FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Replacement Window - Basic Window Diagram
- Head
The main horizontal member forming the top of the window
or door frame.
- Jamb
The main vertical members forming the sides of a window
or door frame.
- Frame
The enclosure in which window sash or door panels
are mounted.
- Glazing
Glass in a window or door; the act or process of fitting with glass.
- Pane
A framed sheet of glass within a window.
- Sash
A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame
for holding glass.
- Sill
The main horizontal member forming the bottom of the frame
of a window or door.
- Muntin Bar
Any small bar that divides a windows glass.
(AKA: grille or windowpane divider.)
Window Types - Description
Single-Hung/Double Hung
In double-hung units, both sashes slide vertically. Only the bottom sash slides upward in a single-hung window. Ventilation area can vary from a small crack to an opening of one-half the total glass area. Screens can be placed on the exterior or interior of the window unit.
Casement
Casement windows are hinged at the sides. Hinged windows such as casements generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows from the same manufacturer because the sash closes by pressing against the frame. Casement windows project outward, providing significantly better ventilation than sliders of equal size. Because the sash protrudes from the plane of the wall, it can be controlled to catch passing breezes, but screens must be placed on the interior side
Awning
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward. Hinged windows such as awnings generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows from the same manufacturer because the sash closes by pressing against the frame. Screens are placed on the interior of the window unit.
Bay Window
A bay window is made up of three or more windows. The side or flanker units project out from the building in 30, 45, or 90 degree angles. The center is parallel with building wall and is made up of one or more windows. All the units can be stationary, operating, or any combination thereof.
Bow Window
A series of four or more adjoining window units, commonly five in number, installed on a radius from the wall of the building.
Fixed Frame
Refers to windows that are non-venting or inoperable.
Skylight
A window installed in a roof and assuming the same slope. Depending on which direction they face, skylights can bring in more light and heat than windows. For example, in the summer months, an unshaded south-facing skylight will bring in more direct sunlight and heat than a window. In a cold climate, a north-facing skylight gives almost five times more light than a north-facing window with almost the same amount of heat loss.
Slider
Both sashes slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Only one sash slides in a single-sliding window. Ventilation area can vary from a small crack to an opening of one-half the total glass area. Screens can be placed on the exterior or interior of the window unit.
Replacement Window Glass
Layers of Glass and Air Spaces
Single-pane. This has very little insulating value with (approximately r-1). It provides only a thin barrier to the outside and can account for considerable heat loss and gain.
Double-pane. To improve a window's energy efficiency the number of glass panes in the unit is doubled, because multiple layers of glass increase the window's ability to resist heat flow.
Types of Glass
There are various types of glass manufacturers’ use in fabricating (constructing) windows.
Clear glass has been the primary material available for window panes in homes. However, in recent years, the market for glazing--or cutting and fitting window panes into frames--has changed significantly. Now several types of special glazing's are available that can help control heat loss and condensation.
Low emissivity (low-e) glass. This has a special surface coating to reduce heat transfer back through the window. These coatings reflect from 40% to 70% of the heat that is normally transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of light to pass through.
Heat-absorbing glass. This contains special tints that allow it to absorb as much as 45% of the incoming solar energy, reducing heat gain. Some of the absorbed heat, however, passes through the window by conduction and re-radiation.
Reflective glass. This has been coated with a reflective film and is useful in controlling solar heat gain during the summer. It also reduces the passage of light all year long, and, like heat-absorbing glass, it reduces solar transmittance.
Replacement Window Rating Systems
There are several rating systems available that indicate the properties each window may have. Many manufacturers represent the energy efficiency of windows in 2 categories:
- U-Values (conductance of heat)
- R-Values(resistance to heat flow)
Have a question unanswered?
Please do not hesitate to contact us today at 303-426-4474, or email services@reflectionwindows.com.
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