Window Terms
Definitions
Definitions
AAMA
American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade association
that establishes voluntary standards for the window, door, storefront, curtain
wall and skylight industries.
Air infiltration
The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls,
windows and doors.
Argon gas
An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating glass units to reduce heat transfer.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials. Organization that develops
methods for testing of materials.
Awning window
A window that is hinged at the top and swings outward for ventilation.
Balance covers
A snap in covering that conceals the EvenForce™ block and tackle balance
system within the window frame, helping to keep dirt and dust out of the
chamber.
Bay window
An angled combination of three windows that project out from the wall of the
home. The windows are usually positioned at 30- or 45-degree angles.
Block and Tackle Balance System
In the case of Preservation, the EvenForce™ block and tackle balance system.
The block and tackle system utilizes a high-density nylon cord pulley action
which is attached to a moveable block that travels up and down within a metal
chamber. Tension from a heavy duty coil spring at the top of the block creates
the proper resistance necessary for smooth operation of the window sash.
Bow window
An angled combination of windows in 3-, 4- or 5-lite configurations. As the
windows are joined to each other, they combine to form an arch shape that
projects from the wall of the home.
Butyl
A rubber material that seals the glass to the spacer, creating an airtight and
water-tight insulated glass unit.
Cam-action lock and keeper
The mechanisms, which pull and secure the sashes together when placed in
the locked position.
Casement window
A window with a side-hinged sash that opens and closes outward by a crank
handle mechanism. Available in continuous mainframe, with multi-lite
configurations.
ClarityOne Glass
A chemical treatment that when applied to glass, helps to create a smoother
surface that won’t attract or hold dirt and dust. Established by PPG Industries.
Condensation
The deposit of water vapor from the air on any cold surface whose
temperature is below the dew point, such as a cold window glass or frame that
is exposed to humid indoor air.
Coved glazing beads
A contoured piece of vinyl that holds the glass in place within the sash and
adds an elegant, finished look.
Double-hung window
A window that has two vertical operating sashes.
E-Gard®
Brand name for specially coated, operating hardware that helps to resist
oxidation and corrosion.
Egress Code
The minimum opening of a window for people to exit or firefighters to enter a
building/dwelling. Different states or regions have different code
requirements.
ENERGY STAR®
The ENERGY STAR“ program is a joint venture between the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) designed to
encourage homeowners to purchase energy-efficient products. Using less
energy in our homes reduces the amount of CO2 emissions released into the
atmosphere from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
The advanced components and design used in each and every Preservation
Window utilizing the ClimaTech™ insulated glass package exceed all
performance criteria required by the ENERGY STAR program.
EnergyMaxx
The brand name for the insulated glass unit that is present in the Preservation
Window. An EnergyMaxx unit will contain either two or three panes of glass,
with one or two of those panes being a Low E surface. It will utilize the SST
warm edge spacer system and contain either argon or krypton gas.
EvenForce™
Preservation’s brand name for its block and tackle balance system. A balance
system is a device for holding the vertically sliding sashes in any desired
position within the window mainframe.
Fenestration
The placement of window openings in a building wall, one of the important
elements in controlling the exterior appearance of a building. Also, a window,
door or skylight and its associated interior or exterior elements, such as
shades or blinds.
Fixed Lite
A pane of glass installed directly into non-operating framing members; also,
the opening or space for a pane of glass in a non-operating frame.
Fixed Panel
An inoperable panel of a sliding glass door or sliding window.
Fixed Window
A window with no operating sashes.
French patio doors
A two panel glass door where both panels operate and swing either inward or
outward.
Fusion-welded
The process of joining materials by melting them together with extreme heat
(in most cases over 500ºF), resulting in the materials combining into a one-
piece unit.
Garden window
Designed much like a bay or bow window, a garden also extends from the wall
to the exterior of the home. It is built in a square or rectangular shape at right
angles. The two side lights often operate for added ventilation.
Gas Fill
A gas other than air, usually argon or krypton, placed between window or
skylight glazing panes to reduce the U-factor by suppressing conduction and
convection.
Glazing
The glass or plastic panes in a window, door or skylight.
Glazing Bead
A molding or stop around the inside of a window frame to hold the glass in
place.
Grids
Optional horizontal or vertical lineals installed between the glass panes help
to create the appearance of a divided window design.
Hinged patio doors
A two panel glass door where one panel is stationary or fixed, while the other
operates and swings either inward or outward.
Hopper window
A bottom-hinged sash window that opens inward for ventilation.
Insulating air chambers
Various chambers within the sash and masterframe, which help to insulate and
strengthen the window.
IntegraWeld
The fusion-welding process of Preservation Windows.
Jamb
A vertical member at the side of a window frame or the horizontal member at
the top of the window frame, as in a header.
Krypton gas
An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating windows to reduce heat transfer.
Lift
Handle for raising or lowering the sashes in an operable window. Also called
sash lift or lift rail.
Lite
A unit of glass in a window.
Low E (Emissivity) Glass
Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited
on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by
suppressing radiative heat flow. A typical type of low-E coating is transparent
to the solar spectrum (visible light and short-wave infrared radiation) and
reflective of longwave infrared radiation.
Masterframe
The combination of the head, sill and jamb sections of a window.
Maxum33™
A fiberglass meeting rail reinforcement in the sashes of Preservation
Windows. Adds extra strength and helps to prevent flexing during heavy winds.
Meeting rail
The part of a sliding glass door, a sliding window or a hung window where two
sashes meet and create a weather barrier.
Mylar
A weatherstripping material that is present where the sash frame meets the
masterframe. Adds increased resistance to air infiltration.
NFRC
National Fenestration Rating Council.
Obscure glass
Glass that has been made translucent instead of transparent.
Origin II™
The virgin uPVC vinyl used in all Preservation Windows. The material’s low
thermal conductivity makes it the best choice for window manufacturing. Will
not rot, peel, blister, swell or deteriorate from corrosion or pitting.
Panel
A major component of a sliding glass door, consisting of a light of glass in a
frame installed within the main (or outer) frame of the door. A panel may be
sliding or fixed.
Picture window
A window that does not move or operate.
ProgressiveEfficiency
A pre-expanded, high density polyisocyanurate insulation. Present in the
sashes and masterframe of Preservation Windows.
R-value
A measure of the resistance of a glazing material or fenestration assembly to
heat flow. It is the inverse of the U-factor (R = 1/U) and is expressed in units of
hr-sq ft-ºF/Btu. A high-R-value window has a greater resistance to heat flow
and a higher insulating value than one with a low R-value.
Radiation
The transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves from one separate
surface to another. Energy from the sun reaches the earth by radiation and a
person’s body can lose heat to a cold window or skylight surface in a similar
way.
Renovation MasterFrame
Preservations unique fusion-welded design that accommodates differing
installation methods and architectural styles. It is the angled portion of the
masterframe profile that adds a three dimensional appearance to the exterior
of the window.
Sash
Separate from the masterframe, the portion of the window that contains the
glass.
Sash limit locks
A feature that allows a window to be safely raised to a certain height.
Sill
The horizontal, bottom section of the masterframe.
Sliding patio doors
A combination of fixed and sliding glass door panels that operate on solid
brass roller trucks. Available in 2-, 3- or 4- lite configurations with the operable
panel available in any position.
Sliding Window
A window in which the sashes move horizontally. Available in a 2- or 3-lite
configurations.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
– The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight, both
directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. The
solar heat gain coefficient has replaced the shading coefficient as the
standard indicator of a window’s shading ability. It is expressed as a number
between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less
solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability. SHGC can be
expressed in terms of the glass alone or can refer to the entire window
assembly.
Spacer
An object placed between two or more pieces of glass which helps to maintain
a uniform width between the glass, and helps prevent sealant distortion.
SST non-metal spacer
A solid silicone foam spacer covered with Mylar. It is sealed to the edge of the
glass and then sealed with butyl for greater energy efficiency.
TrueCapture™ Sloped Sill
The sill of the Preservation Double-Hung Window that has a downward slope
toward the outside with a capture dam that helps to keep water from infiltrating
the base of the bottom sash. Sloped sill assists water drainage to the exterior
of the window.
U-value (U-factor)
A measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through a material or
assembly. It is expressed in units of Btu/hr-sq ft-ºF (W/sq m-ºC). Values are
normally given for NFRC/ASHRAE winter conditions of 0ºF (18º C) outdoor
temperature, 70º F (21º C) indoor temperature, 15 mph wind and no solar load.
The U-factor may be expressed for the glass alone or the entire window, which
includes the effect of the frame and the spacer materials. The lower the U-
factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its
insulating value.
UV reflection
The percentage of ultraviolet rays being blocked rather than being transmitted
through the window’s glass unit. The higher the number, the lower the
percentage of ultraviolet rays being transmitted through the window.
Ultraviolet light (UV)
The invisible rays of the spectrum that are outside of the visible spectrum at
its short-wavelength violet end. Ultraviolet rays are found in everyday sunlight
and can cause fading of paint finishes, carpets and fabrics.
Visible Light
The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that produces light that can be
seen. Wavelengths range from 380 to 720 nanometers.
Visible transmittance (VT)
The percentage or fraction of the visible spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers)
weighted by the sensitivity of the eye that is transmitted through the glazing.
Warm-edge technology
The use of low-conductance spacers to reduce heat transfer near the edge of
insulated glazing.
Weatherstripping
Material used to form a weather-resistant seal around operable sash.
American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade association
that establishes voluntary standards for the window, door, storefront, curtain
wall and skylight industries.
Air infiltration
The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls,
windows and doors.
Argon gas
An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating glass units to reduce heat transfer.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials. Organization that develops
methods for testing of materials.
Awning window
A window that is hinged at the top and swings outward for ventilation.
Balance covers
A snap in covering that conceals the EvenForce™ block and tackle balance
system within the window frame, helping to keep dirt and dust out of the
chamber.
Bay window
An angled combination of three windows that project out from the wall of the
home. The windows are usually positioned at 30- or 45-degree angles.
Block and Tackle Balance System
In the case of Preservation, the EvenForce™ block and tackle balance system.
The block and tackle system utilizes a high-density nylon cord pulley action
which is attached to a moveable block that travels up and down within a metal
chamber. Tension from a heavy duty coil spring at the top of the block creates
the proper resistance necessary for smooth operation of the window sash.
Bow window
An angled combination of windows in 3-, 4- or 5-lite configurations. As the
windows are joined to each other, they combine to form an arch shape that
projects from the wall of the home.
Butyl
A rubber material that seals the glass to the spacer, creating an airtight and
water-tight insulated glass unit.
Cam-action lock and keeper
The mechanisms, which pull and secure the sashes together when placed in
the locked position.
Casement window
A window with a side-hinged sash that opens and closes outward by a crank
handle mechanism. Available in continuous mainframe, with multi-lite
configurations.
ClarityOne Glass
A chemical treatment that when applied to glass, helps to create a smoother
surface that won’t attract or hold dirt and dust. Established by PPG Industries.
Condensation
The deposit of water vapor from the air on any cold surface whose
temperature is below the dew point, such as a cold window glass or frame that
is exposed to humid indoor air.
Coved glazing beads
A contoured piece of vinyl that holds the glass in place within the sash and
adds an elegant, finished look.
Double-hung window
A window that has two vertical operating sashes.
E-Gard®
Brand name for specially coated, operating hardware that helps to resist
oxidation and corrosion.
Egress Code
The minimum opening of a window for people to exit or firefighters to enter a
building/dwelling. Different states or regions have different code
requirements.
ENERGY STAR®
The ENERGY STAR“ program is a joint venture between the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) designed to
encourage homeowners to purchase energy-efficient products. Using less
energy in our homes reduces the amount of CO2 emissions released into the
atmosphere from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
The advanced components and design used in each and every Preservation
Window utilizing the ClimaTech™ insulated glass package exceed all
performance criteria required by the ENERGY STAR program.
EnergyMaxx
The brand name for the insulated glass unit that is present in the Preservation
Window. An EnergyMaxx unit will contain either two or three panes of glass,
with one or two of those panes being a Low E surface. It will utilize the SST
warm edge spacer system and contain either argon or krypton gas.
EvenForce™
Preservation’s brand name for its block and tackle balance system. A balance
system is a device for holding the vertically sliding sashes in any desired
position within the window mainframe.
Fenestration
The placement of window openings in a building wall, one of the important
elements in controlling the exterior appearance of a building. Also, a window,
door or skylight and its associated interior or exterior elements, such as
shades or blinds.
Fixed Lite
A pane of glass installed directly into non-operating framing members; also,
the opening or space for a pane of glass in a non-operating frame.
Fixed Panel
An inoperable panel of a sliding glass door or sliding window.
Fixed Window
A window with no operating sashes.
French patio doors
A two panel glass door where both panels operate and swing either inward or
outward.
Fusion-welded
The process of joining materials by melting them together with extreme heat
(in most cases over 500ºF), resulting in the materials combining into a one-
piece unit.
Garden window
Designed much like a bay or bow window, a garden also extends from the wall
to the exterior of the home. It is built in a square or rectangular shape at right
angles. The two side lights often operate for added ventilation.
Gas Fill
A gas other than air, usually argon or krypton, placed between window or
skylight glazing panes to reduce the U-factor by suppressing conduction and
convection.
Glazing
The glass or plastic panes in a window, door or skylight.
Glazing Bead
A molding or stop around the inside of a window frame to hold the glass in
place.
Grids
Optional horizontal or vertical lineals installed between the glass panes help
to create the appearance of a divided window design.
Hinged patio doors
A two panel glass door where one panel is stationary or fixed, while the other
operates and swings either inward or outward.
Hopper window
A bottom-hinged sash window that opens inward for ventilation.
Insulating air chambers
Various chambers within the sash and masterframe, which help to insulate and
strengthen the window.
IntegraWeld
The fusion-welding process of Preservation Windows.
Jamb
A vertical member at the side of a window frame or the horizontal member at
the top of the window frame, as in a header.
Krypton gas
An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating windows to reduce heat transfer.
Lift
Handle for raising or lowering the sashes in an operable window. Also called
sash lift or lift rail.
Lite
A unit of glass in a window.
Low E (Emissivity) Glass
Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited
on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by
suppressing radiative heat flow. A typical type of low-E coating is transparent
to the solar spectrum (visible light and short-wave infrared radiation) and
reflective of longwave infrared radiation.
Masterframe
The combination of the head, sill and jamb sections of a window.
Maxum33™
A fiberglass meeting rail reinforcement in the sashes of Preservation
Windows. Adds extra strength and helps to prevent flexing during heavy winds.
Meeting rail
The part of a sliding glass door, a sliding window or a hung window where two
sashes meet and create a weather barrier.
Mylar
A weatherstripping material that is present where the sash frame meets the
masterframe. Adds increased resistance to air infiltration.
NFRC
National Fenestration Rating Council.
Obscure glass
Glass that has been made translucent instead of transparent.
Origin II™
The virgin uPVC vinyl used in all Preservation Windows. The material’s low
thermal conductivity makes it the best choice for window manufacturing. Will
not rot, peel, blister, swell or deteriorate from corrosion or pitting.
Panel
A major component of a sliding glass door, consisting of a light of glass in a
frame installed within the main (or outer) frame of the door. A panel may be
sliding or fixed.
Picture window
A window that does not move or operate.
ProgressiveEfficiency
A pre-expanded, high density polyisocyanurate insulation. Present in the
sashes and masterframe of Preservation Windows.
R-value
A measure of the resistance of a glazing material or fenestration assembly to
heat flow. It is the inverse of the U-factor (R = 1/U) and is expressed in units of
hr-sq ft-ºF/Btu. A high-R-value window has a greater resistance to heat flow
and a higher insulating value than one with a low R-value.
Radiation
The transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves from one separate
surface to another. Energy from the sun reaches the earth by radiation and a
person’s body can lose heat to a cold window or skylight surface in a similar
way.
Renovation MasterFrame
Preservations unique fusion-welded design that accommodates differing
installation methods and architectural styles. It is the angled portion of the
masterframe profile that adds a three dimensional appearance to the exterior
of the window.
Sash
Separate from the masterframe, the portion of the window that contains the
glass.
Sash limit locks
A feature that allows a window to be safely raised to a certain height.
Sill
The horizontal, bottom section of the masterframe.
Sliding patio doors
A combination of fixed and sliding glass door panels that operate on solid
brass roller trucks. Available in 2-, 3- or 4- lite configurations with the operable
panel available in any position.
Sliding Window
A window in which the sashes move horizontally. Available in a 2- or 3-lite
configurations.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
– The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight, both
directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. The
solar heat gain coefficient has replaced the shading coefficient as the
standard indicator of a window’s shading ability. It is expressed as a number
between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less
solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability. SHGC can be
expressed in terms of the glass alone or can refer to the entire window
assembly.
Spacer
An object placed between two or more pieces of glass which helps to maintain
a uniform width between the glass, and helps prevent sealant distortion.
SST non-metal spacer
A solid silicone foam spacer covered with Mylar. It is sealed to the edge of the
glass and then sealed with butyl for greater energy efficiency.
TrueCapture™ Sloped Sill
The sill of the Preservation Double-Hung Window that has a downward slope
toward the outside with a capture dam that helps to keep water from infiltrating
the base of the bottom sash. Sloped sill assists water drainage to the exterior
of the window.
U-value (U-factor)
A measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through a material or
assembly. It is expressed in units of Btu/hr-sq ft-ºF (W/sq m-ºC). Values are
normally given for NFRC/ASHRAE winter conditions of 0ºF (18º C) outdoor
temperature, 70º F (21º C) indoor temperature, 15 mph wind and no solar load.
The U-factor may be expressed for the glass alone or the entire window, which
includes the effect of the frame and the spacer materials. The lower the U-
factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its
insulating value.
UV reflection
The percentage of ultraviolet rays being blocked rather than being transmitted
through the window’s glass unit. The higher the number, the lower the
percentage of ultraviolet rays being transmitted through the window.
Ultraviolet light (UV)
The invisible rays of the spectrum that are outside of the visible spectrum at
its short-wavelength violet end. Ultraviolet rays are found in everyday sunlight
and can cause fading of paint finishes, carpets and fabrics.
Visible Light
The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that produces light that can be
seen. Wavelengths range from 380 to 720 nanometers.
Visible transmittance (VT)
The percentage or fraction of the visible spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers)
weighted by the sensitivity of the eye that is transmitted through the glazing.
Warm-edge technology
The use of low-conductance spacers to reduce heat transfer near the edge of
insulated glazing.
Weatherstripping
Material used to form a weather-resistant seal around operable sash.
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Toll Free:
1-877-SEAL-711
1-877-SEAL-711
Lowell, MI
319 E. Main St.
Also Serving:
Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Holland, Big Rapids, Ludington,
St. Joseph, Battle Creek, Ionia and all of West Michigan
