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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Palladian Window:   A large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on each side.

Pane:  One of the compartments of a door or window consisting of a single sheet of glass in a frame; also, a sheet of glass.

Panel:   A major component of a sliding glass door, consisting of a lite of glass in a frame installed within the main (or outer) frame of the door. A panel may be sliding or fixed.

Panning:   In replacement window work, the outside aluminum trim that can extend around the perimeter of the window opening; used to cover up the old window material. Panning can be installed in the opening before the window, or can be attached directly to the window before installation.

Parting Stop:  A narrow strip, either integral or applied, that holds a sash or panel in position in a frame.

Passive Solar Collector: Any glazed area in the walls or roof of a building pointed to the south to take maximum advantage of the sun's heat without a mechanical (or active) method of storage or distribution of the heat.

Patio Door:  A glass door that slides opens and closed on adjustable tandem rollers. Available in 2 or 3-lite configurations with the operable panel available in any position.

Picture Frame Casing: The use of casing on all four sides of the interior of a window, replacing the stool and apron at the sill. Also known as full-bound casing.

Picture Window:  A window that has no moveable sash.  Typically longer horizontally than vertically to provide a panoramic view.

Pitch:  The pitch of a roof is the degree of the inclination upward from horizontal or flat. It may be expressed in degrees or as the ratio of the number of inches it rises in each 12 inches of horizontal span: 4/12 means the roof rises four inches in every foot of horizontal span.

Pivot:  A mode of operation for ventilating windows which generally means the sash pivots on a central axis and turns 90 or more degrees.

Pivot Alignment System:  An exclusive hinge-type system used on hung windows. This system attaches the sash to the balance, creating perfect alignment between the sash and frame, while allowing the sash to tilt inward for cleaning.   

Pivot Window. A window with a sash that swings open or shut by revolving on pivots at either side of the sash or at top and bottom.

Plastic Film:  A thin plastic substrate, sometimes used as the inner layers in a triple- or quadruple-glazed window.

Plastics:  Artificial substances made of organic polymers that can be extruded or molded into various shapes including window frames and sashes.

Plate Glass:  A rolled, ground, and polished product with true flat parallel plane surfaces affording excellent vision. It has been replaced by float glass .

Polyvinylchloride (PVC):  An extruded or molded plastic material used for window framing and as a thermal barrier for aluminum windows. Also known as vinyl.

Pull Handle:  A handhold for sliding the sash back and forth. Handle implies that the handhold is not continuous across the sash.

Pull Rail:  A handhold for sliding the sash back and forth. Rail implies that the handhold is continuous across the sash.

Pull Stile:  A handhold for sliding the sash back and forth. Stile implies that the handhold is continuous across the sash.