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Windows and Doors Glossary – Total Home Windows and Doors

A

Aluminum Windows:

Windows with frames made of aluminum, known for their strength, durability, and slim profile. Learn more about aluminum windows

Argon Gas-Filled Windows:

Windows with argon gas sealed between glass panes to improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.

Art Deco Windows:

Windows featuring geometric patterns and bold designs characteristic of the Art Deco architectural style popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

Attic Windows:

Doors that open automatically using sensors, commonly used in commercial settings or for accessibility in residential applications.

Awning Windows:

Windows hinged at the top that swing outward from the bottom, ideal for ventilation even during light rain. Explore our awning windows

B

Back Doors:

Secondary entry doors typically located at the rear of a home, providing access to backyards or service areas.

Balcony Doors:

Doors providing access to a balcony, often featuring large glass areas to maximize views and light.

Basement Windows:

Windows designed specifically for basement installations, often including egress options for safety. Add natural light to your basement

Bathroom Windows:

Windows designed for bathroom spaces, often featuring privacy glass or positioned higher on walls for privacy while maintaining ventilation.

Bay Windows:

Projecting window units that form a bay in a room, creating a small alcove and adding architectural interest. Discover bay windows

Bedroom Windows:

Windows installed in sleeping areas, often designed to provide both ventilation and emergency egress.

Bi-fold Doors:

Doors consisting of multiple panels that fold against each other like an accordion when opened, ideal for creating wide openings to outdoor spaces.

Bow Windows:

Curved bay windows that create a rounded appearance on the exterior of a home, typically consisting of four or more window panels. View our bow windows

C

Casement Windows:

Side-hinged windows that open outward like a door using a crank mechanism, providing excellent ventilation. Learn about casement windows

Cellar Windows:

 Small windows located at or below ground level providing minimal light and ventilation to cellar spaces.

Clerestory Windows:

High windows placed above eye level, typically near the roofline, used to admit light and fresh air while maintaining privacy.

Coastal Windows:

Windows specifically designed to withstand coastal environments, featuring corrosion-resistant materials and hardware for salt exposure resistance.

Cold Climate Windows:

Windows engineered with superior insulation properties to withstand extreme cold temperatures. Energy efficient west windows

Colonial Windows:

Windows featuring traditional muntins (grids) that divide glass into smaller panes, characteristic of Colonial-style architecture.

Commercial Doors:

Doors designed for business and institutional applications, emphasizing durability, security, and accessibility.

Commercial Windows:

Windows designed for use in office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial properties, focusing on durability and energy efficiency.

Condensation:

The accumulation of moisture on window surfaces, often indicating humidity issues or insufficient insulation. Understanding window condensation

Contemporary Doors:

Doors with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and modern materials aligned with contemporary architectural styles.

Condo Windows:

Windows designed to meet the specific requirements of condominium buildings, often including noise reduction and HOA-compliant features.

Corner Windows:

Windows installed at building corners, creating a seamless glass connection between two walls.

Craftsman Doors:

Doors featuring the distinctive elements of Craftsman architecture, including natural materials and handcrafted details.

Craftsman Style Windows:

Windows characteristic of the Craftsman architectural movement, often featuring divided lights in the upper sash only.

Crank Mechanism:

The hardware used to open and close casement and awning windows. How to fix a broken window crank

Custom-Size Doors:

Doors manufactured to specific dimensions for non-standard openings or special architectural requirements.

Custom-Size Windows:

Windows manufactured to non-standard dimensions for unique architectural requirements. Process of enlarging your windows

D

Dining Room Windows:

Windows positioned in dining areas, often designed to frame views and provide natural light for meals.

Door Cost:

The price range for different door types, materials, and installation services. Window replacement cost

Door Installation:

The process of fitting and securing a new door into an opening. Windows and doors installation

Door Replacement:

The process of removing an existing door and installing a new one. Replacing windows and doors

Door with Window:

A door that incorporates one or more glass panels within its structure.

Dormer Windows:

Windows that project vertically from a sloped roof, creating additional interior space and natural light.

Double Pane Windows:

Windows with two layers of glass separated by an air or gas-filled space for improved insulation. Double pane vs. triple pane windows

Double-Hung Windows:

Windows featuring two vertically sliding sashes, allowing ventilation from either the top or bottom. Explore double-hung windows

Double-Paned Glass Doors:

Doors with two layers of glass separated by an air or gas space for improved insulation and sound reduction.

E

Egress Windows:

Windows designed to provide an emergency exit in case of fire or other emergencies, often required by building codes. Learn about egress windows

ENERGY STAR® Certified Doors:

Doors that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines set by the ENERGY STAR program, reducing heating and cooling costs.

ENERGY STAR® Certified Windows:

Windows that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines established by the ENERGY STAR program. How to choose efficient ENERGY STAR windows

Energy-Efficient Windows:

Windows designed to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, reducing energy costs. Energy efficient windows information

European Style Windows:

Windows manufactured using European designs and technologies, often featuring tilt-and-turn functionality. European style windows and doors

Exterior Doors:

Main entry doors to a home that provide security, insulation, and curb appeal. View our exterior doors

F

Fiberglass Doors:

Durable, low-maintenance doors that resist warping, denting, and cracking. Explore fiberglass doors

Fire-Resistant Doors:

Doors specifically designed to withstand fire for a designated period, helping contain flames and smoke.

Fire-Resistant Windows:

Windows constructed with materials and designs that can withstand fire exposure for a specified time period.

Fixed Windows:

Non-opening windows designed to provide light and views without ventilation. Learn about fixed windows

Foggy Windows:

Windows with condensation trapped between glass panes, indicating seal failure. Are foggy windows a sign of damage?

French Doors:

Hinged doors with glass panes throughout their length, often installed in pairs. Garden doors vs. French doors

Front Door:

The main entrance door to a home, often featuring decorative elements and enhanced security features.

Front Door with Sidelight:

An entrance configuration featuring a main door flanked by one or more narrow fixed glass panels called sidelights.

Frosted Glass:

Glass that has been treated to create a translucent appearance that allows light through while maintaining privacy.

Frosted Glass Windows:

Windows featuring translucent glass that obscures visibility while allowing light transmission, ideal for bathrooms and private areas.

Full-Light Doors:

Doors where the majority of the surface area consists of glass panels, maximizing light transmission.

G

Gable Windows:

Windows installed in the triangular portion of a wall beneath the edge of a pitched roof.

Garage Doors:

Large doors providing vehicle access to a garage, available in various styles and operating mechanisms. Explore garage doors

Garden Doors:

Double doors resembling French doors but typically with only one operational door, often used for patio access. Discover garden doors

Garden Windows:

Protruding windows similar to mini-bay windows, often used in kitchens to provide shelf space for plants and herbs.

Gas Filled Windows:

Windows with inert gases (typically argon or krypton) between glass panes to improve thermal performance.

Glass Doors:

Doors primarily constructed of glass with minimal framing, maximizing views and light transmission.

Glass Units:

The sealed assembly of glass panes used in windows and doors. Window glass units information

Glass Wall:

A wall made primarily or entirely of glass panels, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Greenhouse Windows:

Protruding windows with glass on all sides and top, designed to provide ideal conditions for growing plants.

H

Half-Light Doors:

Doors featuring glass in approximately half of their surface area, balancing privacy and light transmission.

Hinged Double Door:

A pair of doors that swing open from the center, often used as main entrances or for access to patios and balconies.

Hinged Single Door:

A traditional door attached to its frame by hinges on one side, swinging open in one direction.

Home Office Windows:

Windows designed for workspaces, often with considerations for reducing glare on computer screens while providing natural light.

Hopper Windows:

Windows hinged at the bottom that open inward, often used in basements. Learn about hopper windows

Hurricane-Resistant Doors:

Doors engineered to withstand high wind pressures and impact from wind-borne debris during hurricanes.

Hurricane-Resistant Windows:

Windows designed to withstand high winds and impacts during severe storms, often incorporating laminated glass and reinforced frames.

I

Impact Resistant Glass:

Glass designed to remain intact when shattered, typically consisting of multiple layers with a shatter-resistant interlayer.

Insulated Doors:

Doors constructed with insulating materials within their core to improve thermal performance.

Insulating Windows:

Windows designed to reduce heat transfer, often using multiple glass panes and special coatings. How to insulate windows

J

Jalousie Windows:

Windows consisting of parallel glass slats that open and close simultaneously, similar to a venetian blind, providing adjustable ventilation.

K

Kitchen Windows:

Windows positioned in kitchen areas, often designed for ventilation and natural light while cooking.

Krypton Gas-Filled Windows:

Windows with krypton gas sealed between glass panes, providing superior thermal insulation compared to air or argon.

L

Laminated Glass Windows:

Windows featuring glass bonded with an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) for safety and security.

Living Room Windows:

Windows positioned in main living areas, often larger in size to maximize views and natural light.

Low-E Coated Windows:

Windows with a microscopic metallic coating that reduces heat transfer while allowing visible light to pass through.

Low-E Glass:

Glass with a microscopic coating that reflects infrared light, reducing heat transfer. Energy Star windows information

Low-E Glass Doors:

Doors featuring glass with a Low-E coating that reduces heat transfer while allowing visible light to pass through.

M

Modern Front Door:

Contemporary entry doors featuring clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and modern materials. Find elegance with modern front doors

Modern Windows:

Windows featuring contemporary design elements including minimal frames, large glass areas, and clean lines.

Multi-Panel Doors:

Doors constructed with multiple individual panels, either solid or containing glass inserts.

N

New Construction Windows:

Windows designed for installation in new homes or additions. Explore new construction windows

O

Oversized Doors:

Doors manufactured to exceed standard dimensions, often used as statement architectural elements.

P

Patio Doors:

Sliding or hinged doors that provide access to outdoor living spaces. View our patio doors

Picture Windows:

Large, fixed windows that provide unobstructed views and maximum natural light. Learn about picture windows

Pivot Doors:

Doors that rotate on a pivot rather than hinges, allowing for larger, heavier door designs.

Pocket Doors:

Doors that slide into wall cavities when open, saving space in tight areas.

Porch Enclosures:

Systems that convert open porches into enclosed living spaces using windows and doors. Explore porch enclosures

Prairie Style Windows:

Windows characterized by geometric patterns of divided lights, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie architecture.

R

Rectangular Doors:

Standard doors with a rectangular shape, the most common door configuration.

Reflective Glass:

Glass with a metallic oxide coating that reduces solar heat gain by reflecting sunlight away from the building.

Replacement:

The process of removing existing windows or doors and installing new ones. Window replacement information

Replacement Windows:

Windows designed specifically to replace existing windows in a home. Window replacement information

Residential Doors:

Doors designed specifically for home applications, balancing aesthetics, security, and energy efficiency.

Residential Windows:

Windows designed for use in homes, with considerations for aesthetics, energy efficiency, and functionality.

Retrofit Windows:

Windows installed within the existing window frame, preserving the original trim. Understanding retrofit windows

Roof Windows:

Windows installed in the plane of the roof, similar to skylights but often operable for ventilation.

Rounded-Top Doors:

Doors featuring an arched or semicircular upper portion, adding architectural interest.

Rustic Doors:

Doors featuring natural materials and distressed finishes that convey a countryside or historical aesthetic.

S

Security Door:

A door specifically designed with enhanced locking mechanisms, reinforced materials, and impact-resistant features. Make entry doors secure

Security Windows:

Windows designed with advanced locking systems, reinforced frames, and impact-resistant glass to deter intruders.

Self-Cleaning Glass:

Glass treated with a special coating that uses sunlight to break down dirt, which then washes away with rainwater.

Sidelight Windows:

Narrow windows flanking entry doors, providing additional light and visual interest.

Single-Hung Windows:

Windows with a fixed upper sash and movable lower sash. Explore single-hung windows

Skylight Windows:

Windows installed in the roof to allow natural light from above, ideal for dark spaces or rooms without exterior walls.

Sliding Doors:

Doors that operate by sliding horizontally along tracks. View our sliding doors gallery

Slider Windows:

Windows that open horizontally along a track. Learn about slider windows

Smart Doors:

Doors equipped with electronic locks, sensors, and connectivity features that can be controlled remotely.

Smart Windows:

Windows with electronically controlled glass that can change opacity or tint in response to environmental conditions or user preferences.

Solid Panel Doors:

Doors constructed without glass inserts, offering maximum privacy and security.

Soundproof Doors:

Doors specifically designed with acoustic materials and seals to minimize sound transmission between spaces.

Soundproof Windows:

Windows engineered with multiple panes, specialized glass, and acoustic interlayers to reduce sound transmission. Windows shopping tips

Stacking Doors:

Multi-panel sliding doors that stack perpendicular to the wall when fully opened, creating a wide, unobstructed opening.

Stained Glass:

Colored glass formed into decorative patterns, often used as accents in doors and specialty windows.

Stained Glass Windows:

Windows featuring colored glass pieces arranged in decorative patterns, often used as architectural focal points.

Standard-Size Doors:

Doors manufactured to industry-standard dimensions for residential applications. Width of exterior door

Standard-Size Windows:

Windows manufactured to commonly used dimensions. Standard window sizes

Steel Doors:

Entry doors made from steel, offering superior security and durability. Explore steel doors

Storm Doors:

Additional exterior doors installed for insulation and protection. Learn about storm doors

Storm Windows:

Secondary windows installed outside or inside primary windows to improve insulation and reduce drafts.

Storefront Windows:

Large display windows typically used in retail settings, designed to showcase merchandise.

Sunroom Windows:

Windows designed for sunrooms or solariums, often featuring large glass areas and energy-efficient properties.

T

Tempered Glass:

Safety glass that is heat-treated to increase strength and break into small, less dangerous pieces when shattered.

Tempered Glass Windows:

Windows featuring safety glass that breaks into small, rounded pieces rather than sharp shards when broken.

Textured Glass:

Glass with patterns or textures that obscure visibility while allowing light transmission.

Textured Glass Windows:

Windows with patterned or embossed glass that provides privacy while still allowing light to pass through.

Tilt-Turn Windows:

European-style windows that can either tilt inward at the top for ventilation or turn inward at the side like a casement. Discover tilt-turn windows

Traditional Doors:

Doors featuring classic design elements that complement historical architectural styles.

Traditional Windows:

Windows featuring classic design elements such as divided lights and traditional proportions.

Transom Windows:

Small windows positioned above doors or other windows to allow additional light and ventilation.

Triple-Glazed Windows:

Windows with three panes of glass and two insulating air spaces. Benefits of triple-glazed windows

Triple-Pane Windows:

Windows with three layers of glass creating two insulating air spaces for maximum thermal efficiency. Economic advantages of triple pane windows

U

UV Blocking Glass:

Glass designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet radiation while allowing visible light to pass through.

V

Victorian Doors:

Doors featuring ornate details, decorative glass, and elaborate hardware characteristic of Victorian architectural style.

Vinyl Doors:

Doors with frames made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known for energy efficiency and low maintenance.

Vinyl Patio Doors:

Sliding doors with vinyl frames that offer energy efficiency and durability. Explore vinyl patio doors

Vinyl Windows:

Windows with frames made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), known for energy efficiency and low maintenance. Learn about vinyl windows

W

Weatherproof Doors:

Doors specifically designed to withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions, featuring enhanced seals and durable materials.

Window Blinds:

Window coverings that control light, privacy, and sometimes insulation. Window blinds information

Window Caulking:

Sealant applied around windows to prevent air and water infiltration. Is it time to replace your window caulking?

Window Cover:

Various treatments used to cover windows for privacy, light control, and decoration. Window blinds Canada

Window Cranks:

Hardware used to open and close casement and awning windows. How to install replacement window cranks

Window Cut:

The service of cutting or enlarging openings in walls for new or expanded window installations. Cut out services

Window Grilles:

Decorative bars that divide window glass into smaller sections, available in various patterns.

Window in Shower:

Specialized windows designed for shower enclosures, featuring moisture-resistant materials and privacy glass.

Window Installation:

The process of fitting and securing windows into wall openings. Process of enlarging your windows

Window Rebate:

Government or manufacturer incentives for purchasing energy-efficient windows. Window rebate Ontario

Window Replacement Cost:

The expense associated with removing old windows and installing new ones. Window replacement cost information

Window Sill:

The horizontal bottom piece of the window frame. How to replace a window sill

Window Trim:

Decorative molding that surrounds windows, available in vinyl or wood. Vinyl vs. wood window trim

Window Wall:

A large expanse of windows that forms an entire wall, maximizing views and natural light.

Windows Cut:

The process of creating new openings in walls for window installation. Cut out services

Windows for Hot Climates:

Windows specifically designed to reduce solar heat gain, featuring specialized coatings and tints. Energy efficient windows

Wood-Grain Finish Windows:

Vinyl or fiberglass windows with a surface texture and appearance that mimics natural wood.

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