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Serving Edmonton and Area since 1984

8806 51 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB  T6E 5E8

Phone: 780-468-3456
Fax: 780-469-7238

windowanddoorstore@telus.net

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Glossary
 

 

 

 

BUILDER'S GLOSSARY OF WINDOW AND GLASS TERMS

Argon -An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating windows to improve the insulating value of sealed glass units.

BTU -An abbreviation for British Thermal Unit-the heat required to increase the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

Condensation -The accumulation of water vapor from the air's humidity on any cold surface whose temperature is below the dew point, such as a cold window glass or frame that is exposed to humid indoor air. Low conductivity or warm edge spacers reduce condensation.

Conduction - Heat transfer through a material. Heat flows from a higher-temperature area to a lower-temperature one.

Emissivity -The relative ability of a surface to reflect heat, with emissivity factor ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. Emissivity, U-Factor, and R-Factor are different ways to evaluate insulating values.

Low-Emittance (low-E) coating - Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a lite of glass and sealed in an insulating glass unit to reduce the U-Factor by suppressing radiant heat flow.

NFRC -National Fenestration Rating Council.

Passive Solar Heat Gain -Solar heat that passes through a material and is captured naturally, not by mechanical means.

R-Value -A measure of the resistance of a insulating material to heat flow. It is the inverse of the U-Factor (R = 1/U) and is expressed in units of hr-sq. ft-degrees (F)/BTU. A high R-Value window has a greater resistance to heat flow and a higher insulating value than one with a low R-Value.

Shading coefficient (SC) -A glass measurement comparing solar heat transmission, related to 1/8-inch clear glass. It is being phased our in favor of the solar heat gain coefficient, and is approximately equal to the SHGC multiplied by 1.15.

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHCC) - The fraction of solar radiation transmitted through a window or skylight. The SHGC has replaced the shading coefficient as the standard

 indicator of a window's shading ability. It is expressed as a percentage. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less Solar heat it transmits, and the greater its shading ability. SHGC can be expressed in terms of the glass alone or can refer to the entire window assembly. SHGC should vary based upon climate and geography with a lower SHGC in the south and a higher SHGC in the north.

U-Factor (U-Value) -A measure of the rate of non-solar heat loss or gain through a material or assembly. It is expressed in units of BTU/hr-sq. ft-degrees (F) (W/sq. m-degrees (C)). Values are normally given for NFRC/ASHRAE winter conditions of 0 degrees (F)(18 degrees (C)) outdoor temperature, 70 degrees (F)(21 degrees (C)) indoor temperature, 15 mph wind, and no solar load. The U-Factor may be expressed for the glass alone or the entire window, which includes the effect of the frame and the spacer materials. The lower the U-Factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Visible transmittance (VT) -The percentage or fraction of the visible spectrum (380 to 720 nanometers) weighted by the sensitivity of the eye, that is transmitted through the glazing.

Planning to install one or several new windows in your home? Then you've come to the right place. These days, windows are much more than just a view to the outside.  They're very carefully engineered building components, and if they don't work properly they can cost you money in increased energy bills, and prevent your home from being as comfortable year round as it should be. That's why a window made with Swiggle® Seal is your best investment.

Swiggle Seal is a patented, all-in-one insulating glass edge seal that joins the two panes of glass in a window. It consists of a continuous, 'swiggly'-shaped metal shim that is embedded in a moisture-sealing, heat-resistant polymer. Because of its unique composition, windows made with Swiggle Seal will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and save you money in lower energy bills! Why would you want to choose anything else? To learn more about the benefits of Swiggle Seal, visit Swiggle.

What is Low E and Argon all about?

Low-E and argon filled, high performance glass is part of a new generation of energy efficient windows and patio doors.  The beauty of Low E and Argon is not something you'll ever see. You may opt for Low E and argon gas, instead of just air, between two panes of insulating glass. Argon is a harmless, colorless, inert gas which was chosen because its insulation value is one-third higher than air. In addition, we've coated the outer surface of the interior pane with a fine film of silver. The coating is only a few atoms thick, so Low E looks just like ordinary insulating glass.

Windows and patio doors with Low E - Argon glass will outperform units with standard insulating and benefit you in six ways: Reduces Energy Costs. Low E - Argon helps reduce heating and air conditioning costs because it has a dramatically higher R-value than insulating glass. 95% of the interior heat waves that come in contact with Low E - Argon. Casement or awning windows with Low E - Argon have a total unit R-value of 3.22, for example. The same units with insulated glass would achieve an R- value of only 2.22.

Improves the Comfort Level in Your Home. The inner pane of Low E - Argon glass is close to room temperature. This means that your home will generally be a more comfortable living climate. Low E - Argon also reduces the chances of cold spots, which are caused by the low temperature of the inner pane on standard insulated glass. So sitting near a Low E - Argon window or patio door won't be a chilling experience.

Increases Resistance to Fading. Low E filters out 85% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, compared to only 66% for standard insulated glass. The life of your draperies, carpeting and furniture will therefore be significantly extended. Increases Resistance to Sound. Low E - Argon acts as a sound barrier by reducing the transmission of sound through the glass. Increases Resale Value of Home. With energy efficient windows, your home's resale value increases and prospective home buyers appreciate the many benefits of Low E - Argon glass in windows and patio doors. In conclusion, Low E - Argon reduces energy cost, improves your comfort, resists fading, reduces sound transfers and increases the resale value of your home - all for a nominal increase in price over standard insulating glass.
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Last modified: 06/16/10