Replacement Windows & Door Glossary

Argon Gas

A gas that is commonly used to fill the space between panes of glass. It is many times denser than air and reduces heat transfer.

Awning Window

A window that is hinged at the top and swings out at the bottom.

Casement Window

A window that the sashes are hinged on the side and swing out.

Double Hung Window

A window that has 2 sashes and both slide vertically.

Egress Window

A window large enough for a person to escape through in case of fire or emergency. An important consideration in a bedroom, and required by most local building codes.

Garden Window

A window that projects out of the house with a slanted glass roof that allows for sunlight to enter. Pictures of Garden Windows

Sash

The framework that holds the glass which is made up of stiles and rails.

Sill

The horizontal part at the bottom of the window frame. There is an interior and an exterior sil.

U-value

A measure of amount of heat that is transferred through a material. The lower the value, the slower the rate of heat loss and the better the material is at preventing heat loss.

Weep Holes

Slots or small holes that allow water to escape and not accumulate in a window's sill.