Residential and Commercial Glass Glossary
Annealing: A process to prevent glass brittleness in which glass is heated to a high temperature and then cooled slowly.
Balance System: Counterbalances the sashes when opening and closing the window.
Beveled Glass: Glass that has been created with a specific type of polished or shaped edge work. Beveled glass is often used for tabletops, desktops, shelving, and custom built furniture.
Closers: The mechanism attached to a door and a door jamb to automatically close the door.
Door Jamb: The metal or wood frame surrounding a door.
Double Hung: 2 Sashes (top and bottom) which open and close.
Glazier: An individual who installs commercial or residential glass.
Glazing: The process and techniques of installing residential and commercial glass.
Grids: Optional feature used for decoration.
Header: The top part of the window jamb.
High Performance Glass: A color-coated glass that is used in commercial glazing applications.
Insulated Glass (thermal panes): Insulated glass that is created when two pieces of glass are sealed together with a vacuum. This glass rejects heat, and the insulating features do not affect the viewing quality of the window.
Laminated Glass: A safety glass that is created by sandwiching a piece of vinyl between two pieces of glass.
Lexan: Brand name of a polycarbonate sheet that is clear and high impact resistant. It comes with a 3-year warranty against breakage. It is used in commercial and residential glazing for its safety, security, and energy savings.
Meeting Rail: Where the 2 sashes meet and where the lock is found.
NGA:
National Glass Association, the largest trade association specifically for the North American glass industry. NGA represents the architectural, automotive and specialty glass segments of the industry. Its mission is to provide information and education and to promote quality workmanship, ethics and safety in the glass industry.
New Construction: Windows that are pre built and may require reconstructing the opening of the building in order to fit it.
Plexiglass: Brand name for plastic sheets of various thickness used in residential and commercial glazing. Because of its ability to be molded, Plexiglass is used in a variety of ways from display cases to windowpane installation.
R-Value: A window’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the window’s ability to insulate.
Replacement Windows: Custom made to fit in existing openings. No reconstruction of the building is required.
Sash: The portion of the window that has the glass and the direct frame of the glass.
Sills: Protrudes slightly from the window. Sills which are sloped help to ensure proper rain drainage.
Single Hung: Window with only one sash which opens and closes.
Threshold: The metal plate that a door centers over when the door is closed. A threshold helps seal the entrance against water and air infiltration.
U-Factor: A measure of how well heat escapes through a window. The lower the U-factor number, the greater the window’s insulating ability.
Ventilation Limit Latch: A small latch that acts as a security measure allowing air to enter the home while limiting the amount the window can be opened.