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Frequently Asked Questions about Windows and Doors
B.F. Rich offers introductory answers to frequently asked questions about windows and doors. Click on a subject heading below to view questions and answers relating to your selection. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website or from other sources. Should you have any further questions, please consult our Contact Us page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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My double-hung window sash came out when cleaning?
What is condensation and why is it happening to my windows?
How do I Tilt-In my double-hung windows for cleaning?
How do I remove my half screens from the window?
What do I do if I have a Warranty Claim?
What is condensation and why is it happening to my windows?
Condensation on New Windows: New windows often seal air leaks and a tighter house can mean elevated humidity. Water forming on your new windows can because one of several things. The humidity of your indoor air is quite possibly much higher now with your new windows because the air leaks around your old windows were eliminated once the new windows were installed. Prior to new windows the colder, drier air that leaked into homes from the outdoors lowered the humidity level indoors.
Inside Condensation: Condensation within the home occurs when warm, moist air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Cool air can not hold as much moisture as warm air and droplets of water become visible on the window glass. The window does not cause this, it is the moisture that is already in your home. Consider this as a warning sign that your home has too much moisture in the air. Chances are, if condensation is visible on the windows, it may also be occurring in other areas of the home. Many types of condensation are temporary, such as condensation from a warm shower. Changing seasons from humid summers to cooler falls can also be a cause of temporary condensation. Lots of other things around your home also contribute to the addition of water vapor in the air. Uncovered ground in crawl spaces, indoor plants, laundry hung out to dry, cooking activities, aquariums, humidifiers, etc. all add water vapor to the air. Add to this the natural humidity that Mother Nature contributes to the air all around us and you can see that elevated humidity can be a very common occurrence.
If you have a condensation problem, there are many simple steps you can taken to reduce the humidity level in your home:
• Vent clothes dryers, gas burners, etc. to the outdoors.
• Check that all ventilation equipment is adjusted properly.
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
• Air out the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room during and after use by opening a window for a few minutes.
• Make sure attic louvers remain open all year round and that crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
• Consult a local heating and ventilation contractor to help determine whether ventilation is adequate and whether it can be improved.
• Insure humidifiers are correctly set according to the outside temperature.
Suggested Humidity Levels for Maximum Indoor Comfort*
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Indoor
Air Temp.
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Outdoor
Air Temp.
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Recommended
Maximum Humidity
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70oF
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Below -20oF
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15%
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70oF
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-20oF to -10oF
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20%
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70oF
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-10oF to 0oF
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25%
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70oF
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0oF to 10oF
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30%
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70oF
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10oF to 20oF
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35%
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70oF
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20oF to 40oF
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40%
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* Source:
University
of
Minnesota
Engineering Experiment Station
Outside Condensation: Source-CARDINAL® IG Technical Manual
Condensation on the outside of an insulated glass or insulating unit is not an indication that the glass or insulated unit is defective. Under the right set of atmospheric conditions it is possible to get condensation on the exterior glass surface of an insulated unit. Specifically, if the conditions are as follows:
• Glass temperature below dew point temperature.
• Clear night sky.
• Still air.
• High relative humidity.
• Well insulated glazings.
Exposure to these conditions, the exterior surface of the glass can radiate heat away into the night sky such that the glass temperature falls below the dew point of the ambient air. When this occurs, moisture from the air condenses on the glass surface. Only when the glass temperature rises above the dew point will the condensation evaporate back into the air. Dew forms on grass, car hoods and roofs, building roofs and walls, are common and accepted as a fact of nature.
The presence of moisture indicates that the specific set of atmospheric conditions exist and that the insulated glass is indeed doing it's job-that of insulating the building from the environment. In this case, that insulation capability is what retards the flow of building heat through the glass and prevents warming of the exterior above dew point.
If exterior condensation occurs on insulated glass, there is little or nothing that can be done to prevent its recurrence. Draperies should open to allow as much heat transfer through the glass as possible. Trees or buildings can block the radiation view to the sky. Shrubbery immediately adjacent to the glass can increase the local humidity and may need to be moved. The exterior surface of the glass will warm and the condensation will evaporate when the heat loss to the sky is blocked (i.e. clouds), the wind picks up, or sunlight is absorbed on the glass.
In Short: High performing Low E glass does its job of holding the heat inside the home. Exterior condensation generally only occurs a few of times per year, when the conditions are ideal for it.
Note: Air conditioning set to keep the home very cool will accelerate exterior condensation.
How do I Tilt-In my double-hung windows for cleaning?
Diagram
1. Raise the bottom sash 3 inches
2. Simultaneously pull the two tilt-latches on the top of the lower sash towards the middle and tilt the lower sash inward till it rests on the sill.
3. Lower the upper sash to 3-4 inches from the already tilted-in bottom sash
4. Simultaneously pull the two tilt-latches on the top of the upper sash towards the middle and tilt the upper sash inward till it rests on the already tilted-in lower sash.
5. Reverse the order to put sashes back into operating position.
How do I remove my half screens from the window?
1. Raise the bottom sash
2. Unlock the screen and raise it to the middle of the window
3. Lower bottom sash to 3 inches from sill then tilt-in bottom sash
4. Lower top sash within 3 inches of tilted bottom sash and tilt in top sash
5. Now you should be able to access the screen easily
6. The screen is spring loaded on the right side (Inside looking out)
7. While holding the lock pin in (Locking Screen) on the bottom left, grab the screen on top and bottom
8. Pull/Push the screen towards the right side to collapse the springs
9. Now you can remove the screen on the left side towards the exterior
10. To replace the screen follow directions in reverse
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A
• AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) - a window industry organization that establishes voluntary standards and installation guidelines. www.aamanet.org
• Air Infiltration - The amount of air that passes between a window frame and sash. A measure of the rate of air-leakage around a window or door in the presence of a specific pressure difference. It is expressed in units of cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame area (cfm/sq ft). Formerly expressed as cubic feet per minute per foot of window perimeter length (cfm/ft) but not now in use. The lower a window's air-leakage rating, the better its air tightness.
• Alliance to Save Energy - The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy and national security. www.ase.org
• Architectural Shapes - Specially shaped windows such as rectangles, triangles, trapezoid, octagons, pentagons, half-rounds, half rounds with extended legs, quarter-rounds, quarter rounds with extended legs, circles, ovals, ellipses, eyebrows, etc.
• Argon Gas - A nontoxic, non-reactive, clear, and odorless gas which is denser than air. In a sealed glass insulating unit, air currents between the two panes of glazing carry heat to the top of the unit and settle into cold pools at the bottom. Filling the space with a less conductive, more viscous, or slow-moving gas minimizes the convection currents within the space, conduction through the gas is reduced, and the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside is reduced.
• Art Glass - Spiller Art Glass is custom made stained art glass made in an insulating glass unit and used in B.F. Rich Windows.
Awning Window - The sash is hinged at the top and opens outward for ventilation. The awning hinges are concealed and give a smooth looking unit and provide improved tamper resistance. The hinge is designed so the sash drops down as it opens. The bottom edge of the sash remains in approximately the same plane as the window sill. Awning Operators detach from the sash so the sash can be opened a full 90 degrees to both conform to egress codes and allow washing from inside.
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B
• Balance Covers - Covers the balance cavity on the vertical heights above the bottom sash. This cavity holds the coil-spring balance system inside the jamb. (Cabernet Series Only)
• Balance Shoe - nylon hardware in hung window jamb that connects the balance with the sash. The balance shoe locks in place when the sash is tilted inward for cleaning.
• Bay Window – A three window unit that projects out from the wall of the home. The windows are commonly projected at 30- or 45-degree angles. B.F. Rich’s custom bay design shop allows us to make bay windows in many other degrees or styles. Our custom bay shop can design a bay window to special angles such as 9, 12, or 15 degree and can alter the standard dimensions to meet the needs of your particular home.
• Beveled Exterior Frame - An angled exterior frame that adds beauty and definition to the exterior of the window.
• Beveled Interior Sash - An angled interior sash frame that adds beauty and definition to the interior of the window. (Cabernet Series Only)
• Birch Supports - Used to help support the weight of a bay, bow or garden window. Garden windows over 80 united inches automatically come with birch support knee braces. Knee braces are required on bows and bays with on overhang of 8" or more from the last supporting sill edge.
• Bondline Adhesive – A proprietary high performance adhesive providing exceptional resistance to gas and moisture vapor transmission.
• Bow Window - A 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7-lite configuration where the windows are mulled at a 9 degree angle to create a projection of a circular or arced appearance. B.F. Rich’s custom bow design shop allows us to make bow windows in many other degrees or styles. Our custom bow shop can design a bow window to special angles such as 10, 12, or 15 degree and can alter the standard dimensions to meet the needs of your particular home.
• Brick Mold - A type of external casing which frames windows and doors. Exterior casing around window to cover jambs and provide means for nailing during installation. Available on Cabernet as Brick Mold with or without nail fin and on Town & Country as Brick Mold with no nail fin.
• BTU - British Thermal Unit -- a basic measurement of heat. One BTU equals the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. (0.454 kg) of water 1°F(0.56°C), (1 Btu = 1,055 J).
• Building Envelope - All components of a building that enclose conditioned space. Building envelope components separate conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces or from outside air . For example, walls and doors between an unheated garage and a living area are part of the building envelope; walls separating an unheated garage from the outside are not.
• Butyl - A rubber material that seals the glass to the spacer, creating an airtight and water-tight IG unit. Butyl has very low permeability to air, gases and moisture and low glass transition temperature. Butyl also offers resistance to aging and to weathering from atmospheric exposure.
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C
• Call Out - A four digit code used to describe the rough opening size of a window. The first two digits indicate the width in feet and inches and the second two digits indicate the height in feet and inches (2030 = two feet, zero inches wide by three feet zero inches high)
• Casement Window - A window with hinged on the right or left side and opens outward for ventilation. B.F. Rich’s casement window is designed so the sash moves in from the hinge side allowing you to access and clean the exterior glass from the inside of your home.
• Care and Cleaning - B.F. Rich’s casement window Double Hung and Slider (English) Double Hung and Slider (Spanish)
• Center of Glass (COG) - U- and R-values measured at the center of the glass. COG’s should only be used to compare the effect of different glazing types, not to compare total window performance. Frame types can drastically affect overall window performance.
• Coil Balance – A constant force device for holding vertically sliding sash in a double hung window in any position. The coil balance counterbalances the weight of the sash..
• COMcheck - DOE's Building Energy Codes Program is an information resource on national model energy codes. They work with other government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, and industry to promote stronger building energy codes and help states adopt, implement, and enforce those codes. The Program recognizes that energy codes maximize energy efficiency only when they are fully embraced by users and supported through education, implementation, and enforcement. Supports the ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2001, 90.1-1999 and 90.1-1989, the 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003 IECC, and many state-developed energy codes.
• Commercial Building - Includes but is not limited to occupancies for assembly, business, education, institutions, merchants, and storage.
• 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 – The transfer of energy from one material to another by direct contact.
• Heat Conduction - When there exists a temperature gradient within a body, heat energy will flow from the region of high temperature to the region of low temperature. This phenomenon is known as conduction heat transfer,
• Thermal Conduction -The heat which is exchanged between objects at different temperatures can pass from the one to the other by simple contact of material.
• Convection - Heat energy transfers between a solid and a fluid when there is a temperature difference between the fluid and the solid. This is known as "convection heat transfer".
• Cooling Degree Days - A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in estimating cooling energy consumption and specifying nominal cooling load of a building in summer. For any one day, when the mean temperature is more than 65°F (18°C), there are as many degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65°F (18°C). Annual cooling degree days (CDD) are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year.
• CRF. Condensation Resistance Factor. An indication of a window's ability to resist condensation. The higher the CRF, the less likely condensation is to occur. Based on AAMA standard.
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D
• Dead-air space - The space between the panes of glass of an I.G. unit.
• Deadlite – A stationary non-operating window or door.
• Desiccant - A material used to remove water vapor from an insulating glass unit.
• Desiccated Topcoat –desiccant concentrated in the top layer of Dura Seal™ provides rapid dew point suppression.
• Dew Point - The temperature at which water vapor will condense on a substance. Temperature and relative humidity will determine exact dew point.
• Double-Hung Window – B.F. Rich double-hung window has two operable sashes which move vertically in the frame. The two sashes are attached to balance shoes and are counter balanced with a balance system and tilt inward for safe, easy cleaning.
• Double-strength Glass - Glass with a thickness of approximately 1/8".
• Drip Cap - A molded flashing placed on the top of the head brick mold or casing of a window frame.
• Dual-Durometer – A co-extruded material with degrees of hardness. In a glazing bead, sash profile or stationary frame, there is a softer flap that seals against the glass.
• DuraSeal™ - DuraSeal’s patent pending design incorporates unique materials and a breakthrough in continuous composite manufacturing processes. This advanced technology offers a higher performance spacer system at a competitive price. DuraSeal takes optimum advantage of laminates and adhesives to reduce thermal conductivity while improving surface and corner appearance over other flexible spacers. This multi-layered spacer system featuring specialized components, results in superior window performance and aesthetics over other warm edge spacers.
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E
• Efficient Window Collaborative - EWC provides unbiased information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use.
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• Egress -BOCA 1996
o 1010.4 Emergency escape and rescue: Every sleeping room below the fourth story in occupancies in Use Groups R and I- I shall have at least one operable window or exterior door approved for emergency escape or rescue. Each emergency escape and rescue window shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m'). The net clear opening shall be at least 24 inches (6 10 mm) in height and at least 20 inches (508 mm) in width. The net clear opening dimensions shall be obtained by the normal operation of the window from the inside. Where windows are provided for emergency escape and rescue, the windows shall have the bottom of the clear opening not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Bars, grilles or screens placed over emergency escape windows shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the window.
o Exceptions
o 1. The minimum net clear opening for grade floor windows shall be 5 square feet (0.47 m2).
o 2. An outside window or an exterior door for emergency escape is not required in buildings where the sleeping room is provided with a door to a corridor having access to two remote exits in opposite directions.
o 3. An outside window or an exterior door for emergency escape is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 906.2.1 or 906.2.2. (Drawing)
• ENERGY STAR® - ENERGY STAR® was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the ENERGY STAR® label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular product categories. ENERGY STAR® has expanded to cover new homes, most of the buildings sector, residential heating and cooling equipment, major appliances, office equipment, lighting, consumer electronics, windows and doors. For more information visit ENERGY STAR® website at www.energystar.gov . There are four regions on the ENERGY STAR® map and each region has specific energy performance requirements. Different glazing may be required to meet your specific region criteria.
• EPDM Seals - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer - a weather resistant synthetic rubber used to make flexible seals for windows and doors.
• Extension Jambs – 4 9/16" or 6 9/16" wood extension jambs factory applied to a window. B.F. Rich Availability; Pre-primed paintable, Stainable, Flex-type. Custom Extension Jamb depths are also available with some restrictions.
• Extruded screen frame – A screen frame is processed through a form or die.
• Extrusion - A window or door profile produced by forcing material through a die.
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F
• Faux Meeting Rail - Faux meeting rails transform the appearance of a traditional casement to look like a double hung window. Increased egress, ventilation and energy efficiency make the faux meeting rail casement the perfect choice where the look of a double-hung window is needed.
• Fenestration - An architectural term referring a product that fills an opening in the envelope of a building. i.e. windows, doors and skylights
• Fin-Seal – A weather-stripping used to form a weather-resistant seal around operable sash.
• Fixed Unit - A stationary window or door that does not operate or open.
• Foam-Filling – Polyurethane foam filled frames can improve overall window thermal performance and enhance condensation resistance.
• Flankers - Are the windows that are at the opposite ends of a mulled unit. In a five lite bow, the first and fifth windows are called the flankers. In a bay window the windows on each end are called flankers. In a picture window combo unit, the windows on each side of the picture window are called the flankers.
• Float glass - Glass formed by a process of floating the material on a bed of molten metal. It produces a high-optical-quality glass with parallel surfaces, without polishing and grinding.
• Full Screen - A screen that covers the entire area of a window that has the possibility of opening. Some models come standard with full screens and some come standard with half screens.
• Fusion-welded – A state-of-the-art welding process that uses extreme heat and joins vinyl window materials together by fusion. The result is the materials being joined together as a one-piece unit. Fusion-welded windows provide great protection against water and air infiltration and give great strength to the unit assuring long term square-ness resulting in a high performing product.
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G
• Garden Window – A window with two trapezoid operation vents and a slanted roof line with a fixed window as a roof. B.F. Rich custom sizes these windows and it is constructed with a 5/4" wood buck frame. Tempered glass shelves are available as well as vinyl coated wire shelving.
• Gas Fill – Filling the air space in insulating glass with a less conductive, more viscous, or slow-moving gas minimizes the convection currents within the space, conduction through the gas is reduced, and the overall transfer of heat between the inside and outside is reduced.
• Glass - transparent solid substance: a hard, usually transparent substance is used for making such objects as windows, bottles, and lenses. It is made by melting sand in combination with other oxides such as lime or soda without crystallizing them. . Available B.F. Rich glass: Clear, Obscure, Bronze Tint, Grey Tint, Gray Lite #14, AFG Radiance™ Self-Cleaning, AFG Comfort™ E2, AFG Comfort Ti-AC 36, laminated and tempered.
• Glazing, (X-Y) – An automated state-of-the-art process of applying a bed of sealant to the window sash sealing the sash to the glass.
• Glazing Bead - A bead of vinyl which snaps into the frame or sash surrounding the edge of the glass and securing it in place in conjunction with a bed sealant. This system allows for easy glass replacement in the field which means in the event of a broken window glass you do not have to replace the entire window sash and/or frame.
• Gray/Gray - B.F. Rich’s design released in September 2002 using Gray Dual-Durometer and Gray DuraSeal™ .
• Grids, Grilles, Grilles Between the Glass (GBG’s) - Decorative grids installed between the glass or applied on the glass surface (SDL & STDL) creating the appearance of the glass being divided. Available B.F. Rich grids; Standard 5/8" x 3/16", Optional: 3/8" x 3/8", 3/4" contour, wood grain, v-groove cut glass, cathedral round top v-groove cut glass, SDL (Simulated Divided Lite) and STDL (Simulated True Divided Lite).
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H
• Half Screen - A screen that covers the area of a window with one sash open. Some models come standard with half screens and some come standard with full screens. NOTE: Screens are not made to prevent children from opening screens and are not intended to be a retaining devise.
• Head - The horizontal top member of the main frame. This is where the window information sticker would be located.
• Headboard – A 5/4" birch or oak finished wood, cut to fit the contour of a Bow, Bay or Garden window.
• Head Expander - A U-shaped extrusion supplied at the width of the window and placed on the head. The head expander is used to expand the height of the unit and fill the gap in the opening between the window and the opening. The head expander can also be very helpful if the opening has settled and is out of level. The head expander is not a required accessory and in many situations it does not need to be used.
• Heating Degree Days - A unit, based upon temperature difference and time, used in estimating fuel consumption and specifying nominal heating load of a building in winter. For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than 65°F (18°C), there exists as many degree days as there are Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65°F (18°C).
• Hopper Window - A single sash window that hinges from the bottom of the sash and opens inward for ventilation. Typically this window is used for basement window applications.
• Hurricane Rated Window - See Eye-Watch.
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I-J
• I.G. Unit (Insulating Glass Unit) - A combination of two or more panes of glass with sealed air space(s) between panes – Double panes and triple panes. Also referred to as thermo panes or sealed units
•IECC - International Energy Conservation Code - The International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model construction codes. www.iccsafe.org
• Installation Masters™ - The program is specifically designed to help installers:
o Avoid costly callbacks
o Improve energy efficiency
o Work more efficiently, optimizing both time and money
o Maximize product benefits for happier, more satisfied customers
o All B.F. Rich sales representatives are Certified InstallationMasters.
o B.F. Rich has two Accredited Trainers on staff.
• Installation Specifications. for B.F. Rich Windows
• Interior Wood Grain – An overlay applied to the inside of a vinyl window to give an authentic maintenance free pre-finished look of wood to your window.
• Interlocking Meeting Rail - A positive interlock at the meeting rail which interlocks both sash for maximum air infiltration protection.
• J-channel - Integral extension on the outside of a new construction window that provide for the installation of siding.
• Jamb - Vertical member of the main frame.
• Jamb Adjuster – An adjuster that is located in the middle of a double hung window jamb height and is used to adjust the tolerance of the window height jamb to the sash.
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K-L
• Keeper Rail - The lower horizontal member of the top sash of a double hung sash or the vertical member of the out side sash of a slider where the lock-keeper is mounted.
• Kick-Lock - A secondary locking and vent device used on patio doors.
• Kick-Lock Installation Instructions
• Knee Braces - Used to help support the weight of a bay, bow or garden window. Garden windows over 80 united inches automatically come with support knee braces. Knee braces are required on bows and bays with on overhang of 8" or more from the last supporting sill edge.
• Knock Down (K-D) – A window or door shipped as a package to be assembled in the field.
• Krypton Gas - An inert, colorless gas used instead of air in sealed spaces between panes of glass in insulating glass units to increase insulation. Krypton provides greater insulation properties than Argon gas.
• Labeled - Windows, doors or materials to which have been affixed a label, seal, symbol, or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency, or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of the above-labeled items and by whose label the manufacturer attests to compliance with applicable nationally recognized standards.
• Laminated Glass - Laminated glass is considered a safety glass and is made of two or more pieces of glass bonded together over a plastic inter layer. If broken, glass fragments adhere to the plastic inter layer rather than falling free and potentially causing injury.
• Lift Rail – An integral rail on the operating sash used for opening and closing the sash. B.F. Rich windows have continuous lift rail across the sash.
• Lite - A separately framed piece of glass in a window or door. It is a term also used to describe grids within a sash for example; a traditional double-hung window often has several lights divided by grids in each sash. Such windows are described as six-over-six, eight-over-one, twelve-over-twelve, etc., to indicate the number of lites in each sash.
• Lock Rail - The upper horizontal member of the bottom sash of a double hung sash or the vertical member of the inside sash of a slider where the cam-lock is mounted.
• Locking Screen – A half screen that covers the area of a window with one sash open and has slide bolt type locks to keep the screen in that correct position. NOTE: Locking screens are not made to prevent children from opening screens and are not intended to be a retaining devise.
• Low "E" (Emissivity) Glass - a transparent coating applied to a glass surface to separate long wave (heat) energy and short wave (light) energy. The long wave is reflected back to the heat source. The short wave is allowed to pass through the coating. A special type of glass having a transparent material fused into its surface which acts as a thermal mirror. When Low "E" glass is used in conjunction with argon or krypton gas filling there is a synergistic effect that offers a very efficient glazing.
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M-N
• Maintenance – What to look for and when on a window or door installation.
• Manufactured Size (MFS) – The exact manufactured size of a window or door.
• Master Frame - The head, sill and jambs members of a window.
• Measuring Instructions - How to measure for standard replacement window.
• Mechanically Fastened - Refers to the frame and/or sashes which are fastened together with screws.
• Meeting Rails - The horizontal members of a double hung or the vertical members of a slider sash that meet when the sash are closed, thus meeting rails.
• Mesh - Fiberglass or aluminum fabric used in screens.
• Mullion (U or H) – An extruded accessory used for connecting multi-units together. The vertical or horizontal divisions or joints between individual windows in a multiple window unit.
• Multi-Chamber - Chambered spaces within the sash and frame of the window which help to insulate and strengthen the window.
• Multifamily - A multifamily building is a residential building three stories or less in height that contains three or more attached dwelling units. Multifamily buildings include apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and row houses. Hotels and motels are considered commercial rather than residential buildings.
• NFRC National Fenestration Rating Council – www.nfrc.org
• NAMI -
•NASEO - National Association of State Energy Officials
Issues of concern to NASEO include electric and gas utility, transportation, buildings, research, economic development, environmental, energy efficiency, renewable energy and other energy-related matters. www.naseo.org
• Nailing Fin - An extrusion either integral or attached to the main frame of a window used to install and secure the window into the rough opening.
• Night-Latch – Mounted on the interior surface of the out side sash the mechanism stops the window in a partially open position for ventilation.
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O-R
• Obscure Glass - mainly used for decoration, diffusion, or privacy. The pattern is rolled into the hot glass during glass manufacturing.
• Oriel – Also referred to as a Cottage Window. A window with the meeting rail located off center of the frame. Most oriels have a 2/5-3/5 or a 3/5-2/5 configuration. B.F. Rich has the ability to custom locate an oriel meeting rail to align with a current location. Some restrictions apply.
• Overall Projection - The greatest distance from the inside edge of a bow, bay or garden window to the outer most edge.
• Sill-Pan – A fabricated sill pan extrusion which is fastened under new window or door to provide a water tight installation.
• Patio door - A sliding glass door with safety tempered glass which slides to open and close on adjustable tandem rollers. B.F. Rich patio doors are available in 5’, 6’, 8’, 9’ and 12’ in 2 or 3 panel configurations.
• Pattern Glass - B.F. Rich offers V-Groove Pattern Glass in several different configurations.
• Picture Window – A stationary window. Picture windows can be made as a direct-set or as a sash-in-frame design
• Projection – The distance a bow, bay or garden window will project on the outside. Wall thickness is not included in projection. Projection plus wall thickness equal Overall Projection.
PURFECT GLAZE™ - PURFECT GLAZE™ sealants offer a wide variety of features and benefits to window manufacturers. The INSTANT STRENGTH seen with PURFECT GLAZE sealants can eliminate the need to stack windows while waiting for curing. The properties of these unique sealants, with their INSTANT STRENGTH and Acceleration Technology™, keep glass from sliding, stiles and rails from bowing and allows you to wrap windows within five minutes.
• PVC - Poly Vinyl Chloride – Window and door profiles in rigid frame and sash members.
•Quik-Dose -The Besten Quik-Dose GF gas filling machine increases the throughput of insulated glass gas filling. This semi-automatic machine, rapidly fills insulated glass units with liquid inert gases (e.g. Argon and Krypton), for better thermal and sound insulation properties.
• R-Value - Resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat flow. R-Value can also be determined by using the number 1 divided by the windows U-Value.
• 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. Radiation heat transfer is concerned with the exchange of thermal radiation energy between two or more bodies.
• REScheck - DOE's Building Energy Codes Program is an information resource on national model energy codes. They work with other government agencies, state and local jurisdictions, national code organizations, and industry to promote stronger building energy codes and help states adopt, implement, and enforce those codes. The Program recognizes that energy codes maximize energy efficiency only when they are fully embraced by users and supported through education, implementation, and enforcement. Supports the 1992, 1993, and 1995 MEC; the 1998, 2000 and 2003 IECC; and various state and county energy codes.
• RECA - The Responsible Energy Codes Alliance is a consortium of energy efficiency professionals, product and equipment manufacturers, and trade associations. RECA works to improve the energy efficiency of homes through greater use of energy efficient practices and building products. www.reca-codes.org
• Rough Opening - The framed opening in a wall into which a window or door unit is to be installed. A rough opening is generally _" greater in width and height than the window or door unit.
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S
• Sash – The operating section of a double hung, horizontal slider, casement, awning or hopper window.
• Sash Alignment System - This system has an alignment tilt-bar on the sash which is held into the balance shoe creating a near perfect alignment between the sash and frame. The sash alignment system is a great benefit in keeping the window in the proper tolerance during installation. It is still recommended to check your sash to frame alignment after the window is secured in the opening.
• Sash Lock and Keeper - The mechanisms which lock the window in the closed position and pull the sash together for maximum seal.
• Sash Rail - The horizontal sections of the sash.
• Sash Stop – A snap in stop the jamb track that limits the sash travel.
• Seat Board – A 5/4" birch, maple or oak finished wood, cut to fit the contour of a Bow, Bay or Garden window.
• Self-Cleaning Glass - SunClean™ self-cleaning glass is a coated glass product with photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties that combine to result in windows that are easier to clean. The durable, transparent coating on SunClean self-cleaning glass is applied to hot glass during the formation process making it an integral part of the outer glass surface.
• Shading Coefficient - The amount of solar energy or heat that is transmitted through a particular glazing system. It compares the effectiveness of specific glazing options to a single pane of 1/8" double strength clear glass in its ability to reduce solar heat gain. The shading coefficient of clear double strength glass is 1.0. A standard insulated glass unit has a SC value of about .87. The lower the shading coefficient, the lower the solar heat gain
• Side Lites - Fixed units on either or both sides of a door to light an entry way or vestibule. Units can be mulled or joined to door units to give a more open appearance.
• Sill - The horizontal, bottom section of the main frame.
• Sill Extension – A fixed or floating extrusion that is attached or inserted to the bottom of the window to cover the gap between the replacement window and the existing sloped sill. The Sill extension is not a required accessory and is not used in some applications. The use of sill extensions with horizontal sliders requires wood blocking to support the weight of the sliding sashes.
• Single Hung - A hung window in which the bottom sash slides vertically and the top sash is stationary.
• Single-Strength Glass - Glass with a thickness of approximately 3/32".
• Slider Window - Available in 2 lite or 3 lite configurations. A slider window has sash that open and close horizontally. There are lift-out sash which require the sash to be lifted out to clean and there is a "Tilt N’ Slide"™ style which allow the sash to swing-in for cleaning.
• Sloped Sill - This sill type allows for natural water run-off to the exterior from the window sill.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) - SHGC is the glazing's effectiveness in rejecting solar heat gain. SHGC is part of a system for rating window performance used by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). SHGC is gradually replacing the older index, Shading Coefficient (SC), in product literature and design standards. If you are using glass whose performance is listed in terms of SC, you may convert to SHGC by multiplying the SC value by 0.87.
• Sound Transmission - Sound Transmission loss is determined in a laboratory using ASTM E90 as the method. The numerical derivative STC (Sound Transmission Class) is calculated according to ASTM E 413. STC results are valid for indoor applications only and bear little relationship to the tested samples effectiveness in preventing exterior noise. OITC (Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class) is a more recent attempt to measure realistically sound transmission loss for exterior applications. The testing is done according to ASTM E1425 and the numerical derivative OITC is calculated to ASTM E 1332. The number for both classes is expressed in decibels (dB). Differences in STC vs. OITC range from 2dB for monolithic glass to 10 dB for an insulating glass unit 2 _" thick. OITC numbers are always lower for glass or glazing applications, due to high transmission of certain critical frequencies, such as bus or truck rumble.
• Spacer Subassembly –unique multi-component spacer which is bendable yet incompressible and stable
• Spacer - Material used between two or more pieces of glass to create an insulated glass unit. B.F. Rich uses "Warm Edge" spacer system. For more information visit: www.truseal.com
• Spark Light - A spark light is then used to measure the gas fill percentage in an insulated glass unit
• Stucco Fin (also referred to as a nail fin) - An integral or attached extension to the frame of a new construction window.
• Swiggle® Seal - The original, all-in-one, flexible insulating glass spacer technology. Introduced to the marketplace in 1979, Swiggle Seal offered the industry a dramatic alternative to the conventional aluminum spacer system. By containing its own spacer, sealant and desiccant, Swiggle allowed the manufacturer to use one product to perform the job of several conventional I.G. components. The first flexible I.G. spacer to be marketed as Warm Edge, Swiggle Seal has been in use longer than any other Warm Edge spacer system. Swiggle Seal reduces conductivity of the spacer by 75% compared to aluminum spacer bar, offering superior thermal performance and durability qualities.
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T
•Tape Glazing - Two-sided tape used to secure and seal the glass to the sash.
• Tempered Glass - Glass that is strengthened through the process of heating and then cooling the surfaces rapidly. This process produces glass four times more impact resistant than non tempered glass. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small pieces to reduce hazard.
• Thermo Panes - A combination of two or more panes of glass with sealed air space(s) between panes – Double panes and triple panes. Also referred to as I.G.U. (Insulating Glass Unit) or sealed units.
• Thermal Conductance - Time rate of heat flow through a body (frequently per unit area) from one of its bounding surfaces to the other for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under steady conditions (Btu/h × ft²× °F) [W/(m² × K)].
• Thermal Resistance - Materials which have a high thermal conductivity have, by definition, a low thermal resistance - they are poor heat insulators. Conversely, materials with a low thermal conductivity have a high thermal resistance - they are good heat insulators. Good insulating materials have a high thermal resistance. In fact, the ``R'' value quoted for insulation is the thermal resistance (in British units).
• Thermal Transmittance (U) - The coefficient of heat transmission (air to air). It is the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm-side and cold-side air films (Btu/h × ft² × °F) [W/(m² × K)]. The U-factor applies to combinations of different materials used in series along the heat flowpath, single materials that comprise a building section, cavity airspaces and surface air films on both sides of a building element.
• Tilt Latch – A mechanism that when depressed, allows the sash it to tilt-in from the main frame for ease of cleaning.
• Tilt-In-Sash - A sash that can tilt-in to the interior for cleaning.
• Tilt 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.
• Tip-to-Tip - The actual measurement of the window.
• Transom - A small window that fits over the top of a door or window, primarily for additional light, added ventilation or aesthetic value.
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U - Z
• United Inches - The sum total of one window width and one window height expressed in inches.
• 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. U-Value can also be determined by using the number 1 divided by the windows R-Value.
• UV % Transmission - The percent of ultraviolet rays transmitted through the glass area of a window or door. Single clear glass offers a UV Transmission of 73%. Low E glasses and tinted glasses can provide protection as low as 15%. (Calculations using LBL Window 4.1)
• Visible Light Transmittance - The percentage of visible light that is transmitted through glazing. (380 to 760 nanometers) The higher the number the more light that is transmitted through the glazing.
• Wall Thickness – Also referred to as jamb depth; The distance from the inner most edge of a bow, bay or garden window to the point where the window projection begins..
• Warm Edge Spacer - Insulating spacers used to seal panes of glass in the manufacture of insulated glass units -- edge conductivity is lessened for improved window energy performance and reduces glass condensation.
• Warranty - B.F. Rich's Lifetime Limited Warranty.
• Warranty Claim Procedure - To initiate a warranty claim, contact an authorized B.F. Rich dealer within the applicable warranty term. If the dealer does not respond after ten (10) days, write to or submit a Warranty Claim Form , to B.F. Rich at PO Box 6031, Newark, DE 19714, ATTN: Service Dept. Include a description of the product and the alleged defect; your name and address; the date you purchased the product; the dealer name and date(s) of contact; and a copy of this certificate. The dealer or B.F. Rich will inspect the reported defect to determine whether your claim is valid under this warranty. If your claim is not covered under this warranty, B.F. Rich may charge an inspection fee or service charge for its on-site inspection
• Warranty Label - B.F. Rich uses a Warranty Label in their windows. On a double -hung window you can find the label in the top of the window by lowering the top sash and looking up in the top frame. On a slider window it is in the jamb height. On an awning or casement it is found on the top of the operating sash.
• Weep-Hole Covers - A cover that shields a weep hole with a flap or dome while allowing water to drainage providing protection against back drafts of air and keeping insects out.
• Weep-Holes – Internal drainage systems designed to allow for water drainage to the exterior of the window so the windows chambers do not hold the water.
• Weep-Holes with drainage tubes - Internal drainage systems using drainage tubes through fame filled chambers so the foam doesn't absorb the moisture.
• Wet Glazing - A silicone-based substance used to secure and seal the glass to the sash.
• Window - The terms "fenestration", "window", and "glazing" are often used interchangeably. However, window actually describes a system of several components. Window is the term given to an entire assembly comprised of the sash, glazing, and frame.
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