|
AAMA
American Architectural Manufacturers
Association - a window industry
organization that establishes voluntary
standards, in AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97,
certification to those standards,
and designations, e.g., H-C45. In
addition, AAMA developed five well-accepted
performance classes - Residential
(R), Light Commercial (LC), Commercial
(C), Heavy Commercial (HC), and
Architectural (AW) – which
assist architects, specifiers, and
building owners in defining the
appropriate window performance required
for each application.
back to top |
adjustment
clip
Hardware on hung window jambs to align
jambs after window installation.
back to top |
air infiltration
rate
the amount of air leaking in and out
of a building through cracks in walls,
windows, and doors (the lower, the
better). Usually expressed as cfm
per square foot of window area.
back to top |
anodize
The process that provides a hard,
durable oxide film on the surface
of aluminum, by electrolytic action.
back to top |
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
- a clearing house for all types of
standards and specifications.
back to top |
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers
which set standards for materials,
e.g., ASCE 7-93 (formerly ANSI A58.1)
"Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures."
back to top |
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
- a society of engineers which set
standards for testing of materials.
back to top |
astragal
An extrusion that joins two sash which
are in the same window track.
back to top |
balance
A mechanical device, normally spring
loaded, used in hung windows to counterbalance
the weight of the sash during opening
and closing.
back to top |
balance shoe
Nylon hardware in a tilt hung window
jamb that connects the balance with
the pivot bar on the operating sash.
back to top |
barrel vault
An arched atrium roof structure, using
a semi-circle or hoop to cover a long
narrow area, e.g., the portico extending
from the front hotel entrance for
arriving guests to unload under cover.
back to top |
bead
A molding or stop placed around a
window frame to hold glass in place
by pressure.
back to top |
bending rafters
the structural main "rib"
of a glazed structure, available in
straight and bent.
back to top |
billet
The cylindrical form of aluminum just
prior to the extruding process.
back to top |
bite
A glazing term referring to the dimension
of the glazing leg which overlaps
the edge of the glass.
back to top |
bolt locking
system
The heavy duty flush lock mechanism
which allows a top and bottom bolt
to secure the folding glass wall at
each panel, offering commercial locking
protection to residential applications.
back to top |
casement
window
A window in which the operating vents
move out (casement outswing) or in
(casement inswing) from the master
frame. Each vent is hinged on the
vertical axis to permit easy operation.
back to top |
caulk stop
An accessory added to the exterior
leg of a window frame or exterior
panning leg to create a parallel-sided
caulking joint.
back to top |
cfm
Cubic feet per minute - a unit of
measure used in air infiltration testing,
e.g., "maximum .10 cfm per square
foot of window area."
back to top |
CMR
Centerline of Meeting Rail - a reference
line used to locate integral mullions
and/or to size oriel (unequal) sash,
e.g., "the height of the lower
sash shall be 22" from the frame
sill to CMR."
back to top |
condensation
When the air inside an enclosure is
warmer than the air outside the enclosure,
the moisture vapor in the interior
air will condense, creating small
water droplets at the intersection
of dissimilar materials (aluminum
and gaskets).
back to top |
continuous
air spacer
An air spacer within an insulating
glass unit (IGU) that does not use
corner keys to hold the spacer together,
thereby eliminating the corner joint,
the largest cause of seal failure.
back to top |
crack length
total outside perimeter of window
sash or vent.
back to top |
CRF
Condensation Resistance Factor - an
indication of a window's ability to
resist condensation (the higher the
better).
back to top |
curved eave
lean-to
The rounded bent corner transition
between the roof and front wall.
back to top |
custodial
lock
Window hardware only operable with
a tool or key.
back to top |
debridge
The process of cutting away the metal
on the bottom of an aluminum thermal
break cavity once the two-part polyurethane
has reached full strength, thus creating
a thermally broken extrusion.
back to top |
desiccant
A porous crystalline substance used
to absorb moisture and/or sealant
solvents from within the sealed air
space of an insulating glass unit
(IGU).
back to top |
design load
The project’s wind load to be
determined by the architect and expressed
in psf, e.g., "the project design
load shall be 38.7 psf, both positive
and negative." It is also referred
to as the project’s Design Pressure.
back to top |
Designation
Number
Prescribed by AAMA. One for each window
style. It provides a code for architectural
selection, e.g., STYKER SK-5000 =
H-C45 = Double Hung - Commercial Grade
- 45 psf Design Pressure.
back to top |
die
A perforated steel block through which
aluminum or vinyl is extruded.
back to top |
dome
The spherical shape associated with
skylights.
back to top |
double pitch
design
Pertaining to two opposite roof slopes,
e.g., sloping North and South; also
referred to as a ridge connection.
back to top |
double pitch
with hip terminating each end of a
ridge connection
Design structure by turning a 90 degree
corner and sloping the ends. This
layout resembles a stretched pyramid.
back to top |
double strength
glass
(DSB) 1/8" thickness.
back to top |
dry glazing
A method of securing glass in a window
frame with a dry, preformed, resilient
gasket, without the use of a glazing
compound.
back to top |
dual action
window
A window in which the operating vent
tilts in from the top for ventilation
and swings in from the side for glass
cleaning. Each window has one handle
to perform both operations. Also called
a tilt-turn window.
back to top |
dual durometer
bead
A vinyl glazing bead with a softer
flap against glass and a harder section
inserted into the sash member.
back to top |
dual glazed
Two single lites glazed into a split
sash with an airspace, not hermetically
sealed, between the two single lites.
back to top |
dual sealed
insulating glass
A superior insulating glass unit (IGU)
which greatly resists seal failure
(internal moisture accumulation).
It is made by combining two glass
lites, an air spacer, a primary seal,
e.g., Polyisobutylene (PIB), for resistance
to Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT),
and a secondary seal, e.g., silicone,
for adhesive strength.
back to top |
dual weather
seals
A pair of gaskets, running the length
of a glazed system, one towards the
exterior and one towards the interior,
acting as twice the barrier protection
of a single weather seal.
back to top |
dual window
Two windows joined together, one in
front of the other, to provide sound
control.
back to top |
egress
window
A window with specific release hardware
and minimum clear opening size to
allow occupants to escape through
the window in case of a fire.
back to top |
electrostatic
A painting process by which the aluminum
is grounded and the paint carries
a positive electric current. This
creates a magnetic attraction between
the paint and the aluminum allowing
for uniform paint coverage on extrusion
surfaces that are exposed when the
assembled window is installed and
closed.
back to top |
end dam
Used to close the ends of a subsill
so the water will not leak out the
ends. It makes the subsill a complete
water trough allowing it to collect
excess water and drain it to the exterior.
back to top |
end dam
Used to close the ends of a subsill
so the water will not leak out the
ends. It makes the subsill a complete
water trough allowing it to collect
excess water and drain it to the exterior.
back to top |
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer –
a modest-cost weather-resistant synthetic
rubber from which many flexible gaskets
for windows are made.
back to top |
expansion
mullion
Self-mulling window frame jambs that,
when slipped together, permit expansion
and contraction while preserving strength
and watertightness. This is particularly
important on large runs of windows,
since aluminum will expand or contract
1/8" in 8’ in a 100 degree
temperature difference.
back to top |
exterior
glazed
Glass glazed from the exterior of
the building.
back to top |
extrude
The process of shaping aluminum or
vinyl by forcing it through a die.
back to top |
extrusion
The finished form after pushing aluminum
or vinyl through the die.
back to top |
factory-glazed
pyramid
Pyramid-shaped skylights for commercial
or residential use, offered in standard
sizes ranging from 4'0" to 8'0",
in a 7:12 roof pitch. Arrive assembled
and factory glazed to the job site
ready to set on a prepared curb eliminating
on-site installation. Also known as
the pre-glazed pyramid skylight.
back to top |
fin seal
A form of pile weatherstrip that has
a plastic Mylar fin centered in the
pile. This fin reduces air infiltration
and ensures weatherstrip contact throughout
the window's life.
back to top |
flange frame
A window frame with the head, jamb,
and sill exterior perimeter leg longer
than the interior perimeter leg.
back to top |
float glass
Transparent glass with flat, parallel
surfaces formed on the surface of
a pool of molten tin. Float glass
has virtually replaced sheet and plate
glass because of its superior optical
quality.
back to top |
folding glass
wall
A folding stackable glass wall system
capable of opening up to 92% of the
original rough opening. Commonly used
to separate rooms or to install around
pool enclosures.
back to top |
gasket
A rubber or plastic pliable material
used to separate glass and aluminum
or vinyl.
back to top |
glass surface
numbers
A numbering system to identify glass
surfaces. They always start from the
exterior. For example, a regular insulating
glass unit (IGU) has four surfaces:
#1 = the outside surface of the exterior
lite; #2 = the inside surface of the
exterior lite; #3 = the outside surface
of the interior lite; and #4 = the
inside surface of the interior lite.
back to top |
glazing
The process of installing glass or
panels into the sash or frame of the
window.
back to top |
glazing bead
A molding or stop around a window
frame, sash, vent, or panel to hold
the glass in place by pressure.
back to top |
gusset
A concealed, strong, right-angled
shape used to reinforce mitered corners
in tubular aluminum extrusions.
back to top |
head
The upper horizontal member of a window
frame.
back to top |
head expander
A U-shaped extrusion slipped over
the frame head that, when pushed up,
closes the gap between the frame head
and the opening head after window
installation.
back to top |
heat fusion
(welding) method to join PVC frame
and/or sash members by heating the
cut ends, squeezing them together,
and allowing the assembly to cool.
back to top |
heat treating
The process where glass or aluminum
extrusions are heated and cooled to
make these materials harder and stronger.
back to top |
hermetically
sealed unit
An insulating glass unit (IGU) that
is sealed against moisture. The unit
is made up of two lites of glass,
separated by a roll-formed metal spacer
tube (at the full perimeter) which
contains a desiccant (moisture and/or
solvent absorbing material). The unit
is then completely sealed, creating
a moisture free air space.
back to top |
hollow extrusion
A tubular extrusion having an enclosed
cavity within it. It is usually stronger,
although more costly, than a solid
extrusion.
back to top |
hung window
A window in which the operating sash
move up and down within the master
frame. The weight of each operating
sash is counterbalanced with balances
to permit easy operation.
back to top |
IGCC
Insulating Glass Certification Council
- directs a certification program
of periodic accelerated laboratory
testing and unannounced plant inspections
to ensure sealed insulating glass
unit (IGU) performance is in conformance
with ASTM E 774-92. Rating choices
are "C" (lowest), "CB",
or "CBA" (highest).
back to top |
inside snap
trim
Used in retrofit work to cover the
inside gap between the new window
and the existing opening.
back to top |
insulating
glass unit (IGU)
Two pieces of glass spaced apart and
hermetically sealed to form a unit
with an air space between. Heat transmission
through this type of glass may be
as low as half that without such an
air space.
back to top |
integral
condensation control weep system
Built into all Skytech glazing systems.
Rafter and horizontal gutters channel
any internal condensation through
to the sill plate, which is pitched
towards the outside, and allows moisture
to exit through pre-punched weep holes.
back to top |
integral
mullion
A frame member trapped within the
master frame to separate vents or
fixed glass.
back to top |
interior
glazed
Glass glazed from the interior of
the building.
back to top |
interlock
A design feature which enables sash
to engage one another when closed.
back to top |
jamb
The vertical member of a window frame.
back to top |
KD
Knocked Down - product components
that are shipped unassembled, e.g.,
the frame for a sliding glass door.
back to top |
keeper
A hardware device into which a window
locking latch engages for security.
back to top |
laminated
glass
Two or more lites of glass bonded
together with a plastic inner layer.
A typical application is a car’s
windshield.
back to top |
left or right
Location information, always outside
looking in, that can be used to specify
direction, e.g., "the operating
sash slides to the right." |
lite
A single or monolithic glass pane.
back to top |
Low E glass
A transparent coating applied to a
glass surface to separate long wave
(heat) energy and short wave (light)
energy. The long wave is reflected
back to the heat source. The short
wave is allowed to pass through the
coating.
back to top |
marine
glazing
A U-channel of soft PVC which is wrapped
around the edge of the glass, cushioning
the glass against the aluminum or
vinyl. This process allows for unrestricted
expansion and contraction and watertightness.
back to top |
meeting rail
The part of a hung window where the
two sash meet and create a weather
barrier.
back to top |
meeting stile
The part of a sliding window where
the two sash meet and create a weather
barrier.
back to top |
mill finish
The original finish produced on aluminum
by extruding.
back to top |
missle impact
Testing performed on windows to simulate
the ability for a window frame and
its glazing material to resist hurricane-driven
debris.
back to top |
monolithic
A single lite or pane of glass.
back to top |
mullion
An extrusion that joins windows.
back to top |
mullion
cover
An extrusion that joins panning perimeter
legs that extend over existing mullions.
back to top |
muntin
Extrusions in the sash which are exterior
(outside of the glass exterior face),
internal (within the insulating glass
airspace), or true (dividing the glass)
which appear to or actually divide
the glass into smaller lites.
back to top |
Neoprene
A synthetic rubber having physical
properties closely resembling those
of natural rubber. It has extremely
good weather and temperature resistance,
both heat and cold, with ultraviolet
stability.
back to top |
NFRC
National Fenestration Rating Council
back to top |
nite latch
Hardware which, when extended, restricts
the sash opening to a predetermined
dimension.
back to top |
obscure
glass
Mainly used for decoration, diffusion,
or privacy. The pattern is rolled
into the hot glass during glass manufacturing.
back to top |
oriel window
A window with unequal sash.
back to top |
panel
Either an opaque glazing material
or the operating portion of a sliding
glass door.
back to top |
panning
A set of extrusions which are fastened
to a new window to cover the exterior
perimeter of an existing opening in
a retrofit application.
back to top |
patio room
A modular wall system designed with
single pane glass.
back to top |
pile
Weatherstripping made of fibrous material
mounted to a semi-rigid plastic base.
Typically used to seal against air
and water passage between moving parts
in a window or door. Available with
or without a center fin of Mylar.
back to top |
pivot bar
Hardware in a tilt hung window to
connect the balance shoe with the
operating sash.
back to top |
polygon
A multi-side geometric shape with
more than four sides, commonly used
when referring to a conservatory design.
back to top |
prime frame
A window frame which has an extended
perimeter leg 1" back from the
window exterior plane, which becomes
a nailing fin for new construction
installation.
back to top |
projected
window
A window in which the operating vents
move out (project out or awning) or
in (project in or hopper) from the
master frame. Each vent is hinged
on the horizontal axis to permit easy
operation.
back to top |
psf
Pounds per square foot - a measurement
of air pressure used in window testing,
e.g., 1.56 psf (25 mph) or 6.24 psf
(50 mph).
back to top |
PVC
Poly Vinyl Chloride - in rigid frame/sash
members, and in flexible gaskets.
back to top |
pyramid
A square base design, typical to skylights,
with all four slopes rising to form
a point.
back to top |
R
value
A measurement of heat resistance (the
higher, the better). R value = the
number 1 divided by the U value.
back to top |
rafter
The structural main "rib"
of a glazed structure available in
straight and bent.
back to top |
rail
A horizontal sash member.
back to top |
receptor
Framing system consisting of two snap-together
extrusions used to contain a window
frame head and jambs in a masonry
type opening. It allows for deflection
and inconsistencies in the openings.
back to top |
reflective
glass
Glass with metallic coatings applied
onto or into the glass surface to
reduce solar radiant energy and visible
light transmission.
back to top |
Santoprene
A modest-cost synthetic rubber having
physical properties resembling those
of natural rubber. It has good weather
and temperature resistance, both heat
and cold, with ultraviolet stability.
back to top |
sash
The operating portion of a hung or
horizontal sliding window.
back to top |
sash stop
cover in jamb track that reduces sash
travel on hung windows.
back to top |
screens
Usually mounted on the window or door
exterior, depending on sash, vent,
or panel operation. Screens provide
ventilation and transparency and are
usually one of three types: insect
screens to resist insects, protection
screens to resist glass breakage and
casual vandalism, or security screens
to resist forced entry or escape.
back to top |
screw boss
or spline
A continuous screw track in an extrusion.
The track is designed to accept a
specific diameter sheet metal screw
to provide a secure means of fastening
extrusions without the use of reinforcement.
back to top |
segmented
vault
Utilizing straight sections mitered
together to create an arched or curved
effect.
back to top |
SGCC
Safety Glazing Certification Council
- administers tempered glass testing
and certification program.
back to top |
side load
window
A hung window in which the sash is
removed by extending the jamb balance
clips, raising the sash to full window
height, supporting the sash weight,
and moving the sash to one side to
remove it from the master frame. A
side load hung window cannot be a
tilt window.
back to top |
sill
The lower horizontal member of a window
frame.
back to top |
sill angle
Extrusion that, when applied below
the window, permits the gap below
the window sill and the opening sill
to be closed after window installation.
back to top |
single pitch
Design pertaining to a single slope
of a roof on a skylight, solarium
or sunroom, also known as a lean-to
design.
back to top |
single strength
glass
(SSB) 3/32" thickness.
back to top |
sliding glass
door
A door in which the operating panel
slides sideways within the master
frame. Each operating panel has rollers
to permit easy operation. Also called
a patio door. Usually used in applications
where passage to exterior patios is
required, while providing weather
resistance and security. Not to be
confused with mall or entrance sliding
doors which provide security, but
little or no weather resistance.
back to top |
sliding window
A window in which the operating sash
slide sideways within the master frame.
Each operating sash has glides or
rollers to permit easy operation.
back to top |
solarium
A thermally broken frame and insulated
glass unit which makes a room addition
to a home or business. Offers energy
savings in the moderate price range.
back to top |
solid extrusion
An extruded shape other than a hollow
or a semi-hollow extruded shape. Less
costly to produce compared to semi
or hollow shapes.
back to top |
spandrel
glass
Glass mounted between floors of a
building. It is usually made opaque
to hide building components. It should
not be used where building occupants
can see through the spandrel coating,
as the coating will not completely
stop daylight from being seen from
inside the building.
back to top |
STC
Sound Transmission Class - describes
acoustical control for interior panels,
and, even though inadequate, is currently
the only criteria for exterior windows.
The higher the number, the better
the product is at resisting typical
sound frequencies excluding airplane
and train noises.
back to top |
stile
A vertical sash member.
back to top |
straight
eave lean-to
Describing the angular connection
or transition between the vertical
front wall and sloping roof of a solarium,
sunroom or skylight.
back to top |
strap anchor
Usually made from galvanized steel,
it attaches to the window frame and
opening perimeter to be the main installation
anchor to resist wind load. The window
dead load is usually not supported
with strap anchors.
back to top |
subsill
Extrusions positioned to collect water
leakage through mullions and products
and drain it to the exterior. Used
where high performance water resistance
is required and for windows joined
with mullions. It runs continuously
across the opening width and can be
spliced together to cover wide openings.
The ends are sealed with end dams.
back to top |
sunroom
A thermally broken modular vertical
panel wall system with double insulated
performance glass, topped off with
a 4"-6" thick insulated
foam panel roof. Offers maximum ventilation
in the moderate price range.
back to top |
tempered
glass
Glass that has first been cut to size,
then heated to a very high temperature
and then rapidly brought back to room
temperature. It will withstand severe
punishment from a blunt object; however,
any pointed object will break the
glass instantly and the glass will
crumble into many, very small pieces.
Typical applications include a car’s
side and back windows, sliding glass
doors, and entrance doors.
back to top |
terrace door
A door in which the operating panel
swings out or in from the master frame.
Usually used in high-rise applications
where passage to exterior patios is
desired, while providing weather resistance
and security. Not to be confused with
entrance doors which provide ground-floor
security but little weather resistance.
back to top |
thermal break
An element of low conductivity (polyurethane)
placed between elements of higher
conductivity (aluminum) to reduce
the flow of heat and cold.
back to top |
thermosetting
Baking the organic paint finish on
aluminum to endure a tight bond and
long life.
back to top |
tilt release
Hardware in a tilt hung window to
hold the sash within the frame jambs
and, if desired, release the operating
sash to the tilt position for cleaning
of the exterior glass and sash removal.
Common release design options include
finger buttons, slots for a common
tool, hardware for special tools,
or key operation.
back to top |
tilt window
A hung window in which the lower sash
is removed by raising the sash 4",
releasing the tilt releases while
supporting the sash weight, and releasing
the sash pivot bars to remove the
sash from the master frame. The top
sash removal is similar. A tilt window
cannot be a side load window.
back to top |
tinted glass
Glass of special formulation to produce
light reducing and/or heat absorbing
glass products (bronze, gray or green).
back to top |
trolley
The "T" shaped extrusion
on which nylon sealed bearings are
attached to allow the fluid movement
of the folding glass wall, distributing
its weight evenly over both the head
and sill.
back to top |
U
value
A measurement of heat transmission.
The U value of a window is measured
by the number of BTU's that will pass
through each square foot of area per
degree of temperature difference from
one side of the window to the other
(the lower, the better). U value =
the number 1 divided by the R value.
back to top |
united inches
(UI)
The sum total of one window width
and one window height expressed in
inches.
back to top |
vent
The operating portion of a window
that swings or projects in or out.
back to top |
ventilation
latch
Hardware which, when extended, restricts
the sash opening on a hung or sliding
window to a predetermined dimension.
back to top |
victorian
arch
A roof design imitating the ornamental
cascading S-shaped curves associated
with a high-end residential conservatory.
It also pertains to the decorative
arches at the top of the side wall
glass lights.
back to top |
water
resistance test pressure
The air pressure at which a window
will resist water infiltration during
a water test which consists of water
spray and air pressure. Usually expressed
in psf, e.g., "the SK-5000 has
a water resistance test pressure of
7.5 psf."
back to top |
walkway
A glazed enclosure typically used
to connect two existing buildings.
back to top |
WDMA
Window & Door Manufacturers Association
– formerly the NWWDA –
National Wood Window and Door Association
back to top |
wedge glazing
A flexible, continuous gasket that
ensures a high compression seal between
the glass and glazing bead by applying
pressure.
back to top |
weep slot
An opening in a window sill and/or
sash rail to allow water to drain
to the exterior.
back to top |
wind load
The amount of pressure exerted by
the wind on a window or door generally
expressed in pounds per square foot
(psf). Not to be confused with a project’s
location "Basic Wind Speed",
which is usually expressed in miles
per hour (mph).
back to top |
window size
Always expressed as width first, then
height.
back to top |
window style
The description of the way a window
operates, e.g., hung, sliding, casement,
etc.
back to top |
wire glass
1/4" clear or obscure glass having
a layer of diamond or square pattern
wire mesh embedded in the glass lite.
It cannot be tempered and is not an
approved safety glazing material.
back to top |
"XX"
sliding window
Since "X" indicates the
moving sash, this is a window in which
both sash operate.
back to top |
"XO" sliding
window
Since "O" indicates the fixed sash,
this is a window in which the left
sash slides and right sash is fixed,
looking from the outside in.
back to top |
|
