Glossary

BTU:British Thermal Unit- amount of heat it takes to raise or lower one pound of water one degree fahrenheit.

Building Codes-Community ordiances governing the manner in which a home may be modified

Chair Rail-Interrior trim amterial insalled about 3-4 feet up the wall horizontally

Double Glazed Window Pane-aka Sealed Insulating Glass-Two (double) panes of glass hermetically sealed with an air or gas space between each panel. 

Double Hung Window- a window with two working sashes

Down Spout-a pipe, usually made of metal, for carrying rainwater down from the roof's horizontal gutters

Estimate-the amount of labor, materials, and other costs that a contractor proposes for a project

Fascia-horizontal boards attached to rafter/trss ends at the eaves and along gables.  Gutters are attached to the fascia.

Flashing-material that creates a watertight seal between the roof and its structure.

Fusion Welding-Not all windows and sashes are made the same.  Windows that are fastened together with glue and screws are much more likely to leak cold air and water.  Fusion welding is a stronger fastening method that provides a tight seal within the window. 

General Contractor- person or company which is hired by the owner to oversee the construction project and take responsiblity for ensuring the project's completion.

Knee Wall- short decorative wall from the ground to the windowsill which is usually under three feet high. 

Low-Emissivity Coating-(Low-E) thin coating, that reflects or inhibits heat transfer through glass.  Increases a window's efficiency by lowering the amount of infrared radiation passing through the window and by minimizing the amount of heat/cold being transferred from the outdoors through the glass.

R-Value-term used to describe the insulation properties of a material.  The higher the R-Value the greater the insulation.

Single Glazed Window Pane-One (single) pane of glass which typically has a low insulation value.

Single Hung Window-a window which has only one operable sash.

Sloped Sill-the outer sill slopes down and away from the window.  This allows for easier cleaning of debris which collects over time.

Soffit- "overhang"; the horizontal section of the lower part of the roof.  Provides protection from the weather and adds to the home's architectural beauty.

Sunroom- a glass-enclosed porch, living room, dining room, mud room, pool or spa room with a sunny exposure - also called sun parlor, sun porch, florida room, solarium, patio room, carolina room, parlor, conservatory, patio enclosure, all season room or sometimes a greenouse.  Sunrooms are usually constructed onto one side of a house in order to enjoy beauty of the outdoors without being exposesd to harsh weather conditions.

Turnkey-a term used when the contractor provides all materials and labor for a job "Start to finish Atlantic Aluminum Handles it All"