Replacement Window Glossary

Argon – This is a gas that is forced into the space between the two panes in a double paned window. Its purpose is to increase the energy efficiency of the window. To read more on Argon.

Box Stores – This is the term used to describe large home improvement material vendors, such as Lowes, Home Depot and to some extent Sears. To read more on Box Stores.

Brand – This is the name a certain window is being sold under. Often a window sold under a brand, i.e. “Acme Window”, can be manufactured by a totally different company, or companies. To read more on Window Brands.

Capping – This is the process of finishing off the exterior portion of the newly installed window. To read more on Capping.

Condensation – This is the formation of moisture, and in cold climates, frost on the inside of a window. To read more on Condensation.

Contract – This is the agreement you will make with the company installing your new windows. It will define exactly what the company will do, price, service and warranty. To read more on Contracts.

Contractor License – For any type of home improvement work the company conducting it will need to have a form of license to perform the work. What type, varies from state to state. It is always a good idea to ask for a copy. To read more on a Contractor License.

Fibrex – Is a material made of co-polymers (epoxy) and wood by-products and is manufactured by Andersen and sold through their Renewal by Andersen stores. It is not vinyl, wood or fiberglass. To read more on Andersen Renewal.

Foam Filled Frame – This involves filling the cavity in the frame of a vinyl replacement window with insulating foam. It is generally accepted in the industry that this is not necessary and will not increase the energy efficiency of the window. However there continues to be some debate on the increase in frame rigidity this may cause. To read more on Foam Filled Frames.

Heat Lamp – Is a device a sales man will use to demonstrate the ability of a window to stop heat transfer. A thermometer will be placed on one side of the window, and then the heat lamp will be applied to the other. To read more on Heat Lamp.

Heat Mirror - It is a coated film suspended between the two panes of glass in an insulated unit. It is not the same as low-emissivity costing used widely in the industry today. To read more on Heat Mirror.

Installation – The process of removing the old windows and fitting in the new ones. To read more on Window Installation.

Krypton – Is a gas that is forced in between the panes in a double paned window, it is an alternative to Argon, but is a bit more expensive. To read more on Krypton.

Low E – This designates low emissivity glass which means the pane of glass has had a film applied that will block long wave infra red energy, but allow short wave to enter. To read more on Low E.

R Value – This measures a materials resistance to the ability of heat to flow through it. A high number here is superior. To read more on R Value.

Spacer – This is a very important part of a double or triple pane window. It is the material that separates, but also binds together the panes of glass. To read more on Spacers.

Spiral Balance – There are several ways to help the top half of a double hund window stay up, and make it easier to open and close. Old windows use a lead weight on a rope held inside a pocket cavity in the wall. A spiral balance uses a metal rod that that has spiral groves in it that works against a gear on the sash; sort of like a bolt and not. To read more on Spiral Balance.

Triple Pane – This is a window that is constructed with three panes of glass. Old windows have a single pane, more modern windows have two panes and now you can have a window with three panes of glass improving energy efficiency. To read more on Triple Pane Windows.

U Rating – Is the amount of heat a certain material will allow to be transferred through it. All windows will have this rating. To read more on U Rating.

Wrapping – This is the process of blending the new window into the exterior wall of the home. It involves roll form aluminum stock and bending it to form of the window. To read more on Wrapping.