CAPPING - Window "capping" is the application of vinyl sheeting, cut and formed to fit over the exterior wood trim of a window.

FRAME - The stationary portion of a window that encloses the sash.

GRIDS - Strips of material such as vinyl or metal that are sandwiched between the two layers of glass to give the illusion of multiple panes of glass within the sash.

SINGLE HUNG SASH - The top or bottom sash is stationary. The window opens from the top or the bottom, but not both.

DOUBLE HUNG SASH - Two sash sections that move independent of each other. Windows that can open from the top and bottom.

WINDOW BALANCE SYSTEM - Balances are made of coiled metal. These balance springs are uncoiled when the sash is closed and recoil to provide the tension to balance the sash weight, allowing for ease of opening and closing of the window.

BRICK MOLDING - Exterior window and door frames. The casing serves as the boundary molding for brick or other siding material.

CASEMENT WINDOW - A combination of frame, sash, weather-strip, concealed hinges and operating device assembled as a complete and properly operating unit.

SIDELITE - A stationary glass panel installed next to a door.

SPECIAL OR CUSTOM SHAPED WINDOW - Non-traditional size or shaped window requiring custom measuring and fitting.

SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT - The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits.

TRANSOM - A window above a window or door. Transoms can be either stationary or operating.

U-VALUE - The U-Value is a measure of how well heat flows through an object. The lower the U-Value, the better the insulation value of the material. American Double Hung windows have a U-Value as low as 0.31.

NFRC - National Fenestration Rating Council - All American windows have the NFRC label to insure that they have been independently tested and certified to meet your energy needs and qualify for the ENERGY STAR program. Click anywhere on this text to go to the NFRC Website.

ENERGYSTAR - American vinyl windows are 40% more efficient than the products required under the most common national building codes. An average household spends over 40% of its annual energy budget on heating and cooling costs. Installing ENERGY STAR windows can reduce those energy bills by up to 32%. Northern region must have a U-Value of 0.35 or below. Central region must have a U-Value of 0.40 or below. Southern region must have a U-Value of 0.75 or below. American Double Hung windows with Warm Edge insulating glass and Low-E with argon have a U-Value of 0.34 which is better than the lowest ENERGY STAR requirements.

AAMA - The American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) is a voluntary organization that establishes material performance standards for the window industry. Our windows meet or exceed the AAMA guidelines. As you can see, our windows and doors meet or exceed demanding rating requirements, providing a lifetime of top-quality, performance and efficiency.