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How
do I select a Replacement Window Company?
What do
I need to know when planning to install one or several new
windows in my home?
What is Vinyl
(PVC)?
Is
the Vinyl in Rusco Vinyl Windows the same as everyone else's?
How
do Rusco Vinyl Windows differ from other Vinyl Windows?
How
do Rusco Windows perform versus Wood, Metal, or other Materials?
What is
"Virgin Vinyl"?
What
is UPVC? Do Rusco Windows have it?
Why
are Vinyl Frames hollow? Why aren't they solid?
How
durable are Vinyl Windows?
What is
Fusion Welding?
Will
Vinyl Windows melt in the hot sun?
What
kind of maintenance do Vinyl Windows require?
What
can I use if I really need to clean my Vinyl Windows?
Can
I paint my Vinyl Windows?
What
about Vinyl Windows in a fire?
Are
Vinyl windows a smart choice? Earth friendly? Safe?
What
kind of warranty does Rusco Window have?
Glossary of Window
and Glass Terms
What
do I need to know when planning to install one or several
new windows in my home?Windows are very carefully engineered
building components, and if they don't work properly they
can cost you money in increased energy bills, and prevent
your home from being as comfortable year round as it should
be. That's why a window made with Duraseal® is your
best investment.
Duraseal is a patented, all-in-one insulating glass
edge seal that joins the two panes of glass in a window.
It consists of a continuous, 'swiggly'-shaped metal shim
that is embedded in a moisture-sealing, heat-resistant polymer.
Because of its unique composition, windows made with Duraseal
will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler
in the summer, and save you money in lower energy bills!
Why would you want to choose anything else?
What is Low E and Argon all about? Low-E and argon filled,
high performance glass is part of a new generation of energy
efficient windows and patio doors.
The beauty of Low E and Argon is not something you'll ever
see. You may opt for Low E and argon gas, instead of just
air, betweeen two panes of insulating glass. Argon is a
harmless, colorless, inert gas which was chosen because
its insulation value is one-third higher than air. In addition,
we've coated the outer surface of the interior pane with
a fine film of silver. The coating is only a few atoms thick,
so Low E looks like ordinary insulating glass.
Windows and patio doors with Low E - Argon glass will out
perform units with standard insulating and benefit you in
six ways: Reduces Energy Costs. Low E - Argon helps reduce
heating and air conditioning costs because it has a dramatically
higher R-value than insulating glass. 95% of the interior
heat waves that come in contact with Low E - Argon. Casement
or awning windows with Low E - Argon have a total unit R-value
of 3.22, for example. The same units with insulated glass
would achieve an R-value of only 2.22.
Improves the Comfort Level in Your home. The inner pane
of Low E - Argon glass is close to room temperature. This
means that your home will generally be a more comfortable
living climate. Low E - Argon also reduces the changes of
cold spots, which are caused by the low temperature of the
inner pane on standard insulating glass. So sitting near
a Low E - Argon window or patio door won't be a chilling
experience.
Increases Resistance to Fading. Low E filters out 85% of
the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, compared to only 66%
for standard insulated glass. The life of your draperies,
carpeting and furniture will therefore be significantly
extended. Increases Resistance to Sound. Low E - Argon acts
as a sound barrier by reducing the transmission of sound
through the glass. Increases Resale Value of Home. With
energy efficient windows, your home's resale value increases
and prospective home buyers appreciate the many benefits
of Low E - Argon glass in windows and patio doors. In conclusion,
Low E - Argon reduces energy cost, improves your comfort,
resists fading, reduces sound transfers and increases the
resale value of your home. - all for a nominal increase
in price over standard insulating glass.
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How
do I select a Replacement Window Company? You are
about to make a very important decision. Your home is your
most valuable asset and the selection of a qualified company
is of vital importance. If a quality product and a reputable
company is chosen the first time, most people will replace
their windows only once. By taking the time to answer these
important questions, you can rest assured you have made
the best decision regarding you home’s new windows.
1.) How long has the company been in business?
2.) Is the company locally owned and operated?
3.) Does the company install windows on a full time –
year round basis?
4.) Where are the windows made?
5.) How long has the brand being recommended been carried?
6.) Does the company have factory trained technicians and
parts available to service their windows?
7.) Will the sales representatives show samples, make suggestions
and provide effective solutions to your window needs in
writing?
8.) Can the company provide examples of their work?
9.) Can the company provide homeowner references?
10.) Does the company provide a complete written warranty
on their products and workmanship?
11.) Is the company complying with state and local licensing
laws – including building code requirements?
12.) Is the company insured for liability and workman’s
compensation?
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What
is Vinyl (PVC)? It is one of thousands of plastics
in use today. PVC's technical name is poly vinyl chloride.
It is unique among plastics in that it is composed of nearly
60% chloride that stems from rock salt (sodium chloride)
and about 40% polymers stemming from natural gas and petrochemicals.
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Is
the Vinyl in Rusco Vinyl Windows the same as everyone else's?
No. Not all vinyl (PVC) window products are alike! Nor are
all vinyl window extrusions/formulas equal, either. All
of Rusco’s vinyl window extrusions come from Chelsea
Building Products. Chelsea's advanced proprietary compound
formula represent the best in vinyl products. Other ordinary
PVC products may "skimp" on ingredients or use
low-quality additives or formulations to deliver a low price
vinyl. Unfortunately, this also tends to deliver a lower
quality vinyl product that does not perform well over time.
At Chelsea, their TQM (total quality management) program
and SPC (statistical process control) program ensure that
every segment of the product and its manufacturing is right.
You can trust the quality of windows made by Rusco from
Chelsea vinyl extrusions.
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How
do Rusco Vinyl Windows differ from other Vinyl Windows?
Besides Rusco’s use of Chelsea's advanced proprietary
vinyl formulations designed to provide superior long-term
weatherability, performance and beauty, there are numerous
design and extrusion features that make Rusco Windows some
of the best in the industry. All Rusco Windows feature specially
formulated high-impact vinyl with multi-chambered construction
for greater strength, color that is part of the vinyl so
finish can't flake off like on wood and aluminum windows,
and meet or exceed all applicable industry standards. In
addition to these, look for the special design features
of Rusco Vinyl Windows.
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How
do Rusco Windows perform versus Wood, Metal, or other Materials?
The performance of Rusco vinyl windows is assured by Chelsea's
advanced proprietary vinyl formulations, total quality control
in the extrusion process, and Rusco’s over 21 years
of vinyl window fabrication experience. The Chelsea extrusions
used by Rusco are certified under the industry's most stringent
lineal (extrusion) certification program. The window designs
Rusco manufactures are also tested by independent testing
laboratories to the industries latest performance standards
and, of course, their vinyl construction offers unique advantages
over wood, metal or composite products.
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What
is "Virgin Vinyl"? Virgin vinyl is the
term applied to vinyl that is extruded for the first time.
Regrind is the term given to vinyl that has been extruded,
then the parts are ground up into small "pellets"
and can be re-extruded. The implication is that "virgin
vinyl" is purer or superior to reground vinyl. As a
thermo plastic, PVC can be reprocessed, typically, around
three times with little degradation to the compound. After
that, additional processing "uses up" some of
the lubricants and other additives that are used in the
extrusion process. Rusco’s frames, sashes and other
major window parts are extruded from virgin vinyl.
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What
is UPVC? Do Rusco Windows have it? Yes. The Chelsea
vinyl extrusions used by Rusco are processed with UPVC.
UPVC stands for unplasticized PVC. It is an old term brought
over by European extruders. Older European PVC formulas
contained plasticizers to aid in extrusion of the part.
These plasticizers would often "migrate" out of
a finished product over time leaving it brittle. This was
a problem with older European PVC products. Years ago, newer
technology formulas were developed that did not use (or
require) plasticizers in rigid extrusions. In Europe, to
differentiate products made with the newer formulas (and
without plasticizers) they began calling them UPVC.
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Why
are Vinyl Frames hollow? Why aren't they solid? Vinyl
frames are designed with multiple chambers in the frame
to provide thermal efficiency, rigidity and strength without
excessive weight. A solid frame would be excessively heavy,
difficult to work with, expensive, and would, actually,
not perform as well as the multi-chambered designs in today's
window products.
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How
durable are Vinyl Windows? Vinyl windows
are very durable. There are millions of vinyl windows installed
in homes and commercial buildings, across the country and
around the world. In the U.S., some vinyl windows have been
installed as long as 25 years and are still working well.
Many designs of today have wind load ratings superior to
wood and metal windows.
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What
is Fusion Welding? Many of today's vinyl window and
door products feature fusion welded corner construction.
Quite simply, it is the process of mitering the corners,
heating them to above 200° f and bringing the heated
comers into contact until they fuse together, forming an
exceptionally strong joint and a permanently sealed comer
that can't leak air or water.
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Will
Vinyl Windows melt in the hot sun? No. Vinyl windows
perform well in the desert climates of the Southwestern
U.S. where daytime temperatures can reach 125° F (and
above) and surfaces in direct sun can be heated above 165°
F (the temperature at which vinyl begins to soften). It's
the multi-chambered design of vinyl products that ensures
they'll handle even those excessive levels of heat. Vinyl
is an excellent insulator. It does not conduct heat readily
like aluminum and the hollow chambers in a vinyl frame reduce
conduction even further. So while the outside surface of
a vinyl window frame may get quite hot in direct sun, the
interior walls will not heat up, remaining close to room
temperature.
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What
kind of maintenance do Vinyl Windows require? Vinyl
windows are virtually maintenance free, requiring no finishing
upon installation and no periodic painting or sealing like
wood or metal windows. They also can't rot, rust, pit or
corrode like wood or metal products and are unaffected by
moisture, salt air, pollution and airborne chemicals. If
they ever require cleaning, simply wiping with a damp cloth
is sufficient to return them to their "Factory Fresh"
condition.
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What
can I use if I really need to clean my Vinyl Windows?
Usually a few drops of a mild liquid cleaner in a bucket
of water is sufficient to clean any dirt or grime that may
have accumulated on the window. If you have more stubborn
build-up, the following household cleaners work well according
to Chelsea Building Products - Formula 409, Ajax Liquid
Cleaner, Murphy's Oil Soap, Lysol Cleaner, Soft Scrub, or
vinegar and water. The following cleaners or types of cleaners
should not be used on vinyl - Clorox, Pine Power, Ivory,
Grease Relief, Tide Detergent and nail polish remover (acetone).
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Can
I paint my Vinyl Windows? Yes, there are paints specifically
made for use on vinyl. With the proper preparation you may
also use a good quality latex or oil-based exterior grade
house paint. To prep the surface, use a deglosser and wipe
the surfaces or use an extra fine sandpaper (180 grit or
finer) and buff the surface to dull it, wipe off any dust
or dirt and apply the paint. Painting is not required. PVC
windows are virtually maintenance-free as they come from
the factory. We do not recommend using dark colors to paint
PVC, as the dark colors will "mask" the UV protection
built into the vinyl extrusion and may cause possible heat
build-up or distortion of the vinyl. Be aware
that painting vinyl windows will void the warranty.
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What
about Vinyl Windows in a fire? Vinyl will not support
combustion like many common building materials. They can
"burn" if they are completely enveloped in flames
from other materials, but if the flame is removed, the vinyl
will self extinguish. In fact, PVC has a higher ignition
temperature, lower flame spread and lower heat released
in a fire than a similar sample of wood and any smoke produced
by burning PVC is of the same range as that of most organic
materials.
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Are
Vinyl windows a smart choice? Earth friendly? Safe?
Yes. Vinyl windows and doors are a very smart choice. Less
than one half of vinyl's weight is dependent on natural
resources. Vinyl windows require only one-third of the energy
needed to manufacture aluminum windows. Vinyl windows help
conserve energy and reduce home heating and cooling costs,
and because vinyl windows and doors do not require painting
or finishing, homeowners avoid vapor emissions, cleanup
and disposal problems associated with frequent application
of certain paints and stains.
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What
kind of warranty does Rusco Window have? Rusco’s
vinyl replacement windows carry a written limited lifetime
transferable warranty that covers the vinyl material, insulated
glass seal and other window components. It even covers glass
breakage. This is truly one of the best warranties in the
industry. View Rusco's Vinyl Replacement
Window Warranty in detail.
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GLOSSARY
OF WINDOW AND GLASS TERMS
Air Chambers - Small honeycomb spaces within
the sash and frame which help to insulate and strengthen the
window.
Air Infiltration - The amount of air that
passes between a window sash and frame. In windows it is measured
in terms of cubic feet or air per minute, per square foot
of area. The lower the number, the less air the window lets
pass through.
Air Latch - Latch mechanism on the interior
face of the sash that retains the window in a partially open
position for ventilation.
Angled Exterior - A sloped extension from
the frame that adds an aesthetically-pleasing dimension to
the exterior of the window.
Argon - An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating
windows to improve the insulating value of sealed glass units.
Balance System - Device for holding vertically
sliding sash in any desired position through the use of a
spring or weight to counterbalance the weight of the sash.
Bay Window - An angled combination of three
windows that project out from the wall of the home. The windows
are commonly joined at 30- or 45- degree angles.
Beveled Exterior - An angled extension from
the frame that adds an aesthetically-pleasing dimension to
the exterior of the window.
Bow Window - An angled combination of windows
in 3-, 4- or 5- lite configurations. The windows are attached
at 10-degree angles to project a more circular, arced appearance.
Butyl - A rubber material that seals the
glass to the spacer, creating an airtight and watertight IG
unit. Butyl has the lowest gas permeability of all rubbers.
BTU - An abbreviation for British Thermal
Unit-the heat required to increase the temperature of one
pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
Cam Lock and Keeper - The mechanisms which
pull the sash together when placed in the locked position.
Capillary Tubes Small hollow tubes which
penetrate the spacer system of an insulating glass unit. They
allow pressure equalization between manufacturing locations,
shipping, and installation locations. Since the insulating
glass unit is not permanently sealed, the air space cannot
be filled with Argon gas.
Casement Window A window with a side-hinged
sash that opens outward for ventilation.
Center of Glass U- and R-values The U-
and R-values measured from the center of the glass to 2-1/2"
from the frame.
Condensation - The acumulation of water
vapor from the air's humidity on any cold surface whose temperature
is below the dew point, such as a cold window glass or frame
that is exposed to humid indoor air. Low conductivity or warm
edge spacers reduce condensation.
Condensation Resistance Factor A measure
of the effectiveness of a window or glazing system to reduce
the potential for condensation. The higher the condensation
resistance factor, the more efficient the window and glazing
system.
Conduction - Heat transfer through a material.
Heat flows from a higher-temperature area to a lower-temperature
one.
Convection Heat transfer by currents that
flow from a warm surface to a colder one.
Coved Exterior An arced extension from
the frame that adds an aesthetically-pleasing dimension to
the exterior of the window.
Dead-air space The space between the panes
of glass of an I.G. Unit.
Deadlite A piece of glass or IGU with a
sash profile around it; not set within the main frame of a
window unit.
Desiccant A material used in insulating
glass to absorb water vapor which causes fogging.
Double Hung Window A window that has two
operable sash which slide vertically.
Double-strength Glass Glass with a thickness
of approximately 1/8".
Dry glazing An alternative method of placing
glass in a door or window. No glazing mastic is used. Dry
glazing is recommended whenever reflective coatings are glazed
to first surface.
Dual-durometer An elastomeric material
with two different degrees of hardness.
Egress Code The code that requires a minimum
opening of a window for persons to exit or firefighters to
enter a building.
Emissivity - The relative ability of a surface
to reflect heat, with emissivity factor ranging from 0.00
to 1.00. Emissivity, U-Factor, and R-Factor are different
ways to evaluate insulating values.
ENERGY STAR® ENERGY STAR® is an independent
U.S. government program establishing a standard set of guidelines
to recognize the energy efficiency of various products. ENERGY
STAR® guidelines are used in conjunction with a variety
of building materials, including windows and patio doors.
Over the past ten years, ENERGY STAR® guidelines have
helped double the efficiency of windows they endorse
Extruded screen frame Different from a
Roll formed frame, this frame is pressed through a form or
die.
Fusion-welded The process of joining materials
by melting them together with extreme heat (over 500ºF),
resulting in the materials uniting into a one-piece unit.
Geometric Specially designed windows classified
as either Straight line Geometrics such as rectangles, triangles,
trapezoid, octagons, pentagons, etc., or Radius Geometrics
which include half-rounds, quarter-rounds, full-rounds, sectors,
ellipses, eyebrows, etc.
Glass An inorganic transparent material
composed of sand (silica), soda (sodium bicarbonate), and
lime (calcium carbonate) with small quantities of alumina,
boric or magnesia oxides. Available Styles: Clear, Bronze,
Grey and Tinted.
Glazing - The process of sealing the glass
to the sash.
Glazing Bead A strip of vinyl which surrounds
the edge of the glass and holds it in place in conjunction
with other sealants.
Grids - Decorative horizontal or vertical
bars installed between the glass panes to create the appearance
of the sash being dividing into smaller lites of glass
Head The horizontal top portion of the
main frame.
Head expander A vinyl shape cut the width
of a product and placed on the head, fitting over it snugly.
This piece is used as a filler to expand or lengthen the unit
from the head and take up the gap in the opening between the
unit and the opening in the unit.
Hook accessory Accessories that snap to
the hook frame and provide easy installation.
Hopper A window with a bottom-hinged sash
that opens inward for ventilation.
I.G. Unit (Insulating Glass Unit) Two or
more lites of glass separated by a spacer and hermetically
sealed at the glass edges.
J-channel Integral extension on the outside
of a new construction window that eases installation on siding
applications.
Jamb Vertical sections of the main frame.
Keeper Rail The horizontal section of the
sash where the keeper is attached.
Keeper Stile The vertical section of the
sash where the keeper is attached.
Krypton Gas An inert, odorless, colorless,
tasteless, nontoxic gas which is about 12 times denser than
air. It is used to replace air between the glass panes to
reduce temperature transfer and deter convection. Used when
a higher performance is desired than that produced with Argon
gas.
Laminated Glass Two or more pieces of glass
bonded together over a plastic interlayer.
Lift Handle A handhold for raising and
lowering the sash. Handle implies that the handhold is not
continuous across the sash.
Lift Rail A handhold for raising and lowering
the sash. Rail implies that the handhold is continuous across
the sash.
Lite A unit of glass in a window.
Lock Rail The horizontal section of the
sash where the cam lock is attached.
Lock Stile The vertical section of the
sash where the cam lock is attached.
Low E (Emissivity) Glass Glass with a transparent
metallic oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface.
The coating allows short-wave energy to pass through but reflects
long-wave infrared energy which improves the U-value.
Main Frame The head, sill and jambs sections
of a window.
Mechanically Fastened Frame Refers to frames
fastened with screws.
Meeting Rail The horizontal sections of
a pair of sash that meet when the sash are closed.
Meeting Stile The vertical section of a
pair of sash that meet when the sash are closed.
Mesh Fabric made of either fiberglass or
aluminum, used in the making of screens.
Mullion A vertical or horizontal connecting
unit between two or more windows.
Nailing Fin An extrusion attached to the
main frame of a window used to secure the unit to the rough
opening.
NFRC - National Fenestration Rating Council.
Obscure Glass Glass that has been made translucent
instead of transparent.
Oriel A window with the meeting rail located
off center of the frame. Most oriels have a 60/40 configuration.
Overlapping and Interlocking Meeting Rail A
patented meeting rail which overlaps and interlocks both sash.
Passive Solar Heat Gain - Solar heat that
passes through a material and is captured naturally, not by
mechanical means.
Patio door A glass door that slides opens
and close on adjustable tandem rollers. Available in 2- or
3-lite configurations with the operable panel available in
any position.
Picture Window A window that has no moveable
sash.
Pivot Alignment System An exclusive hinge-type
system used on hung windows. This system attaches the sash
to the balance, creating perfect alignment between the sash
and frame, while allowing the sash to tilt inward for cleaning.
Pull Handle A handhold for sliding the
sash back and forth. Handle implies that the handhold is not
continuous across the sash.
Pull rail A handhold for sliding the sash
back and forth. Rail implies that the handhold is continuous
across the sash.
Pull Stile A handhold for sliding the sash
back and forth. Stile implies that the handhold is continuous
across the sash.
R-value Resistance a material has to heat
flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance.
Radiation Wave energy transmitted directly
from one object to another through the atmosphere or through
transparent or translucent materials. The energy radiated
is transmitted, absorbed, reflected or a combination of all
three.
Rail The horizontal sections of the sash.
Raised Exterior An angled extension from
the frame that adds an aesthetically pleasing dimension to
the exterior of the window
Relative Humidity Condensation Point The
relative humidity level at which visible water vapor or other
liquid vapor begins to form on the surface of the sash or
frame, based on an inside temperature of 70E F and an outside
temperature of 0E F. The higher the percentage, the more moisture
the air can hold before condensation will occur.
Roll formed Screen Frame A method of fabrication
in which a flat (usually metal) material is placed on a machine
where the material is formed into shape using differently
shaped rollers and pressure.
Sash The part of the window which contains
the glass.
Sash Alignment System An exclusive hinge-type
system used on hung windows. This system attaches the sash
to the balance, creating perfect alignment between the sash
and frame, while allowing the sash to tilt inward for cleaning.
Shading Coefficient The ratio of solar
heat that is transferred through a glazing material relative
to the solar heat transferred through 1/8" clear glass.
The lower the number the more efficient the window is at reducing
solar heat gains.
Sill The horizontal, bottom section of
the main frame.
Sill Extender An extrusion that is attached
to the bottom of the window to cover the gap between the sill
and the rough opening.
Single Hung A window in which one sash
slides vertically and the other sash is fixed.
Single-strength Glass Glass with a thickness
of approximately 3/32".
Slider Window A window in which the sash
move horizontally. Sliders are available in a 2- or 3-lite
configuration, with the 3-lite having operable end vents.
Sloped sill The sill of the window that
has a downward slope to the outside. This sill has sufficient
degree of slope to aid in water runoff.
Solar Heat Gain The percentage of heat gained
from both direct sunlight and absorbed heat. The smaller the
number, the greater the ability to reduce solar heat gain.
Spacer Material placed between two or more
pieces of glass in order to maintain a uniform width between
the glass, and prevent sealant distortion.
Stepped Sill An exclusive triple-stepped,
sloped sill design.
Stile The vertical sections of the sash.
Stucco Fin An extrusion used in stucco
home installations that is attached to the main frame to create
a smooth, finished look for both the window and the stucco.
Tape Glazing Two-sided tape used to secure
and seal the glass to the sash.
Tempered Glass Glass with a surface compression
of not less than 10,000 psi, or an edge compression of not
less than 9,700 psi. When broken, the glass breaks into pebbles
instead of shards.
Tilt Latch Mechanism that unlocks the sash
and allows it to tilt in from the main frame.
Tilt-in/lift-out sash A sash that can be
tilted to the interior and removed for cleaning and is manufactured
by welding.
Total Unit U- and R-values The U- and R-values
of the window calculated from the average of the center of
glass, edge of glass and frame U- and R-values. It is the
reciprocal of the R-value.
Tri-durometer An elastomeric material with
three different degrees of hardness.
U-value Amount of heat transferred through
a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of
heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
UV Block The percent of ultraviolet rays
blocked from being transmitted through the glass. The higher
the number the lower the percentage of ultraviolet rays transmitted
through the window.
Vent-lok Latch mechanism on the interior
face of the sash which retains the window in a partially open
position for ventilation.
Visible Light Transmittance The percentage
of light that is transmitted through glass in the visible
light spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers). The higher the number
the higher the percentage of visible light transmitted through
the window.
Weather-stripping Material used to form
a weather-resistant seal around operable sash.
Weep flaps A weep hole that is covered
with vinyl flap that allows water to escape, while keeping
insects out.
Weep Holes Small openings designed to allow
water to escape that might otherwise accumulate in a window's
sill.
Weep Slots Slots or holes in the sill (bottom)
member of the sash frame that provides an outdoor release
of infiltrated rainwater.
Wet Glazing A silicone-based substance
used to secure and seal the glass to the sash.
Wood blocks Pieces of plywood that come
in different thickness, depending on the depth of the hook
of the frame. They are used to make the window flush with
the opening it is filling. They are also used to assist in
pre-mulling windows together and give the screw more to bite
into when joining the windows.
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