Archive for December 2016

The lift, also called a sash lift, is a handle for raising or lowering the sash. A handle that runs along the entire length of the sash is also called a lift rail.

Low-emissivity, or low-E, glass has been treated with an extremely thin coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. Windows made with this type of glass help prevent heat transfer, are more energy efficient, and can help reduce the amount of heating and cooling needed in the home. In very cold climates, low-E…

The meeting rail is the portion of a window or sliding glass door where the two sashes meet when the window is closed. The meeting rail forms a weather barrier when the two sashes come together.

The R-value of a window represents its resistance to heat transfer, or thermal resistance. A higher R-value indicates better insulation and less heat transfer. The R-value for most insulated windows will be at least 2. The R-value is significant because much of the heating and cooling loss in a home occurs through the windows. Windows…

A window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measurement of the amount of heat that passes through it from direct sunlight and absorbed heat. A smaller Solar Heat Gain Coefficient indicates a greater ability to resist heat gain. The increased temperature within a building caused by solar heat gain can be either positive or…

A spacer is an object placed between the panes of glass in a window. The spacer serves several purposes: It maintains a uniform distance between the panes of glass. It helps prevent sealant distortion. It accommodates stress caused by changes in temperature and pressure. Combined with sealants, it prevents moisture and gas leaks within the…

Weatherstripping is a strip of material that forms a seal around the sash to prevent air and water leaks. The materials used to create weatherstripping must be durable, resilient, and weather-resistant. Some common materials for weatherstripping are sponge, foam, felt, vinyl, rubber, and metal.

U-Value (U-Factor) When replacing your windows, you will likely run into a number of different The U-value, also called the U-factor, is a measurement of non-solar heat transfer through a window. The amount of heat gained or lost through a window can significantly influence heating and cooling costs in the home, especially in colder climates.…

A balance cover is an attachable cover that conceals the balance system within a window. Not only does it make the window more visually pleasing, but it also prevents dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering the workings of the balance system.