Window Terms & Feature Descriptions:
- Argon Gas – Argon gas is added between the glass on Low-e window sashes to help insulate the window and increase it’s energy performance. Used on dual and triple pane insulated glass packs.
- Awning Window – A window that opens or cranks out from the bottom and is hinged at the top.
- Bow & Bay Windows – A large window, usually in a living, family or great room that consists of a series of windows installed in a bay opening. A bay window usually has a picture window in the middle, with casement or double-hung flankers on the side. A bow window usually has multiple windows arranged in an arc to form it’s bow shape. See picture above.
- Casement Window – A window that opens by a crank located at the bottom of the window and opens by pivoting out the the left or right when opened.
- Double-Hung Window – A window with two sashes that operate vertically when opened and the sashes are held open with mechanical counter balances.
- Hopper Window – A window that opens out from the top and is hinged at the bottom.
- Krypton Gas – An inert gas similar to Argon Gas. Used to improve the insulating factor of the air space between dual and triple pane window glass systems.
- Low-E Glass – Low-E glass is coated with a very thin metal or metallic oxide layer. Low-E stands for low emissivity. The lower the emissivity the higher the amount of radiation that is blocked. This improves the thermal performance of the window.
- Obscure Glass – Sometimes referred to as frosted glass, and used to block or obscure the view of the window. Used in bathrooms and other locations when light is still desired, but privacy is needed.
- R-Value – A windows r-value refers to it’s resistance it has to heat flow, or it’s insulating value. The higher the number, the greater the windows insulating value and the more efficient the window is.
- Single-Hung Window – Similar to a double-hung window, except the upper sash is stationary and does not operate.
- Sliding Window – Also known as a “Glider”. Consists of two or more sashes that slide horizontally when opening.
- Solar Gain (SHGC) – A window’s solar gain or it’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, refers to how much heat your home gains from heat from the sun. The lower the SHGC, the less heat it gains.
- Specialty Window – Specialty windows are windows with special architectural shapes, including round-top windows, that create custom looks for windows on a home.
- U- Factor – A window’s U-factor is the rate of heat transfer from the inside to the outside of your home. The lower the u-factor number, the more efficient the window is.
