Window Lingo: A Glossary of Window Replacement & Installation Vocabulary

Are you thinking about replacing your windows but confused by all of the industry terminology? If the words jambs, shims and sills leave you feeling perplexed, let us help you get a better understanding of all the bits and pieces that go into window replacement and installation.

Here’s a short glossary of terms that should help you decode the top buzz words, lingo and terminology regarding home window replacement and installation.

• Air Chambers: These are small spaces that look like honeycombs that are between the frame and the sash and help strengthen and insulate the window.

• Argon Gas Fill: An odorless, colorless, gas that is non-toxic. In windows, Argon gas is used as a replacement for the air between the two panes as a way of reducing the transfer of temperature.

• Casing: Casing is the molding you see from outside or inside of the house that covers the exposed space between the frame and the wall.

• Double-Pane Or Double Glazed Windows: Have two layers of glass, separated by a spacer. The space between the panes of glass is filled with air or an inert gas such as argon.

• Double Hung Window: A double hung window has two sashes that operate vertically.

• Energy Star: Energy Star is a government-backed program that uses specific criteria to ‘grade’ the efficiency of replacement windows. You should always check for products that are “Energy Star” rated.

• Insulating Glass Unit: Or an “I.G. Unit” is two pieces of glass or more separated using a spacer and sealed at the edges of the glass.

• Jamb: The jambs are the vertical sides of the window frame.

• Low-E Insulating Glass: A thin, invisible coating that allows light to come through but filters out UV rays and prevents the transmission of heat. It is used in double-glazed windows, giving them similar insulating properties as triple-glazed windows but at a lower cost.

• Fixed Panel: A fixed panel is basically a window that cannot open. It is usually either next to or above or below a windowpane that opens.

• Flashing: Flashing is a tape that is used to weatherproof the house. This may or may not have been used when windows were initially installed, but should definitely be considered when replacing windows.

• Frame: The window frame is the head, jambs and sill that make up the exact opening where the window sash will fit. Window frames are available in a variety of different materials including wood, clad wood, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass.

• R-Value: The measure of the resistance that the material has to the flow of heat. Higher R-values equate to greater resistance.

• Sash: The sash is the frame that holds the glass that will be the window or the portion of the window where the glass is contained.

• Shims: Shims are small wedges of wood that are used to fill small gaps in between windows and their casings.

• Sill: The sill is the bottom area of the window’s main frame.

• Sill Extender: The sill extender, also called the apron, is attached to the bottom of the window to cover the gap between the sill and the opening.

• Single Hung: Single hung windows have only one sash slide.

• Spacer: The spacer is material that is between the glass as a way to maintain the uniform width of the glass and the sealant distortion.

• Tape Glazing: Tape that is two sided and used to seal and secure the glass with the sash.

• Triple-Pane Or Triple Glazed Windows: Contain three layers of glass. The extra pane and air space generally provide better insulating values making this a better option in extremely cold climates.

• U-Value: The amount of heat that is transferred through the material. Lower U-values mean that the heat flow is slower and the insulating quality is higher.

• Weather stripping: A material that goes in between the sash and the frame and stops air from escaping and water from entering the house.

• Weep: A system of tiny holes in the windowsill that allows water condensation to escape outside rather than inside the house.

Believe it or not, these are just some of the vocabulary you will need to understand before you decide to take on a window replacement project. At Frontline Windows & More, Inc. it is our top priority to ensure that you understand window replacement and installation. If you have any questions about these, any terms we didn’t include on this list, or are ready to get your window replacement project started, please contact us.