ABC Chart
A-Air Tightness, the highest rating for air is A3; B – Water
Tightness, the highest rating for water is B7; C – Wind Load
Resistance, the highest rating for wind is C5.
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
This trade association is the source of performance standards,
product certification and educational programs for the window,
door and skylight industry.
Anodize
A treatment process to apply a protective coating to bare
aluminum.
Apron
An apron is an interior trim component installed below the
stool of a window.
Architectural Doors
Doors designed for commercial and industrial applications
meeting specific standards of construction (e.g. fire rating,
sound transmission). Generally used to represent higher
standards than residential door requirements.
Argon
A natural, inert and chemically stable gas that replaces air
between glass panes to increase R-value.
Astragal
The center member of a double door, which is attached to
the fixed or inactive door panel. Also prevents air
infiltration.
Awning Window
A window with a sash that is hinged at the top and opens
from the bottom.
Azurlite glass
This blue-tinted glass is popular in regions where shading
is desired.
B
Back bead
Back bead is sealant that is applied on both sides when
glazing an insulated glass unit into a sash or frame.
Backbedding
This is a material or compound used to seal the glass to a
window sash.
Backset
This is the distance from the edge of a door to the center
of the hole where the handle set or lock is inserted.
Ball bearing hinge
A commercial hinge option, used in applications where a
door will get more than residential-type usage. Suggested for
entry application and frequent-use areas, it reduces the
rubbing friction of the hinge flange.
Bay Window
A bay window is made up of three or more windows. The side
or flanker units project out from the building in 30, 45, or
90 degree angles. The center is parallel with the building
wall and is made up of one or more windows. All the units can
be stationary,
Block and tackle system
This pulley system is used to raise or shift a window
sash.
Bow Window
A series of four or more adjoining window units, commonly
five in number, projecting 10°-20° from the wall of the
building, forming a radius.
Brickmold
A type of casing which frames windows and doors.
Brickmould
A form of exterior casing for windows and doors that
serves as an aesthetic boundary between the siding and the
frame.
Brickmould dimension
This refers to a dimension used in replacement
applications.
Butt Hinge
The complete door hinge mechanism: the round central part
(knuckle), flat portions (leaves or flaps), and the pin, which
inserts into the knuckle.
C
Cam Lock
A single-point locking mechanism that uses a “cam” action
to lock and to pull the window sash against the frame forming
a tight weather seal; large windows may have more than one cam
lock.
Caming
Deliniates shapes within the glass window like lead does
in a stained glass window.
Casement window
A casement window is hinged on either side so the sash
opens outward, to the right or left, in a swinging motion. It
provides maximum ventilation.
Casing
Trim molding of various widths, thickness and shapes
applied to the framework of window and door units.
Chalking
Chalking is caused when the resin systems at the surface of a
finish begin to degrade, primarily due to ultraviolet (UV)
exposure. The resin and imbedded pigment particles then lose
their ability to properly adhere to the surface. When this
occurs, the pa
Check rail
On a double-hung window, the bottom rail of the upper sash
and the upper rail of the lower sash, where the lock is
mounted.
Circlehead
A generic term referring to any of a variety of window
units with one or more curved frame members, often used over
another window or door opening.
Clerestory window
A venting or fixed window above other windows or doors on
an upper outside wall of a room.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when excess humidity in warmer air is
released in the form of water droplets onto a colder surface
such as a pane of glass.
Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF)
CRF is a rating that indicates a window’s ability to
resist condensation. The higher the CRF, the less likely
condensation is to occur.
Cottage double-hung
A double-hung window in which the upper sash is shorter
than the lower sash.
D
Dessicant
This is a drying agent, such as silica gel, that’s used in
manufacturing of insulated glass between the panes to prevent
fogging of the insulated unit. It is an extremely porous
crystalline substance used to absorb moisture from within the
sealed air spac
Dew Point
The temperature at which condensation occurs.
Door Bevel
An angled cut on the lock side of a door, usually 3
degrees, that enables it to swing free of the door frame when
opening and closing.
Door casing
A door casing is a piece of trim that surrounds the jamb
of the door or entry system.
Door Core
A core placed inside the door to provide either strength
or fire rating. Core types are corrugated honeycomb paper,
polyurethane foam, particleboard, wood stave, and mineral
fiber.
Door Frame
A complete door frame consists of two jamb legs available
rabbetted (built-in stop) or with a separate stop applied
(stitched) and one header, also with stop applied with
staples. Once installed in the rough opening, a door may be
hung on the frame.
Door lite
A door lite is a glass insert installed in a door panel.
Door striker
This component is a slightly beveled metal plate, which is
set into a door jamb to receive and guide a door latch to its
socket when closing.
Dormer
A space which protrudes from the roof of a house, usually
including one or more windows.
Double glazing
Use of two panes of glass in a window to increase energy
efficiency and provide other performance benefits.
Double-hung window
A window unit that has two operable sashes which move
vertically in the frame.
Drip cap
A molding placed on the top of the head brickmold or
casing of a window frame.
Dual durometer
A material that has two or more levels of flexibility.
Dual-arm operator
This type of hardware is used to open awning and casement
windows. It is composed of two arms - one pulls the sash,
while the other pushes.
E
E-Gard® hardware
Window hardware made with a multistage coating process to
protect both steel and zinc parts from the effects of cleaning
agents as well as corrosion caused by acid rain, ultraviolet
radiation, and wood preservatives. This hardware is not
manufactured by J
Egress Code
Building requirement defining the minimum opening of a
window to allow for safe exit in case of emergency.
End Rails
Rails at each end of door.
Extrusion
A form produced by forcing material through a die. Our window frames are constructed with extruded vinyl.
F
Fabricator
A fabricator is the person or firm that assembles all the
component parts into a complete window, door or sash unit.
Fenestration
An architectural term referring to the arrangement of
windows in a wall. From the Latin word, "fenestra," meaning
window.
Fire Door
Fire doors are designed to meet independent testing
facilities' (Underwriter's Laboratory [UL] and Warnock Hersey
[WH]) standards for fire ratings 20, 30, 45, 60 and 90
minutes. The desired rating is achieved by using special door
core and frame material.
Fire-Rated Door
A door that is noncombustible in the average structure
fire for a minimum period of time. A fire-rated door takes a
certain number of minutes to burn; usually 20, 60 or 90
minutes.
Fixed
Refers to a window or door that is non-venting or
inoperable.
Flankers
The two end windows in a multiple unit.
Flashing
A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts
water away from a window or skylight.
Flush bolt
A flush bolt is a mechanical fastening device found at the
bottom and top of the T-astragal of a French, garden or swing
door with active and inactive panels. Used to hold the
inactive door of the French door unit closed.
Fogging
Fogging is a deposit or film left on an interior surface
of a sealed insulating glass unit. It occurs due to extreme
conditions or failed seals.
Folding crank handle
This type of hardware is used to operate casement windows; the
handle folds away when not in use.
Frame
The enclosure in which window sash or door panels are
mounted.
Frame Size
The overall width and height excluding brick moulds of a
window or a group of windows. Width measurement always
precedes height.
Full screen
This type of screen fills the entire window opening of a
double-hung window.
G
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.
Glue Chip glass
This type of glass features a feathered or frost-like
texture and provides an obscured view.
Grille
A term referring to windowpane dividers or muntins. When
between two panes of glass, they will last longer and allow
for ease of cleaning.
H
Half screen
This type of screen does not fill the entire opening of a
double-hung, single-hung or half-slide window. It only covers
one sash.
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.
Heat Loss
The heat transmission rate multiplied by the area of the
door.
Height
The vertical door dimension. Standard residential door
heights are 78" to 80".
Hopper
A window unit in which the top of the sash swings inward.
I
Infiltration
Heat loss due to air escaping through cracks or spaces
around an exterior door.
Insulating glass (IG)
A combination of two or more panes of glass with a
hermetically sealed air space between the panes of glass. This
space may or may not be filled with an inert gas, such as
argon.
Interlock
Where the upper and lower sash meet on a vertical or
horizontal slider, the interlocking mechanism brings the two
sashes together for a tighter seal.
J
Jamb extensions
Used to bridge the distance from the window to the casing.
Jamb/Frame
The main vertical members forming the sides of a window or
door frame. Jambs are of various widths and thickness. The
most common sizes are 11/16" thick by 4-9/16" wide (for
interior use).
J-channel
A J-channel is a space that allows a home’s siding to slip
between the trim and nailing fin. This feature also allows for
easy installation and produces a clean, streamlined
appearance.
J-mould
Trim used to finish the window both functionally and
aesthetically on the exterior. Allowing siding to fit behind
the front of the moulding for a cleaner and attractive look.
K
Keeper
A lock which, when activated, prevents the sash from
opening.
Kerf
A groove that often holds weatherstrip.
Keyed lock
A keyed lock is a mechanism using the same key
configuration as other locks in a home or building.
Knocked down (KD)
Unassembled window or door unit. Pre-machined &
ready-to-assemble, with a matching jamb and header.
L
Laminated glass
This glass is constructed by placing a plastic interlayer
between two panels of glass. The interlayer helps protect the
glass from impacts and prevents shattering.
Lean manufacturing
This is a business philosophy and strategy that’s focused
on eliminating all manufacturing steps or processes that do
not add value to the final product or service.
Legs Legs
Commonly called jambs - The side pieces of the door frame
running vertical.
Level
A condition that exists when a surface is exactly
horizontal.
Lift Rail
The lip that is attached to the sash of a slider window to
allow the homeowner to grasp and open the window.
Light
A separately framed piece of glass in a window or door. A
traditional single-hung window, for instance, often has
several lights divided by muntins in each sash. Such windows
are described as six-over-six, eight-over-one,
twelve-over-twelve, etc., to indi
Low-E glass
This type of insulating glass significantly blocks harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays and the sun’s infrared heat, so homes
stay cooler in the summer and interior furnishings fade less.
In the winter, it helps keep homes warmer and reduces
condensation.
M
Masonry opening
This is the opening in a masonry wall, which accepts a
window or door unit, the same as a rough opening in a frame
wall.
Mineral-core
Fire rated core of a door available in 45 min., 60 min., &
90 min. versions.
Mullion
The joint created when two windows are attached to each
other at the jambs and head.
Multipoint locking system
A multipoint locking system has more than one locking
point.
Muntin Bars
Also known as grills or blocks, the grid between two
pieces of glass in a thermal unit.
Muntin/Muntin Bars
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.
N
Nailing Flange
The perforated part of a vinyl window that allows the
window to be face-nailed to the sill or sheathing that acts as
a temporary fastening method.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
The NFRC is an independent third-party certification
organization with industry-accepted standards for evaluating
and certifying energy performance. The NFRC Certificate
contains U-factor, SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), and VT
(Visible Transmittance)
Night Security Latch
A safety device available on Premier Plus® vertical
sliders that allows the sash to be open a few inches for
ventilation, but prevents maximum opening.
No-bore
A no-bore door does not include cavities to fit a door
knob, handle, lockset or other hardware.
Nominal
A nominal dimension is the industry term used to
approximate a door size.
O
Obscure glass
This is any type of decorative textured glass that fully
or partially obscures the view. It allows for privacy while
still letting light enter a home.
P
Palladian window
A large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on
each side.
Pane
A piece of glass.
Panic hardware
This is a locking system that allows for the quick opening
of commercial exit doors, such as hospitals, universities and
schools, concert halls, shopping centers, hotels and offices.
Pediments
These elements are gables placed over a door or window.
They generally include horizontal moulding (i.e., a cornice).
Picture frame casing
This type of weatherstrip that has pile (or “fuzz”) that
helps reduce air or dust around a window sash or door panel.
Picture Window
A fixed window typically of a large size in relation to
adjacent windows.
Pilasters
Pilasters are decorative elements that emulate engaged
piers or pillars.
Plumb
A condition that exists when a surface is exactly
vertical.
Prairie grilles
This type of divided lite grille pattern borders the glass
on the perimeter of the frame or sash. Also known as Queen
Anne grilles.
PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is an extruded or molded plastic
material framing and a thermal barrier.
Q
Quarter-round
A quarter-round is a radius and geometric shape available
for vinyl and aluminum windows.
R
Rail Rail
The top and bottom horizontal members of the framework of
a window sash.
Raised Panel Door
A flush door using a raised door facing (slab) that has
been hydraulically pressed to create a simulated raised panel
design and may have either a smooth or textured finish.
Return
An interior trim attachment to accept drywall or wood –
1/2” or 3/4”.
Rough opening
The pre-finished framed opening in a wall into which a
window or door unit is to be fitted.
Round top
This is a feature on a window or door with a 180-degree
curve at its top. It is also called a true radius top.
RSO
Rough Stud Opening or the size of hole in which the window
will be installed including an allowance for shimming.
R-Value
Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher
R-value numbers indicate greater insulating value.
S
Sash
An assembly of stiles and rails that forms a frame for
holding the glass in a window.
Sash Balance
The mechanism that balances the load of the sash.
Sash Lock
In an operating or opening window, locks are provided for
extra security and tightness of the unit.
Sash snubber
This component on a window ensures the sash seals tightly
against the frame.
SDL
Simulated Divided Light. Grill bars are applied to
exterior and interior surface for old-fashioned look.
Seal failure
This is the loss of the hermetic seal around the perimeter
of the insulated glass (IG) unit which results in fogging
between the panes of the IG unit.
Segment top
This is a feature on a window or door that’s rounded at
its top.
Setting Block
Small pieces of vinyl or rubber in the bottom rail to
protect and support the insulating glass unit.
Sidelights
Narrow fixed units mulled or joined to door units to give
a more open appearance.
Sight lines
These visual lines are used to align sash or panels of
mulled units or units placed on the same elevation.
Sill
The bottom part of the frame of a window or door.
Simulated divided lites
This divided lite option offers the most authentic true
divided lite appearance. It includes interior wood bars,
optional shadow bars between the glass, and exterior metal
bars that are permanently attached to the exterior glass.
Single glazing
Use of single panes of glass in a window. Not as
energy-efficient as double glazing.
Single-hung
A type of window in which the top sash is fixed or
inoperable.
Single-hung side-load window
A window with stationary top sash and a bottom sash that
slides vertically. It also features a side-load removable sash
that makes cleaning particularly easy.
Skylight
A window installed in the roof to allow more light and
sometimes heat into the structure. Depending on which
direction they face, skylights can bring in more light and
heat than windows.
Slabs
Main surfaces of a door. HOMEGUARD® door slabs are 24
gauge hot dipped galvanized steel faces, primed white or
factory painted white and carry a 10 year rust and corrosion
resistance warranty.
Sliding Patio Door
A door with one or more panels that slide horizontally.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Solar heat gain coefficient is a measurement of the amount
of solar radiation through a piece of glass or door material.
The lower the SHGC, the fewer UV rays that cause heat gain
come through the glass.
Solid Core (S.C.)
Wood block, particleboard or fire-rated mineral fiber used
in the core of a door. Solid Core doors are either flush or
raised panel.
Stacked Unit
A combination unit where one unit is fixed on top of
another.
Stile
The main vertical members of the framework of a sash.
Stool
An interior trim piece on a window which extends the sill
and acts as a narrow shelf.
Stop
A molding used to hold, position or separate window parts;
wood or metal strip attached to jambs and header, with or
without for and to keep door from swinging through.
Stress crack
A defect in an insulated glass unit, this type of crack
results from a stress condition on the edge of the glass.
Super Spacer®
Silicone foam spacer bar that reduces thermal transfer at
edge of glass. Also called Warm Edge
Sweep
This is the weather-strip attached to the bottom of a
door.
T
Tempered glass
Glass manufactured to withstand greater than normal forces
on its surface. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces
to reduce hazard. Standard on all ALLSCO patio doors.
Thermal break
The addition of a thermal insulating material between two
thermally conductive materials.
Thermal Transfer
The movement of heat or cold through a substance.
Thermal Unit
Two pieces of glass separated by a spacer to allow for a
dead air space that gives the window extra insulation value.
Thickness
The depth dimension of a door. Standard residential door
thicknesses are 1-3/8" and 1-3/4".
Threshold
This is a frame component on a swing door designed to act
as a barrier to external elements.
Tilt latch
A tilt latch is a mechanism at the end of a window
checkrail that allows a sash to release from the jamb liners
and tilt into the structure.
Tinted glass
This glass has a subtle coloring (usually grey, bronze or
green) that protects a home’s interior harsh direct sunlight.
Transom
A window, usually rectangular, placed over a door or
window. Transoms, or fanlites, were first used in the 18th
century on exterior doors. They increased the amount of light
let into the front hall, and because of them, the size of the
front door could be
Trapezoid
This is a four-sided geometric shape available for a vinyl
or aluminum picture window frame bar.
Triangle
This is a three-sided geometric shape available for a
vinyl or aluminum picture window frame bar.
Triple Glazing
Three panes of glass with an airspace between each pane.
True Divided Lite
A window opening comprised of multiple individual smaller
panes of glass separated by muntins.
U
U-factor/U-value
U-factor or U-value is a number that represents the rate
of heat loss through a window or door. The lower the number,
the greater a window resists the transfer of heat. A U-factor
of 0.35 or lower represents good insulating value.
Ultraviolet (UV)
UV refers to the type of rays outside of the visible
spectrum (at its violet end). These rays are found in everyday
sunlight and can cause fading or chalking of dark paint
finishes. Extreme UV exposure can cause certain plastic
materials to distort.
UPVC
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride makes vinyl rigid. All
Atlantic Windows are made of UPVC.
U-value
Rate of heat flow-value through the complete heat barrier,
from room air to outside air. The lower the U-value, the
better the insulating value.
V
Vent Unit
A window or door unit that opens or operates.
Vinyl (PVC)
A thermally efficient, long lasting, structurally sound
material used by ALLSCO to make window and door frames.
W
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.
Weep Hole
The visible exit or entry part of a water drainage system
used to drain water out of a window or patio door.
Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA)
The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA)
researches, tests and provides certifications for windows and
doors.
Window Styles
Single hung, double hung, single horizontal, double
horizontal, casement, awning, octagonal and specialty shapes.
X
XO
From the outside looking in for sliding fenestration
products, the O represents the fixed sash and X represents the
operating sash.
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