We walk the walk. You need to talk the talk. We take customer service to heart and love talking through your project with you over the phone. The problem is, this is a very visual and tangible process we can’t effectively complete over the phone. We can’t see what you need and you can’t communicate in our window terms what you need. I’ve talked many times before about sending us pictures of your windows in prior posts. This post should help you understand a little more about how to speak in window terms to help us understand what you need and what Fenster product best fits that need.
Brand: The original manufacturer of your window.
Model: Most brands of windows made several different models of windows with different features.
After-market: This is what we do. We make a replicated version of the original brand’s window sash.
Sash: The operable part of the window. Its what you open and close.
Casement: The type of window that cranks open.
Double Hung: The type of window that slides up and down.
Awning: The type of window that swings open from the top. Also called a hopper.
Slider: The type of window that slides open horizontally. Also called a glider.
Seal: The seal in the glass causing the fog, NOT weatherstrip. And not sill. This is part of the frame.
Spacer bar: This is the metal bar creating the space between the two panes of glass.
Weatherstrip: Strip around the perimeter of the sash.
Bulb: Soft, round vinyl weatherstrip that fits into a groove around the perimeter of the sash.
Leaf: Rigid vinyl weatherstrip that fits into a groove around the perimeter of the sash.
Glazing bead: A vinyl or metal strip against the perimeter of the glass. Usually on the outside.
Glass stop: A wood trim piece against the perimeter of the glass. Can be on the inside or outside.
Boot glaze: A rubber gasket around the perimeter of the glass holding it in the wood frame. No bead or stop.
Wet glaze: The glass unit is glued into the frame and has a glazing bead or glass stop.
Glazing channel: The groove in the sash frame the glass fits into.
Cladding: Metal or vinyl covering on the outside of the sash.
Primed: The window industry term for a painted wood window. No cladding on the outside.
Stile: The vertical side of a sash frame.
Rail: The horizontal side of a sash frame.
Joinery: How the corners of the sash frame fit together.
Jambliner: The plastic side tracks of a double hung window that the sashes slide up and down in.
Balance: The spring mechanism in the jambliner that holds the sash up.
Terminal: The bracket at the end of the balance that the sash tilt pin fits into.
Tilt-pin: The pin or metal piece on the sash that fits into the terminal in the jambliner track.
Profile: The shape of the wood sash frame. From a millwork perspective, its how we identify the proper sash.
Operator: Crank mechanism containing the gears and arms that open and close a casement sash.
Hinge: The metal sill track, black bushing, arm, and sash mounting bracket are all part of a casement hinge.
Operator sash brackets: One or two brackets mounted to the sash rail that the operator arms attach to.
Those are a few of the basics. I’ll dig deeper in a future post on window terms. For now, we look forward to helping you solve your window repair issues and hopefully you can get a better understanding of the window terms we understand and need, to give you the best possible service. Visit us at www.fensterUSA.com to read more about our company and products.
