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Glossary of Terms
Window Styles
- Double-hung – Both sashes slide up and down
- Single-hung – Only the bottom sash slides upward
- Sliding window – Both sashes slide from left to right
- Casement window – Hinged at the sides and open to the outside.
- Awning window – Hinged at the top and open to the outside
Window Frames
- Aluminum
- Pro: Used often for customized window design.
- Con: May cause conductive heat loss and condensation
- Vinyl
- Pro: Saves energy, low-maintenance.
- Con: Lesser-quality vinyls may have problems with resistance or brittleness, color consistency, and contraction and expansion.
- Wood
- Pro: Unaffected by temperature extremes (produce higher R-values).
- Con: Require more maintenance.
- Clad Wood
- Wood frames covered on the exterior with a layer of aluminum or vinyl.
- Pro: Easier to maintain.
- Con: Cost more than solid wood.
- Fiberglass
- Pro: Highest R-values.
- Con: More expensive
Types of Glass
- Dual-Pane (Standard insulating) – Two layers of clear glass. A layer of inert gas — typically argon or krypton — is sealed between inner and outer panes. Reduces heat loss.
- Triple-Pane – Three layers of clear glass that seal two layers of gas within the frame – used in extreme northern climates
- Low-E (Low Emissivity) Coating – Protective coating that keeps the heat from transferring back through the window. Protects furniture and carpet from sun damage.
- Argon-filled Low-E Insulating – 35% more energy efficient than ordinary dual-pane glass in winter and 41% more efficient in the summer. Argon gas is heavier than air so is less prone to convection or thermal movement.
- Obscure insulating – Increases privacy
- Tempered glass – Adds safety; won’t shard on impact
Window Parts
- Head – Forms the top of a window frame – it’s the main horizontal member on the top
- Jamb – Forms the sides of a window frame – it’s the main vertical member
- Sill – Forms the bottom of a window frame – it’s the main horizontal member on the bottom
- Frame – The enclosure in which window sash are mounted
- Glazing – Window glass
- Pane – A framed sheet of glass within a window
- Sash – the framework of a window in which panes of glass are set.
- Muntin Bar (grilles) – a strip separating panes of glass in a sash
- Glazing Bead – A removable trim that holds the glass in place. Helps the window shed water and keeps it weather tight
Energy Terms
- Energy Star – U.S. Govt. program designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels through the education of consumers. In order for windows to be considered Energy Star-qualified, they must be tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a program that helps consumers compare window products and options. They must meet specific, predetermined U-value ratings.
- U-Factor – Measures the window’s ability to conduct heat
- SHGC – The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. Look on the NRFC label for the rating.
- R-Value – Resistance to Heat Flow a higher value indicates a better heat insulating property. 0.9 is the R-value of an ordinary single-pane sash with a 15 mph wind on one side.
- Warm Edge Spacers – Material in between the panes of glass. Reduces condensation around the perimeter of the window. These spacers keep the edges of the window glass warmer.
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