Windows and Doors terms, defined
Plain definitions of the window and door words that come up on estimates, inspections and supplier calls, written for window and door installers. Each term says where it matters on the job and links the Koira calculator, cost guide or template that goes with it.
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Shared with CarpentryDoor casingCasing is the trim that frames a door or window opening on the wall, covering the gap between the jamb and the drywall.Windows and DoorsDoor jambThe jamb is the frame lining the sides and top of a door or window opening.Windows and DoorsDoor thresholdThe threshold is the strip at the bottom of a door opening that the door closes over, sealing the gap at the floor and bridging floor materials.Windows and DoorsDouble-hung windowA double-hung window has two sashes that both slide up and down.
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Shared with CarpentryHeaderA header is the beam over a door, window or other opening that carries the load from above across the opening to the jack studs.Windows and DoorsHollow core doorA hollow core door has thin skins over a light frame and cardboard honeycomb inside.Windows and DoorsHopper windowA hopper window is hinged at the bottom and tilts inward from the top, common in basements.Shared with SidingHouse wrapHouse wrap is the sheet stapled over wall sheathing under the siding.
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Windows and DoorsInsert windowAn insert window is a replacement unit that fits inside the existing window frame after the old sashes are removed, leaving exterior trim and siding in place.Shared with Glass and GlazingInsulated glass unitAn insulated glass unit is two or three panes of glass sealed around a spacer with air or gas between them, the glass package in most modern windows.
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Shared with General ContractorLead timeLead time is how long it takes from ordering a material or product until it is delivered.Shared with PaintingLead-safe work practicesLead-safe work practices are the federal rules and methods for disturbing paint in older homes without spreading lead dust: containment, no dry sanding or open flame removal, and careful cleanup.Shared with Masonry and HardscapeLintelA lintel is the steel angle, stone or concrete beam over a window or door opening in a masonry wall that carries the masonry above.Shared with LocksmithLocksetA lockset is the complete door hardware: knob or lever, latch, strike and, on locking sets, the cylinder.Windows and DoorsLow-E glassLow-E glass has a microscopically thin metal coating that reflects heat, keeping heat inside in winter and outside in summer while letting light through.
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Shared with Glass and GlazingSafety glazingSafety glazing is tempered, laminated or other approved glass required in hazardous locations, such as doors, tub and shower enclosures, and glass near walking surfaces.Windows and DoorsSHGCSHGC, the solar heat gain coefficient, is the share of the sun's heat that gets through a window.Shared with HandymanShimA shim is a thin tapered piece of wood or plastic slid into a gap to level, plumb or pack out a door, window, cabinet or appliance.Windows and DoorsSill pan flashingSill pan flashing is a formed or taped pan under a window or door opening that catches water that gets past the unit and sends it outside.Shared with RoofingSkylightA skylight is a window set into the roof.Shared with LocksmithStrike plateThe strike plate is the metal plate on the door jamb that the latch or bolt goes into.
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Windows and DoorsWeatherstrippingWeatherstripping is the foam, rubber, felt or metal seal fitted around doors and operable windows to stop drafts where they close.Windows and DoorsWindow fall protectionWindow fall protection limits how far a low, upper story window opens, or adds a release device, so a child cannot fall out.Windows and DoorsWindow sillThe sill is the bottom of a window frame, sloped outside to shed water.Shared with WaterproofingWindow wellA window well is the metal, plastic or concrete enclosure dug out around a basement window below grade, keeping soil back and letting in light.
More for window and door installers: free window and door tools, templates and guides and how the trade runs on Koira. Or browse the whole glossary.