A

AAMA Standards

Performance standards set by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association for windows and doors.

Active Panel

The movable part of a door or window that is designed to open and close. In a sliding door system, the active panel is the one that slides along the track, while the other panel remains stationary. In a hinged door, the active panel is the one that swings open, while the inactive panel (if present) remains fixed. The active panel is typically the primary point of entry or exit.

Aluminum Surround

A framework or trim made of aluminum that encases a window or door unit. The aluminum surround provides structural support, enhances the aesthetic appearance, and helps seal the unit against the surrounding wall or masonry. It is commonly used for both interior and exterior applications, offering durability, weather resistance, and a modern look.

Awning Window

A window hinged at the top that opens outward, providing ventilation even in rain.

Authentic Divided Lites (ADL)

A traditional window design where individual glass panes are separated by muntins, creating the classic appearance of multiple panes. Unlike simulated divided lites (SDL), ADL features true separate panes, often used in historical-style windows.

Artisan Collection

A luxury line of custom aluminum windows and doors, crafted with the finest materials and superior craftsmanship. This collection offers high-end finishes, premium glass options, custom sizes, and exceptional energy performance, designed for those seeking unparalleled sophistication and bespoke design.

Anchor

A fastener, such as a screw or bolt, used to securely attach a window or door frame to the surrounding wall structure.

Anchor Nut Plate

A component used to secure mullion bars and panels to ensure stability.

Anodized

A process in which aluminum is electrochemically treated to create a durable, corrosion-resistant surface layer. This layer is harder than the base metal and can be dyed in various colors, enhancing both the appearance and longevity of the aluminum. Anodizing is commonly used for aluminum window and door frames, providing improved resistance to wear, weather, and environmental damage.

ADA Sill

A type of window or door sill designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities. An ADA sill typically features a lower profile or a smooth, level transition from the door or window to the floor, making it easier for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices to pass through without obstruction. This design minimizes the risk of tripping or difficulty in crossing thresholds.

B

Bi-fold Door

A door with multiple panels that fold and stack against a wall to create wide openings.

Butt Joint Window

A frameless design where two glass panes meet at a corner for a seamless look.

Brick Mould

A type of exterior trim installed around a window or door to cover the gap between the frame and the exterior wall.

Backer Rod

A closed-cell foam material used to fill gaps before applying sealant.

Butyl Flashing Tape

A waterproof tape used to seal rough openings and prevent moisture intrusion.

C

Casement Window

A window hinged on one side that swings outward, providing maximum ventilation.

Curated Collection

A selection of luxury aluminum windows and doors, thoughtfully designed for faster delivery and affordability. It includes turnkey products that come in standard sizes and offers high-quality materials, contemporary design, and reliable performance, ideal for projects needing quicker turnaround times without compromising on quality.

Casing

Decorative trim installed around the interior of a window or door frame, providing a finished appearance and covering gaps between the wall and frame.

Closed Cell Foam

A dense foam material used for insulation and sealing gaps.

Cardinal LoĒ³-366 Glass

A high-performance, energy-efficient glass developed by Cardinal Glass Industries. Featuring a triple-layer low-emissivity (Low-E) coating, it effectively blocks solar heat gain, reflects interior heat, and allows ample natural light to pass through. This advanced coating also blocks 95% of ultraviolet rays, protecting interior furnishings from fading.

D

Double Vinyl Bulb Weather Stripping

A sealing material around windows and doors to prevent air and water leaks.

Dust Plug

A small insert used to block debris from entering tracks or gaps in window and door systems.

Divided Lites

A design feature in windows and doors where the glass is divided into smaller sections, or "lites," using muntins.

Double Swing

A door configuration that allows the door to swing open in both directions, typically in and out.

E

End Plate

A component installed at the ends of frames to provide structural support and alignment.

F

Fixed Window

A non-operable window designed to provide light and views.

Flashing Tape

A self-adhesive material used to seal window and door openings against water intrusion.

Flashing

A water-resistant material, often made of metal or plastic, installed around windows and doors to prevent water infiltration.

French Doors

A pair of hinged doors that can swing open from the center, providing an elegant aesthetic and allowing ample natural light and ventilation. They are available in inswing or outswing and can be customized with various grille patterns and finishes.

Floating Mullion Bar

A non-structural mullion bar that provides aesthetic division between window or door panels.

Frame Perimeter

The outer boundary of a window or door frame where it interfaces with the wall opening.

Frame

The stationary structure of a window that surrounds and supports the glass or sash. It includes components such as the head jamb (top), sill (bottom), side jambs, sub-sill, jamb extension, brick mould or flat casing, and blindstop. Frames provide stability and integrate the window into the building's structure.

G

Grilles Between Glass (GBG)

Decorative grilles placed between glass panes for easy maintenance.

Glazing Bead

A strip that holds the glass in place within a window or door frame.

Grille (or Grid)

Decorative or functional bars placed over or between the glass panes of a window to create the appearance of divided lights or panes. Grilles can be removable, integrated between the glass layers, or permanently affixed to the glass surface. They are available in various styles and patterns to complement architectural designs and personal preferences.

Glazing Sealant

A flexible adhesive used to create a weatherproof seal around glass panes.

Glazing Shim

Small supports used to position and stabilize glass panes within a frame.

Glazing Stop

A removable strip that holds glass panes in place within a frame.

H

Head Flashing

A strip installed above windows and doors to deflect water.

Hinge Gasket

A seal installed over hinges to prevent air and water infiltration.

Head Jamb

The top horizontal component of a window or door frame. It forms the upper boundary of the opening and provides structural support for the sash or glass, ensuring stability and proper alignment within the frame.

Hinge

A mechanical device that allows a door, window, or other movable panel to pivot open and closed. It consists of two interconnecting metal plates, one attached to the frame and the other to the door or window, enabling smooth movement.

I

Inactive Panel

A fixed, non-operable section of a door or window system, often used in sliding or French doors. Inactive panels provide additional glass surface for light and views but do not open or close.

Insulating Glass

A multi-pane glass unit consisting of two or more glass layers separated by spacers, sealed at the edges, and often filled with an insulating gas like argon or krypton. Insulating glass improves energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and enhancing soundproofing.

Interior Casing

The decorative trim or molding installed on the inside of a window or door frame. Interior casing covers the gap between the frame and the interior wall, providing a polished, finished look while helping to conceal construction imperfections.

Interlock Stile

A vertical frame component designed to overlap with another panel for a secure fit.

Inswing

A door configuration where the door panel opens inward, into the interior space. Commonly used for entry and interior doors, inswing doors require sufficient interior clearance for operation.

J

Jamb

The vertical sides of a window or door frame that form the structural support for the unit. Jambs provide stability and house components like hinges, weatherstripping, or tracks, depending on the type of window or door. Proper alignment of the jamb during installation is essential to ensure smooth operation and an effective seal.

L

Louver PTAC Unit

A window system designed to integrate with PTAC units for heating and cooling.

Low-E Glass

Glass with a special coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through, improving energy efficiency.

Louver

A slatted window design that allows ventilation while keeping out rain and direct sunlight.

Leveling Shim

A wedge-shaped material used to ensure frames are installed level and plumb.

Lite

A single pane of glass within a window or door. In divided lite designs, multiple lites are separated by muntins to create a grid pattern, while in modern windows, a single lite may span the entire frame. Lites contribute to both the functionality and aesthetic of the window or door.

M

Mulled Unit

Multiple window units joined together to form a larger composite window.

Mullion

A vertical or horizontal structural element that connects and separates two or more windows or doors within a single opening.

Moisture Barrier

A protective layer that prevents water from penetrating walls or frames.

Muntin

A bar that separates and holds individual panes of glass within a window.

Masonry Opening

An opening made of brick, stone, or block designed to accommodate the installation of a window or door unit, including the outer casing.

Multi-Point Locking Hardware

A locking system used in windows and doors that secures the unit at multiple points along the frame. This hardware enhances security, improves weather resistance, and ensures a tighter seal by engaging multiple locks simultaneously when the handle is turned or the key is used. It is commonly found in high-performance and energy-efficient doors and windows.

N

Nail Fins

Flanges used during installation to secure windows to the building frame.

Nailing Fin

A thin flange extending from the window or door frame, designed to attach directly to the surrounding wall structure during installation.

O

Operable Window

A window that can be opened for ventilation, unlike a fixed window.

Outswing

A door configuration where the door panel opens outward, away from the interior space. Often used in areas with limited interior space or for enhanced security, as the hinges are located on the exterior side.

OX

A designation used to describe the operation of window or door units when viewed from the exterior. The letter O represents a stationary panel, while the letter X represents an operable (moving) panel. For example, an OX configuration would have one stationary panel (O) and one operable panel (X). This notation helps clarify which parts of the unit can be opened or closed.

P

Picture Window

A large, fixed window that provides an unobstructed view.

Pivot Door

A door that rotates on a central hinge at the top and bottom, offering a modern aesthetic.

Panel Shim

A spacer used to align and secure panels during installation.

Plumb Bob

A tool used to ensure vertical alignment during installation.

R

Rough Opening

The structural opening in a wall where a window or door will be installed, slightly larger than the unit to allow adjustments.

S

Sash

The movable part of a window that holds the glass and can slide vertically or horizontally.

Sash Limiter

A safety device that restricts how far a window sash can open.

Sash Stop

A device that prevents the sash from opening beyond a certain point, enhancing security and safety.

Single-Hung Window

A window with two sashes, where only the lower sash moves.

Sliding Door

A door that opens horizontally along a track, saving space and connecting indoor and outdoor areas.

Sliding Window

A window that slides horizontally along a track for easy operation.

Specialty Window

A custom or uniquely shaped window designed for specific architectural needs.

Swing Door

A door that opens on hinges, either inward or outward.

Sidelight

A narrow, vertical window positioned next to a door, often used to enhance natural light and visibility in entryways.

Simulated Divided Lites (SDL)

A design feature where the appearance of individual window panes is achieved through the use of grille patterns applied to the glass surface, rather than physically dividing the glass into multiple panes. SDL provides a similar aesthetic to authentic divided lites but is easier to maintain.

Square

Refers to the precise alignment of a window or door frame so that all corners form perfect 90-degree angles. Ensuring a window or door is square is critical for proper operation, preventing issues like sticking, uneven gaps, or poor sealing. Installers use tools like levels and measuring tape to verify that the frame is both level and square during installation.

Structural Mullion

A load-bearing mullion used in windows and doors to provide support for adjacent panes or units.

Sill Pan

A pre-formed or custom-fabricated waterproof barrier installed under the window sill to channel water away from the opening.

Shim Space

The gap between the window or door frame and the rough opening, filled with shims for precise alignment and stability.

Setting Blocks

Small, durable pieces placed under the glass in a window frame to evenly distribute weight and prevent direct contact with the frame.

Snap Cover

A trim piece used to conceal anchors or fasteners in mullion bars.

Strike Plate

A metal plate installed on a frame to receive the latch or bolt of a lock.

Sightlines

The visible lines or widths of the frame and muntins that are seen when looking through a window or door. Sightlines refer to the amount of glass visible and the overall aesthetic of the window or door design. Narrower sightlines typically offer a more unobstructed view, while wider sightlines may provide a more traditional or decorative appearance.

Single Swing

A door configuration that swings open in only one direction, either inward or outward.

Sill

The horizontal bottom part of a window or door frame that supports the window or door unit. In windows, the sill helps direct water away from the opening, preventing water infiltration into the building. It is typically sloped to allow rainwater to drain off. The sill also provides structural support for the window or door and contributes to the overall seal and energy efficiency of the unit.

T

Thermally Broken Frames

Frames with a non-conductive material separating interior and exterior surfaces to reduce heat transfer.

Transom

A horizontal window located above a door or larger window for additional light or ventilation.

Threshold

The bottom part of a door frame that sits on the floor, providing a transition between interior and exterior spaces while aiding in sealing against water and air.

Turnkey

A term used to describe a complete solution or product that is ready for immediate use such as our Curated Collection door line.

U

U-Factor

A measure of a window's or door's thermal performance, specifically how well it insulates.

V

Vertical Glazing Stop

A strip used specifically on the vertical sides of a frame to hold glass panes.

W

Window Operating Control Device (WOCD)

A device that limits how far a window can open for safety purposes.

Weep Holes

Small openings in a window or door frame that allow trapped water to drain out, preventing damage from moisture accumulation.