A Replacement Windows Glossary of Terms

Ensuring proper replacement window installation can be quite a challenge. What questions should you ask? What terms should be 'under your belt'? To help you get started, we have put together a glossary of important terms. Take time to familiarize yourself with the basics. When you are ready to proceed you'll feel much more comfortable speaking with your contractor.

Shaped like a honeycomb, air chambers are small spaces located within the sash and frame that help insulate and strengthen a window.

Air infiltration is the amount of air measured by cubic feet per minute that can pass through a window frame.

The air latch is a handle on the sash's interior that holds a window open.

Airspace is equal to ½" to ¾" between the panes of glass in a window.

An angled exterior is a sloped extension from the window frame.

An odorless, colorless gas that is denser than air, argon gas is used between the windowpanes to reduce heat loss.

An awning window has a top hinge that swings outward from the bottom for proper ventilation.