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There’s a lot to know when it comes to windows and doors. This glossary of terms will help you sound like an expert!
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Anodised: ‘Anodised aluminium’ has been chemically and electrically altered to provide excellent surface protection. It is usually produced in silver or bronze.
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Awning window: This window is hung from the top, and opens out from the bottom. One advantage is that it can be left ajar in wet weather
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Bay window: This is a large attractive window that curves outwards from the house. It usually has three ‘facets’.
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Bi-fold door or window: A door or window where the panels slide and ‘fold’ against each other to create a wide opening. These are ideal for indoor-outdoor flow.
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Box section: When you look at the piece of aluminium in cross-section, it is completely enclosed. This adds strength and rigidity.
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Box window: A window that protrudes from the house in a box shape (i.e the sides are at right angles to the main window pane). Excellent for creating warmth and light.
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Casement window: These windows open outwards and are hung at the sides.
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Double Hung window: This is where the two windows (one on top, one below) slide past each other. A pivot sash lets you tilt each window to clean both sides of it. Great for apartments or smaller spaces.
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Extrusion: Plasticised metal is passed through a die which creates the aluminium extrusions in the desired shape.
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Fabricators: The people who actually produce the finished aluminium joinery products.
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Faceted window: This is any window which has a number of ‘faces’, which are joined by silicon. For example, a bay window usually has three facets.
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Fixed Light: This is a non-opening window or pane.
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Flashings: These are folded or extruded materials (usually aluminium) which are fitted between the framing of the house and the frames of your windows. They are vital to prevent water penetrating the building.
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French Doors: An elegant pair of doors, closing together, which usually open outwards on to a deck or patio.
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Greenhouse windows: Similar to a box window, but with a sloping glass roof. Ideal for kitchens, or creating space and light.
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Jamb: The vertical piece at the side of a window or door frame.
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Jambliners: The internal facing between the window or door and wall lining. (Also known as a ‘reveal’)
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Mullion: Any vertical piece that appears within a window. It adds interest and effect.
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Passive air vents: These are vents installed in windows, to allow a healthy flow of fresh air to the room.
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Powdercoating: This process applies a paint finish to the aluminium in the form of a powder, which is then baked on to the product. It allows for a range of attractive colours.
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Rail: The horizontal edge in a sash or glazed door.
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Raked window: A window with one or more of its sides sloping (e.g a triangular window)
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Sash: The part of the window that opens (at the bottom or side).
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Shugg window: A vertical sliding window with two panes of glass which slide past each other in one action.
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Sidelight: A glazed panel at the side of a hinged door. Sometimes the sidelight can also be opened.
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Stile: The vertical edge of a sash or glazed door.
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Transom: A horizontal piece that appears within the frame of a window or door.
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Vision rail: The horizontal piece that appears approximately halfway up a glazed door. It is excellent for safety.
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