FAQ

American Architectural Manufactures Association. This is a national trade association that establishes voluntary standards for the window, door, storefront, curtain wall, and skylight industries. 

This is a designed space built into a window frame that causes the window to be stronger and more energy efficient 

This is a non-toxic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is pumped between two panes of glass. The result is dramatically reducing heat loss in your windows. 

A window sash that swings open on side hinges. There are the French style in-swinging, and English origin that out-swing. 

Condensation Resistance Factor. This is the measurement for the windows ability to resist condensation. The higher the CRF, the less likely that condensation will occur. 

This is sheet glass between 0.115 and 0.133 thickness

This is a government- backed program helping business and individuals protect their environment through superior energy efficiency

This is a window with no operating sashes. 

This is the frame of the window which holds the sash as well as the hardware.

This is a rating of the thermal resistance or the ability of heat to transfer from hot to cold through a material. Essentially, its your windows rating measurement of the overall insulating value. You’re looking for R-5 or greater. 

This is simply the frame that contains the glass. There is usually a top and bottom sash in a window. 

The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. The solar heat gain coefficient has replaced the shading coefficient as the standard indicator of a window’s shading ability. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits, and the greater its shading ability. SHGC can be expressed in terms of the glass alone or can refer to the entire window assembly.

An assembly of materials designed to reduce heat transfer at the edge of an insulating window. Spacers are placed between the panes of glass in a double- or triple-glazed window.

A measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through a material or assembly. It is expressed in units of Btu/hr-sq ft-°F (W/sq m-°C). Values are normally given for NFRC/ASHRAE winter conditions of 0° F (18° C) outdoor temperature, 70° F (21° C) indoor temperature, 15 mph wind, and no solar load. The U-factor may be expressed for the glass alone or the entire window, which includes the effect of the frame and the spacer materials. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Polyvinyl chloride material, that can be rigid or flexible, that is used in window frames.

This window has a fixed sash while the other side opens and closes by sliding it from side to side. These types of windows do not open outward, making them good when near bushes, walkways or patios.  

These types of windows do not have a fixed sash, and both sashes can open and close by gliding to the left or right. Because they do not open outward, they are great when near shrubs, walkways, or patios. To enable these windows, you’ll need a deeper frame than single sliding window frames  

Single hung windows have two sashes: the top which is stationary, and the bottom which slides up to open. The bottom sash can also tilt inward, making it easy to reach and clean from inside your home. They do not open outwards, making them the perfect fit for windows near bushes, walkways, or patios.

These windows have two movable sashes that can be opened at the same time. This provides more airflow as well as easy cleaning due to how they tilt inward. Since they don’t open outward, they’re ideal of windows near bushes, walkways, or patios. 

Picture windows are worth 1,000 words. Because they are fixed and do not open, they have no hardware or sashes to block your view. These types of windows can make any room feel bigger, brighter, and more beautiful. 

Casement windows are the same as a picture window, but with the added bonus of being able to open them. These windows are hinged on one side, allowing them to swing outward by using a crank operation. 

Awning windows are unique in that they are hinged on the top and open outward from the bottom. This is done by a crank operation and allows for not only ventilation but also protection from the rain. 

Bay windows are a window made of 3 panels and provide a more distinct, angular result. Bow windows are made using 4 or more panels, giving it a more rounded appearance. Both windows allow in plenty of light and more of the views you love. Either window can be made with a combination of picture, double hung, or casement windows – whatever fits your needs. 

When it comes to sun and shelfs, garden windows win the show. Used often in kitchens and bathrooms, they help open the room by providing lots of sunlight and the perfect shelf for your décor.

Sliding doors are designed to help open up spaces and give easy access to outdoor living spaces. They are designed to slide horizontally, saving your space, and can be configured to be left-hand or right-hand operated. 

As the name suggests, these doors swing outdoor. These are great for high traffic areas and bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces.