sliding window or door with the left hand
panel, as viewed from the exterior of the structure, operable.
XX
The designation for two-panel window or door with both panels operable.
XXX
The designation for three-panel sliding window or door in which all
three panels are operable.
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