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A

ACCREDITATIONS

Industry quality standards achieved by the window or door system.

ADD - ON

Profile that extends frame.

ALUMINIUM REINFORCING

Alternative to steel. Negligible corrosion (it is non ferritic), lighter but one third the strength of steel.

ANCILLARY PROFILE

Not a main frame profile example: cill, coupling.

ANTI-SHIFT BLOCK

An injection moulded plastic part that clips into the rebate of the frame and acts against the action of the locking mechanism.

APPROVED DOCUMENTS

Standards laid down by the Government that must be met within the building construction industry.

ARCHED WINDOW

Arched shape window with curved semi-circular head frame.

ARCHITRAVE PROFILE

Finishing trim normally around frame perimeter.

ARGON GAS

Gas that is used in sealed glass units to improve the thermal resistance, argon is a better insulator than air.

AUSTENITIC

Low ferritic grade stainless steel that has high corrosion resistance.

AUSTENITIC HINGES

Low ferritic grade stainless steel hinges that have high corrosion resistance.

B

B.B.A.

British Board of Agrement – organisation that assesses and certifies products and manufacturing of said products.

B.F.R.C.

British Fenestration Rating Council – body that accredits window thermal performance – refer WERs.

BACK PLATE

The drive plate that is situated behind the face plate of a window or door lock.

BACK STAY

Refers to tilt-turn hardware: gearing rod on the hinged side of the sash.

BACKSET

The datum measurement from the spindle centre of a lock to the underside of the face plate.

BAY ADAPTOR

Profile that links bay pole to window frame.

BAY COVER

Profile (tube) that covers bay pole.

BAY POLE

Round steel or aluminium pole that inserts (reinforces) in bay cover.

BAY POST

Square steel or aluminium pole that inserts (reinforces) corner post.

BAY POST COVER

Square profile that covers bay post.

BAY SADDLE

Also known as bay adaptor – ref bay post cover.

BAY TRIM

PVC-U finishing trim that covers bay pole assembly.

BAY WINDOW

Angled segmented window that projects from the façade of the building, made from 3 or more coupled frames.

BEAD GROOVE

Detail that glazing bead clips into.

BEAD SUPPORT BLOCK

The block used to support the bead during cutting.

BI - FOLDING SLIDING DOOR

Door system where the door leaves concertina or stack to form an opening. From 2 leaves to 7 leaves.

BOTTOM RAIL

Bottom horizontal member of an opener.

BOTTOM STAY

Refers to tilt-turn hardware: gearing rod on the bottom handle side of the sash.

BOW WINDOW

Curved window that projects from the façade of the building, normally multi-faceted.

BOX SASH ADAPTOR

Profile that attaches to a window outer frame to accept finishing trims. Normally closes a cavity left by the removal of a vertical sash window.

BPF

British Plastic Federation – trade association for the UK plastics industry.

BRICK TIE

A wire or moulded component that retains a cavity closer between the brick courses.

BRUSH SEAL

AKA woolpile seal. Used in situations where the interface frame slides. Typically patio door sashes.

BS

British Standard – see Kitemark.

BS 6262

British Standard: code of practice for glazing for buildings.

BS 6375

British Standard for performance of windows and doors. Includes Part 1: Classification for weathertightness and guidance on selection and specification & Part 2: performance of windows. Specification for operation and strength characteristics.

BS 6399

British Standard for loading for buildings. Includes Part 1: Code of practice for dead and imposed loads, Part 2: Code of practice for wind loads & Part 3: code of practice for imposed roof loads

BS 7412

British Standard (Kitemark) for PVC-U white windows.

BS 8213

British Standard for windows, doors and rooflights. Includes Part 1: Design for safety in use and during cleaning of windows & Part 4: Code of practice for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets.

BS EN 12608

British Standard (Kitemark) for PVC-U white window and door profiles.

BS EN ISO 14001

Environmental management system.

BS EN ISO 18001

Health & Safety management system.

BS EN ISO 9001

Quality management system.

BSI

British standards institute – government authority that sets manufacturing standards for industry.

BSI REGISTERED FIRM SCHEME

Scheme to a standard (e.g. BSI EN ISO 9000:2000), that continually surveys and assesses the design, development, manufacture and supply of products.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Standards laid down by the Government that must be met within the building construction industry.

BUMP STOP

Fitted to patio doors to cushion the opening motion of the sliding sash when it is fully open.

BUMPING

Method of breaking in to a door lock cylinder.

BUTT - HINGE

Normally a door hinge that seats on the edge of the door leaf.

BUTT - WELD

Where two frame members are joined together in line.

C

CALCIUM ZINC ORGANIC

Refers to the impact stabilizer in PVC-U. Czo offers an alternative to lead which was outlawed in 2010.

CASEMENT (1)

The main opening part of the window that is supported by hinges/slides/or balances.

CASEMENT (2)

Side hung opener.

CASEMENT WINDOW

Window where the sashes open out.

CAULK, CAULKING

Seal/sealing the window frame by closing the gap around the frame with a flexible sealant (see sealant).

CAULKING GUN

AKA sealant gun: the tool that holds the sealant for its application.

CAVITY CLOSER

A subframe used in new build that provides a building template for windows and also closes the cavity between inner and outer blockwork – brickwork leaves

CD70

Composite door system with 70mm outer frame.

CHAMBER

The hollow portion of the frame profile created by webs.

CHAMFERED

Refers to the chamfered detail on the main profiles: QC, Optima

CILL (EXTERNAL)

Angled profile that projects externally from the window at its base, that deflects rain.

CILL (INTERNAL)

Profile that covers/finishes the bottom reveal area behind the window (normally forms a shelf).

CILL BLOCK

Block placed in the cill to transfer the load through the cill on Load-bearing bays/conservatories.

CILL FRAME

Bottom horizontal member of the outer frame.

CILL JOINTER

An injection-moulded plastic part that enables cills to be mechanically joined – available as both inline and angled.

CO - EXTRUDED BEAD

Glazing bead with gasket preformed during the extrusion process.

COCKSPUR HANDLE

Simple window handle with spur that closes against a striker on the frame.

COMPOSITE DOOR

Residential door with the leaf made from a sandwich of inner and outer (metal/grp/pvcu/polycarbonate) skins.

COMPOSITE DOOR FRAME

Outer frame that houses the composite door leaf.

CONCEALED TBT

Refers to tilt-turn hardware where the hinges are concealed.

CONTOUR BLOCK

The block used to support the profile when welding – restricting the weld sprue.

CORNER CLEANER CUTTER

Series of cutters within a block shaped to suit the profile design, used in a corner cleaner.

CORNER CLEANING

Process of cleaning the weld sprue from the corner of a frame.

CORNER CLEAT

Normally a 90 degree shaped component that joins two frame members at 90 degrees, forming a frame.

COTTAGE WINDOW

AKA swept head window refer to swept head.

COUPLING MULLION

An intermediate frame member that couples two frames together vertically.

COUPLING TRANSOM

An intermediate frame member that couples two frames together horizontally.

COVER

The amount of overlap that is provided by a window sash or door leaf when it is closed onto the interfacing frame.

COVER TRIM

Closure profile that is used in the back of the patio door sash profile to close the recess.

CR6 FREE

Chrome 6 free coating (Cadmium free). Normally silver in finish not yellow passivated.

CURTAIN WALL

A large structural frame system that houses window or door frames to create a façade.

CUTTING

Method of cutting is normally sawing.

D

DEADBOLT

A projection operated normally operated by a key that locks solid and locates in a keep.

DEDUCTIONS

The calculations required to provide window manufacturing sizes.

DOCUMENT B

Refer Building Regulations: Windows – Fire safety and means of escape.

DOCUMENT E

Refer Building Regulations: Windows – Sound performance.

DOCUMENT F

Refer Building Regulations: Windows – Ventilation.

DOCUMENT K

Refer Building Regulations: Windows and Doors – Protection from collision with open windows and impact from trapping by doors

DOCUMENT L

Refer Building Regulations: Windows : Thermal performance (document J Scotland).

DOCUMENT M

Refer Building Regulations: Access to and use of buildings.

DOCUMENT N

Refer Building Regulations: windows: safe opening and closing/safe access for cleaning/use of safety glass.

DOCUMENT Q

Refer Building Regulations: Security

DOGBOLT

A projection normally on the hinge stile of a door that projects into the jamb.

DON CARLOS KNIFE

Curve blade knife like sharp tool used for weld sprue removal creating a knifed seam along the weld joint.

DOOR CLOSER

Device that automatically closers an open door.

DOOR LEAF

The opening part of the door – normally hinged.

DOOR SASH

The inner or opening frame part of a door.

DORMER WINDOW

A window that elevates from the roof line of a building. Normally self-contained.

DOUBLE RESIDENTIAL DOOR

Double residential door with the PVC-U leaf.

DPC

Damp-proof course – moisture membrane to prevent water ingress.

DRAINAGE

Allowance for rain ingress to externally escape out of the window.

DRAINAGE COVER

Plastic moulded part that covers drainage slot.

DRAINAGE GROOVE

Detail designed into the profile to aid the escape of water.

DRAINAGE SLOT

An elongated hole, placed to allow the escape of rainwater.

DRIP BAR

Profile that attaches to a frame or sash to create a run off for rain water. See weather bar, head drip.

DRIP BAR NIPPLES

Profiled screws that fasten the drip bar to the window or door frame.

DUMMY MULLION

A vertical bar that divides the face of the casement sash.

DUMMY SASH

A sash frame that is fixed within a rebate, normally to even the aesthetic balance of the window.

DUMMY TRANSOM

A horizontal bar that divides the face of the casement sash.

DWARF WALL

A low wall, typically of 800-900mm high, that normally supports the facades of a conservatory.

E

E.P.D.M.

Ethylene polymer diene monomer – rubber gasket material.

EASY CLEAN HINGE

This component allows the window sash to be slid into a position where the outer glass surface can be cleaned – see egress hinge.

EDWARDIAN CONSERVATORY

Square shape conservatory with an angled gable.

EGRESS HINGE

A window hinge (friction stay, designed to open to 80-90 degrees to allow escape in the event of a fire.

END CAP

Moulded cap that fits into the cut end of a profile to close and tidy it up, eg: cill end cap, drip bar end cap.

END CLEAT

Bracket that fits into the cut end of a horizontal profile that attaches it to a vertical profile to form a frame.

END MILLING CUTTERS

Series of cutters within a block shaped to suit the profile design, used in an end miller.

ESCUTCHEON

A cover plate, that normally tidies up or closes an aperture.

ESPAGNOLETTE

Window locking system that either uses rollers or fixed mushroom bolts.

EURO CYLINDER

Keyhole shaped profile cylinder that inserts into the door lock.

EUROGROOVE

Detail on window sash or door leaf profile that houses the lock.

EXPANSION LINK COUPLER

Refer also coupling mullion – coupling joint between two frames allows for expansion.

EXTERNAL WALL

Outer wall of the building.

EXTERNAL WALL (PROFILE)

Outer wall of the frame profile.

EXTERNALLY GLAZED

Refers to the method of glazing – external is glazed from the outside.

F

FACE FIXED TBT

Refers to tilt-turn hardware where the hinges are face fixed.

FERRITIC

Stainless Steel Grade with a high content of iron.

FINGERBOLT

Manual device for locking the slave sash of a set of French doors.

FINIAL

Decorative lineal feature that gives strength to the main central spar of a Victorian conservatory.

FINISHERS

Cover profile used to trim up/finish off after installation.

FIXED ANGLE BAY ASSEMBLY

Refer also bays – fixed angle bays provide a solution for 135 and 150 degree fixed bays.

FIXED BAY POST

Post that connects the windows in a bay configuration – fixed to 135 or 150 degrees.

FIXED JAMB

The vertical outer frame member of a patio door situated on the fixed panel side.

FIXED MEETING STILE

The vertical sash member of a patio door situated on the fixed panel side.

FIXING CLEAT

A metal bracket that clips into the back of a window/door frame to retain the frame within the reveal – alternative to fixing through the frame.

FLAG HINGE

Door hinge where the part that connects the leaf laps across the hinge jamb (shaped like a flag).

FLATNESS

Refers to the convexity or concavity of the surface of a profile.

FLOAT GLASS

Standard glass sheet – manufactured by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin.

FLOATING MULLION

The vertical overlap profile that connects two door leafs in a French or double door set.

FLOATING MULLION END CAP

Plastic injection-moulded end cap that closes, seals, and tidies the end of the floating mullion profile.

FLUSH CASEMENT

Window where the sashes open out and the sashes are flush on the external face.

FLUSH FRENCH CASEMENT

Double window where the sashes open out and the sashes are flush on the external face – used where the window size does not allow for fire egress.

FLUSH tilt-turn WINDOW

Window where the sashes open in and the sashes are flush on the external face. These also have a tilt mode for ventilation. These are usually Tilt Before Turn.

FRAME REBATE

The recess in a frame that houses the glass or sash.

FRENCH CASEMENT WINDOW

Double window where the sashes open out – used where the window size does not allow for fire egress.

FRENCH DOOR

Double residential door with the PVC-U leaf – sometimes refers to use of slimline door sash.

FRICTION HINGE

This component allows the window sash to be opened at fixed positions up to angles of 90 degrees AKA friction stay, window hinge.

FRICTION STAY

This component allows the window sash to be opened at fixed positions up to angles of 90 degrees AKA friction hinge, window hinge.

FRW

See Fully Reversible window.

FULLY REVERSIBLE WINDOW

A window where the sash fully reverses through 175 degrees, allowing the external pane of glass to be cleaned from the inside of the building

G

G.R.P.

Glass reinforced plastic (fibre glass).

GASKET

A rubber seal that fills the gap between the frame and the glass and the opening sash and outer frame.

GASKET GROOVE

A detail within the profile that the gasket fits into longitudinally.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

A drawing or diagram showing the general assembly or G.A. of the cross sectional detail of the window/door.

GEORGIAN BAR

Bars that are attached either internally or externally to the glass to give the appearance of a Georgian style window.

GEORGIAN GRID

A template that is used to plan the spacing of Georgian bars to create a Georgian effect window.

GGF

Glass and glazing federation – trade association for glass suppliers, manufacturers and fitters.

GLASS DEDUCTION

AKA glass sizes or calculations – refer to deduction: calculation to determine glass sizes.

GLASS PACKING

Method of supporting the glass unit within the frame to enable correct functioning of the window or door.

GLASS SEALED UNIT

AKA sealed unit /insulated sealed unit: glass panel comprising of two or three plies of glass supplied in various thicknesses.

GLAZING BEAD

AKA bead, the glazing bead is an extruded component that retains the glass.

GLAZING BRIDGE

A primary shim or packer that is inserted into the rebate of the window frame that supports the glass and allows drainage.

GLAZING CASSETTE

Refers to the glazing method of glass retention within a composite door leaf.

GLAZING CLIP

A security device that is used to retain the glass on externally glazed windows.

GLAZING PACKER

AKA packer. Offered in a range of thicknesses. The glazing packer is a secondary shim that is inserted between the glazing bridge and glass.

GLAZING PADDLE

A tool that is used to lever up the glass to allow insertion of glazing packers.

GLAZING REBATE

The recess in a frame that houses the glass.

GROOVING

AKA shadow grooving: the 0.4mm to 0.7mm feature groove that is left when the welded joints are cleaned.

H

HANDING

Refers to the side of a window or door that is hinged, eg: left hand handed: is hinged on the left hand side viewed from the outside.

HARD COAT

Thermal coating applied to the glass to improve the heat loss – not as good as soft coat but more user-friendly.

HARDWARE

Generally components that are not extruded, but are three-dimensional metal or plastic components. Eg: handles/hinges/locks/fasteners/packers.

HDGS

Hot dipped galvanised steel: base material used for the steel reinforcing in windows.

HEAD - JAMB PROFILE

Infill profile that clips into the head and jamb frames of patio doors.

HEAD DRIP

HEAD DRIP

HEAD FRAME

Top horizontal member of the outer frame.

HEAVY DUTY REINFORCEMENT

Thick wall reinforcement (usually steel) designed to give good wind and dead load performance.

HERITAGE HORN

The shaped or featured end of vertical sash members that give character to a vertical sliding sash window. Replicated on modern PVC-U windows.

HOLD OPEN ARM

Device that restricts the opening of a door sash to 90 degrees – also acts to keep the door open by way of friction.

HOOK LOCK

Door lock with hook shaped bolts – refers to patio door lock and residential door locks.

HORIZONTAL PIVOT WINDOW GEARING

Hinges and lock hardware for horizontal pivot window.

HOT MELT

Type of sealant, glue or adhesive that is used in many processes in the window industry. Application of heat turns from solid to liquid state.

I

IGU

Insulated glass unit: refer glass sealed unit.

IN FRONT SLIDING

Complex sliding action of patio door sash where the sash projects out and slides parallel to the door frame. Rarely used in the UK refer also tilt and slide.

IN LINE SLIDING

Conventional sliding operation of patio doors.

INTERLOCK (1)

2-part wedge system designed to pull the window in between the hinges.

INTERLOCK (2)

Section (normally aluminium) that fits to the fixed and sliding panel of a patio door to provide a seal and security.

INTERNALLY GLAZED

Refers to the orientation of the window beads. Internally glazed is when the bead is on the internal side of the window.

Ixx VALUE

Inertia value of a shape – denoting its strength in an axial plane.

J

JAMB

Vertical side members of the outer frame.

JIG

Template tool for positioning fixing holes: essential for window door production.

K

K GLASS

Pilkington hard coat low emissivity glass – also general term for low emissivity glass.

KEEP

Hardware component that is used in relationship to the lock – retains the bolts/rollers or mushrooms AKA striker.

KITEMARK

Official mark indicating approval by the British Standards Institution; more generally, any mark of quality assurance.

KNIFED JOINT

The feature seam that is left when the welded joints are cleaned: standard specification on foiled windows.

L

LAMINATED GLASS

Glass containing a plastic membrane to give it strength and security.

LATCH

A projection that automatically engages when a door is shut.

LEAF

The inner or opening part of a door.

LEAN TO CONSERVATORY

Normally square or rectangular in plan view. Angled flat roof that leans against a main wall of an adjoining building.

LETTER PLATE

Hardware furniture component used on doors.

LEVER LEVER HANDLE

Door handle typically used on back doors. The lever is on the outside as well as the inside and allows the door to be opened from the outside.

LEVER PAD HANDLE

Door handle typically used on front doors. The pad is on the outside and allows the door to be dead locked on the mortice.

LOCK

Hardware component used to secure the opening parts of windows and doors – see also: espagnolette/cockspur/shootbolt.

LOCK CASE

Main (central) part of door lock that houses the gears/cam followers, driver and profile cylinder.

LOCK CASE DEPTH

The height of the lock case body from the underside surface of the face plate.

LOW E

Refers to insulated sealed glass units (IGU). Low emissivity is a property of low ‘E’ glass where heat loss is minimized.

LOW E GLASS

Refers to insulated sealed glass units (IGU). Low emissivity is a property of low ‘E’ glass where heat loss is minimized.

LOW EMISSIVITY

Refers to insulated sealed glass units (IGU). Low emissivity is a property of low ‘E’ glass where heat loss is minimized.

LOW IRON

Special glass to improve heat loss.

LOW THRESHOLD

Bar positioned at the base of the door frame that sits between the vertical jambs. Usually a maximum of 15mm step height.

M

MAIN PROFILES

Refers to the framing profiles used in window and door construction – not beads.

MASTER KEYED

Ensures that one master key can be used to open locks as well as the standard key – usually in sheltered accommodation etc.

MECHANICAL JOINT

A frame joint that is not welded but screwed together (normally requires a tie bar).

MEDIUM THRESHOLD

As low threshold, but 23mm step height.

MIDRAIL

Horizontal frame member – normally used in doors – carries letter plate when specified AKA waist rail.

MINIMUM - MAXIMUM SIZES

The dimensions referred to on manufacturing size limits of frames.

MINIMUM LIFE CYCLE

The term used in sustainability where the usability of a recycled product can be repeated over a period of time.

MULLION

Vertical frame member – providing segments for sashes or fixed lights.

N

O

ONE PIECE KEEP

Refers to a door lock component – all the keep pockets and strikers are on one rail, as opposed to individual items.

OPTIMA

Generic name for products made using either QC or QC profiles

OPTIMA CHAMFERED

Optima chamfered 70mm system – 70mm outer frames with 70mm sashes.

OPTIMA SCULPTURED

Optima sculptured 70mm system – 70mm outer frames with 70mm sashes.

OUTER FRAME

Main external perimeter frame of a window or door.

OVER FRAME VENT PROFILE

Profile that fits within the vertical frame members of the cavity closer at the head. Facilitates a night ventilator.

OVERLAP

See cover – the amount of overlap that is provided by a window sash or door leaf when it is closed onto the interfacing frame.

OVOLO

Traditional decorative shape used window frame design – convex bulbous shape – typically bead.

P

P.C.E. (2)

Poly co elastomer – type of material used for co-extruded gaskets.

P.C.W

Post-consumer waste: recycled PVC-U from a secondary source.

PACKING SHIM

Packer that is inserted in the gap between the window, door frame and the opening (or reveal).

PANIC BAR

Quick release locking system normally used on fire doors.

PAS

Product assessment scheme. See PAS 23 & PAS 24.

PAS24

British standard (Kitemark) for security performance specification of PVC-U doors.

PATIO DOOR

Horizontal sliding door system: comprises 2/3/4 panels. Also in tilt and slide and in – front sliding configurations.

PATIOMASTER

In-line sliding door system – manufactured by franchise dealers through the UK and Eire.

PD86

In-line sliding door system – see PatioMaster.

PIVOT HINGE

Die cast hinge usually round in shape: typical suppliers are Caldwell/Sobinco or Mila.

PIVOT WINDOW

Refer horizontal pivot window.

POLY CARBONATE SHEET

Used mainly in conservatory roofs, clear translucent lightweight webbed panel offered in various thicknesses from 16mm.

POLY TOP NAIL

Nail or pin for fixing PVC-U cladding or trims. Has a PVC-U head.

PORTAL FRAME

A steel skeletal structure constructed to retain facades and roofing panels. Recommended in conservatory construction of 35m² or more.

PRESSURE EQUALISATION

Method of relieving air pressure within a frame system to allow rainwater to drain away. Usually required in areas susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

PRESSURE PLATE

Refers to curtain walling system: aluminium extruded section that retains the window frame.

PROFILE

Name for PVC-U extrusion that is used in window frame manufacture.

PROFILE 22

UK window systems company – name developed from a window system that could make 22 different styles of window.

PROFILE CYLINDER

Key cylinder used in door locks.

PROFILE CYLINDER (DEPTH) SIZE

Measurement from the face of the cylinder to the centre of the cam to the face of the cylinder e.g. typically 50/50 (Optima)

PROFILE DEPTH

Dimension denoting depth of the window typically 60mm or 70mm.

PROFILE SUPPORT BLOCK

The block used to support the profile during cutting.

PROFILE WIDTH

Dimension denoting width of the window. Typically 52mm, 59mm, 67mm or 80mm for outer frame profiles.

PUTTY LINE

Traditional bevelled shape used window frame design – flat – typically bead shape.

PVC-U

Unplasticised poly vinyl chloride:rigid plastics material derived from chlorine gas.

Q

Q - LON

Heavy duty, high-performance weather seal with a foam core wrapped in a plastic coating.

QC

Optima chamfered 70mm system – 70mm outer frames with 70mm sashes.

QS

Optima sculptured 70mm system – 70mm outer frames with 70mm sashes.

QUADRANT

Refers to a shaped moulding or trim that is applied to the perimeter of a window frame to finish off the installation.

QUALITY ACCREDITATION

Standard that is set by and authorised body (BSI, BBA, etc). Periodically monitored and policed by that body.

R

RBW

Reverse butt weld – the process by which an internally beaded window is manufactured where a frame profile is cut and one half is reversed through 180 degrees to orientate the frame rebate so the bead is always on the inside.

RCM

Recycled composite material

RCM REINFORCEMENT

Alternative to steel or aluminium. Zero corrosion (it is plastic), lighter.

REBATE

The recess in a frame that houses the glass or sash.

REINFORCEMENT CHAMBER

Main chamber usually central to house reinforcement.

REINFORCING

Steel, aluminium or RCM sections/profiles that are inserted in to frame profiles to provide strength and improved hardware anchorage.

RESIDENTIAL DOOR

Single residential door with the PVC-U leaf.

RESTRICTOR

Safety device restricting its opening to a maximum of 100mm.

RESTRICTOR HINGE (STAY)

Friction stay with an in-built safety device restricting its opening to a maximum of 100mm.

REVEAL

AKA window reveal or window aperture: the recess in which a window is fitted.

REVERSE BUTT WELD

The process by which an internally beaded window is manufactured where a frame profile is cut and one half is reversed through 180 Degrees to orientate the frame rebate so the bead is always on the inside.

ROLLER CAMS

Round components situated on the face plate of a window or door lock. Provide locking and sealing of the window sash or door leaf.

ROLLER KEEP

Refers to tilt-turn hardware: keep that houses the driver cams, scissor stay cams, back stay cams and bottom stay cams.

ROUTING

The process by which drain slots, and housings for hardware are produced in window and door frames. Usually a 5mm diameter cutter rotating at high speed.

RUN UP BLOCK

An injection moulded plastic part that clips into the rebate of the frame that acts as a skid assisting the sash to close.

S

SASH

The inner or opening frame part of a window.

SASH REBATE

The recess in a sash that houses the glass.

SASH WINDOW

Traditional style window where the sashes slide open operated by balance weights or special spiral balances (normally used in modern PVC-U vs windows). AKA vertical, vertical sliding sash window.

SCISSOR STAY

Refers to tilt-turn hardware: rod situated at the top of the sash that provides tilt mode.

SCOTIA

Traditional decorative shape used window frame design – concave ‘S’ curve – typically bead shape.

SCULPTURED

Refers to the curved detail on the main profiles: QS, Optima

SEALANT

AKA caulk. A flexible material (silicone or mastic) that is applied between the frame and the reveal to close the gap left by installation.

SEALANT GUN

The tool that holds the sealant for its application.

SECURED BY DESIGN

An organisation created by the Association of police Officers (ACPO) to set standards of security within the construction industry.

SECURI - CLIP

A security device that is used to retain the glass on externally glazed windows.

SECURITY HINGE (STAY)

High security friction stay.

SHADOW GROOVE

The decorative groove normally 0.7mm deep that is left when the sprue is cleaned from the welded mitre joint of the window frame.

SHOOTBOLT

Part of a lock that moves in a linear motion that is retained within a keep.

SK200

Curtain wall system – a large structural frame system that houses window or door frames to create a façade.

SLIDING SASH

Opening part of a patio door, horizontal or vertical sliding window.

SLOT VENTILATOR

Ventilator that fits in a frame member or add-on frame profile over a window – AKA trim vent, trickle vent.

SOFT COAT

Thermal coating applied to the glass to improve the heat loss – better that hard coat but not as user friendly.

SPACER BAR

Refers to the bar (metal or otherwise) that spaces the two or three panes of glass in a double or triple glaze unit.

SPAN

The frame size in which a reinforcing physically spans.

SPILKA TOP SWING GEAR

Refers to hardware for fully reversible windows designed and manufactured by Spilka.

SPINDLE

Shaft that connects the handle that drives the lock normally 7mm square for windows and 8mm for door locks.

SPLAY BAY ASSEMBLY

Refer also bays – splay angle bays provide a solution for variable angle bays.

SPLAY BAY KIT

Load-bearing bay (inc. Jack) system, for supporting roof structures above splay bay windows.

SPLAY BAY POST

Post that connects the windows in a bay configuration – can be angled as required.

SQUARE BAY ASSEMBLY

Refer also bays – square bays provide a solution for 90 degree angle bays.

SQUARE BAY KIT

Load-bearing bay system for supporting roof structures above square bay windows.

SQUARE BAY POST

Corner post that connects the front and side windows in a bay configuration.

STAINLESS STEEL

A ferritic or austenitic steel that has high resistance to oxidisation (rusting). Austenitic has better resistance than ferritic.

STAY HINGE

Refers to tilt-turn hardware: the stay hinge connects to the scissor stay at the top hinge side of the sash.

STAYMATE

High-security device that is fitted adjacent to the standard friction hinge to attain high security.

STEEL REINFORCEMENT

Steel inserted in to frame profiles to provide strength and improved hardware anchorage.

STILE

Vertical side members of an opener.

STRIKER

Hardware component that is used in relationship to the lock – retains the bolts/rollers or mushrooms AKA keep.

SURFACE REPAIR KIT

Box containing waxes and a gas iron for repairing surface scratches on PVC-U window frames.

SUSTAINABILITY

Efficient use of resources – human, natural or energy.

SWEPT HEAD WINDOW

AKA Tudor arch or cottage style window. A feature is created in the inset of the window by adding curved inserts.

SWITCH BARRIER

Refers to tilt-turn hardware: the switch barrier stops the window tilting in hinge mode.

T

T.P.E.

Thermo poly elastomer. Material type or group that is used in the production of co-extruded gaskets or seals. See also Bubblex.

THRESHOLD

Horizontal frame member or bar that forms the base of a door frame.

THRESHOLD TRIM

Aluminium trim shaped to suit the various outer frames – designed to protect the threshold from damage.

THUMBTURN

Key cylinder used in door locks with a manual over ride device on the inside.

TIE BAR

A screw ported section that is inserted into the reinforcing chamber of a mullion or transom that is used for connecting the mullion or transom within a frame.

TILT AND SLIDE PATIO DOOR

Patio door with sophisticated tilt and sliding action where the opening sash tilts and slides internally.

TILT AND TURN WINDOW

Window of German origins that tilts inwards and also hinges inwards. T & T hinges open on its first mode, then tilts on its second mode. For health and safety reasons no longer popular in the UK.

TILT BEFORE TURN WINDOW

Window of German origins that tilts inwards and also hinges inwards. T B T tilts open on its first mode, then hinges on its second mode. Popular in the UK.

TILT-TURN WINDOW

Window where the sashes open in and also have a tilt mode for ventilation. These are usually Tilt Before Turn.

TOEING AND HEELING

Practice used when correctly packing glass when glazing doors leaves and side hung window sashes.

TOP RAIL

Top horizontal member of an opener.

TOP SWING WINDOW

See fully reversible window.

TOUGHENED GLASS

Glass that is hardened by the application of heat. AKA safety glass.

TRANSOM

Horizontal frame member – providing segments for sashes or fixed lights.

TRICKLE VENT

Ventilator that fits in a frame member or add – on frame profile over a window – AKA trim vent, slot ventilator.

TUDOR ARCH

See swept head window.

U

U Value

This is the Thermal Transmittance value through the whole window.

UV STABLE

Refers to the robustness of the PVC-U materials resistance to discolouration by ultraviolet radiation.

V

VENT

Top hung opener.

VERTICAL SLIDER

Traditional style window where the sashes slide open operated by balance weights or special spiral balances (normally used in modern PVC-U vs windows). AKA vertical sliding sash window, sash window.

VERTICAL SLIDING SASH WINDOW

Traditional style window where the sashes slide open operated by balance weights or special spiral balances (normally used in modern PVC-U vs windows). AKA vertical slider, sash window.

VICTORIAN ARCHED HEAD

Refer to swept head window.

VICTORIAN CONSERVATORY

Traditional bay or angular multi-faceted conservatory with central spar carrying a finial.

W

W.E.R.

Window energy ratings: refer also ‘U’ value. Classed by ‘A+’ – ‘A’ – ‘B’ – ‘C’, ‘A+’ is the most efficient, ‘C’ is the least efficient and is the minimum requirement for Building Regulations. Windows can now be classified with an energy rating.

WAIST RAIL

Horizontal frame member – normally used in doors – carries letterplate when specified AKA midrail.

WARM EDGE

Special spacer bar to improve heat loss.

WEATHER BAR

Profile that attaches to a sash to create a run off for rain water. Normally fits to the base of a door leaf or tilt-turn sash see drip bar.

WEATHER SEAL

A rubber seal that fills the gap between the opening sash and outer frame.

WELDING

Process of joining two profiles together using hot fusion.

WELDING BLOCK

The block used to support the profile when welding – restricting the weld sprue.

WELDING SUPPORT BLOCK

The block used to support the profile when welding – prevents the profile from sinking.

WINDOW BREAKDOWNS

Dimensions that are used to calculate the manufacturing sizes of window frames.

WINDOW HINGE

This component allows the window sash to be opened at fixed positions up to angles of 90 degrees AKA friction stay, friction hinge

WINDOWBOARD

AKA cill board. Normally manufactured from hollow or expanded foam PVC-Ue. Mainly used for cladding purposes.

WINFAST

See Cavity Closer. Winfast is unique in check subframe, as the window is held within the subframe with cam fasteners.

WINFIT

Refer Cavity Closer. Winfit is a subframe that accepts the window fitted from the inside or outside.

WOOLPILE

Used in situations where the interface frame slides. Typically patio door sashes. AKA brush seal.

X

Y

Z