A Basic Guide to the Lingo of Windows from Simonton: Part 2
Though residential windows may seem simple at first, recent technological advances have made them more complicated than ever. In order to adequately communicate these complications, the window industry has created a series of obscure terms—some of which you may know, others you may not.
- Obscure glass
Though most people think of glass as transparent, or see-through, many homeowners prefer their glass to be translucent, or blurred. This type of glass is referred to as “obscure glass,” and is great for aesthetics and privacy.
- Picture window
A picture window is any window that isn’t broken up into segments, and instead provides a broad, picturesque view. Picture windows also don’t have moveable sashes, and thus cannot be opened.
- R-Value
The R-value measures a material’s ability to resist heat. The higher the number, the better the material can reflect heat. As you can imagine, high R-values are essential in particularly hot areas of the country.
- Sash
Though we tend to think of a window as one object, it’s actually made of several smaller components. For example, the “sash” of the window refers to the part that contains the glass.
- Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is glass that is strengthened by means of chemicals or extreme heat. Instead of shattering into large shards, tempered glass breaks into thousands of tiny pieces, making it excellent for use in automobiles.
- UV Block
A window’s UV block percentage refers to its ability to reflect UV rays. The higher the UV block, the more sunlight the window reflects back into the atmosphere.
- Weatherstripping
Many windows are prone to cracks and air leaks near their movable parts. Weatherstipping, or sealing material, is used to close these cracks and prevent outside air from leaking in.
If you have any more questions about obscure window terms, contact Five Star Windows. Our skilled team members know virtually everything there is to know about replacement windows and doors. Call us today at (408) 385-9867 or visit our website to learn more about our high-quality products.
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