Window Manufacturers

Awning Window

Window that hinges at the top and opens outward from the bottom like an awning - typically wider than tall.

Bay Window

Combination of three windows, one large center unit flanked by two narrower units that project from the exterior wall.

Bead Stop

The wood strip that a swinging sash closes against, as in a casement window. Also a finishing trim at the sides and top of the frame to hold the sash.

Bottom Rail

Bottom horizontal part of a window sash.

Bow Window

Combination of four or more windows in a radial formation that projects from the exterior wall.

Brick Mould

Exterior trim (or casing) around a window or door that covers the gap between the window or door frame and the masonry opening. In some cases siding is installed up to the edge of the brick mould.

Casement Window

Window that features a hinged sash that swings outward to the left or right - typically taller than wide.

Check Rail

Top rail of the upper sash and the bottom rail of the lower sash on a double-hung or single-hung window where the lock is mounted and meets when closing, also known as meeting rail and lock rail.

Cladding

All-wood window protected by a beautiful, durable, low-maintenance aluminum-clad exterior in your choice of colours.

Decorative Glass

Variety of glass types and textures assembled into decorative patterns with metal caming.

Decorative Panel

Between-the-glass window fashion with textured, coloured and natural interlayers to create a one-of-a-kind design accent. Panels allow light to shine through, but obscure the view.

Double-hung Window

Window that has two operable sash's that can be raised from the bottom or lowered from the top for two levels of ventilation.

ENERGY STAR®

Government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through the use of high-efficiency products. ENERGY STAR® qualifying products, such as windows and doors, mean these items use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.

Entry Door

A curbside door, usually at the front of the home which leads into a foyer entrance hall or reception area.

Fixed Window

Non-venting or non-operable window.

Flashing

A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water away from a window or door.

Foam Spacer

Grilles are permanently bonded to the inside and outside of energy efficient insulating glass with a non-glare foam spacer between the panes of glass to give the illusion of individual panes of glass.

Frame

The combination of head, jambs and sill to form a precise opening in which a window sash or door panel fits.

Glazing

The process of applying or installing glass into a window sash or door panel. Also refers to the type of glass used in the process.

Glazing Stop

Moulding around the interior or exterior of a window sash or door panel that holds the glass in place, also called a glass stop.

Grilles

Small wood or metal bars that visually divide window or door glass, giving glass the appearance of multiple panes of glass. Available in profiles and patterns with the option of removable or permanent grilles.

Head

Main horizontal member forming the top of the window or door frame.

Header

Horizontal framing member placed over the rough opening of a window or door to prevent the weight of the wall or roof from resting on the window frame.

Head flashing

Flashing installed in a wall over a window.

Insulating glass

Combination of two or more panes of glass with a hermetically sealed airspace in between. May be filled with an inert gas, such as argon to further reduce heat transfer, making a home more energy-efficient and comfortable year round.

Jamb

Main vertical parts forming the sides of a window or door frame.

Lite

Pane of glass within a window or door.

Multipoint Lock System

Locking system that secures the door at multiple points for added security.

Non-decorative Glass

Glass with no embellishments; clear glass.

Obscure Glass

Glass with a textured surface. It provides low visibility.

Pane

Framed sheet of glass within a window or door frame.

Parting Stop

Narrow strip, either integral or applied, that holds a sash or panel in position in a window or door frame.

Picture Window

Large, fixed (non-venting) window.

Rail

Horizontal top or bottom part of a window sash or door panel.

R-value

Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher R-value numbers indicate greater insulating value.

Sash

Assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for holding glass.

Sash Lift

Handle used to assist in raising and lowering the sash of a single-hung or double-hung window.

Sidelight

Fixed (non-venting) frame of glass beside a window or door.

Sill

The horizontal part forming the bottom frame of a window or door opening.

Single-hung Window

Similar to a double-hung window with the top sash fixed or inoperable.

Sliding Patio Door

Patio door in which a vent panel moves horizontally on a track system past a fixed panel.

Sliding Window

Window in which a vent panel moves horizontally on a track system past a fixed panel.

Sound Transmission Class (STC) Rating

Measure of the amount of noise reduction that can be achieved with a given product. A noise reduction of 10 decibels represents cutting the noise level in half, as interpreted by the human ear. So a rating of 25 means that the product reduces the outside noise by approximately 25 decibels, cutting the noise in half 2-1/2 times, or cutting it by over 80 percent.

Stile

Vertical parts of a window sash or door panel.

Stool

Interior trim piece on a window that extends the sill and acts as a narrow shelf.

Stop

Moulding used to hold, position or separate window parts.

Tempered Glass

Glass manufactured to withstand greater-than-normal forces on its surface. It is approximately five times stronger than annealed glass. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces to reduce hazard. Tempered glass cannot be cut after tempering.

Thermal Break

Element of low conductance placed between elements of higher conductance to reduce the flow of heat or cold, often used in nonwood windows to increase energy efficiency.

Vent Panel

Panel that moves horizontally on a sliding window or patio door.

Vent Unit

Window that opens and closes.

Weatherstrip

Material or device used to seal the openings, gaps or cracks of venting windows and doors to minimize water and air infiltration.