Vinyl Window Terminology - Definitions of vinyl window terms
Find the meaning of various vinyl window terminologies:
Many new home owners may have felt embarresed because they didn't know the meaning of a term that a window salesman used. If you've ever wondered what those cryptic sounding terms about vinyl windows actually meant? If so, then this section of the site is for you. Browse through a glossary of vinyl window terminology.
Click on the letter to view window terminology beginning with that letter:
Argon In dual pane windows this gas is inserted between the panes to increase the energy efficiency of the window.Read More
Bay Windows A combination of several windows panels usually comprised of a large middle panel with two side panels at 30degree, 45 and 90 degree angles.
Bow Windows A composite of four or more window units in a curved or bow formation
CRF Rating The Condensation Resistance Factor is measured in a standard test and reflects the total capability of the window to resist the conditions that support condensation due to conduction and convection of cold, and air infiltration. Industry standards call for a minimum CRF of 35. The higher the CRF rating, the better the window's resistance to condensation producing conditions.
Capping After a window has been installed the outside of the windows need finishing. Capping refers to this process.
Clerestory Window position near the top of a wall.
Condensation When moisture forms inside windows who's seals are not functioning properly condensation has taken place. A bad sign since moisture can cause mold.
Contract Lays out the agreement between you and the replacement window company. Terms of service, warranties and the like should be covered in the contract.
Contractor License Always ensure that contractors are licensed and bonded. The licensing varies depending on the state but is almost always required for the company to be bonded and usually all companies in the home improvement industry must carry some form of insurance.
Cottage double-hung A double-hung window with its lower sash being taller than its upper sash.
Double Glazing Dual panes or layers of glass sealed as one unit in a window casing to add increased insulation and thus improved energy efficiency.
Egress Window A window that is large enough, as defined by local building codes, for exit or entry during an emergency situation.
Fibrex This material is a combination of pulverized wood fiber along with pvc polymers. The result is a strong and durable window.
Foam Filled Frame A vinyl replacement window's frame cavity filled with insulating foam
Gasket A flexible material used to seal the gap between sash and frame of roof windows. Similar to the seal on the edge of car door.
Heat Lamp A tool used in conjunction with a thermometer to measure heat transfer in a window.
Heat Mirror A low-emissivity coated film product and is suspended in-between dual pane windows to increase efficiency. It is lighter than triple pane windows and has superior performance.
Installation The removal of old windows and replacing it with new windows. Or on a new home the insertion of windows into the wall cavity of a home.
Jamb liner Metal or plastic that covers the head jambs surface on the interior of sliding windows.
Krypton A more expensive alternative to Argon gas, Krypton gas is used to increase energy efficiency in windows and is an inert, non-toxic gas that provides excellent reduction in heat transfer, which is the key to an energy efficient window.
Low E Low E (short for low emissivity) It is the process whereby a thin film is applied to a pane which blocks long wave infra-red energy and will allow short wave energy to enter. Emissivity is the value given to an object and is determined by the ratio of heat that is transferred on a scale of 0 -1.
Molding Exterior trim around the perimeter of a frame meant for aesthetic appeal.
NFRC National Fenestration Rating Council ® -a non-profit organization that provides fair, accurate and credible energy performance ratings for windows and doors.
National Certified Testing Labs (NCTL) A window is NCTL validated, when it meets certain prescribed standards and is at an acceptable quality control level.
Operator A metal arm and gear which closes or opens a window.
Palladian window A large, arch-top window with smaller windows adjacent to it.
Panel Usually refers to the separate panel or panels in a door frame.
R Value The higher the number the better it is in terms of window efficiency, because it's insulation will be better. The R-value is the measure of thermal resistance.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) SHGC measures the percentage of heat entered through glass from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. The smaller the number, the greater the reductions of heat gain and the less like you are to experience faded furniture due to excessive sunlight. A measure of 0.3 will qualify for the Federal Tax Credit.
Super Spacer This is an integral part of a double or triple pane window. It is the object that separates, but also binds together the panes of glass.
Tempered glass Tempered glass breaks into small mostly harmless pieces of glass rather than sharp shards when it is smashed.
Triple Pane Is a highly efficient window that is constructed of three panes of glass sealed together in a frame. It can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 80% when compared with single pane windows.
U Rating U Rating is the measure of the heat transfer through an object. A good energy efficient window should have a U-rating of around .30 for a double glazed window.
UV block UV Block measures the percentage of ultraviolet light rays prevented from being transmitted through the glass. The higher the number, the lower the percentage of rays transmitted through the window.
Vapor barrier Material used to create a seal preventing moisture through floors, ceilings and walls.
Weep holes Holes covered with vinyl to let water escape instead of filling up the window. Also effective at keeping bugs out.
Wrapping the method by which windows are made to blend into the outer portion of the wall.
