Names & Terms used by Companies:
Accrow
Heavy duty jacking device used as a temporary support when installing bay windows.
Aluminium
Metal based product normally white of silver finished was very poplar about 10 years ago normally fitted into hardwood sub frames. Has now become a niche product offering the choice of high energy efficient thermal break extrusions, slim sight lines and fitted direct to brickwork. All types of window designs and styles available.
Anti lift Device
A device fitted over an opening sash in-between the sash and frame profile, usually fitted on sliding patios or double doors
Annealed Glass
Ordinary glass, not safety glass
Architrave
Lengths of timber or PVC-U used to build surrounds or finish off on the inside of a door or window.
Astragal Georgian Bars
Georgian bars (usually white) which sit on the outside pane and the inside pane and also have a spacer bar in the double glazed unit. These have the appearance of separate panes and so look more authentic than Georgian inserts, but are harder to clean and more difficult to manufacture, hence more expensive
Bargeboard
Fascia board in wood or PVCu-u which is vertical and usually on the gable of a house.
Bay Window
A composite of three or more windows, usually made up of a large center unit and two flanking units at 30- or 45-degree angles to the wall. Can also be a 90 degree bay?
Bay Pole
Upright pole assembly to join windows together at angles on a bay window
Bay Pole Jack
Load bearing Jacking device that can be incorporated within a bay window construction
Bow Window
A composite of four or more window units in a radial or bow formation. Normally made as a conversion from a flat window aperture.
Bead
The section designed to secure the double glazed unit in place
Bevels
Decorative glass designs for sealed units, can be incorporated with stained glass designs
Butt Hinge
These only tend to be used on windows when remote operating gear is installed. Unlike friction stays, they allow the sash to pivot at a fixed point.
Casement Window
Traditional outward opening window
Cill
A window will normally have two sills, one internally (window board) and one external. The function of the external sill is to disperse water that has run down a window, preventing ingress beneath the window.
Cladding
Boarding in wood or PVCu-u which is sometimes used on outside of certain houses.
Claw Bolt
A type of deadbolt having claws which swing out sideways when the bolt is shot. Such locks are usually fixed to sliding doors.
Claw Locks
Used at the hinge side of a casement window to give extra security.
Cottage Bars
See Astragal Georgian bars
Cottage Windows (also know as French windows)
Sashes side by side with a floating mullion, both sashes can be fully opened giving an unrestricted opening,
Composite
Modern method of bonding two or more unlike materials together for strength and durability. Now used extensively for doors that can give the appearance of natural timber.
Condensation
Droplets or mist of water forming on window panes or frames
Couple Bar
Bar used to couple windows to windows or doors.
Crittals (Brand name)
Steel windows used extensively after the 2nd world war when timber was scarce.
dB
A unit of sound measurement.
Deadlock
Single bolt mortise locks which can be used to supplement a standard cylinder rim lock on the front door
Dewpoint
A calculated temperature at which water vapour will condense
Direct Fix
This is where the metal window frame is secured direct to the wall/brickwork. The alternative is the metal frame is housed in a timber frame then fixed to the wall/brick work (frame fix).
Document 'L'
Building regulations valid from 1 April 2002, designed to improve the environmental effects of window installations, particularly with regard to thermal efficiency. All new and replacement windows must comply, except in listed buildings.
Dormer
A space which protrudes from the roof of a house, usually including one or more windows.
Equal Sight Lines
With this you would not be able to tell from the outside which windows opened, achieved by fitting (Dummy sashes) or (False openers) into the fixed parts of the frames.
Externally Glazed / Beaded
This is where the glazing units (glass) are inserted from the outside, which is less secure unless special tapes or clips are fitted (this is then covered by decorative beads). Generally this design of window is slimmer looking.
Espagnollette (basic locking system)
A device which is fitted to the sash and operated via the handle, it moves mushroom cams, roller cams or shoot/hook bolts into strikers or keeps
Fanlight
A top hung casement window, often but not necessarily, above a fixed pane.
Fascias
The vertical board, wood or PVCu-u, where the guttering is fixed to.
Fenestration
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.
FENSA
Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme. An organization set up in 2002 to ensure window installers meet the new Document "L" regulations.
Fixed unit/ Fixed light
A non-opening window
Fire Hinge
A hinge on a window that opens 90 degrees, to allow an easier emergency escape route than a standard scissors friction hinge. (Also known as Egress,
Flag Hinge
A type of door hinge that is surface mounted. Most offer horizontal and vertical adjustment.
Frame Fixings
A device for fixing the frame of any type, door or window to the fabric of the building.
Friction Stay Hinge
A variable geometry hinge which allows the sash to swing into the open position. An adjustable friction slide is built in to hold the sash in the open position. Various types are available, egress versions allow the sash to be fully opened so that it can be used as an emergency exit. Easy clean options allow the exterior to be cleaned when the sash is fully opened. As mentioned previously some incorporate a built in restrictor.
Fastener
A screw (various types for different applications), for fixing hardware to the frame sash
Expanding Foam.
A polyurethane based foam that is squirted between a frame and brick work to take up irregularities, also a good method of fixing as well as a very good insulating barrier.
French Doors
Double opening doors which open out or in on butt hinges
Georgian Bar
A grid, normally white plastic or aluminium, that sits between the 2 panes of glass in the double glazed unit. Designed to look like a traditional Georgian window (but easier to clean).
GGF
Glass & Glazing Federation. The watch dog of the industry that only reputable companies can become a member by a strict vetting process, Members work to a code of ethical practice to its customers in line with the office of fair trading
Glazing Gasket
Normally rubber based the gasket that sits between the glass and any PVCu or aluminium components.
Glazing Packers
Plastic packers which the glass sits on to allow water to pass beneath.
Glazing Beads
A part of a window or door to locate and hold the glass or panel in position - can be internal or external.
Head
The top of a window or door.
Handle
This operates the locking device to secure the window via the Espagnollette. Locking and non-locking types are available. On older types of window a cockspur handle may be fitted, this relies on a nib, which moves onto a transom locking the sash into the frame when the handle is operated. Handles are also the lock operating device on doors.
Hinge Protector
Sometimes called a dog bolt or hinge bolt. Fitted to the hinge side of a door or window to enhance its security. It consists of a two piece device, based on a plate with a hole in. This is fitted onto the frame in the Fitting cavity on the hinge side and a plate with a pin, which is fitted to the sash. When the sash is closed, the pin on the sash locates into the receiver plate mounted on the frame, so locking the sash into the frame.
IBG
Insurance backed guarantee, offered as a safe guard to protect your warranty should a company cease trading.
Internally Glazed/Beaded
Here the glazing units (glass) are fitted from the inside.
Jamb
The vertical component of a window or doorframe
K-Glass
A brand name product (Pilkington 'K') referring to a type of insulated glass designed to allow heat in but not out. It has a thin metallic film on the inside wall of the inner double glazed unit.
Laminated Glass
Consists of two or more panels of glass attached to and separated from each other by means of an interlayer material used as safety/security glass. A laminate film can be applied to a single piece of glass.
Lead Designs
Normally fitted to both sides of the external pane of the double glazed unit, available in a variety of designs.
Lever Handle Door Furniture
For use as an alternative to a knob for operating the latch of a lock. Lever handles can be spring-loaded or non-spring-loaded. Spring loading ensures the handle returns to the horizontal position after use. Non-spring-loaded handles rely on the springing in the lock.
Lever Pad Handle
Used as a front door application, key required to enter.
Lintel
A concrete, timber or metal beam used to bridge the gap above a window or door opening to bear the weight of the walls above.
Low 'E' Glass
Glass with low emissivity characteristics or a low “U” value. (Soft coat, hard coat)
Making Good
Ensuring that any gaps and holes created by the replacement work are tidied up.
MDF
Medium density fibre board used for internal liners and architraves, window boards, a recycled material that is very hard, a good replacement for timber and paints to a very high finish.
Mortise Lock
A lock designed to be recessed into the edge of a door, rather than being mounted to its surface.
Mullion
The vertical sections of a window between glazed areas.
Multipoint Locking System
A lock with more than one locking point utilising bolts, shootbolt and/or hook bolts. Many versions and variations are available.
Mushroom Driver
A driver in the cylinder mechanism which has a mushroom shaped head. These provide a very effective anti-pick element against being lifted by a lock-pick or similar.
Night Vent
A feature of PVCu or aluminium casement windows whereby the sash can be locked in a slightly open position for ventilation.
One-way Screws
Screws with specially shaped heads to prevent removal by conventional screwdrivers.
Oriel Bay
Small 2 segment protruding bay window
Ovolo
Shape of glazing bead or edge of frame
Pane
A framed sheet of glass within a window.
Packer
A purpose made extender that clips onto the edge of the frame, useful to overcome irregularities in aperture sizes.
Patio Door
A sliding door where one or two parts slide to the side to provide the opening space.
Plant on Bay
A bay or bow window which has been built where there used to be a flat window.
Profile
The window frame itself, the outer material (PVCu/timber/metal
PVCu
Poly vinyl chloride unplasticised. The material from which PVCu-u windows are made.
RAL
Colour specification accepted internationally to avoid confusion,
specified in RAL colour charts.
Rebate
The stepped shaped reduction or recess cut along the meeting edges of each of a pair of swing doors leaving projections which overlap when the two doors stop on each other at closing
Reinforcement
Can be galvanised steel or aluminium. Designed to give rigidity, and is fitted inside the PVCu sections of a window or door.
Rendering
The use of sand and cement to form an exterior finish
Residential Door
A hinged door designed for residential use as opposed to commercial use.
Reveal
The sections of a wall that return to the window frame.
Restrictor Device
These are designed to restrict the amount that the sash will open (usually 100mm). They are often described as child restrictors (In truth they should be only considered toddler proof). Various types are available; some are concealed in the Fitting cavity others can be mounted directly on the outer frame/sash. Friction stay hinges can also incorporate a restrictor.
Sash
The opening section of a window
Sash Lock
Additional security device fitted to the hinge side of windows and doors.
Sealed Unit
The glass section of the window, two pieces of glass bonded together in various sizes that give the thermal insulation to the glazed area.
Sealant (silicone or caulk)
Chemical compound s used as a weather tight joint between the window/door and the building. Also for finishing of f to the internal areas
Secondary Double Glazing
Glazing that fits inside of the outer windows. Typically used for noise reduction when original windows do not need to be replaced, can be vertically balanced with springs in the case of a sliding window.
Shoot Bolts
High specification locking system for windows and doors
Side Light
A glazed section to one or both sides of a door
Sill
A window will normally have two sills, one internally (window board) and one external. The function of the external sill is to disperse water that has run down a window, preventing ingress beneath the window.
Snib
The Snib is the mechanism by which the door bolt can be held back, (put 'on the latch'). It can either be a button with slide movement, or a push movement.
Soffit
The horizontal board, wood, PVCu-u or asbestos that goes under a fascia or bargeboard.
Spindle
The part of the door handle usually of square section which passes through the top hole follower in a mortise door lock to operate the spring bolt.
Spacer Bar
The material between the panes of a sealed unit can be made of aluminium or composite materials, coming in a range of colours and sizes.
Stained Glass / Film
Method of introducing special coloured designs within a sealed unit the material between the panes of a sealed unit can be made of aluminium or composite materials, coming in a range of colours and sizes.
Surveying
The procedure of measuring and detailing a job for pricing or manufacture.
Tempered Glass
Glass manufactured to withstand greater than normal forces on its surface. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces to reduce hazard
Thermal Break
Fitted to aluminium windows and doors to prevent condensation by reducing 'temperature transfer', from the outside to the inside.
Thumb Turn
A small fitting on the cylinder found on the inside of a door which is gripped between thumb and finger to operate the deadbolt. Should not be used on glass or wood-panelled doors. Ideal for fire exit doors where escape is always needed.
Threshold
The bottom part of door frame, also available as a low option for wheel chair access
Tilt and Turn window
Window that has two opening positions, one tilting inwards for ventilation, the other opening inwards as a door for cleaning or escaping.
Trims
Various profile shapes and sizes Made of timber, mdf, PVCu used for finishing off windows and doors,
Toeing and Heeling
A system of packing glass or panel unit within the window/door to prevent the opening sash dropping.
Toughened Glass
Sometimes call tempered glass, produced by a special heating process applied to ordinary float glass, producing a safety glass.
Top Swing/Side Swing or Fully Reversible Hinge
This type of hinge allows the sash to be turned so that the glass can be cleaned from the inside without having to lean out of the window. A two-position restrictor is built in as standard, the first acts as a stop to allow the sash to be opened 100mm, the second permits the sash to be released and fully reversed for cleaning. This type of hinge is concealed in the Fitting cavity.
Transom
Horizontal member separating one window pane from another
Trickle Vent
Ventilation devises normally fixed near the top of a window to allow air to flow when a window is securely locked. These are compulsory in new properties.
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.
U Glass
Glass with a low “U” value, and is typically known as k-glass or low ‘E’ glass.
Unequal Sight Line
The opening section of the window has a smaller pane of glass than fixed window so the profile (frame) is thicker; this gives the appearance of a smaller window more noticeable if leaded decoration is used.
Vent (also sash)
The opening section of a window.
Vent
Natural opening for ventilation, I.e. Gas regulations
Vertical Sliding window
Traditional boxed sash window.
Weather Seal
Normally rubber provides a watertight seal between a sash and frame.
Weld / Welded
Secure method of joining corners of frames to each other in the fabrication of PVCu frames
Wedge Gasket
See glazing gasket. The wedge is only used internally on externally glazed windows, and prevents the glazing beads being removed from the outside by burglars.
Window Board
The internal window cill usually made from timber, MDF or PVCu.
Woodgrain finish
A foil finish on PVCu-u windows to give the appearance of Oak, mahogany, rosewood, black wood effect. Available as a through colour or external only with white inside.
Zebra Screws
Main fixing screws from frames to brickworks, special self tapping action, also needs a special head on screwdriver to fit.
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