Argon Gas

A colourless, odourless, non-toxic Noble Gas. Argon is heavier than air and as it is not in continuous motion the transfer of heat and cold through convection is greatly reduced. The use of Argon Gas in glazing units improves insulation and energy efficiency.

BFRC Energy Rating

The BFRC is the UK's national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows and is recognized within the Building Regulations. Window Energy Ratings Labels use a traffic-light style A-E rating system, which is similar to that for fridges, washing machines etc. They will tell you how well windows will perform in terms of helping to contain and conserve heat, keeping out the wind, resisting condensation and improving sound insulation.

Bio-degradable

This term is used to describe the decomposition of materials either by bacteria or other biological means. Given the right conditions, organic materials such as plant and animal matter, are broken down by microorganisms, which release Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere during the process. The resulting CO2 is then used as 'fuel' by trees and other plants, which convert the CO2 back into oxygen as they grow.

Biomass Energy

Biomass is a renewable source of energy, which uses waste organic materials to produce heat or generate electricity.

Biomass Fuel

Biomass fuels include plant or animal matter used in fibre production, household rubbish, garden waste, dead trees, branches and stumps and wood chippings can be converted into heat or electricity via thermal, chemical or biochemical conversion. Biomass power generation reduces dependence on fossil fuels and landfill.

BRE

An impartial and independent research-based consultancy, which provide expertise in all aspects of the built environment and associated industries.

BRE Green Guide

First published by BRE in 1996, the Green Guide is a series of guides to the environmental impact of building materials.

BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method)

An accredited environmental rating scheme for buildings, which provides evaluations of the environmental performance of building materials and systems ranked on a scale of A+ to E.

BM Trada

A leading certification body accredited by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), which develops quality assurance and certification schemes for the construction industry and other sectors.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon Dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound, which exists as a trace gas in the Earth's atmosphere. Plants, algae and some species of bacteria absorb CO2, releasing oxygen as a waste product.

Carbon Negative

Describes any process that removes carbon, or activities that remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they release into it.

Carbon Neutral

Carbon Neutral refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing the amount of carbon released or produced with an equivalent amount, which is offset or stored.

Carbon Sink

A Carbon Sink is a natural or artificial store, which removes carbon dioxide. The world's ocean's are the largest natural Carbon Sinks, followed by forests.

Chain of Custody (CoC)

Chain of Custody is a method through which timber is tracked through the production process to the consumer. This includes all stages of harvesting, processing, manufacture and distribution.

CO2e

Equivalent Carbon Dioxide is a way to measure who much global warming a particular type of greenhouse gas might cause, using the equivalent amount of CO2 as the reference.

Cold-bridging

This is a type of heat transfer, which occurs when materials that are poor thermal insulators come into contact. Heat then flows through the path of least thermal resistance.

Condensation (internal)

Condensation on the inside of a window happens when warm and moist room air is cooled on a cold glass surface and takes the form of mist on glass. Reasons can vary from moisture obtained during manufacture to inadequate ventilation within the window unit. Curtain arrangements which are too close to the window or window sills too close to the wall can inhibit air circulation and cause

Condensation (external)

When a very well insulated window is placed in an unprotected position, or a position where there is high humidity, condensation can arise. Mist on the pane builds up mainly during the night and disappears during the morning. The reason for this is that the pane insulates so well that no warm air reaches the exterior pane. The result is that the exterior pane can be colder than the cold night air. The high humidity causes temporary condensation on the exterior pane of the window.

This type of condensation usually occurs during autumn and winter because of the contrasts in temperature between day and night. In the morning, the pane becomes warmer and the condensation evaporates.

Condensation on the outside is a sign that a window is insulating extremely well.

Db Rw

This is a measurement of the sound insulating capability of a window. The higher the value, the better the window will insulate sound. For example: an increase from dB Rw 35 to dB Rw 45 will result in a noise reduction of 75%.

Deforestation

Refers to the removal of trees and forests where the land is then converted to non-forest uses such as urban development, farmland etc.

DGCOS

The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme provides consumer protection, before, during and after purchase.

Fixed Frame

Cannot be opened. An economic alternative when you want a window close to a French door or other large glass opening.

FSC Forest Stewardship Council

An independent, not-for-profit organization, which was established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests.

Glazing Bars

Glazing bars are used to adapt the style of your windows to the style of your house. There are many styles and alternatives to choose from to reflect as many styles and periods as possible.

Heartwood

Also known as Duraman, Heartwood is a type of wood, which occurs as a result of a natural chemical transformation, which is naturally disease resistant.

Internal Glazing Bars

Made from aluminum, internal glazing bars are located between the panes in the window and do not divide the panes. They maintain their appearance year after year, they do not get dirty and are not in the way when you're washing the windows.

Insulating Glass Unit

This is a glazing unit, which is made up of two or three panes with pane spacers between. The unit is sealed and no ventilation exists. To guarantee low U-factor value, triple pane windows are most often recommended. Energy glass has an invisible film on the inside, which minimises heat loss.

Inwido Group

The Inwido Group is Norther Europe's largest supplier of environmentally-friendly, timber based windows and doors. The Group has operations in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Russia, the UK and Ireland.

K-Glass

Developed by Pilkington, this is a low emissivity coated glass, which reflects heat back into the room, whilst also letting in free heat from the sun (known as 'Solar Gain').

Krypton Gas

A colourless, odourless, non-toxic Noble Gas, which is heavier than air, which makes it a very effective insulator in double glazed units.

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aimed at fighting global warming.

Laminated Glass

Is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by an interlayer between its two or more layers of glass. This keeps the layers of glass bonded and eliminates glass breaking up into sharp pieces.

Low-E

Or low emissivity in glass creates a reduction in heat transfer due to a metallic or film coating on or between the glass panes, i.e. lets in energy from the sun whilst blocking heat loss from your home.

Measurements

Window and door measurements are always stated in width by height (w x h). Sizes relate to module measurements. The 'hole in the wall' is the size of the module. If unsure, please contact us.

Micro-porous Paints

Waterbourne paints that reduce the risk of flaking and blistering associated with traditional coatings. High weather resistance with high covering capacity, ideal for all exterior wood surfaces.

Mullions and Tramsoms

Made from wood or aluminium, mullions and transoms are used to give a one-frame window the impression of a multi-frame window. They are permanent and divide the pane.

Night Vent

Mounted in the upper part of the window frame.

Noble Gas

Argon and Krypton are used in insulating glass units and improve U-factor value. Both gases are extracted from air and are not dangerous to health. Noble gases insulate better than air.

Obscure Glass

Available in a variety of styles and finishes, this type of patterned glass obscures what can be seen through the window, without blocking light. Obscure glass is usually fitted to windows where there is a requirement for privacy, or security.

Pane Spacers

Between the panes of insulating glass units there are pane spacers. Composite covered pane spacers can be integrated in order to attain better U-factor values.

Permanent Glazing Bars

Made of wood, permanent glazing bars are mounted in the exterior window pane of Casement windows using a glazing compound seam. They divide the exterior pane into smaller panes.

Removable Glazing Bars

Made from composite, aluminum or wood, removable glazing bars snap on to the exterior pane of double or triple pane windows. They can be easily removed when you're washing the windows.

Secured By Design

Is a police initiative aimed at reducing crime and ensuring security is considered at the design stage.

Side Hung Windows

An outward opening window with hinges on the sides.

Solar Gain

This is a process whereby windows allow the natural energy from the sun to heat your home, whilst keeping out the rain and wind and resisting condensation.

Tilt-and-Turn Windows

Windows with fittings that make it possible to rotate the window through 180° so that the exterior pane is facing inwards. This is very practical when washing windows.

Top Hung Windows

Same construction as side hung windows but with hinges on the top.

Triple Glazing

Consists, as the name suggests of three panes of glass, each separated by a gas or air gap. These gaps in turn provide the insulating layers that slow down heat loss and reduces the opportunity for condensation to form. Energy efficient windows constructed to current standards offer excellent thermal performance, but the industry is being encouraged to switch to triple glazing to improve the energy performance of windows.

U-Values

U-Values are a measurement of a window's capacity to insulate. The lower the value, the better a window will insulate. U-factor value is measured in all the materials used in the window, i.e. wood and glass together. Glass always has a better U-factor value than wood. There are several technical solutions used to improve U-factor value. Glass, noble gases and pane spacers are factors considered.

Window Energy Ratings

WER tells you how energy efficient your windows are. The rating system is based on a scale of A-G, with A rated windows being the most efficient. Considering the fact that up to 25% of the heat within most homes escapes through the windows, it's easy to see why more and more people are opting for A-rated windows.

Wood Window Alliance

A group of the UK's leading 40 companies in the timber window industry, who work together to promote quality and high standards. Members must meet strict performance, quality and sustainability criteria.