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.
Bay Window
A composite of three windows, usually made up of a large center fixed unit and two flanking units.
Beveled Exterior
An angled extension from the frame that adds an aesthetically-pleasing dimension to the exterior of the window.
Bow Window
A composite of four or more window units in a radial or bow formation.
Cam and Lock and Keeper
The mechanisms which pull the sash together when placed in the locked position.
Casement Window
A window unit in which the single sash cranks outward, to the right or left.
Casing
Molding of various widths, thickness and shapes applied to the framework of window and door units.
Caulk
A mastic compound for filling joints and sealing cracks to prevent leakage of water and air, commonly made of silicone, bituminous, acrylic, or rubber-based material.
Conduction
Energy transfer from one material to another by direct contact.
Convection
Heat transfer by currents that flow from a warm surface to a colder one.
Double-hung Window
A window unit that has two operable sashes which move vertically in the frame.
Downspout
A pipe for draining water from roof gutters.
Double or Dual Glazing
Use of two panes of glass in a window to increase energy efficiency and provide other performance benefits.
Dutch lap
A beveled-edge siding panel that was popularized by early American settlers.
Eaves
The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.
Emissivity
The relative ability of a surface to radiate heat.
Exposure
The width of each "board" of siding. Also called a reveal.
Fascia
a flat, horizontal band.
Fenestration
An architectural term referring to the arrangement of windows in a wall.
Finish
Refers to the texture (and sometimes the gloss level) of a siding panel.
Fixed Window
Non-venting or non-operable window. Also known as picture window.
Flashing
A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water away from a window.
Frame
The enclosure in which window sash or door panels are mounted.
Glazing
Glass in a window or door; the act or process of fitting with glass.
Glazing Stop
The part of the sash or door panel which holds the glass in place.
Gutter
The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspout.
Head
The main horizontal member forming the top of the window or door frame.
Header
A horizontal framing member placed over the rough opening of a window to prevent the weight of wall or roof from resting on the window frame.
Insulating Glass
A combination of two or more panes of glass with a hermetically sealed air space between the panes of glass.
Jamb
The main vertical members forming the sides of a window or door frame.
Lineal
Molding of various widths used to trim door and window openings at the jambs.
Lift
A handle or grip installed on the bottom rail of the lower sash of a double-hung window to make it easier to raise or lower
the sash.
Light or Lite
Glazing framed by muntins and/or sash in a window or door.
Lintel
A horizontal member above a window or door opening that supports the structure above.
Low-E Glass
A common term used to refer to glass which has low emissivity due to a film or metallic coating on the glass or suspended between the two lights of glass to restrict the passage of radiant heat.
Mullion
A wood, metal, or vinyl part used to structurally join two window or door units.
Muntin
Applies to any short or light bar, either vertical or horizontal, used to separate glass in a sash into multiple lights. Also called a windowpane divider or a grille.
Nail Hem
The top edge of a siding panel, where it is nailed to a wall.
Overlap
Area where two pieces of lap siding are overlapped.
Picture
Non-venting or non-operable window.
Rail
The top and bottom horizontal members of the framework of a window sash.
Rough Opening
The framed opening in a wall into which a window or door unit is to be installed.
R-Value
Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher R-value numbers indicate greater insulating value.
Pane
A framed sheet of glass within a window.
Sash
A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for holding glass.
Sash Lift
A protruding handle screwed to the inside bottom rail of the lower sash on a double-hung window
Seat Board
A flat board cut to fit the contour of a bow or bay window and installed between the sills and the flat wall surface, providing a seat or shelf space.
Sidelites
Narrow fixed units mulled or joined to door units to give a more open appearance.
Sill
The main horizontal member forming the bottom of the frame of a window or door.
Simulated Divided Lite
A method of constructing windows in which muntins are affixed to the inside and outside of a panel of insulating glass to simulate the look of true divided light.
Single Glazing
Use of single panes of glass in a window. Not as energy-efficient as double glazing.
Single-hung Window
A double-hung type of window in which the top sash is fixed or inoperable.
Slider Window
Both sashes slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Only one sash slides in a single-sliding window.
Soffit
Usually the underside of an overhang or eaves.
Stile
The main vertical members of the framework of a sash.
Strike plate
Protects the jamb from the hardware latch on a door. Covers the latch and deadbolt.
Square
Unit of measure for siding equal to 100 square feet (or a 10-foot by 10-foot wall section).
Tempered Glass
Glass manufactured to withstand greater than normal forces on its surface. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces to reduce hazard.
Thermal Break
The addition of a thermal insulating material between two thermally conductive materials.
Threshold
The bottom part of the door frame, i.e. the area you step on when entering or exiting through the doorway.
Transom
A small window that fits over the top of a door or window, primarily for additional light and aesthetic value.
True Divided Lite
A term which refers to windows in which multiple individual panes of glass or lites are assembled in the sash using muntins.
Vent Unit
A window or door unit that opens or operates.
Vertical Siding
Also referred to as "panel siding"Vertical siding is never overlapped.
Vinyl
A plastic material used for cladding or entire window units.
Weather-stripping
A material or device used to seal the openings, gaps or cracks of venting window and door units to prevent water and air infiltration.
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