Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with "S"

Safety Glass

A strengthened or reinforced glass that is less subject to breakage or splintering.  Also called tempered glass.

Sash

The portion of a window that you open and close.

Screen

Woven mesh of metal, plastic, or fiberglass stretched over a window opening to permit air to pass through, but not insects.  Screens come standard with UniShield windows.

Sealant

A compressible plastic material used to seal any opening or junction of two parts, such as between the glass and a vinyl sash, commonly made of silicone, butyl tape, or polysulfide.

Sill

The ledge on the front of the interior of the window

Single-Hung Window

A window consisting of two sashes of glass but only the bottom sash opens.  The top sash always stays stationary and cannot be opened for air flow

Sliding Glass Door

A door fitted with one or more panels that move on rollers horizontally on a track and/or in grooves.  Also called a patio door.

Sliding Window / Slider window

A window fitted with one or more sashes opening by sliding horizontally.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window or skylight, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. The solar heat gain coefficient has replaced the shading coefficient as the standard indicator of a window's shading ability. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits, and the greater its shading ability. SHGC can be expressed in terms of the glass alone or can refer to the entire window assembly.

Super Spacer

Glass spacing system made of a structural foam that keeps the edge of the glass warmer.   The foam does not transmit heat or cold through the window, and it is flexible enough to move with the entire glass package allowing the seal to hold significantly longer than metal or aluminum spacers.

 

We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors.   As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you.  You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for.  For that reason,  it is best if both homeowners are there.   We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate.   Every time.

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 10 remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.

We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.

*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021.

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with "T"

Tempered Glass

Treated glass that is strengthened by reheating it to just below the melting point and then suddenly cooling it. When shattered, it breaks into small pieces. Approximately five times stronger than standard annealed glass; is required as safety glazing in patio doors, entrance doors, side lights, and other hazardous locations. It cannot be re-cut after tempering.

Threshold

The member that lies at the bottom of a sliding glass door or swinging door; the sill of a doorway.

Tilt Window

A single- or double-hung window whose operable sash can be tilted into the room for easy cleaning.

Triple Casement

A window unit that consists of three casements all mulled together.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Steve the Window Guy .. just click the button!

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 10 remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.

We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.

*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021.

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with "U"

U-Factor (U-value)

Measures heat loss or heat gain through a product.  The U-factor may be expressed for the glass alone or the entire window, which includes the effect of the frame and the spacer materials. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Ultraviolet Light (UV)

The invisible rays of the spectrum that are outside of the visible spectrum at its short-wavelength violet end. Ultraviolet rays are found in everyday sunlight and can cause fading of paint finishes, carpets, and fabrics.

UniShield

The exclusive line of vinyl replacement windows offered by Universal Windows Direct dealers across the country!

Universal Windows Direct

Nationwide group of dealers and window installers that offer the exclusive UniShield line of windows, siding and doors at factory direct prices.

 For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Steve the Window Guy, hit the button!

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 10 remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.

We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.

*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021.

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with "V"

Vent

The movable framework or sash in a glazed window that is hinged or pivoted to swing open.

Vinyl

Polyvinyl chloride material, which can be both rigid or flexible, used for window frames.

Visible Light

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that produces light that can be seen. Wavelengths range from 380 to 720 nanometers.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

The percentage or fraction of the visible spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers) weighted by the sensitivity of the eye, that is transmitted through the glazing.

For more information on window terminology, and to get your free quote on replacement windows from Steve the Window Guy click the button!

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 10 remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.

We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.

*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021.

Window Terminology: Window Terms Starting with "W"

Warm-Edge Technology

The use of low-conductance spacers to reduce heat transfer near the edge of insulated glazing.

Weather stripping

A strip of resilient material for covering the joint between the window sash and frame in order to reduce air leaks and prevent water from entering the structure.

Weep Hole

A small opening in a window or door sill member through which water may drain to the building exterior.

Window Failure

Common reason for buying replacement windows.   Caused by seal failure, noticed by condensation and fog in between the panels of glass.

Wood Grain Interiors

Option available in the UniShield replacement windows to keep a wood look on the  interior of the window, while keeping it maintenance free.

Wrap

Option used to finish the exterior of the window.   Wrap covers the outside stops and adds visual interest to the home.

 

 We are a shop at home company specializing in replacing windows, siding, roofs and front entry doors.   As we sit with you and learn about what you want to change on your home we can provide the best product and color options to you.  You can expect lots of questions from us as we try to understand what you're looking for.  For that reason,  it is best if both homeowners are there.   We commit to giving you a detailed, same day estimate.   Every time.

Steve the Window Guy for Universal Windows Direct is a full exterior remodeling company focusing on replacing windows, siding and roofing. Steve and his team of are experts in working with people just like you to create a plan for the most cost efficient way to complete your exterior remodeling project. We are part of a national dealer network that has catapulted to be a top 10 remodeling company in the nation. Locally we have an A+ rating with the BBB with zero complaints. Steve has been recognized by Universal Windows Direct as National Dealer of the Year three times for his hard work and dedication to getting things right. We are locally owned and operated in Bloomington, MN and work throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Updating your home can be easy.

We believe Steve the Window, Siding and Roofing Guy was just too long of a name.

*Source: Qualified Remodelers Top 500 List, Published September 2021.