Glossary
A
Aluminum Clad
A thin coating of aluminum to protect and strengthen structures like windows and doors.
Argon
A nontoxic gas that can be used to insulate glass windows to reduce heat transfer.
Astragal
Used to seal in between a pair of doors.
Awning Windows
Windows that are hinged from the top and open outward. Commonly used in basements or above other windows.
B
Balance
A device used to counterbalance the weight of the sash when opening and closing hung windows.
Bi-Fold Door
A type of door that folds in the middle when opened.
C
Casement Windows
Windows that are hinged from the side.
Casing
The exposed molding around a window or door. Also referred to as a frame.
D
Deadbolt
A type of lock that is engaged by turning a knob or key, rather than by spring action.
E
Extruded Products
Materials that have been through the extrusion process to produce pieces for the construction of doors and windows.
F
G
H
Hardware
Parts used to make doors and windows functional. Can include operators, hinges, locks, handles, balances and other accessories.
Head
The horizontal piece that makes the top of the window frame.
Hinged Door
A type of door that is hinged at the side.
Hung Windows
Classic residential style window that is made of two sashes. The top is stationary, while the bottom sash slides open.
I
J
Jamb
A side post or surface of a window or door.
Jamb Jacks
A specially designed fastening system for mounting door and window frames into rough openings. Jamb Jacks replace shims used to square the window or door in the rough opening.
K
L
Latch
The piece of hardware on a door or window that is used to fasten or lock.
Locks
A piece of hardware designed to keep a door or window shut.
M
N
O
Operators
The piece of hardware that is used to open a window.
P
Push-Out Hardware
Hardware designed for push-out window systems.
Q
R
Rollers
Wheels for sliding windows.
S
Sash
The framed part of a window, which holds the pane(s) of glass.
Screen Door
A door that contains mesh screen that prevents insects from entering a home, yet allows for ventilation.
Sidelite
Windows that flank a doorway. Typically sidelites are vertical, narrow and stationary.
Sill
The ledge that makes the bottom part of a window.
Skylight
A window that is installed in a roof or ceiling.
Sliding Door
A door that slides across tracks instead of swinging on hinges.
Sliding Windows
A window that slides across tracks instead of swinging on hinges.
Storm Door
An additional door that is used for protection from extreme weather.
Swinging Door
A door that opens from either direction and uses a spring device to close.
T
U
V
W
Weather Seal
Seals made for doors and windows that prevent rain, air and insects from entering through small cracks.
Window Frame
The supporting outside piece of the window that holds the sash and glass.