Glossary
Navigate our exterior products list of terms or phrases
Explore our comprehensive glossary, providing clear explanations of specialized terms related to windows, patio doors, sunrooms, screen rooms, and patio covers. It serves as a valuable guide for understanding fenestration, construction, and remodeling terminology.
A
AAMA
American Architectural Manufacturers Association
ABOVE-GRADE WALL
A wall more than 50 percent above grade and enclosing conditioned space. This includes between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof and skylight shafts.
ACCESSIBLE
Admitting close approach as a result of not being guarded by locked doors, elevation or other effective means (see “Readily accessible”).
ADDITION
An extension or increase in the conditioned space floor area, number of stories or height of a building or structure. AIR
AIR BARRIER
One or more materials joined together in a continuous manner to restrict or prevent the passage of air through the building thermal envelope and its assemblies.
AIR-IMPERMEABLE INSULATION
An insulation that functions as an air barrier material. AL Air leakage. The flow of air that passes through fenestration products.
AIRSPACE
The space between adjacent layers in a multi-layer glazing system.
AL
Air leakage. The flow of air that passes through fenestration products.
AIRSPACE
The space between adjacent layers in a multi-layer glazing system.
ALTERATION
Any construction, retrofit or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. Also, a change in a building, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that involves an extension, addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation.
ARGON GAS
A non-toxic gas used in insulating units to reduce heat transfer.
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
AUTOMATIC
Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence, as, for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature or mechanical configuration (see “Manual”).
AWNING WINDOW
A top hinged window that swings outward for ventilation. Equipped with a foldable crank and a multi-point locking system.
B
BALANCE
a mechanical device used in hung windows as a means of counterbalancing the weight of the sash.
BASEMENT WALL
A wall 50 percent or more below grade and enclosing conditioned space.
BASEMENT WINDOW
Any window type intended for ventilating or illuminating a basement or cellar.
BAY WINDOW
Windows that project out from the wall and extend to the ground. An “angle bay window” refers to the angle of departure from the plane of the wall.
BEAM
horizontal structure that spans an opening and transfers the load to vertical load bearing structures (posts)
BLOCK FOUNDATION
made from hollow cinder blocks (cinder masonry units- CMUs) with rebar supports joined with mortar; sits on top of concrete footings and provides a solid foundation for sunroom installation
BOTTOM PLATE
horizontal structural member attached to studs that runs along the floor and connects walls to the floor; also called sole plate
BOW WINDOW
Rounded Bay window that projects from a wall in the shape of an arc. It consists usually of four or five sashes.
BRICKMOLD
A molding used as an exterior door or window casing.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU)
The heat required to increase the temperature of 1 lb. of water 1°F.
BUILDING
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, including any mechanical systems, service water heating systems and electric power and lighting systems located on the building site and supporting the building.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
The assembly or assemblies of materials and components that enclose building spaces and are exposed to exterior space or separate conditioned interior space from unconditioned interior space.
BUILDING SITE
A contiguous area of land that is under the ownership or control of one entity.
BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE
The basement walls, exterior walls, floors, ceilings, roofs and any other building element assemblies that enclose conditioned space or provide a boundary between conditioned space and exempt or unconditioned space.
BUTYL
Rubber material that seals the two pieces of glass into a single unit. Creates an airtight and water-tight unit.
C
CANTILEVER
a rigid support member that projects into space and is unsupported on one end
CASEMENT WINDOW
A window consisting of one or more sash hinged to open from the side (adjacent to the jambs), which project outward or inward from the plane of the frame in the vertical plane.
CASING
A trim. Exposed molding or framing around a window or door, on either the inside or outside, to cover the space between the window frame or jamb and the wall.
CELLULOSIC COMPOSITE MATERIAL
A composite material whose ingredients include cellulosic elements.
CENTER-HUNG SASH
A sash that pivots on pins in the middle of the sash stiles and sides of the window frame to allow access for cleaning from the inside.
CERTIFICATION
A process that indicates a representative sample of a product line has been tested, that the product meets specified requirements, and that the product is subject to ongoing inspections by an outside certification agency.
CHAIR RAIL
aluminum reinforcement installed inside of screen units to provide structural integrity
CIRCULATING HOT WATER SYSTEM
A specifically designed water distribution system where one or more pumps are operated in the service hot water piping to circulate heated water from the water heating equipment to fixtures and back to the water-heating equipment.
CLIMATE ZONE
A geographical region based on climatic criteria as specified in this code.
COATING PLACEMENT
The placement of a low-e coating within the air gap of a double-glazed window.
COLONIAL WINDOWS
Windows with small rectangular panes, or divided lites, designated as 12-lite, 16-lite and so on.
COMBINATION ASSEMBLY
An assembly formed by a combination of two or more separate fenestration products whose frames are mulled together utilizing a combination mullion or reinforcing mullion.
COMBINATION MULLION
A horizontal or vertical member formed by joining two or more individual fenestration units together without a mullion stiffener.
COMMERCIAL ENTRANCE SYSTEM
A system of products used for ingress, egress, and rescue generally in non-residential buildings.
COMPOSITE UNIT
A fenestration product consisting of two or more sash, leaves, lites, or sliding door panels within a single frame utilizing an integral mullion.
CONDENSATION
The deposition of moisture (liquid water or frost) on the surface of an object caused by warm, moist air coming into contact with a colder object.
CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA
The horizontal projection of the floors associated with the conditioned space.
CONDITIONED SPACE
An area, room or space that is enclosed within the building thermal envelope and that is directly heated or cooled or indirectly heated or cooled. Spaces are indirectly heated or cooled where they communicate through openings with conditioned spaces, where they are separated from conditioned spaces by uninsulated walls, floors or ceilings, or where they contain uninsulated ducts, piping or other sources of heating or cooling.
CONTINUOUS AIR BARRIER
A combination of materials and assemblies that restrict or prevent the passage of air through the building thermal envelope.
CONTINUOUS INSULATION (ci)
Insulating material that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior or exterior, or is integral to any opaque surface, of the building envelope.
CORNER POST
the structural posts mounted vertically in the corners of a sunroom that join walls together and support the roof
CORNER WINDOW
Two windows meeting at a corner of a structure.
COUPLED WINDOW
Two separate windows separated by a mullion. Also called a double window.
CORROSION
The deterioration of a material by chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals, or other agents or media.
CRAWL SPACE WALL
The opaque portion of a wall that encloses a crawl space and is partially or totally below grade.
CRICKET
triangular wood-framed roof structures for diverting water away from areas of penetration, such as roof intersections, chimneys, or skylights
CRIPPLE STUD
vertical support members that run from the header to top plate or from the sill plate to floor, above or below a door or window opening
CURTAIN WALL
Fenestration products used to create an external non load-bearing wall that is designed to separate the exterior and interior environments.
D
DEMAND RECIRCULATION WATER SYSTEM
A water distribution system having one or more recirculation pumps that pump water from a heated water supply pipe back to the heated water source through a cold-water supply pipe.
DESICCANT
absorbent material installed between windowpanes that removes moisture and protects against condensation
DESIGN PRESSURE (DP)
a rating that identifies the load, induced by wind and/or static snow, that a product is rated to withstand in its end-use application.
DESIGN SNOW LOAD
amount of force a roof can withstand from accumulated snow or ice, dependent on location and measured in pounds per square foot (PSF)
DESIGN WIND LOAD
The wind load pressure a product is required by the specifier to withstand in its end-use application.
DIVIDER
A member that divides glazing into separate vision areas. Dividers are either structural or decorative. Other common terms are muntin, true divided lite (TDL), simulated divided lite (SDL), grill, grid, or bar-in-glass.
DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW
A hung window with two sashes in which both sashes are operable vertically.
DRIP CAP
Horizontal molding to divert water from the top casing so water drips beyond the outside of the frame.
DROP WINDOW
Vertical window in which the sash can descend into a cavity in the wall below the sill.
DUAL GLAZING
Two layers of glazing material mounted in a common frame and/or sash, separated by a space, and sealed or non-sealed.
DUCT
A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air. The air passages of self-contained systems are not to be construed as air ducts.
DUCT SYSTEM
A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to ducts, includes duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and appliances.
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation
E
ELECTRICAL RACEWAY
the opening in a sunroom extrusion, such as floor track, to allow internal electrical wiring
ENERGY ANALYSIS
A method for estimating the annual energy use of the proposed design and standard reference design based on estimates of energy use.
ENERGY CODE
Minimum performance levels for new and replacement fenestration products. Building energy codes are set at the state or municipal level but are often based on model energy codes. Most jurisdictions rely on model energy codes developed by national code writing entities.
ENERGY COST
The total estimated annual cost for purchased energy for the building functions regulated by this code, including applicable demand charges.
ENERGY SIMULATION TOOL
An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that projects the annual energy use of a building.
ENERGY STAR
Designation provided by EPA for products meeting certain energy performance criteria. Energy-efficient performance of windows, doors, and skylights varies by climate, so product recommendations are given for four U.S. climate zones.
ERI REFERENCE DESIGN
A version of the rated design that meets the minimum requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.
EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPS
expanded polystyrene; a white plastic foam found in sunroom roof and deck panels and korad fill panels for insulation
EXTERIOR WALL
Walls including both above-grade walls and basement walls.
EXTRUSION
the process of forcing aluminum or vinyl through a die to create a shaped product; also, the products created by this process
F
FAN BEAM
mullion installed between roof panels that includes a raceway for electrical wiring
FASCIA
vinyl extrusions that cover the outside edges of a roof panel to protect it from water damage
F-CHANNEL
vinyl extrusion that connects the top of a sloped wall to the roof panels; used on the side walls of a studio sunroom and the front wall of a gable sunroom or under an existing roof
FENESTRATION
Openings in the building envelope, such as windows, doors, secondary storm products (SSPs) curtain walls, storefronts, roof windows, tubular daylighting devices (TDDs), sloped glazing, and skylights, designed to permit the passage of air, light, or people.
FENESTRATION CLADDING
The exterior components that cover the frame, sash, leaf, or sliding door panel members and constitute the weather-resistant surface.
FENESTRATION PRODUCT, SITE-BUILT
A fenestration designed to be made up of field-glazed or field-assembled units using specific factory cut or otherwise factory formed framing and glazing units. Examples of site-built fenestration include storefront systems, curtain walls, and atrium roof systems.
FIXED DOOR
One or more non-operable assembled leaves or sliding door panels within a door frame and threshold/sill.
FIXED WINDOW
A window that is designed to be non-operable and consists of a glazed frame or a non-operating sash within a frame.
FLASHER
adjustable aluminum assembly that connects roof panels to the house wall (studio sunroom) or to the ridge beam (gable sunroom)
FLASHING
thin sheet of metal installed to prevent water penetration
FLOAT GLASS
Flat glass that has been formed on molten metal, commonly tin. The surface in contact with the tin is known as the tin surface or tin side. The top surface is known as the atmosphere side or air side.
FLOOR JOIST
horizontal support member that form the frame that flooring is installed on; connects the foundation to the subfloor
FOAM FILLED
the process of filling extrusions with foam for additional thermal insulation
FOOTERS/FOOTINGS
concrete or block foundations poured below the frost line to support decks or sunrooms; can be pier style or continuous trench style; size must be calculated to properly support the structure
FOUR SEASON SUNROOM
sunroom designed to be usable year-round, typically has insulated glass and thermal and foam-filled extrusions; can also have an HVAC unit for temperature control
FRAME
The enclosing structure of a window, door, TDD, roof window, SSP, or unit skylight which fits into or attaches to the wall or roof opening and receives glazing, sash, panels, leaves, or vents.
FULLY TEMPERED GLASS
glass that has been heat treated to a high surface and/or edge compression to meet the requirements of ASTM C1048 (kind FT) or CAN/CGSB 12.1. Fully tempered glass, if broken, will fracture into many small pieces (dice) which are cubical. Fully tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness when exposed to uniform static pressure loads.
FUSION WELDED
When materials are fused by heat to become one when cooled.
G
GABLE
A pitched roof that attaches to a ridge beam in the middle at the high point and slopes down to the left and right
GARDEN WINDOW
A window consisting of a three-dimensional, five-sided structure, with provisions made for supporting plants in the enclosed space outside the plane of the wall. Operating sash are allowed but are not required.
GLASS
a hard, brittle substance, usually transparent, made by fusing materials such as soda ash (NA2CO3), limestone (CaCO3), and sand under high temperatures.
GLAZING
The process of installing an infill material into a prepared opening in windows, doors, TDDs, roof windows, SSPs, or unit skylights..
GLAZING BEAD
Removable trim that holds glass in place.
GLAZING TYPES
The number of glass layers, various coatings, tints, and other glass surface treatments can affect the energy properties of windows.
H
HANDLE
A component which enables the movement of a sash, leaf, or panel, or which activates a mechanism which locks or unlocks a sash, leaf, or panel.
HARDWARE
All the necessary equipment to retain, operate, and lock or unlock the sash, leaf, or panel within the frame.
HEAD
the horizontal member forming the top of the frame.
HEADER
horizontal support member installed above an opening to transfer the load to the vertical supports of the opening; used to prevent sagging and ensure windows and doors can operate
HEAT GAIN
transfer of heat from outside to inside the home, caused by conduction, convection, or radiation
HEAT LOSS
transfer of heat from inside the home to outside, caused by conduction, convection, or radiation
HEATED SLAB
Slab-on-grade construction in which the heating elements, hydronic tubing, or hot air distribution system is in contact with, or placed within or under, the slab.
HEAT-STRENGTHENED GLASS
Glass that has been heat treated to a specific surface and/or edge compression range to meet the requirements of ASTM C1048 (kind HS).
HIGH-EFFICACY LAMPS
Compact fluorescent lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps, or other lamps with an efficacy of not less than the following:
60 lumens per watt for lamps over 40 watts.
50 lumens per watt for lamps over 15 watts to 40 watts.
40 lumens per watt for lamps 15 watts or less.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Any building or structure that is one or more of the following:
1. Listed or certified as eligible for listing by the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, in the National Register of Historic Places.
2. Designated as historic under an applicable state or local law.
3. Certified as a contributing resource within a National Register-listed, state-designated or locally designated historic district.
HVAC
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; equipment used to control temperature, humidity, and air purity levels inside an entire building
HOPPER WINDOW
A bottom hinged window that projects inward that comes equipped with a foldable crank and lever.
HUNG WINDOW
A window consisting of vertically sliding sash which utilize counterbalancing devices to allow the sash to be opened to any variable position between its fully open and fully closed limits.
I
IBC
International Building Code; construction standards that apply to all buildings except one- and two-family residential buildings or townhouses, up to three stories high
INFILTRATION
The uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building caused by the pressure effects of wind or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density or both.
INOPERABLE
no longer opening, closing, locking, or unlocking as originally designed.
INSUL-DECK
insulated deck panels made of an EPS core treated with wood-boring insect repellent adhered to OSB on either side; can also have Z3 film or aluminum skin on underside surface
INSULATING GLASS UNIT (IGU)
two or more lites of glass spaced apart and hermetically sealed to form a single unit with an air- or gas-filled space between each lite.
INSULATED SIDING
A type of continuous insulation with manufacturer-installed insulating material as an integral part of the cladding product having an R-value of not less than R-2.
INSULATING SHEATHING
An insulating board with a core material having an R-value of not less than R-2.
INSULATING VALUE
When there is a temperature difference between inside and outside, heat is lost or gained through the window frame and glazing by the combined effects of conduction, convection.
INTEGRAL MULLION
A horizontal or vertical member which is bounded at either end or both ends by crossing frame members.
INTERIOR WINDOW
A window system not intended for use in exterior applications.
IRC
International Residential Code; construction standards that apply to one- and two-family residential buildings or townhouses, up to three stories high
ISLO
inside looking out; typically used to describe the operation of a window or door when viewed from inside the room looking toward the outside
J
JACK STUD
vertical structural component that runs along the side of an opening from header to sill plate
JAMBS
The upright or vertical members forming the side of the frame.
K
KING STUD
vertical structural component that runs floor to ceiling and attaches to the jack studs and header of an opening
KNEEWALL
the area from the bottom of a window to the floor in a sunroom; can be made of korad fill panel or a fixed glass unit
L
LAMINATED GLASS
Two or more lites of glass permanently bonded together with one or more polymer interlayers.
LABELED
Equipment, materials or products to which have been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark o fa nationally recognized testing laboratory, approved agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of such labeled items and whose labeling indicates either that the equipment, material or product meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
LCC
Life cycle costs
LISTED
Equipment, materials, products or services included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the code official and concerned with evaluation of products or services that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services and where the listing states either that the equipment, material, product or service meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
LITE (LIGHT)
A pane of glass or an insulating glass (IG) unit used in a window, door, TDD, roof window, SSP, or unit skylight. Frequently spelled “lite” in industry literature to avoid confusion with visible light.
LOW-E
Low-emittance coating
LVL
Laminated veneer lumber; beam made from multiple thin layers of wood assembled with adhesives that is used for gable ridge beams, header beams, and decks
M
MANUAL
Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see “Automatic”).
MEETING RAIL
One of the two adjacent horizontal sash members that come together when in the closed position.
MINI-SPLIT
a ductless heating and cooling system comprised of an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handler
MOISTURE CONTENT
The percentage of dry weight that is composed of water, such as in wood.
MULLION STIFFENER
An additional reinforcing member used in a reinforcing mullion. Mullion stiffeners carry the entire load or share the load with adjacent framing members.
MULLION (SUNROOMS)
a vertical support post that connects modular windows or doors into the sunroom wall system; can be wired for electric (SE Mullion) or foam filled for insulation
N
NEC
National Electric Code; set of standards for safely installing electrical wiring and equipment
NEGATIVE PRESSURE
Pressure acting in the outward direction.
NFRC
National Fenestration Rating Council
NON-HUNG WINDOW
A window consisting of vertically sliding sash which utilize mechanical retainers or slide bolts to allow the sash to be opened to any one of the pre-selected positions between its fully open and fully closed limits.
NON-OPERABLE
Intended to not open or close.
O
OPAQUE DOOR
A door that is not less than 50-percent opaque in surface area.
OPERABLE
Intended to be opened and closed.
OPERATING FORCE
The force required to initiate or maintain a sash, leaf, or panel motion in either the opening or closing direction.
OSB
Orientated strand board; an engineered wood made from wood strands bonded with adhesive and compressed; used in insul-deck panels
OSLI
outside looking in; typically used to describe the operation of a window or door when viewed from outside the room looking toward the inside
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The external height and width of the product, expressed in millimeters or inches.
OVERHANG
when a roof extends past the wall it is mounted to
P
PANEL
The members of a sliding door or sliding door side lite within a frame which are designed to accommodate the glazing.
PARALLEL OPENING WINDOW
A window consisting of an operable sash that moves outward in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame for the purpose of ventilation. The sash remains parallel to the frame throughout its range of motion.
PATIO COVER
a roof only supported by vertical posts with open walls, not enclosed
PATIO DOOR
a sliding glass door comprised of fixed and operating panels that slide side to side to allow entry and ventilation; also known as sliding glass door
PICTURE WINDOW
A fixed pane window that does not move or operate often used to enhance views.
PIER
cylindrical concrete poured below the frost line to support decks or sunrooms; size must be calculated to properly support the structure
PITCH
the incline of a roof expressed as a ratio between the vertical rise and the horizontal run of the roof; typically expressed in inches of rise per one foot of run (ex: 4:12 pitch rises 4” per foot of run)
PIVOT
An axis or the hardware about which a window, sash, panel, or leaf rotates.
PIVOTED WINDOW
A window consisting of a sash which pivots about an axis within the frame. The pivoting action of the window allows for easy access to clean the outside surfaces of the window. Two common types are the 180° compression seal pivoting window and the 360° pivoting window.
PLASTIC GLAZING
Plastic infill materials (including, but not limited to, acrylic, co-polyester, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and polycarbonate) that are glazed or set in a frame or sash.
POSITIVE PRESSURE
Pressure acting in the inward direction.
POST
a vertical structural support member that transfers loading to the foundation, typically made of wood
PRIMARY WINDOW
That window in a dual-window unit so designated by the manufacturer, capable of protecting the building’s interior from climatic elements (as opposed to a secondary window used mainly for performance enhancement).
PROPOSED DESIGN
A description of the proposed building used to estimate annual energy use for determining compliance based on total building performance.
PTAC
packaged terminal air conditioner; a standalone unit installed through a wall to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation of a particular room
Q
R
RAFTER
sloped structural supports that run from the high point of a roof to the eaves; forms the framework that roof materials such as shingles are installed on
RATED DESIGN
A description of the proposed building used to determine the energy rating index.
READILY ACCESSIBLE
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders or access equipment (see “Accessible”).
REINFORCEMENT
The material added to individual sash, leaf, panel, or frame members to increase strength and/or stiffness.
REINFORCING MULLION
A horizontal or vertical member with an added continuous mullion stiffener and joining two or more individual fenestration units along the sides of the mullion stiffener.
REPAIR
The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.
REROOFING
The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. See “Roof recover” and “Roof replacement.”
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
For this chapter, includes detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses as well as Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three stories or less in height above grade plane.
RIDGE BEAM
a structural wood beam that supports and attaches to the roof panels in a gable sunroom and transfers the load to the side walls; beam size must be calculated based on room/roof size and loading
ROOF ASSEMBLY
A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roof covering, underlayment, and roof deck, and can also include a thermal barrier, ignition barrier, insulation or a vapor retarder.
ROOF JOIST
horizontal support members that tie rafters together and support ceiling materials
ROOF MULLION
a two-piece compression fit assembly for connecting roof panels to each other; can be thermally broken for additional insulation value
ROOF RECOVER
The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.
ROOF REPAIR
Reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing roof for the purposes of its maintenance.
ROOF REPLACEMENT
The process of removing the existing roof covering, repairing any damaged substrate and installing a new roof covering.
ROOF WINDOW
A sloped application of a fenestration product that provides for in-reach operation.
ROUGH OPENING
The opening in a wall or roof into which a window, door, TDD, roof window, or unit skylight is to be installed.
R-VALUE (THERMAL RESISTANCE)
The inverse of the time rate of heat flow through a body from one of its bounding surfaces to the other surface for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under steady state conditions, per unit area (h • ft2 • °F/Btu) [(m2 • K)/W].
S
SADDLE
double triangular wood-framed roof structures for connecting the back of a gable roof to a studio roof
SAFETY GLASS
A strengthened or reinforced glass that is less subject to breakage or splintering, such as glass for doors, unit skylights, and some windows.
SASH
The members of a window, secondary storm product, or unit skylight that fit within a frame which are designed to accommodate the glazing.
SCREEN
A product that is used with a window, door, secondary storm product, or unit skylight, consists of a mesh of wire or plastic material used to keep out insects, and is not for providing security or retention of objects or persons from the interior.
SCREEN ROOM
a room enclosed by screen units that allows for maximum air flow and protects from insects; does not offer protection from heat/cold
SEALANT
A compound used to fill and seal a joint or opening.
SECONDARY STORM PRODUCT (SSP)
A door, window, or skylight product intended to be used only in conjunction with a primary door, window, or skylight product for the purpose of enhancement of performance in a system with the primary product. A secondary storm product can be attached to the internal or external frame or sash of the primary product. A secondary storm product is also considered a secondary door or window.
SECONDARY WINDOW
That window in a dual-window unit so designated by the manufacturer, used on the exterior of, or interior of, and in tandem with, a primary window for the purpose of performance enhancement, and not to be used by itself as a primary window.
SERVICEABLE
Accessible without major reconstruction of the window, door, SSP, TDD, roof window, or unit skylight.
SERVICE WATER HEATING
Supply of hot water for purposes other than comfort heating.
SHGC
Solar heat gain coefficient
SIDE LITE
An operable or non-operable product that is designed to be a companion product installed on one or both sides of an operable door or a fixed door. Side lites often have their own separate frame or are contained within the frame of a composite assembly.
SILL
Horizontal member at the bottom of the window frame; a masonry sill or sub-sill can be below the sill of the window unit.
SILL PLATE
horizontal structural member that runs between the floor joists and foundation; can also be found at the bottom of a window opening opposite the header
SIPS
Structural Insulated Panels; made of an EPS core adhered to OSB on either side and used as a roof panel or wall panel
SINGLE GLAZING
Glazing that is just one layer of glass or other glazing material.
SINGLE-HUNG WINDOW
A hung window with only one operable sash.
SINGLE MODE
The primary window/door is closed and latched, the secondary window/door or outer primary window/door is opened fully, and the insect screen (when offered or specified by the manufacturer) is in the functional position.
SLIDER WINDOW
an operable window with two or three sashes that slide horizontally
SLOPED GLAZING
A glass and framing assembly that is sloped more than 15° from the vertical and which forms essentially the entire roof of the structure.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)
The ratio of the solar heat gain entering the space through the fenestration assembly to the incident solar radiation. Solar heat gain includes directly transmitted solar heat and absorbed solar radiation that is then reradiated, conducted or convected into the space.
SPACER
The linear material that separates and maintains the space between the glass surfaces of insulating glass units.
SPAN
The clear distance measured parallel to the length of a mullion or divider between support points.
SPECIFICATION
A written document often accompanying architectural drawings, giving such details as scope of work, materials to be used, installation method, required performance, and quality of work for work under contract.
STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN
A version of the proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance.
STEM WALL FOUNDATION
two-part foundation consisting of a footing and stem wall; used to elevate the room above grade
STUDIO
Single sloped roof that is highest at the back and slopes toward the front; also called shed roof
SUNROOM
A multi-sided structure consisting of a high percentage of glazed area versus framing area.
SWIVEL HEADER
an adjustable assembly used to connect the top of a flat wall to the roof using a swivel component that matches the roof slope; used on the side walls of a gable sunroom and the front wall of a studio sunroom
T
THERMAL BARRIER
Physical and space conditioning separation from conditioned spaces. The conditioned spaces shall be controlled as separate zones for heating and cooling or conditioned by separate equipment.
THERMALLY BROKEN METAL FRAMES
Manufactured by splitting the frame components into interior and exterior pieces and use a less conductive material to join them
THERMOSTAT
An automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or adjustable set point.
THREE SEASON SUNROOM
designed to be used from spring through fall; can have single pane or insulated glass but does not need to be thermally broken or foam filled since it is not meant to be heated/cooled
TOP-HINGED WINDOW
A window consisting of sash hinged at the head which swings inward or outward using a continuous top hinge or individual hinges, primarily for cleaning or emergency escape and rescue purposes and not for ventilation.
TOP PLATE
horizontal structural member attached to studs that connects walls to the roof
TRANSOM
a fixed glass window installed on top of a window to increase wall height and light
TRAPEZOID
an angular section extending from the top of a window to the bottom of the roof on a sloped wall; can be made of korad fill or a fixed glass unit
U
U-FACTOR (THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE)
Used to express the insulation value of windows. Also known as the coefficient of heat transmission (air to air) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm side and cold side air films (Btu/h • ft2 • °F) [W/(m2 • K)]. Essentially, the lower the window’s U-factor, the greater its resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating properties.
UNIT SKYLIGHT
A complete factory-assembled glass- or plastic-glazed fenestration unit consisting of not more than one panel of glass or plastic installed in a sloped or horizontal orientation primarily for natural daylighting. Unit skylights are either fixed (non-operable) or venting (operable).
V
VENTILATION
The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space.
VENTILATION AIR
That portion of supply air that comes from outside (outdoors) plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space.
VINYL
Also known as polyvinyl chloride, Vinyl is a very versatile plastic with good insulating value. Vinyl window frames do not require painting and have good moisture resistance. Because the color goes all the way through, there is no finish coat that can be damaged or deteriorate over time—the surface is therefore maintenance free.
VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE [VT]
The ratio of visible light entering the space through the fenestration product assembly to the incident visible light, Visible Transmittance, includes the effects of glazing material and frame and is expressed as a number between 0 and 1.
W
WARM EDGE SPACERS
Heat transfer through the metal spacers that are used to separate glazing layers can increase heat loss and cause condensation to form at the edge of the window. “Warm edge” spacers use improved materials and better designs to reduce this effect.
WATER PENETRATION
penetration of water beyond the plane intersecting the innermost projection of the test specimen, not including interior trim and hardware, under the specified conditions of air pressure difference across the specimen.
WEEP CUT
Groove in the underside of a horizontal board or masonry unit which projects beyond the wall service below to prevent water from moving back toward the wall surface
WHOLE HOUSE MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM
An exhaust system, supply system, or combination thereof that is designed to mechanically exchange indoor air with outdoor air when operating continuously or through a programmed intermittent schedule to satisfy the whole house ventilation rates.
WINDOW
an operable or non-operable assembly that is installed in an opening within an exterior wall or roof intended to admit light or air to an enclosure and is usually framed and glazed.
WING FILL
sloped korad fill installed above the windows and extending to the bottom of the roof on the side walls of a studio sunroom
WOOL PILE
weatherstripping material installed in windows and doors to reduce air and water infiltration around moving components