Great windows and doors are essential for a quality build. In this series, Quickslide Ade’s takes you through some of the essential terminology to ensure that when you buy windows and doors for your next project, you won’t be baffled by the BS.
Argon Gas
An inert gas used to fill sealed glazing units; It can improve the U value by more than 30%. Inexpensive, widely used, accepted technology.
Astragal Bars
An astragal bar is a decorative and functional profile used in windows and doors to emulate the Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian window styles. These are applied to a single pane of glass to give the illusion of multiple smaller panes but without the structural separation.
Done well they should last the lifetime of the sealed unit.
Bevel
In the context of windows, a bevel refers to a sloped or angled edge cut into the frame, sash, or glass. This angled edge can serve both functional and decorative purposes.
- Bevelled Glass: This refers to glass that has been cut at an angle around its edges, often to create a prismatic effect that catches and reflects light in a decorative way. Bevelled glass is common in decorative windows, such as transom or stained-glass windows. 2.
- Bevelled Frame or Sash: This refers to window frames or sashes that have angled edges. This can make the transition between different parts of the window smoother and more aesthetically pleasing. It can also contribute to the structural integrity or water drainage capability of the window, as sloped surfaces are less prone to holding water.
In both cases, the bevel creates a refined, polished look while sometimes improving functionality like shedding rainwater or enhancing light diffusion.
Balance Mechanism
In box sash vertical sliding windows, a balance mechanism is a system used to counterbalance the weight of the sliding sashes, making it easier to open and close the window. Without a balancing system, lifting the sash would require significant effort.
Chamfered Sash
A chamfered sash refers to a type of window sash that has angled or bevelled edges, as opposed to an ovolo-featured or sculptured sash. This means that the sharp, square edges of the sash have been cut at an angle, creating a sloped or bevelled edge instead of a sharp corner.
Cill (Sill)
Of course, you know what a cill is…but it is much more than the bit the window sits on.
It provides:
Support: To the frame of the window or door.
Water Drainage: It helps direct water away from the window or door, preventing it from seeping inside and causing damage.
Insulation: The sill can contribute to thermal insulation, reducing heat transfer between the interior and exterior.
Finish: It adds a finished look, often integrating into the design of the building’s façade.
Condensation
Condensation in the context of windows occurs when moisture in the air comes into contact with a cooler surface, like a windowpane, and turns from water vapor into liquid droplets. Once the blight of homeowners, modern windows have all but eradicated condensation. However, this in turn has resulted in an increase in the phenomenon of increased condensation on the exterior surfaces of the insulated glass unit, something that many homeowners find irksome.
You can explain to them that as irritating as they may find it, it takes place due to the high efficiency of their new windows and is caused by high outdoor humidity and significant temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments. But it clears naturally and usually very quickly, is generally harmless and doesn’t indicate a window problem.
However….condensation between window panes is indication of a failure in the IGU, which requires replacement of the unit.
Curtain Walling
This requires a whole page of its own, but in essence a curtain wall is a non-structural exterior covering of a building, typically made of lightweight materials such as glass, aluminium, or other panels. It is designed to protect the interior of the building from the elements (wind, rain, and sunlight) while allowing light to enter and of course, to improve the aesthetics of the building.
In general curtain walling is largely used in commercial applications although more upmarket, modern homes also benefit but its inclusion generally requires specialist design and installation.
Desiccant
Technically known as molecular sieves, desiccants are used to adsorb specific particles. We use a pure 3A desiccant that is specifically manufactured to adsorb water molecules; 3A referring to the water molecule size. Some cheaper desiccants are not pure 3A and may adsorb gases as well as moisture which can cause deflection – inward movement of glass, potentially resulting in sealed unit failure.
Carried inside the spacer tube, desiccant adsorbs any moisture present at production. This can be in the atmosphere or within the glass due to the washing process. The desiccant will continue to adsorb any moisture that enters the sealed unit during its lifespan. Desiccant management is vital to long term sealed unit performance.
For further information on Quickslide visit Window & Door Suppliers West Yorkshire | Sliding Sash Manufacturers.
