Text Box: Glossary Look for the following engineering and design features in any vinyl or wood window that you are considering. ·         Block and tackle balance system: A block and tackle balance system requires no lubrication, adjustment or maintenance and will not collect dust and dirt which will affect any other balance system type available. So reliable, it is the only type of balance system available in better quality windows like Andersen windows, Marvin windows and Pella windows. ·         Intercept glass spacer: Truly a new advancement in glass spacer technology. The U shaped design interrupts the thermal transfer of cold through the glass that can cause condensation and puddling of water. ·         Pinch fusion welding: Unlike conventional fusion welding, a pinch fusion weld is neater, more attractive, less pronounced from the surface and stronger. ·         Ventilation limit locks: Ventilation limit locks (when used) allow a window to open only about 3” therefore making it difficult for a small child to open the window from the inside or intruders from the outside. ·         Interior glazing bead: For security, tamper proof interior-glazing bead is a must. The glazing bead will be nicely contoured and will fit snugly against the glass to prevent moisture, dirt and dust from collecting between the glass and window sash therefore preventing the collection of mildew and premature seal failure in the insulated glass unit. ·         Contoured or beveled exterior sash rails and styles: A flat ledge on the sash rail next to the glass will allow the collection of water, dust and dirt against the exterior of the glass. The longer water sits against the glass, the greater the likelihood it will find its way between the glass and sash, therefore contributing to premature seal failure in the insulated glass unit. ·         Wet glazed glass system: A siliconized glazing compound applied to the sash bonds the glass to the sash therefore adding further protection against water, dirt, dust and mildew collection between the sash and glass. Glass has incredible strength. By bonding the glass to the sash the strength characteristics of the glass are passed to the vinyl sash rails and styles insuring the highest level of structural performance and integrity possible. ·         Pulltruded non-conductive fiberglass reinforcement materials: Unlike aluminum which conducts heat and cold 80 times more efficiently than steel, fiberglass is non-conductive, window surfaces remain warm to the touch and will not compromise its efficiency like aluminum or steel. ·         Contoured and radiused interior edges: Soft contours and a radiused edge window rails, styles and jamb edges contributes to the overall appearance and appeal of a window and is less susceptible to damage. ·         Equal sight lines: This refers to the glass area of the upper and lower sashes. A better window will have equal glass area in the top and bottom sashes (equal sight lines). This insures a balanced and attractive traditional appearance in addition to insuring that light levels entering the home are not reduced. ·         Insulated master frames: An insulated master frame of a vinyl window can have an R-value as high as R-22. A non-insulated vinyl master frame has an R-value of 2.0. ·          Ribbed cam shoes and guides: Ribbed cam shoes and guides reduce surface contact, therefore over time, as a window is moved up and down it will ware less, last longer and operate more smoothly. This is especially true in urban and high traffic areas where dust, fuel oil and gas emissions are very high. MOST MANUFACTURERS WRITE PRODUCT FAILURE DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OUT OF THEIR WARRANTIES RATHER THAN ADDRESS THE ISSUE THROUGH ENGINEERING. ·         One-piece sloping sill: With any window system water is the enemy. Water needs to be directed away from a window whether wood, fiberglass, metal or vinyl. Water should never be allowed to enter the inside of a vinyl, metal or fiberglass extrusion or the end grain of a wood window jamb. Water would ultimately damage them all. ·         Perimeter accessory grove: An accessory groove allows windows of the same or different types to be more reliably mulled (bonded/attached) together without the use of screws or other fasteners. The use of an accessory groove is more attractive, more reliable and stronger than windows fastened with together with screws. ·         Embedded sash locks: Cam style embedded sash locks and side mounted lock plates are pick resistant, more secure and more attractive than top mounted sash locks. ·         Low profile tilt latches: Low profile tilt latches are recessed latches on the edges of the window sashes that allows tilt in convenience for glass cleaning. ·         Extruded aluminum screen frame: Look for an extruded aluminum screen frame with a continuous aluminum grab rail for easy removal and installation of screens. Metal or nylon pull-tabs are unreliable at best and often they come off in your hands usually the first time you use them. Text Box: Window and Door Terms and Descriptions You Need to Know Concord, NH and Burlington, Vt.

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