AAMA

American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade association that establishes voluntary standards for the window and door industry.

Acrylic (plastic)

A non-crystalline thermoplastic with good weather resistance, shatter resistance, and optical clarity; sometimes used for glazing.

Anodize

To provide an extremely hard non-corrosive oxide film on the surface of aluminum, by electrolytic action. Anodic coatings may be transparent, of varying shades of silver, gray, brown, or colors may be incorporated by the use of dyes.

Argon

An inert, colorless, and harmless gas used instead of air in sealed spaces between panes of glass in insulating glass units to increase insulation. Argon is less conductive to heat than air. It is injected in the airspace of an insulating unit, to improve energy efficiency.

Awning Window

A type of window with a top-hinged sash that swings out at the bottom, letting in fresh air while keeping rain out.

Balance

A mechanical device used in vertically operating windows that counter-balances the weight of the sash during opening and closing.

Basement Window

A sash unit, usually of the in swinging awning type, used for basement or cellar sash openings. Products may include screens or storm sash and may include provisions for emergency evacuation from the basement area.

Bay Window

A type of window consisting of a central picture window flanked by a pair of narrow casement windows set at an angle – provides a panoramic view.

Bead

A strip of metal, vinyl, or wood used around the periphery of a pane of glass to secure it in a frame or sash OR A strip of sealant, such as caulking or glazing compound.

Block

A small piece of lead, neoprene or other suitable material used to position the glass in a frame.

Blocking

To shim, level and plumb windows in required position.

Bow Window

A type of window made of equal-sized casement/picture units in a gentle outward curve – allows for a wider view and more living space.

Casement Window

A type of window with a side-hinged sash that opens like a door – the best window for catching breezes and crosswinds. The sash are usually operated by means of roto-operators or a handles.

Double Hung Window

A type of window that has an upper (outside) sash that slides down, and a lower (inside) sash that slides up. A vertical operating window consisting of two sashes of glass operating in a rectangular frame, both the upper and lower halves can be slid up and down and usually use a counter balance mechanism to hold the sash in place.

Drywall

Interior cladding with panels of gypsum board, fiber board or plywood, a dry operation as opposed to wet plaster.

Emissivity

A measure of an object’s ability to emit long-wave infrared radiation or room temperature radiant heat energy. Emissivity varies from 0 (no emitted infrared) to 1 (100% emitted infrared). The lower the emissivity, the lower the resultant U-value.

Enamel

A type of paint consisting of an intimate dispersion of pigments in a resin vehicle.

Fenestration

The placement and arrangement of the windows and doors of a building.

Frame

Consists of a head, jambs, and sill to form an opening into which sash or door panels fit. An assembly of structural members which surrounds and supports the sash, ventilators, doors, panels or glazing which is installed into an opening in the building envelope or wall.

Glazing

The installation of glass into a window or door sash.

Glazing Bead

A molding or stop along the inside perimeter of the frame that assists in holding glass in place.

Grilles/Grids

Decorative inserts for windows or door glazing that adds a traditional touch – available in fixed or removable inserts.

Head

The main horizontal member forming the top of the window or door frame.

Hinge

A device on which doors or windows may turn or swing, to open and close.

Horizontal Sliding Window

A window where the movable panels slide horizontally. These windows consist of one or more horizontally operable sash in a sealing frame.

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