General Window Terms

AAMA - American Architectural Manufacturers Association

Argon & Krypton Gas - Inert, non-toxic gases used in insulating glass to reduce heat transfer

Cladding - Covering exterior of window to reduce maintenance, usually aluminum or vinyl

Condensation - Click for an Overview of Condensation and several ways to help eliminate it.

Frame - Structure that holds glass in place esthetics

Glass - Roughly 90% of your window is glass. This is a good place to invest in performance.

Glazing - Glass, may be multiple, I.E., insulated dual pane or triple pane

Grills and Grids - Simulate muntins appearance

Installation - The best window poorly installed will fail. Most window companies use sub-contractors but few will admit it.

Joinery - Poor corner joinery can ruin windows made with the best materials.

Low-E - Low emittance coating on the glass surface or on film suspended between pane of glass, also known as (Heat Mirror) which reflects long wave infrared radiation. Click HERE for more details on Low-E.

Materials - Type of Window Materials and quality will greatly affect longevity.

Muntins - Secondary framing members that hold glass in sash. Example would be "True Divided light"

NFRC - National Fenestration Rating Committee

NWWDA - National Wood Window and Door Association

Safety Glass - Tempered or Laminated

Sash - Structure that holds glass, usually the glass part

Sill - Sloping surface, for water to run off, at the bottom of the window

Things To Think About

Restoration vs. Replacement - Pre-World War II wood windows with a high performance storm window have advantages over new windows.

Priorities - Prioritize the benefits you want from new windows

• Function
• Comfort
• Energy Savings
• Esthetics
• Low Maintenance