Americraftexteriors, Inc.	Glossary Page
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Awning window - A window unit in which the bottom of the sash swings outward.
Bay window - A composite of three windows, usually made up of a large center unit and two flanking units at
30 or 45 degree angles to the wall.
Bow window - A composite of four or more window units in a radial or bow formation.
Brickmold - A type of external casing which frames windows and doors.
Casement window - A window unit in which the single sash cranks outward, to the right or left.
Casing - Molding of various widths, thickness and shapes applied to the framwork of window and door units.
Circlehead - A generic term referring to any of a variety of window units with one or more curved frame
members, often used over another window or door opening.
Cladding - An aluminum material locked to the outside faces to provide a durable, low-maintenance exterior
surface.
Cottage double-hung - A double-hung window in which the upper sash is shorter than the lower sash.
Dormer - A space which protrudes from the roof of a house, usually including one or more windows.
Double-hung window - A window unit that has two operable sashes which move vertically in the frame.
Drip cap - A molding placed on the top of the head brickmold or casing of a window frame.
Dual durometer - A material that has two or more levels of flexibility.
Extrusion - A form produced by forcing material through a die.
Fenestation - An architectural term referring to the arrangement of windows in a wall. From the Latin word,
"fenestra," meaning window.
Fixed - Non-venting or non-operable.
Flashing - A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water away from a window or skylight.
Foam Spacer - Foam material placed in the airspace of the insulating glass to enhance the appearance and
improve the performance of the window.
Frame - The enclosure in ehich window sash or door panels are mounted.
French hinged door - Hinged door(s) which have wider panel members around the glass.
French sliding door - A sliding door which has wider panel members around the glass, giving the appearance
of a French hinged door.
Glazing - Glass in a window or door; the act or process of fitting with glass.
Glazing stop - The part of the sash or door panel which holds the glass in place.
Grille - A term referring to windowpane dividers or muntins, usually a type of assembly which may be detached
for cleaning.
Head - The main horizontal member forming the top of the window or door frame.
Header - A horizontal framing member placed over the rough opening of a window to prevent the weight of wall
or roof from resting on the window frame.
Hopper - A window unit in which the top of the sash swings inward.
Insulating glass (IG) - A combination of two or more panes of glass with a hermetically sealed air space between
the panes of glass. This space may or may not be filled with an inert gas, such as argon.
Integral Light Technology - Patented technology in which foam spacers are inserted between the panes of
insulating glass.
Jamb - The main vertical members forming the sides of a window or door frame.
Jamb liner - In a modern double-hung window, the track installed inside the jambs on which the window sashes
slides.
Knocked down (KD) - Unassembled window or door unit.
Masonry opening - The space in a masonry wall left open for windows or door.
Mullion - A wood metal part used to structurally join two window or door units.
Mutin - Applies to any short light bar, either vertical or horizontal, used separate glass in a sash into multiple
lights. Also called windowpane divider or a grille.
Muntin Bar - Any small bar that divides a window glass. Also called a grille or windowpane divider.
Palladian window - A large, arch-top window flanked by small windows on each side.
Panel - Usually refers to the separate panel or panels in a door frame.
Parting stop - In a double-hung window, a strip of wood applied to the jamb to separate the sash.
Pleated shade - A shade of folded fabric which can be installed like regular shades or between the panes of glass
of a window.
Rail - The top and bottom horizontal members of the framwork of a window sash.
Rough opening - The framed opening in a wall into which a window or door unit is to be installed.
R-Value - Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher R-value numbers indicate greater insulating value.
Pane - A framed sheet of glass within a window.
Sash - A single assmbly of stiles and rails made into a frame for holding glass.
Sash cord - In double-hung windows, the rope or chain which attaches the sash to the counter balance.
Sash lift - A protruding bandle screwed to the inside bottom rail of the lower sash on a double-hung window.
Sash weights - In older double-hung windows, the concealed cast-iron weights which are used to counter-
balance the sash.
Sidelights - Narrow fixed units mulled or joined to door units to give a more open appearance.
Sill - The main horizontal mebber forming in the bottom of the frame of a window or door.
Single glazing - Use of single panes of glass in a window, Not as energy-efficient as double glazing.
Single -hung - A double-hung type of window in which the top sash is fixed or inoperable.
Slimshade blinds - A narrow-slat venetian blind postioned between the exterior glass and the interior double
glazing panel.
Stile - The main vertical members of the framework of a sash.
Stool - An interior piece on a window which extends the sill and acts as a narrow shelf.
Stop - A molding used to hols, postion or separate window parts.
Tempered glass - Glass manufactured to withstand greater than normal forces on its surface. When it breaks,
it shatters into small pieces to reduce hazard.
Tenon - A rectangular projection cut out of a piece of wood for insertion into a mortise.
Thermal break - The addition of a thermal insulating material between two thermally conductive materials.
Transom - A small window that fits over the top of a door or window, primarily light and aesthetic value.
U-value - Rate of heat flow-value through the complete heat barrier, from room air to outside air. The lower the
U-value, the better the insulating value.
Unison lock - A casement locking system which secures the window at two locking points by operation of one
handle.
Vent Unit - A window or door unit that opens or operates.
Vinyl - A plastic material used by some window manufacturers for cladding or entire window units.
Weatherstripping - A material or device used to seal the openings, gaps or cracks of venting window and door
to seal the openings, gaps or cracks of venting window and door
Windload - Force exerted on a surface by moving air.
Ameri-Craft Exteriors, Inc. 2035 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Suite 101C, Arlington Heights, Il 60005
Phone: 1-800-378-6900 or 847-357-0033, Fax: 847-357-9558mericraftexteriors.net
© 2007 Ameri-Craft Exteriors