Below is a listing of commonly used terms in the remodeling business. We all know how frustrating it is when someone starts throwing around technical jargon or "shop talk," so we have included this list of terms for your information and education.
Windows I Patio/Sun Rooms I Vinyl Siding
Windows
double hung: a window that has two moveable sashes that are hung separately, both can be opened, shut and tilted in.
grids: the decorative patterns on a window pane locked between the panes of glass, can be colonial, diamond, or French style.
slider: this window has two sashes that slide horizontally.
bow window: a unit made up of three or more windows set in a wood frame at 10% angles resulting in an arch-like appearance.
bay window: a unit made up of three windows set in a wood frame at 30% angles resulting in a greater projection than a bow window.
casement window: a vertical window where the sash cranks open and shut.
picture window: a large fixed window.
awning window: horizontal casement window that opens from the bottom.
hopper window: horizontal casement window that opens from the top.
sash: glass portion of a door or window--can be fixed or moveable
low-E glass: stands for low-emissivity glass, it is a coating on the glass surface that reflects heat or cold back into the environment (inside or outside) to keep it from transmitting through glass.
argon gas: this inert gas is heavier than air and is placed in between the two panes of glass. It acts as insulation and an additional barrier against heat and cold transfer.
fusion weld: corners of the vinyl windows are heat-welded together instead of using screws, for a more precise fit and no air infiltration.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): NFRC is a non-profit, public/private organization created by the window, door and skylight industry. It is comprised of manufacturers, suppliers, builders, architects and designers, specifiers, code officials utilities and government agencies. NFRC has established a voluntary national energy performance rating and labeling system for fenestration products. For more information visit their web site at www.nfrc.org.
ENERGY STARŪ: ENERGY STARŪ is a voluntary partnership among the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers. Partners help promote efficient products by labeling with the ENERGY STARŪ logo and educating consumers about the benefits of energy efficiency. By choosing ENERGY STARŪ-labeled products, you'll keep your utility bills down, and help the environment at the same time. For more information visit www.energystar.gov.
Patio Rooms, Sun Rooms & Porch Enclosures
gable: double sloped roof forming an upside down "V."
studio: single sloped roof style.
tempered glass: safety glass that if broken, shatters into tiny bits instead of dagger-like shards.
footer system: below ground support structure of a concrete pad.
under pin: the process of installing a footer system beneath an existing cement slab.
knee wall: the structure upon which patio room windows are installed. They can be existing or constructed of tempered glass or an insulated panel.
header: a support structure member of a patio room system that also pivots to allow for roof slope.
hanger: a support structure member of patio room system which anchors the roof to the home.
r-factor: a numeric measure of a material's ability to insulate against heat or cold. Also used for windows.
extrusion: a length of aluminum used in building a patio room structure, door or window.
interlocking rail: portion of a door or window unit where the operating section meets and interlocks with the fixed portion.
baked enamel finish: painting process where enamel paint is baked to create a finish which assures years of maintenance free use.--resists cracking and peeling.
stainless steel: metal alloy that won't rust.
Siding & Trim
fascia (gutterboard): term for finishing trim on siding installation job.
rake: boards that go up a gable.
corner posts: used to finish seams properly on house's inside and outside corners.
frieze board: bandboard on brick home between soffit and brick that allows for a seamless transition between the two.
bandboard: see frieze board.
backerboard: evens out walls, insulates and gives siding an even surface to be mounted to.
starter strip: foundation piece for first piece of siding to clip on to.
j-blocks: mounting pieces for fixtures, water spigot, & lights for a finished trimmed look.
vents: on gable or under soffit, ventilated piece of siding that allows for air circulation under roof.
trim cap: trim cap when siding starts more than three feet off of ground, seals backer board and gives clean, finished edge.