Heritage Millwork and Windows Ltd. Penticton, BC

Measurement Questions
- What is a "Rough Opening"?
  - A rough opening is the space in the wall of a structure into which a window or door is to be installed. This space is slightly larger than the actual buck size of the window or door. Measurements should be taken from the inside surface of the studs so casing will have to be carefully removed from existing door and window openings prior to measuring. Measure horizontally across the top and bottom of the rough opening and vertically on the left and right sides. If the rough opening is not square, the smaller of each of your vertical and horizontal measurements should be used. For example, if the top right vertical measurement equals 82" and the left vertical measurement equals 82 1/4", you would use the right vertical measurement of 82" to determine your rough opening size.
- What is an "Outside Measurement"?
  - The outside horizontal and vertical measurements of a window or door excluding the nailing fins. Also referred to as overall dimension.
- What does "insulated glass" mean?
  - A light of glass made up of two sheets of glass, a spacer bar filled with a desiccant material placed between the two sheets at the perimeter, and a sealant applied around the entire perimeter of the assembly. This assembly creates an envelope of dead air which when used in a window or door, greatly reduces the passage of heat through the glass. Argon gas may also be used to further reduce heat loss and noise transfer through the unit.
- What is a "Sash Balance"?
  - A device in a hung window that allows the sash to be adjusted to any position between fully open and fully closed. Originally, balances were weights attached to the top corners of the sash and draped over a pulley on either jamb. The weights and the friction of the pulleys "balanced" the weight of the sash. Balances normally are placed in pairs for each sash, one at each jamb. A heavier window may use two balances on each jamb.
- What does "egress" mean?
  - Egress refers to the act of leaving an enclosed space. In the window industry, the term refers to the dimensions of the net clear opening of a window or door (the horizontal clear distance, vertical clear distance and the net clear opening are established by local building codes). The reason for establishing minimum egress dimensions is to ensure that a person attempting to leave a building in an emergency situation will have room to maneuver. Also, proper egress will allow a firefighter to enter a home while wearing emergency equipment. In 2001, the minimum egress dimensions required by most codes were 20" horizontally, 24" vertically, 5.0 square feet net clear opening for first floor applications and 5.7 square feet net clear opening for second floor applications. Some areas of the country use different dimensions.
- What is a "jamb"?
  - The vertical member forming the side of a door or window frame. A hinge jamb is a jamb at which hinges or pivots are installed.
    
    In the simple diagram to the left, the two vertical segments are door jambs.
- How do I measure jamb thickness?
  - Jamb thickness is probably the most common question we are asked and the least understood. Jamb thickness has nothing to do with how wide the door or opening is. Jamb thickness is the thickness of the wall that the door and jamb will be fitting into including sheet rock (one or both sides) and any siding, or sheathing on the outside.
    
    The measurement needed is shown by the RED ARROWS above. This would be a new construction or replacement door application. In this example the sheetrock on the left is 1/2" thick, the 2x4 is 3-1/2" thick, and the siding is 1/2" thick giving us 4-1/2" thick. We then add 1/8" to it to make sure it covers completely giving us a 4-5/8" jamb. This is one of the standard jambs we have as this is the most common jamb sizes due to 2x4s being commonly used with 1/2" sheetrock.
- What is a bay or bow projection?
  - A bay or bow window is a set of windows that protrude out from the wall. The window is moved away from the wall to provide more light and wider views.
    
    Projection refers to the measurement from the wall surface where the roof flashing will attach to the outermost point on the upper frame of the window perimeter, expressed in inches.
- How do you measure a window or door?
  - Width x Height
    or
    Height x Width
    
    Standard construction industry measurements are taken as Width x Height.
    
    When measuring a door, it can be useful to also measure the frame. While measuring only the door can be sufficient; removing the casing and measuring the outermost sides of the frame can prove to be considerably more useful. The best option is always to measure the rough opening. (See above: rough opening)
Window Questions
- What is PVC? (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  - PVC is an acronym for Polyvinyl Chloride, a material used to make vinyl window parts, weather strip and glazing bead.
    
    As a building material, PVC is cheap, durable, and easy to assemble. In recent years, PVC has been replacing traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas. It is a versatile material used in the production of a wide range of products, from vinyl window components to pipe and plumbing conduit fixtures. PVC can also be made softer and is used in this form for clothing, upholstery, and many other products.it is used in clothing and upholstery, and to make flexible hoses and tubing.
- What is a window header?
  - A beam placed perpendicular to wall studs above doors, windows or other openings to carry the weight of structural loads above the window or door.
- What is a window sill?
  - The ledge along the bottom of a window is a window sill. A horizontal ledge below a window. The outside is weathered outwards and has a throat or drip underneath to protect the top of the breast wall against rainwater and to prevent water streaks on the wall.
- What is a butt joint?
  - A butt joint is a joinery technique in which two members are joined by simply butting them together. The butt joint is the simplest joint to make since it merely involves cutting the members to the appropriate length and butting them together. It is also the weakest because unless some form of reinforcement is used it relies upon glue alone to hold it together. Because the orientation of the members usually presents only end grain to long grain gluing surface, the resulting joint is inherently weak.
- What is the difference between Flat grain and Vertical grain fir?
- What is jamb thickness?
  - Jamb thickness is probably the most common question we are asked and the least understood. Jamb thickness has nothing to do with how wide the door or opening is. Jamb thickness is the thickness of the wall that the door and jamb will be fitting into including sheet rock (one or both sides) and any siding, or sheathing on the outside.
    
    The measurement needed is shown by the RED ARROWS above. This would be a new construction or replacement door application. In this example the sheet rock on the left is 1/2" thick, the 2x4 is 3-1/2" thick, and the siding is 1/2" thick giving us 4-1/2" thick. We then add 1/8" to it to make sure it covers completely giving us a 4-5/8" jamb. This is one of the standard jambs we have as this is the most common jamb sizes due to 2x4s being commonly used with 1/2" sheet rock.
- What is a bay or bow projection?
  - A bay or bow window is a set of windows that protrude out from the wall. The window is moved away from the wall to provide more light and wider views.
    
    Projection refers to the measurement from the wall surface where the roof flashing will attach to the outermost point on the upper frame of the window perimeter, expressed in inches.
- What is cap beading?
  - Cap beading occurs when you apply silicone sealant to the outside surface of the glass where it meets the frame. A cap bead can also be applied to the inside surface of the glass where it meets the glazing bead.
- What are mullions?
  - A mullion is a structural element which divides adjacent window units. Mullions may be made of any material, but wood and aluminum are most common, although stone is also used between windows. Mullions are vertical elements and are often confused with transoms, which lie horizontally. The word is also confused with the "muntin" (or "glazing bar" in the UK) which is the precise word for the very small strips of wood or metal that divide a sash into smaller glass "panes" or "lights". A mullion acts as a structural member, and it carries the dead load of the weight above the opening and the wind load acting on the window unit back to the building structure. The term is also properly applied to very large and deep structural members in many curtain wall systems.
- What is a transom?
  - A small opening above a door or window separated by a horizontal member that usually contains a sash or louver panel hinged to the transom bar. Transoms were first used in the 18th century on exterior doors. Because of the increased amount of light they allowed into the interior of a building, the size of the front door could be reduced.
- What is a cam-handle?
  - A lever operated lock which is used to prevent intrusion through the sash. Cam locks and keepers were installed on the jambs and stiles of older case masters and awnings. Cam Handles are available in both right and left hand styles depending on their desired placement in the window.
- What is roto hardware?
  - Roto hardware dual arm action pushes the sash open while pulling the hinge side of the sash to the open position. When properly installed this operator results in almost effortless operation of both casement and awning-type windows of many sizes and weights, even those with insulated and double-insulated glass (typical operating torque is less than one foot-pound to open and close a 60 pound (27.2 kilogram)
- What is a lever lock?
  - Optional lever handle and lever arm device that can be used to open and close Awnings. The lever lock is offered in both single and dual-arm styles. The dual-arm is used for larger than average windows.
- What is a secondary lock?
  - A secondary lock is used on windows for added security to prevent break-ins.
- What is a multi point locking system?
  - Multipoint locking systems are ideal for those situations where high security and resistance to attack are essential. They add strength and stability to the door set with a rigid aluminum box section and by securing the door with steel bolts at several points around the frame. The systems are highly flexible, and their modular nature means they can be adapted to suit many non-standard applications.
- What is sill nosing?
  - The rounded overhanging edge of a stair tread, flat roof, window sill, etc.
- How do you measure a window or door?
  - Width x Height
    or
    Height x Width
    
    Standard construction industry measurements are taken as Width x Height.
    
    When measuring a door, it can be useful to also measure the frame. While measuring only the door can be sufficient; removing the casing and measuring the outermost sides of the frame can prove to be considerably more useful. The best option is always to measure the rough opening. (See above: rough opening)
- What are true divided lights?
  - A term which refers to windows in which multiple individual panes of glass or lights are assembled in the sash using muntins.
- What are simulated divided lights?
  - A method of constructing windows in which muntins are affixed to the inside and outside of a panel of insulating glass to simulate the look of true divided light. These windows use gray foam spacers between the exterior and interior muntins to enhance the authentic look. Other brands of windows use shiny metal spacers or no spacers at all, resulting in a look that is less authentic.
- What are internal or removable grids?
  - Internal grids are grids mounted between the two panes of glass of an insulated glass unit. Removable grids are used for a similar reason, but are built from wood to be used on the interior or exterior of the window, as opposed to in-between the two panes of glass.
- What does direct set mean?
  - Direct set refers to window units that do not have a sash. The glass is mounted directly into the frame. Units of this type do not operate.
- What is a window sash?
  - A window sash is the framework that holds the panes of a window in the frame. The operating or movable part of a window.
- What is a balanced sash?
  - A balanced sash is applied to a non-operating window which would normally be direct set. This procedure is generally applied to a fixed window in a set of opening windows, to maintain a consistent look between them.
- How big can an opening vent be?
  - The maximum allowable vent size in a window, as covered by the Heritage Millwork and Windows Ltd. warranty is 30" wide by 72" tall.
Door Questions
- What is a "Jamb"?
  - The vertical member forming the side of a door or window frame. A hinge jamb is a jamb at which hinges or pivots are installed.
    
    In the simple diagram to the left, the two vertical segments are door jambs.
- What is a butt joint?
  - A butt joint is a joinery technique in which two members are joined by simply butting them together. The butt joint is the simplest joint to make since it merely involves cutting the members to the appropriate length and butting them together. It is also the weakest because unless some form of reinforcement is used it relies upon glue alone to hold it together. Because the orientation of the members usually presents only end grain to long grain gluing surface, the resulting joint is inherently weak.
- What is the difference between Flat Grain and Vertical Grain fir?
- What is jamb thickness?
  - Jamb thickness is probably the most common question we are asked and the least understood. Jamb thickness has nothing to do with how wide the door or opening is. Jamb thickness is the thickness of the wall that the door and jamb will be fitting into including sheet rock (one or both sides) and any siding, or sheathing on the outside.
    
    The measurement needed is shown by the RED ARROWS above. This would be a new construction or replacement door application. In this example the sheet rock on the left is 1/2" thick, the 2x4 is 3-1/2" thick, and the siding is 1/2" thick giving us 4-1/2" thick. We then add 1/8" to it to make sure it covers completely giving us a 4-5/8" jamb. This is one of the standard jambs we have as this is the most common jamb sizes due to 2x4s being commonly used with 1/2" sheet rock.
- What is a double door?
  - Two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the door frame when closed.
- What is a garden or terrace door?
  - The features of a sliding patio door with the operation of a swinging door. One side vents like a window, the other opens like a regular door. Full screen on the venting side and lots of glass in both doors make the Garden Door a premier choice in patio entrances.
- What is a sliding patio door?
  - Up to four glass door panels that slide on tracks giving fast, easy access to the outdoors.
- What is a folding door?
  - A door that is manufactured in multiple sections that are hinged and fold back as they are slid open. Ceiling tract mounting is preferable so that the weight of the doors can be held more firmly and without sag.
- What is an SD or SDS entrance frame?
  - An SD Entrance is a frame that includes a sidelight located to the left (view from outside) of an entrance door. An SDS Entrance consists of 2 sidelights, one on either side of the door.
- What is a transom?
  - A small opening above a door or window separated by a horizontal member that usually contains a sash or louver panel hinged to the transom bar. Transoms were first used in the 18th century on exterior doors. Because of the increased amount of light they allowed into the interior of a building, the size of the front door could be reduced.
- What is a sliding French door?
  - A sliding door utilizing French door style panels.
- What is a shaker style product?
  - A simplistic furniture design including features such as straight, tapered legs, and woven-strap chair seats. Style originated in the mid 1770's from an American religious sect.
- How do you measure a window or door?
  - Width x Height
    or
    Height x Width
    
    Standard construction industry measurements are taken as Width x Height.
    
    When measuring a door, it can be useful to also measure the frame. While measuring only the door can be sufficient; removing the casing and measuring the outermost sides of the frame can prove to be considerably more useful. The best option is always to measure the rough opening. (See above: rough opening)
Glass Questions
- What does "insulated glass" mean?
  - A light of glass made up of two sheets of glass, a spacer bar filled with a desiccant material placed between the two sheets at the perimeter, and a sealant applied around the entire perimeter of the assembly. This assembly creates an envelope of dead air which when used in a window or door, greatly reduces the passage of heat through the glass. Argon gas may also be used to further reduce heat loss and noise transfer through the unit.
- What is "Low E" Glass?
  - Stands for low emissivity glass, it is a glass type with a transparent coating applied to its surface that helps keeps your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- What is tempered glass?
  - A type of safety glass that has been heat treated so when it breaks it separates into very small pieces that reducing the possibility of injury. Tempered glass is used in doors, windows located near doors, and other locations where safety is critical. Glass tempering is achieved by heating annealed glass to near it's softening point, rapidly cooling the surface and allowing the inner core to cool naturally. The result is layers of high compression at the surfaces balanced by a high-tension layer through the center of the glass making it much stronger than annealed glass. Once tempered, the glass will fracture if cut.
- What is laminated glass?
  - A type of safety glass composed of a plastic film with adhesive sandwiched between two sheets of glass. This type of glass is used in windows, doors, skylights and automobile windshields.
- What is argon gas?
  - A colorless, inert gas commonly found in air in small volumes. Its inert properties make it ideal for filling the air space of insulated glass units. Using Argon reduces air convection within the sealed air space, increasing dimensional stability of the air space and reducing noise infiltration.
- What is the difference between "soft" and "hard coat" Low E?
  - The term "low-e" refers to a group of metallic-coated glass (or suspended coated film) products that reflect heat and transmit light in varying degrees. The generic term "low-e" refers to how they work, not to how-well they work. Low-e coatings fall into two main categories: (1) sputtered (soft-coat), a high-performance coating that must be sealed in an insulating glass unit, and (2) pyrolitic (hard-coat), a generally less effective coating. Pyrolitic low-e does not need to be sealed into an insulating glass unit. While pyrolitic low-e insulating glass is an improvement over double-pane glass for winter insulation, it performs poorly when used to keep out excess heat in the summer. Sunstop is another term used in this industry for soft-coat low E.


	"MILLWORK DONE TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS"
	Home
	Our Heritage Promotions Windows Doors Cabinets Request a Quote Gallery Newsletters FAQ Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Renovating or building can sometimes have a steep learning curve when it comes to measuring and industry jargon. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions pages to answer some of the more common questions. Measurement Questions What is a "Rough Opening"? A rough opening is the space in the wall of a structure into which a window or door is to be installed. This space is slightly larger than the actual buck size of the window or door. Measurements should be taken from the inside surface of the studs so casing will have to be carefully removed from existing door and window openings prior to measuring. Measure horizontally across the top and bottom of the rough opening and vertically on the left and right sides. If the rough opening is not square, the smaller of each of your vertical and horizontal measurements should be used. For example, if the top right vertical measurement equals 82" and the left vertical measurement equals 82 1/4", you would use the right vertical measurement of 82" to determine your rough opening size. What is an "Outside Measurement"? The outside horizontal and vertical measurements of a window or door excluding the nailing fins. Also referred to as overall dimension. What does "insulated glass" mean? A light of glass made up of two sheets of glass, a spacer bar filled with a desiccant material placed between the two sheets at the perimeter, and a sealant applied around the entire perimeter of the assembly. This assembly creates an envelope of dead air which when used in a window or door, greatly reduces the passage of heat through the glass. Argon gas may also be used to further reduce heat loss and noise transfer through the unit. What is a "Sash Balance"? A device in a hung window that allows the sash to be adjusted to any position between fully open and fully closed. Originally, balances were weights attached to the top corners of the sash and draped over a pulley on either jamb. The weights and the friction of the pulleys "balanced" the weight of the sash. Balances normally are placed in pairs for each sash, one at each jamb. A heavier window may use two balances on each jamb. What does "egress" mean? Egress refers to the act of leaving an enclosed space. In the window industry, the term refers to the dimensions of the net clear opening of a window or door (the horizontal clear distance, vertical clear distance and the net clear opening are established by local building codes). The reason for establishing minimum egress dimensions is to ensure that a person attempting to leave a building in an emergency situation will have room to maneuver. Also, proper egress will allow a firefighter to enter a home while wearing emergency equipment. In 2001, the minimum egress dimensions required by most codes were 20" horizontally, 24" vertically, 5.0 square feet net clear opening for first floor applications and 5.7 square feet net clear opening for second floor applications. Some areas of the country use different dimensions. What is a "jamb"? The vertical member forming the side of a door or window frame. A hinge jamb is a jamb at which hinges or pivots are installed. In the simple diagram to the left, the two vertical segments are door jambs. How do I measure jamb thickness? Jamb thickness is probably the most common question we are asked and the least understood. Jamb thickness has nothing to do with how wide the door or opening is. Jamb thickness is the thickness of the wall that the door and jamb will be fitting into including sheet rock (one or both sides) and any siding, or sheathing on the outside. The measurement needed is shown by the RED ARROWS above. This would be a new construction or replacement door application. In this example the sheetrock on the left is 1/2" thick, the 2x4 is 3-1/2" thick, and the siding is 1/2" thick giving us 4-1/2" thick. We then add 1/8" to it to make sure it covers completely giving us a 4-5/8" jamb. This is one of the standard jambs we have as this is the most common jamb sizes due to 2x4s being commonly used with 1/2" sheetrock. What is a bay or bow projection? A bay or bow window is a set of windows that protrude out from the wall. The window is moved away from the wall to provide more light and wider views. Projection refers to the measurement from the wall surface where the roof flashing will attach to the outermost point on the upper frame of the window perimeter, expressed in inches. How do you measure a window or door? Width x Height or Height x Width Standard construction industry measurements are taken as Width x Height. When measuring a door, it can be useful to also measure the frame. While measuring only the door can be sufficient; removing the casing and measuring the outermost sides of the frame can prove to be considerably more useful. The best option is always to measure the rough opening. (See above: rough opening) Window Questions What is PVC? (Polyvinyl Chloride) PVC is an acronym for Polyvinyl Chloride, a material used to make vinyl window parts, weather strip and glazing bead. As a building material, PVC is cheap, durable, and easy to assemble. In recent years, PVC has been replacing traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas. It is a versatile material used in the production of a wide range of products, from vinyl window components to pipe and plumbing conduit fixtures. PVC can also be made softer and is used in this form for clothing, upholstery, and many other products.it is used in clothing and upholstery, and to make flexible hoses and tubing. What is a window header? A beam placed perpendicular to wall studs above doors, windows or other openings to carry the weight of structural loads above the window or door. What is a window sill? The ledge along the bottom of a window is a window sill. A horizontal ledge below a window. The outside is weathered outwards and has a throat or drip underneath to protect the top of the breast wall against rainwater and to prevent water streaks on the wall. What is a butt joint? A butt joint is a joinery technique in which two members are joined by simply butting them together. The butt joint is the simplest joint to make since it merely involves cutting the members to the appropriate length and butting them together. It is also the weakest because unless some form of reinforcement is used it relies upon glue alone to hold it together. Because the orientation of the members usually presents only end grain to long grain gluing surface, the resulting joint is inherently weak. What is the difference between Flat grain and Vertical grain fir? What is jamb thickness? Jamb thickness is probably the most common question we are asked and the least understood. Jamb thickness has nothing to do with how wide the door or opening is. Jamb thickness is the thickness of the wall that the door and jamb will be fitting into including sheet rock (one or both sides) and any siding, or sheathing on the outside. The measurement needed is shown by the RED ARROWS above. This would be a new construction or replacement door application. In this example the sheet rock on the left is 1/2" thick, the 2x4 is 3-1/2" thick, and the siding is 1/2" thick giving us 4-1/2" thick. We then add 1/8" to it to make sure it covers completely giving us a 4-5/8" jamb. This is one of the standard jambs we have as this is the most common jamb sizes due to 2x4s being commonly used with 1/2" sheet rock. What is a bay or bow projection? A bay or bow window is a set of windows that protrude out from the wall. The window is moved away from the wall to provide more light and wider views. Projection refers to the measurement from the wall surface where the roof flashing will attach to the outermost point on the upper frame of the window perimeter, expressed in inches. What is cap beading? Cap beading occurs when you apply silicone sealant to the outside surface of the glass where it meets the frame. A cap bead can also be applied to the inside surface of the glass where it meets the glazing bead. What are mullions? A mullion is a structural element which divides adjacent window units. Mullions may be made of any material, but wood and aluminum are most common, although stone is also used between windows. Mullions are vertical elements and are often confused with transoms, which lie horizontally. The word is also confused with the "muntin" (or "glazing bar" in the UK) which is the precise word for the very small strips of wood or metal that divide a sash into smaller glass "panes" or "lights". A mullion acts as a structural member, and it carries the dead load of the weight above the opening and the wind load acting on the window unit back to the building structure. The term is also properly applied to very large and deep structural members in many curtain wall systems. What is a transom? A small opening above a door or window separated by a horizontal member that usually contains a sash or louver panel hinged to the transom bar. Transoms were first used in the 18th century on exterior doors. Because of the increased amount of light they allowed into the interior of a building, the size of the front door could be reduced. What is a cam-handle? A lever operated lock which is used to prevent intrusion through the sash. Cam locks and keepers were installed on the jambs and stiles of older case masters and awnings. Cam Handles are available in both right and left hand styles depending on their desired placement in the window. What is roto hardware? Roto hardware dual arm action pushes the sash open while pulling the hinge side of the sash to the open position. When properly installed this operator results in almost effortless operation of both casement and awning-type windows of many sizes and weights, even those with insulated and double-insulated glass (typical operating torque is less than one foot-pound to open and close a 60 pound (27.2 kilogram) What is a lever lock? Optional lever handle and lever arm device that can be used to open and close Awnings. The lever lock is offered in both single and dual-arm styles. The dual-arm is used for larger than average windows. What is a secondary lock? A secondary lock is used on windows for added security to prevent break-ins. What is a multi point locking system? Multipoint locking systems are ideal for those situations where high security and resistance to attack are essential. They add strength and stability to the door set with a rigid aluminum box section and by securing the door with steel bolts at several points around the frame. The systems are highly flexible, and their modular nature means they can be adapted to suit many non-standard applications. What is sill nosing? The rounded overhanging edge of a stair tread, flat roof, window sill, etc. How do you measure a window or door? Width x Height or Height x Width Standard construction industry measurements are taken as Width x Height. When measuring a door, it can be useful to also measure the frame. While measuring only the door can be sufficient; removing the casing and measuring the outermost sides of the frame can prove to be considerably more useful. The best option is always to measure the rough opening. (See above: rough opening) What are true divided lights? A term which refers to windows in which multiple individual panes of glass or lights are assembled in the sash using muntins. What are simulated divided lights? A method of constructing windows in which muntins are affixed to the inside and outside of a panel of insulating glass to simulate the look of true divided light. These windows use gray foam spacers between the exterior and interior muntins to enhance the authentic look. Other brands of windows use shiny metal spacers or no spacers at all, resulting in a look that is less authentic. What are internal or removable grids? Internal grids are grids mounted between the two panes of glass of an insulated glass unit. Removable grids are used for a similar reason, but are built from wood to be used on the interior or exterior of the window, as opposed to in-between the two panes of glass. What does direct set mean? Direct set refers to window units that do not have a sash. The glass is mounted directly into the frame. Units of this type do not operate. What is a window sash? A window sash is the framework that holds the panes of a window in the frame. The operating or movable part of a window. What is a balanced sash? A balanced sash is applied to a non-operating window which would normally be direct set. This procedure is generally applied to a fixed window in a set of opening windows, to maintain a consistent look between them. How big can an opening vent be? The maximum allowable vent size in a window, as covered by the Heritage Millwork and Windows Ltd. warranty is 30" wide by 72" tall. Door Questions What is a "Jamb"? The vertical member forming the side of a door or window frame. A hinge jamb is a jamb at which hinges or pivots are installed. In the simple diagram to the left, the two vertical segments are door jambs. What is a butt joint? A butt joint is a joinery technique in which two members are joined by simply butting them together. The butt joint is the simplest joint to make since it merely involves cutting the members to the appropriate length and butting them together. It is also the weakest because unless some form of reinforcement is used it relies upon glue alone to hold it together. Because the orientation of the members usually presents only end grain to long grain gluing surface, the resulting joint is inherently weak. What is the difference between Flat Grain and Vertical Grain fir? What is jamb thickness? Jamb thickness is probably the most common question we are asked and the least understood. Jamb thickness has nothing to do with how wide the door or opening is. Jamb thickness is the thickness of the wall that the door and jamb will be fitting into including sheet rock (one or both sides) and any siding, or sheathing on the outside. The measurement needed is shown by the RED ARROWS above. This would be a new construction or replacement door application. In this example the sheet rock on the left is 1/2" thick, the 2x4 is 3-1/2" thick, and the siding is 1/2" thick giving us 4-1/2" thick. We then add 1/8" to it to make sure it covers completely giving us a 4-5/8" jamb. This is one of the standard jambs we have as this is the most common jamb sizes due to 2x4s being commonly used with 1/2" sheet rock. What is a double door? Two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the door frame when closed. What is a garden or terrace door? The features of a sliding patio door with the operation of a swinging door. One side vents like a window, the other opens like a regular door. Full screen on the venting side and lots of glass in both doors make the Garden Door a premier choice in patio entrances. What is a sliding patio door? Up to four glass door panels that slide on tracks giving fast, easy access to the outdoors. What is a folding door? A door that is manufactured in multiple sections that are hinged and fold back as they are slid open. Ceiling tract mounting is preferable so that the weight of the doors can be held more firmly and without sag. What is an SD or SDS entrance frame? An SD Entrance is a frame that includes a sidelight located to the left (view from outside) of an entrance door. An SDS Entrance consists of 2 sidelights, one on either side of the door. What is a transom? A small opening above a door or window separated by a horizontal member that usually contains a sash or louver panel hinged to the transom bar. Transoms were first used in the 18th century on exterior doors. Because of the increased amount of light they allowed into the interior of a building, the size of the front door could be reduced. What is a sliding French door? A sliding door utilizing French door style panels. What is a shaker style product? A simplistic furniture design including features such as straight, tapered legs, and woven-strap chair seats. Style originated in the mid 1770's from an American religious sect. How do you measure a window or door? Width x Height or Height x Width Standard construction industry measurements are taken as Width x Height. When measuring a door, it can be useful to also measure the frame. While measuring only the door can be sufficient; removing the casing and measuring the outermost sides of the frame can prove to be considerably more useful. The best option is always to measure the rough opening. (See above: rough opening) Glass Questions What does "insulated glass" mean? A light of glass made up of two sheets of glass, a spacer bar filled with a desiccant material placed between the two sheets at the perimeter, and a sealant applied around the entire perimeter of the assembly. This assembly creates an envelope of dead air which when used in a window or door, greatly reduces the passage of heat through the glass. Argon gas may also be used to further reduce heat loss and noise transfer through the unit. What is "Low E" Glass? Stands for low emissivity glass, it is a glass type with a transparent coating applied to its surface that helps keeps your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. What is tempered glass? A type of safety glass that has been heat treated so when it breaks it separates into very small pieces that reducing the possibility of injury. Tempered glass is used in doors, windows located near doors, and other locations where safety is critical. Glass tempering is achieved by heating annealed glass to near it's softening point, rapidly cooling the surface and allowing the inner core to cool naturally. The result is layers of high compression at the surfaces balanced by a high-tension layer through the center of the glass making it much stronger than annealed glass. Once tempered, the glass will fracture if cut. What is laminated glass? A type of safety glass composed of a plastic film with adhesive sandwiched between two sheets of glass. This type of glass is used in windows, doors, skylights and automobile windshields. What is argon gas? A colorless, inert gas commonly found in air in small volumes. Its inert properties make it ideal for filling the air space of insulated glass units. Using Argon reduces air convection within the sealed air space, increasing dimensional stability of the air space and reducing noise infiltration. What is the difference between "soft" and "hard coat" Low E? The term "low-e" refers to a group of metallic-coated glass (or suspended coated film) products that reflect heat and transmit light in varying degrees. The generic term "low-e" refers to how they work, not to how-well they work. Low-e coatings fall into two main categories: (1) sputtered (soft-coat), a high-performance coating that must be sealed in an insulating glass unit, and (2) pyrolitic (hard-coat), a generally less effective coating. Pyrolitic low-e does not need to be sealed into an insulating glass unit. While pyrolitic low-e insulating glass is an improvement over double-pane glass for winter insulation, it performs poorly when used to keep out excess heat in the summer. Sunstop is another term used in this industry for soft-coat low E.
		© 2007 Heritage Millwork and Windows Ltd. 165 Okanagan Avenue East, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, V2A 3J6 Phone: (250) 492-0069 Fax: (250) 492-7678

Frequently Asked Questions