Every term you are likely to hear during a window project, explained without the jargon.
Argon gas: an inert gas sealed between panes to slow heat transfer better than plain air.
Awning window: hinged at the top and opens outward, so it can stay open in light rain.
Casement window: hinged at the side and cranks outward like a door. Seals tightly when closed.
Cladding: a protective exterior layer, often aluminium or vinyl, over a wood frame.
Double-hung: two sashes in one frame, both of which slide up and down.
Egress window: a window large enough and low enough to be used as an emergency exit, required in certain sleeping and basement spaces.
Frame: the fixed outer structure that holds the sash and attaches to the house.
Glazing: the glass in a window, and the act of fitting it. Double glazing means two panes.
Head, jamb, sill: the top, sides and bottom of the window frame.
Insulated glass unit (IGU): two or more panes sealed together with a spacer. When the seal fails, the unit fogs.
Low-E glass: glass with a microscopic coating that reflects heat back where you want it, summer and winter.
Muntin: the narrow bars that divide glass into smaller panes, real or decorative.
Mullion: a vertical member joining two window units side by side.
Picture window: a fixed window that does not open.
Rough opening: the framed hole in the wall a window is fitted into.
Sash: the moving part of the window that holds the glass.
Sash balance: the spring or cord mechanism that holds a hung sash where you put it.
Sliding window: sashes that move horizontally rather than vertically.
Spacer: the strip separating panes in an insulated glass unit.
U-factor: how much heat escapes through the window. Lower numbers are better.
SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient): how much solar heat comes through. Lower keeps summer heat out; higher lets winter sun in.
Weatherstripping: the flexible seal between sash and frame that stops air and water.
Weep holes: small drainage openings in the exterior sill.
Call and ask. We would rather explain it than have you nod along.
No forms, no waiting on email.