Replacement Windows, Vinyl Padio Doors & Vinyl Siding    

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Cam Lock and Keeper:  The mechanisms which pull the sashes together when placed in the locked position.  These together are used to secure the windows in a locked position.

Capillary Tubes:  A small tube inserted in the spacer system of double or triple pane window panes when transporting newly manufactured windows up into a high altitude (3000 feet or higher) during shipping or between installation locations. They help move trapped, expanding air caused by the altitude lift that otherwise might pop or weaken the window seals. The tube is removed upon installation.

Capping:  The application and process of bending custom painted or vinyl coated aluminum to fit around the outside sills and casing.

Casement Window:  A window with a side-hinged sash that opens outward for ventilation.  Casement-style windows are typically more energy efficient than other operating windows.   In-swinging casements originate in France and out-swinging casements originate in England.

Casing: Inside casing is a flat, decorative molding that covers the inside edge of the jambs and the rough openings between the window unit and the wall. Outside casing (or brick mold) serves the same purpose, while it also is an installation device through which nails are driven to install the window unit into the wall.

Caulking: 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.

Center of Glass U- and R-values:  The U- and R-values measured from the center of the glass to 2-1/2" from the frame.

CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute.

Check Rail:  The horizontal sections of a sliding glass door, a sliding window, or a vertical operating window where the two sashes meet and create a weather barrier when the sash are closed.   Also known as the meet bar or meeting rail.

Circle Head:  A generic term referring to any of a variety of window units with one or more curved frame members, often used over another window or door opening.

Clad Windows:  Windows with exterior wood parts covered with extruded aluminum, other metal, or vinyl with a factory-applied finish to deter the elements.

Clerestory:  A window near the top of an outside wall that admits light to the center of the room.

Colonial:  An architectural style associated with an early American period; Early American style c. 1730.

Colonial Windows:  Windows with small rectangular panes, or divided lites.

Composite Frame:  A frame consisting of two or more materials, for example, an interior wood element with an exterior fiberglass element.

Condensation Resistance Factor:  A measure of how effective a window or glazing system is at reducing condensation. The higher the condensation resistance factor, the more efficient the window and glazing system.

Conduction:  Energy transfer from one material to another by direct contact.  Heat flows from a higher-temperature area to a lower-temperature area.

Condensation:   The deposit of water vapor from the air on any cold surface whose temperature is below the dew point, such as a cold window glass or frame that is exposed to humid indoor air.  Especially occurring during the winter months when the inside is warm and the outside is cold.

Convection:  Heat transfer by currents that flow from a warm surface to a colder one.  Convection affects heat transfer from the glass surface to room air, and between two panes of glass.

Cottage:  A window in which the upper sash is shorter than the lower sash.

Coved Exterior:  An arced extension from the frame that adds an aesthetically-pleasing dimension to the exterior of the window.

Cripples: The short 2" x 4" members used to frame under the sill or above the header in a rough opening for a window in a frame wall.

Curb:  A watertight wall or frame used to raise slope glazing above the surface of the roof as a preventive measure against water leakage from melting snow or rain run-off.