It’s important to become educated about window components to help you with your purchase decisions. The following is a glossary of some of the most common window terminology:
These are small honeycomb spaces found within the frame and sash, helping to insulate a window.
This is a non-toxic gas that is used to replace air between window panes, reducing the heat transfer between panes.
A type of window that is hinged at the top and opens outward, typically used for ventilation.
A combination of three or more windows that project outward from a building, creating additional space inside.
Similar to a bay window, but consists of four or more windows forming a curved outward projection.
A window hinged at the side that opens outward, like a door.
A protective layer on the exterior of a window frame, usually made of vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass.
This is moisture that develops on the surface of a window. It can occur on the interior surface (due to indoor humidity) or the exterior surface (due to warm, humid outdoor air meeting cold glass).
Conduction is heat loss through window edges, sash, and frame, whereas convection is heat loss as a result of air movement between the window and its glazing.
A window with two sashes that slide vertically past each other within the frame.
This is the government program that establishes the quality standards for energy efficiency for windows and other products.
Triple-pane, double-argon chamber-filled, low-E windows that are sold exclusively through EcoTech Windows & Doors. EcoSmart glass helps to offset the cost of rising energy bills by providing superior energy-efficiency compared to competitor’s windows.
A window that provides a means of escape in case of an emergency. Often required in bedrooms or basement living areas.
When window companies manufacture their windows and work based on volume, consumers are able to receive more competitive pricing.
A term encompassing the design, construction, and placement of windows in a building.
This is the process of sealing glass to the window sash.
A feature in modern windows where argon, krypton, or other gases are used between panes to improve thermal insulation.
These are horizontal or vertical bars that are commonly installed between the glass panes, usually for decorative purposes.
Two, or more, panes of glass separated by a spacer and sealed to form a single window unit.
This is the vertical section of the main window frame.
An inert gas, denser than argon, used between window panes for superior insulation.
Glass made with layers of plastic between sheets of glass, offering improved security and sound insulation.
This is a thin metallic layer that is applied to the window surface to help reflect the sun’s rays and energy, helping to reduce the impact of exterior.
Dividers that create a grid pattern on windows, often found in traditional-style designs. They can be either between the panes of glass, or applied to the exterior.
This is glass that is manufactured to be translucent.
The mechanism used to open and close a window.
The use of windows to capture sunlight and reduce heating costs during colder months.
A large, fixed window designed to provide an unobstructed view.
R-value measures the resistance a material has to heat. The higher the R-value, the greater resistance it offers, making it a better insulator.
This is the window component which contains the glass.
These are two inch wide wedges that are used to position the window into the window opening. They ensure the installed window is square and flush.
This is the bottom section of the main window frame. It commonly has a 2-3 inch lip.
A material placed between panes of glass in an IGU to maintain consistent spacing and improve energy efficiency.
EcoTech’s innovative warm-edged spacer system, made of high-quality silicon foam, that reduces heat and noise transfer compared to traditional metal spacers.
This is glass which breaks into small pieces rather than shards when broken. It is used to help prevent cuts and injuries as a result of broken glass.
This is a form of insulation that is used to slow down the transfer of heat through your windows.
The tendency of window materials to expand and contract with changes in temperature.
A casement window that can also be tilted inwards for cleaning.
This is the window mechanism that unlocks the sash. It allows the window to tilt.
A small window located above a door or another window, often used for ventilation or decorative purposes.
Three layers of glass with two spacers, providing excellent insulation and energy efficiency.
Windows with frames made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), known for low maintenance and good insulation properties.
This is a measurement that shows the amount of heat transferred, with the lower the U-value, the better insulation of the window.
This is the material that is used to form a weather-resistant seal. Its most common used in the winter and applied around the window sash to prevent air and water leakage.
A strip of wood or metal used to hold the window sash or glass panel in place within the frame.
The force exerted on a window due to wind pressure, an important consideration in design and installation.
A technique to design window placement and glazing to optimize natural light and energy efficiency in different areas of a building.
EcoSmart combines the latest design trends, materials, and innovations to make the most durable & energy efficient windows on the market today.
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