 |
Argon Gas
Argon is a safe, odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable
inert gas that is commonly used in place of air between the
glass panes of an insulated Low-E glass unit to reduce temperature
transfer. |
| |
|
|
Asphalt
A bituminous waterproofing agent applied to roofing materials
during manufacturing. Asphalt plastic roofing cement:
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. |
| |
|
|
Back Surfacing
Fine mineral matter applied to the back side of shingles
to keep them from sticking. |
| |
|
|
Base Flashing
That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the
deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering. |
| |
|
|
Bay Window
A composite of three windows, usually made up of a large center
fixed unit and two flanking units at 30°,45° or 90°
degree angles to the wall. |
| |
|
|
Beading
This architectural term refers to a narrow, half-round molding
that spans the edge of the siding. |
| |
|
|
Beveled Exterior
An angled extension from the frame that adds an aesthetically-pleasing
dimension to the exterior of the window. |
| |
|
|
Block Frame Window
Used when replacing the wood sash of an old double hung wood
window. |
| |
|
|
Bow Window
A composite of four or more window units in a radial or bow
formation. |
| |
|
|
Bundle
A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5 bundles per square. |
| |
|
|
Butt Eedge
The lower edge of the shingle tabs |
| |
|
|
Cam Lock and Keeper
The mechanisms which pull the sash together when placed in the
locked position. |
| |
|
|
Casement Window
A window unit in which the single sash cranks outward, to the
right or left. |
| |
|
|
Casing
Molding of various widths, thickness and shapes applied to the
framework of window and door units. |
| |
|
|
Caulk
A mastic compound for filling joints and sealing cracks
to prevent leakage of water and air, commonly made of silicone,
bituminous, acrylic, or rubber-based material. |
| |
|
|
Caulking
To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt cement to prevent leaks. |
| |
|
|
Clapboard
A thin, narrow board with one edge thicker than the other, used
as siding. CertainTeed siding brands offer clapboard-style siding
in different exposures, several different textures, and even
different panel projections. |
| |
|
|
Collar
Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof
around the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve. |
| |
|
|
Conduction
Energy transfer from one material to another by direct contact. |
| |
|
|
Convection
Heat transfer by currents that flow from a warm surface to a
colder one. |
| |
|
|
Deck
The surface installed over the supporting framing members to
which the roofing is applied. |
| |
|
|
Dormer
A space which protrudes from the roof of a house, usually including
one or more windows. |
| |
|
|
Double-hung Window
A window unit that has two operable sashes which move vertically
in the frame. |
| |
|
|
Downspout
A pipe for draining water from roof gutters. Also called
a leader. |
| |
|
|
Drip Cap
A molding placed on the top of the head brickmold or casing
of a window frame. |
| |
|
|
Drip Edge
A non-corrosive, non-staining material used along the eaves
and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying
construction. |
| |
|
|
Double or Dual Glazing
Use of two panes of glass in a window to increase energy efficiency
and provide other performance benefits. |
| |
|
|
Dutchlap
A beveled-edge siding
panel that was popularized by early American settlers. |
| |
|
|
Eaves
The horizontal,
lower edge of a sloped roof. |
| |
|
|
Emissivity
The relative ability of
a surface to radiate heat. |
| |
|
|
Exposure
The width of each "board" of siding. Also called a reveal. |
| |
|
|
Extrusion
A form produced by forcing material through a die. Most window
frames are clad with extruded vinyl or aluminum. |
| |
|
|
Fascia
Architecturally, "fascia" refers to a flat, horizontal band.
A flat board that runs horizontally along the eaves of a roof,
typically capping the ends of the roof rafters to give the roof
edge a more finished look and provide a base for attaching gutters. |
| |
|
|
Fenestration
An architectural term referring to the arrangement of windows
in a wall. From the Latin word, "fenestra," meaning window. |
| |
|
|
Fiberglass
A composite material made by embedding glass fibers in a
polymer matrix. May be used as a diffusing material in sheet
form, or as a standard sash and frame element. |
| |
|
|
Finish
Refers to the texture (and sometimes the gloss level) of a siding
panel. For fiber cement, this refers to the coating used to
finish the siding. Usually an opaque paint; solid or semi-transparent
stain. |
| |
|
|
Fixed Window
Non-venting or non-operable window. Also known as picture window. |
| |
|
|
Flashing
A thin strip of metal or synthetic material that diverts water
away from a window or skylight. |
| |
|
|
Frame
The enclosure in which window sash or door panels are mounted. |
| |
|
|
Frieze
The horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with
the soffit. |
| |
|
|
Gable
In house construction, the portion of the roof above the eave
line of a double-sloped roof. |
| |
|
|
Gable Roof
A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch
on each side of the ridge. Contains a gable at each end. |
| |
|
|
Gambrel Roof
A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different
pitch on each side of the ridge. The lower plane has a steeper
slope than the upper. Contains a gable at each end. |
| |
|
|
Glazing
Glass in a window or door; the act or process of fitting with
glass. |
| |
|
|
Glazing Bead
A plastic or wood strip applied to the window sash around the
perimeter of the glass. |
| |
|
|
Glazing Stop
The part of the sash or door panel which holds the glass in
place. |
| |
|
|
Gutter
The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts. |
| |
|
|
Hanger
Flat strap that is installed under the roofing matierial that
holds up the horizontal section of the gutter. |
| |
|
|
Head
The main horizontal member forming the top of the window or
door frame. |
| |
|
|
Header
A horizontal framing member placed over the rough opening of
a window to prevent the weight of wall or roof from resting
on the window frame. |
| |
|
|
Hopper
A window unit in which the top of the sash swings inward. |
| |
|
|
Ice Dam
Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the thawing
and re-freezing of melted snow on the overhang. Can force water
up and under shingles, causing leaks. |
| |
|
|
Insulating Glass
A combination of two or more panes of glass with a hermetically
sealed air space between the panes of glass. This space may
or may not be filled with an inert gas, such as argon. |
| |
|
|
Jamb
The main vertical members forming the sides of a window or door
frame. |
| |
|
|
Lineal
Molding of various widths used to trim door and window openings
at the jambs. Also referred to as:box post, window and door
surround. |
| |
|
|
Lift
A handle or grip installed on the bottom rail of the lower sash
of a double-hung window to make it easier to raise or lower
the sash. |
| |
|
|
Light or Lite
Glazing framed by muntins and/or sash in a window or door. |
| |
|
|
Lintel
A horizontal member above a window or door opening that
supports the structure above. |
| |
|
|
Low-E Glass
A common term used to refer to glass which has low emissivity
due to a film or metallic coating on the glass or suspended
between the two lights of glass to restrict the passage of radiant
heat. |
| |
|
|
Masonry Opening
The space in a masonry wall left open for windows or door. |
| |
|
|
Mullion
A wood or metal part used to structurally join two window or
door units. |
| |
|
|
Muntin
Applies to any short or light bar, either vertical or horizontal,
used to separate glass in a sash into multiple lights. Also
called a windowpane divider or a grille. |
| |
|
|
Muntin Bar
Any small bar that divides a windows glass. Also called a grille
or windowpane divider. |
| |
|
|
Nail Hem
The top edge of a siding panel, where it is nailed to a wall. |
| |
|
|
Overhang
That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior
walls of a building. |
| |
|
|
Overlap
Area where two pieces of lap siding are overlapped. This dimension
is usually 1 1/4". |
| |
|
|
Panel Projection
The section of siding that projects from the wall. As a rule
of thumb, a larger panel projection creates a more pronounced
shadow line. |
| |
|
|
Picture
Non-venting or non-operable window. Also know as a fixed window. |
| |
|
|
Pitch
The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the
rise, in feet, to the span, in feet. |
| |
|
|
Profile
Side view of a siding or soffit panel. |
| |
|
|
Rake
Trim members that run parallel to the roof slope and form the
finish between the wall and a gable roof extension. |
| |
|
|
Rail
The top and bottom horizontal members of the framework of a
window sash. |
| |
|
|
Ridge
The uppermost, horizontal external angle formed by the
intersection of two sloping roof planes. |
| |
|
|
Rise
The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge. |
| |
|
|
Rough Opening
The framed opening in a wall into which a window or door unit
is to be installed. |
| |
|
|
R-Value
Resistance to thermal transfer or heat flow. Higher R-value
numbers indicate greater insulating value. |
| |
|
|
Pane
A framed sheet of glass within a window. |
| |
|
|
Sash
A single assembly of stiles and rails made into a frame for
holding glass. |
| |
|
|
Sash Lift
A protruding handle screwed to the inside bottom rail of the
lower sash on a double-hung window. |
| |
|
|
Seat Board
A flat board cut to fit the contour of a bow or bay window and
installed between the sills and the flat wall surface, providing
a seat or shelf space. |
| |
|
|
Shadow Line
The shadow pattern cast by a particular siding in the sunlight.
Shadow line is influenced by the style and panel projection
of the siding. |
| |
|
|
Shims
Wood wedges (often wood shingles) used to secure the window
or door unit in the rough or masonry opening in a square, level
and plumb position during and after installation. |
| |
|
|
Sidelites
Narrow fixed units mulled or joined to door units to give a
more open appearance. |
| |
|
|
Sill
The main horizontal member forming the bottom of the frame of
a window or door. |
| |
|
|
Simulated Divided Lite
A method of constructing windows in which muntins are affixed
to the inside and outside of a panel of insulating glass to
simulate the look of true divided light. |
| |
|
|
Single Glazing
Use of single panes of glass in a window. Not as energy-efficient
as double glazing. |
| |
|
|
Single-hung Window
A double-hung type of window in which the top sash is fixed
or inoperable. |
| |
|
|
Slider Window
Both sashes slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Only
one sash slides in a single-sliding window. Ventilation area
can vary from a small crack to an opening of one-half the total
glass area. Screens can be placed on the exterior or interior
of the window unit. |
| |
|
|
Slope
The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the
rise, in inches, to the run, in feet. |
| |
|
|
Soffit
Usually the underside of an overhang or eaves. |
| |
|
|
Stile
The main vertical members of the framework of a sash. |
| |
|
|
Strikeplate
Protects the jamb from the hardware latch on a door. Covers
the latch and deadbolt. |
| |
|
|
Square
Unit of measure for siding equal to 100 square feet (or a 10-foot
by 10-foot wall section). |
| |
|
|
Stool
An interior trim piece on a window which extends the sill and
acts as a narrow shelf. |
| |
|
|
Stop Molding
A molding used to hold, position or separate window parts. |
| |
|
|
Tempered Glass
Glass manufactured to withstand greater than normal forces on
its surface. When it breaks, it shatters into small pieces to
reduce hazard. Standard on all doors and large fixed windows. |
| |
|
|
Thermal Break
The addition of a thermal insulating material between two thermally
conductive materials. |
| |
|
|
Threshold
The bottom part of the door frame, i.e. the area you step on
when entering or exiting through the doorway. |
| |
|
|
Transom
A small window that fits over the top of a door or window, primarily
for additional light and aesthetic value. |
| |
|
|
True Divided Lite
A term which refers to windows in which multiple individual
panes of glass or lites are assembled in the sash using muntins. |
| |
|
|
Underlayment
Asphalt saturated felt used beneath roofing to provide additional
protection for the deck. |
| |
|
|
Valley
The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping
roof planes. |
| |
|
|
Vent
Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck
such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable
or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the
roof deck. |
| |
|
|
Vent Unit
A window or door unit that opens or operates. |
| |
|
|
Vertical Siding
Also referred to as "panel siding", this rectangular shaped
siding is typically manufactured in 4 x 8, 4 x 9 or 4 x 10 sizes.
Vertical siding is never overlapped. Solid vinyl soffit can
also be used as vertical siding. |
| |
|
|
Vinyl
A plastic material used for cladding or entire window units. |
| |
|
|
Weatherstripping
A material or device used to seal the openings, gaps or cracks
of venting window and door units to prevent water and air infiltration. |
