General Vocabulary

Bay	An opening in a wall where a door or window is installed.
Window	A component installed in a wall to let in light and, depending on the model, allow for ventilation.
Door	A component used to close or open a passageway in a building.
Chassis	A frame that surrounds and supports a window's glass pane.
Dormant	The fixed part of a window or door that is installed in the wall and into which the movable part fits.
Opening	The movable part of a window or door that opens and closes.
Door leaf	The movable part of a door or window.
Casement	The part of a window or door that pivots to open.
Frame	A structure that surrounds a door, window, or pane of glass.
Jamb	The vertical part of the frame located on the side of a window or door.
Amount	The vertical part of a frame or sash.
Crossbar	The horizontal part of a window or door frame.
Top rail	Upper horizontal section of the window frame.
Threshold	The horizontal part at the bottom of a door or window.
Support	The horizontal part located beneath a window that supports it.
Meneau	A vertical element that separates two parts or two panes of a window.
Transom	A fixed or operable section located above a door or window.
Parapet	The part of the wall located beneath a window.
Lintel	A horizontal member that supports the structure above an opening.
Day	The space between the window frame and the opening in which the window is installed.
Smooth	A horizontal structural member located beneath a window.
Fake frame	A frame installed in the opening to facilitate the installation of the window or door.

Types of Windows

Fixed window	Window that won't open.
Casement window	A window whose sash pivots to open.
Awning window	A window whose upper part serves as the hinge and whose lower part opens outward.
Casement window	A casement window that typically opens outward using a mechanism.
Sliding window	A window with one or two panels that slide vertically.
Sliding window	A window that opens when one panel is dragged over another.
Modular window	A window consisting of several parts or types of openings combined into a single unit.
Arched, architectural geometric window	A window that can be customized to any shape.
Bay window	A group of windows that forms a wider opening, often projecting from the wall.
Arched window	A set of windows arranged in a curve or arch.
Custom-made window	A window manufactured to the exact dimensions of an opening.

Parts and Components of a Window

Glazing bead	A molding that holds the glass in place in the window.
Water discharge	A component that helps direct water away from the window.
Weatherstrip	A material that limits air infiltration between moving and stationary parts.
Seal	A seal that helps prevent air and water from entering the window.
Inner tube	A hollow space inside a profile that contributes, in particular, to its insulation and rigidity.
Steel reinforcement	An element added to a profile to increase its strength.
Drainage	A system that allows water that has seeped into the window to drain out.
Water Drainage	An opening or mechanism that allows water to drain out of the window.
Hardware	All the mechanical parts used to open, close, lock, or adjust a window.
Handle	A device used to open or close a window or door.
Strike plate	A part attached to the frame into which the locking mechanism engages.
Opening limiter	A mechanism that limits and guides the opening of a sash.
Hinge	A part that allows a door or window to pivot.
Cremona	A mechanism that allows a window to be locked at different points.
Latch	A small device used to keep a window or door closed.
Locking mechanism	A set of parts used to secure a window or door in the closed position.

Glazing

Glazing	The set of panes that make up a window.
Glass	A transparent material used to let light into a window or door.
Single-pane glass	Glazing consisting of a single pane of glass.
Double-pane windows	Glazing consisting of two panes of glass separated by a cavity.
Triple-pane glass	Glazing consisting of three panes of glass separated by two air spaces.
Sealed unit	A set of glass panes assembled in a watertight manner to form a thermos.
Divider	A component located between the panes of an insulating glass unit that maintains the spacing between them.
Argon gas	Gas placed between the panes of a window to improve its thermal insulation.
Energy-efficient glazing	Glazing designed to improve a window's energy efficiency.
Low-E Glass	Glass with a low-emissivity coating that improves thermal insulation.
Clear glass	Clear glass with no particular tint.
Tinted glass	Tinted glass that reduces, in particular, the amount of sunlight and heat that enters.
Laminated glass	Glass consisting of several layers bonded together by a film.
Tempered glass	Glass treated to be more resistant to impact and temperature changes.
Acoustic glazing	Glazing designed to further reduce noise transmission.
Safety Glass	Glass designed to provide increased strength or protection against breakage.
Inner tube	The space between the two panes of a double-pane window.
Glass thickness	Total thickness of the glass or glazing unit.
Spacer	Another term used to refer to the spacer between the lenses.
Condensation	The formation of water droplets when a cold surface comes into contact with moist air.

Manufacturing

PVC	A plastic material used to manufacture window and door profiles.
Aluminum	A lightweight, strong metal used primarily to manufacture windows and doors.
Hybrid	A product that combines a PVC interior with an aluminum exterior coating.
Wood	A natural material used in the manufacture of certain doors and windows.
Tribride	A product that combines three materials: PVC, aluminum, and wood.
Composite	A material made by combining several materials to achieve specific properties.
Profile	A long, typically extruded piece that forms part of the frame or sash.
Extrusion	A process that involves manufacturing a profile by passing material through a die.
Welding	A process for joining certain parts, particularly PVC profiles.
Assembly	The stage in which various parts are assembled to form a window or a door.
Crimping	A mechanical process used to fasten or assemble certain parts by applying pressure.
Machining	A process that involves modifying a part by cutting, drilling, or milling.

Cut	A process that involves cutting a material to the required dimensions.
Collection	A material or component that covers part of a window or door to protect or finish it.
Finish	The final treatment or appearance given to a product.
Thermos jug	A term commonly used in Quebec to refer to a sealed unit of insulating glass.
Quality Control	An inspection conducted to ensure that a product meets established quality criteria.
Tolerance	An acceptable deviation between the specified dimension and the actual dimension of a product.
Nominal size	A theoretical dimension used to identify a product.
Overall Dimensions	The total exterior dimensions of a window or door.
Manufacturing Dimensions	Dimension used to manufacture the product.
Bay Dimensions	Dimensions of the opening in which the product is to be installed.

Doors

Exterior door	A door that separates the interior of a building from the exterior.
Front Door	The main entrance to a building.
Patio racks	A glass door designed to provide access to a patio, balcony, or courtyard.
French door	A door typically consisting of two panels that open from the center.
Single door	A door consisting of a single panel.
Double door	Door consisting of two panels.
Door with transom	A door topped by a fixed or opening section.
Door with side panels	Door with one or two glass panels on the sides.
Door panel	The main part of a door that opens and closes.
Decorative panel	A panel featuring a decorative pattern or relief.
Door Glass	A glass panel built into a door.
Molding	A decorative or finishing element installed around or on a door.
Door frame	A trim piece that frames a door and conceals the joint with the wall.
Hinge	A metal part used to secure and allow a door to pivot.
Hinge	A part that allows the door to pivot open and close.
Handle	An object used to open a door.
Lock	A mechanism for locking a door.
Latch	A metal part that fits into the strike plate to keep a door locked.
Strike plate	A part attached to the frame that receives the lock's bolt.
Cylinder	The part of the lock where the key is inserted.
Barrel	Another term commonly used to refer to the cylinder of a lock.
Weatherstrip	A component that reduces air leakage around a door.
Broom	A seal typically located at the bottom of a door to prevent air and water from seeping in.
Adjustable threshold	A threshold whose height can be adjusted to improve the door's seal and fit.
Direction of opening	The direction in which a door opens.
Right hand / left hand	A term used to identify the side on which a door opens or is operated.
Pushing	The side or direction in which a door is pushed to open it.
Tension	The side or direction in which a door is pulled to open it.

Installation and Setup

Installation	The process of installing and securing a window or door in a building.
Installation	Another term used to refer to the installation of a window or door.
Gross Revenue	An opening prepared in the structure to accommodate a window or door.
Upgrade	The act of positioning a window or door so that it is perfectly horizontal.
Poise	A perfectly vertical position of a window or door.
Squaring	A check to ensure that the frame is at a right angle.
Calibration	Installation of shims to properly position a window or door in its opening.
Chock	A small piece used to support, position, or level a window or door.
Support block	A wedge placed under the product to support it and distribute its weight.
Side chock	A wedge placed on the side of the frame to hold it in place.
Anchoring	A mechanical fastener that connects the window or door to the building structure.
Clip	A mechanical component used to secure a window or door to the structure.
Clearance	The space between a window or door and the surrounding structure.
Flashings	A component that directs water outward and helps protect the opening from water infiltration.
Membrane	Material installed around an opening to help ensure it is watertight.
Air barrier	A material or system that limits the flow of air through the building envelope.
Vapor barrier	A material that limits the passage of water vapor through the structure.
Air Tightness	The ability of a system to prevent air infiltration.
Waterproofing	The ability of a system to prevent water from entering the building.
Insulation	A material or method that limits heat transfer between the interior and the exterior.
Sealant	A product applied around a window or door to prevent air and water from seeping in.
Insulation foam	Foam used to fill certain gaps around a window or door and improve insulation.
Drainage	A system for draining water to the outside.

Performance and Energy Efficiency

U-value	A measure of the amount of heat that passes through a product; the lower it is, the better the insulation.
RSI	A measure of the thermal resistance of a material or product; the higher it is, the better the insulation.
R-value	Measurement of a material's resistance to heat transfer.
Solar Gain Coefficient	Measuring the amount of solar heat that passes through a window.
SHGC	A value used to measure the amount of solar heat gained through a window.
Visible transmission	Percentage of visible light that passes through a window pane.
Air Tightness	The ability of a window or door to limit air infiltration.
Water resistance	A product's ability to prevent water from penetrating it.
Wind resistance	The ability of a window or door to withstand wind pressure.
Thermal Performance	A product’s ability to limit heat loss and heat gain.
Acoustic Performance	A product's ability to reduce noise transmission.
Thermal bridge	An area of a building where heat transfers more easily between the interior and exterior.
Air infiltration	Unintended airflow into or out of a building through a window, door, or their openings.
Energy Efficiency	A product's ability to contribute to a building's energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR	A certification program that identifies products that meet energy efficiency criteria.
Climate Zone	Classification of a region based on its climate conditions and energy performance requirements.