Glossary of Terms

A

Absorptance

The ratio of radiant energy absorbed to total incident radiant energy in the glazing system. 

Acrylic Roof Panels

Durable, lightweight roof panels often used in sunrooms and patio covers that allow natural light to pass through while blocking harmful UV rays. 

Air Infiltration
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.
Air Leakage Rating

A measure of the rate of infiltration around a window or skylight in the presence of a specific pressure difference. It is expressed in units of cubic feet per minute per square foot of window area (cfm/sq/ft) or cubic feet per minute per foot of window perimeter length (cfn/sq ft). The lower a window’s air leakage rating, the better it’s air tightness. 

Aluminum Extrusion

A process where aluminum is shaped into profiles, commonly used in framing for screen rooms, sunrooms, and pergolas due to its strength and resistance to corrosion. 

Aluminum Frame

At Carolina Home Exteriors, our aluminum-framed sunrooms are engineered for strength and durability, meeting or exceeding both local and national building codes. Aluminum is one of the strongest materials on the market, offering exceptional resistance to temperature changes and humidity. This means your sunroom frame won’t rust, warp, or rot, ensuring long-lasting performance. Our construction-grade aluminum frames also provide superior resistance to fading, peeling, and chipping, giving you years of dependable, low-maintenance use.

Anchor Bolts

Bolts used to secure outdoor structures like pergolas, patio covers, or gazebos to concrete or other hard surfaces. 

Apron

Decorative trip positioned directly underneath a window stool and installed flush against the wall. 

Arch Window

4 sided unit with a curve at the top.

Argon

An inert, non-toxic gas used in insulating windows to reduce heat transfer. 

Art Glass

Decorative glass in a variety of colors/shapes/patterns used to accent a window or door. 

Astragal

Center post of a double door attached to the fixed or inactive door panel. 

Automatic Louver Control

A motorized system used to automatically adjust the slats in a louvered roof to control light and airflow.    

Awning Window

A window hinged at the top sash wings outward from the bottom. 

B

Backyard Enclosure

Structures like sunrooms, screen rooms, and pergolas that enhance outdoor living spaces making them usable year-round.

Balancer

Counter-weight mechanism to assist raising or lowering of a double-hung or single-hung sash. 

Bay Window

Window consisting of three or more units that angle out beyond the wall; often configured with a large center unit and two flanking units. 

Beveled Glass

Glass that has been cut with angled edges, often used in decorative windows or doors for an elegant appearance 

Bi-Fold Doors

Accordion-style doors that fold open, offering maximum access between indoor and outdoor spaces, often used in patios and sunrooms

BTU

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

Bow Window

Window consisting of three or more units projecting out from wall to form a radius. 

Brick Mould

Exterior trim around the window frame traditionally used to attach the windows to the wall. 

C

Cantilevered Roof

A roof that extends beyond the supporting columns, often used in pergolas or patio covers to provide extra shade or shelter 

Casement

A window sash that swings open on side hinges; in-swinging are French in origin; out-swinging are from England. 

Casement Windows

Windows hinged on the side that swing outward like a door, often used for better ventilation in sunrooms or screen rooms. 

Casing

Flat, decorative molding used on the interior perimeter of a window or door that covers the space between the unit and rough opening or between units. 

Circle Top (Half Round) Window

Half circle unit consisting of a curved top and linear bottom. 

Cladding

Low maintenance covering or coating attached to the unit exterior to protect it from the elements. 

Clear Opening Area

The size of the opening created when a unit is in a full open position. 

Clerestory Windows

High windows installed near the ceiling, often used in sunrooms or solariums to increase natural light without compromising privacy. 

Coil Stock

Roll aluminum that is bent into shape to form a transition piece between the unit exterior and siding/trim. 

Combination Unit

Storm window and insect screen contained in a single frame. 

Condensation

The deposit of water vapor from the air 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. 

Condensation Resistance

Condensation Resistance (CR) measures how well a window resists the formation of interior condensation. CR is expressed as a number between 1 and 100. The higher the number, the more resistant to condensation formation. Condensation Resistance ratings are determined under specific laboratory conditions. Actual condensation performance is a function of the temperature, humidity and air movement as well as other uncontrolled, site specific factors. 

Conduction

Heat transfer through a solid material by contact of one molecule to the next. Heat flows from a higher-temperature area to a lower-temperature one. 

Convection

A heat transfer process involving motion in a fluid (such as air) caused by the difference in density of the flid and the action of gravity. Convection affects heat transfer from the glass surface to room air, and between two panes of glass. 

Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners

Specialized screws, bolts, and nails made from materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel that resist rusting, essential for outdoor structures exposed to the elements. 

Conversion Kit

Retrofit kit to add tilting capability to 1968 and newer Andersen Perma-Shield Narroline windows. 

Cornice

An ornamental molding at the top of the window positioned above the exterior trim. 

Covered Patio

An outdoor space attached to a home that is covered with a roof, offering protection from sun and rain. 

Cross-Bracing

Diagonal structural supports used in framing to add strength and stability to outdoor structures like pergolas, sunrooms, and patio covers. 

Curved Roof Sunroom

A sunroom with a roof that arches or curves, offering a more modern design and improved rainwater runoff. 

Cottage Window

Double-hung window where the upper sash is shorter than the bottom sash. 

D

Design Pressure

Pressure (measured in pounds per square foot – psf) required by building codes to meet windload requirements. Andersen Windows’ product “PG” Performance Grade rating is used to determine compliance. 

Dessicant

An extremely porous crystalline substance used to absorb moisture from within a sealed air space of an insulating glass unit. 

Dew Point

The temperature at which water vapor in air will condense at a given state of humidity and pressure. 

Direct Glazed

Glass is directs glazed into frame; stationary unit. 

Direct Set

Glass is directs glazed into frame; stationary unit. 

Direct Solar Gain

Solar gain refers to the heat energy collected from sunlight through windows, walls, skylights, or other structures in a sunroom.

Door Sweeps

A strip attached to the bottom of a door that helps seal the gap and prevent drafts, insects and water from entering. 

Double Glazing

In general, two thicknesses of glass separated by air space within an opening to improve insulation against heat transfer and/or sound transmission. In factory-made double glazing units, the air between the glass sheets is thoroughly dried and the space is sealed airtight, eliminating possible condensation and providing superior insulating properties. 

Double-Hung Windows

A window consisting of two sashes of glass operating in a rectangular frame, in which both the upper and lower halves can be slid up and down. A counterbalance mechanism usually holds the sash in place. 

Double-Pane Insulated Glass

Insulated sunroom glass, made up of two panes of glass, is a popular option for extending the seasonal use of your sunroom. It also enhances heating and cooling efficiency

Dowel Joint

A corner joint created by precisely boring matching holes into a door rail and style and joining them together with a dowel pin. 

Drip Cap

One piece of aluminum or vinyl cover installed above windows/doors that directs water away from the top of the unit. 

E

Eave

The eave is the section where the roof meets the front panel.

Edge Effects

Two-dimensional heat transfer at the edge of a glazing unit due to the thermal properties of spacers and sealants. 

Egress

An egress refers to a means of exiting or leaving a space, typically through a door or window. In construction, it is often used to describe a building code requirement for windows or doors that allow safe and easy exit in case of an emergency. 

Egress Window

A venting window large enough to be used as an emergency exit. 

Energy Star Qualified

A specific set of energy efficiency standards outlined in the ENERGY STAR product specifications.

EPDM Roofing

A synthetic rubber membrane used for flat roofs, often installed on flat-room sunrooms or patio covers for water protection. 

Escutcheon Plate

Decorative door handle plate that conceals the locking mechanism. 

Euro-Style Door Handles

These Euro-style, color-matched zinc door handles are available in both three-season and four-season sunrooms. They offer an easy grip for smoother operation while adding a sleek, contemporary touch.

Existing Roof

Carolina Home Exteriors can custom-build your sunroom right under your existing roof, giving you the space you want in the area you already have. If it’s structurally possible, we can make it happen.

Extension Jam

Wood component fastened to the interior of the window/door that extends the window frame out to the wall depth. 

Exterior Stop

The removable glazing head that holds the glass or panel in place when it is on the exterior side of the light or panel, in contrast to an interior stop located on the interior side of the glass. 

Exterior Trim

A decorative trim positioned around the exterior perimeter of a window or door. 

Extruded Aluminum

A manufacturing process that shapes aluminum into sturdy profiles, commonly used in building frames for screen enclosures, sunrooms, and patio covers. 

Extrusion

The process of producing vinyl or aluminum shapes by forcing heated material through an orifice in a die. Also, any item made by this process. 

EZE-Breeze Windows

A flexible vinyl window system used in screen room and enclosures to protect against the elements while maintaining an open, airy feel. 

F

Fabric Canopy

A durable fabric cover used for pergolas, gazebos, or awnings to provide shade while allowing airflow. 

Fenestration

Refers to any opening in a structure filled with a window, door, or skylight. 

Fibrex Material

Exclusive to Andersen Windows, it’s a composite of wood fiber and PVC polymer that is 2x stronger than vinyl. 

Fixed-Roof Sunroom

A Sunroom with a permanent, non-retractable roof made from materials like glass, polycarbonate, or aluminum.

Fixed/Stationary

Non-venting or non-operable. 

Flashing

Water resistant material that directs water away from your windows 

Flexi Frame

Andersen Windows brand name for fixed geometric windows shapes (octagon, pentagon, trapezoid)

Fogging

A deposit of contamination left on the inside surface of a sealed insulating glass unit due to extremes of temperatures or failed seals. 

Folding Door

Door unit with multiple hinging panels that can be folded together to create a large, unobstructed opening. 

Foot Lock

Auxiliary lock used on gliding doors to secure the operating panel to the sill. 

Four-Season Sunroom

Enjoy these rooms year-round, no matter where you live. With their thermally broken frame and insulated double-paned glass, you can heat and cool the space efficiently every day of the year.

Four Track Vinyl Sunroom

A four-track vinyl sunroom features movable vinyl panels that slide along a four-track system, allowing for flexible ventilation and access to outdoor views. This design enables homeowners to open or close sections of the sunroom according to their preferences, making it an ideal choice for enjoying the outdoors while being protected from the elements.

Frame

The fixed frame of a window that holds the sash, or casement as well as hardware. 

French Casement Window

Unit with two venting sash that open outward to provide a large center opening with no center post. 

French Doors

A pair of doors with glass panes that extend most of the length, used for creating a wide entry way between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Full Divided Light

Grille intended to replicate the look of a True Divided Light unit; consists of an interior grille, exterior grille and space between the glass panes. 

Full Frame

fame intended for installation direct to the rough opening; opposite of insert window. 

G

Gas Fill

A gas other than air, usually argon or krypton, placed between window or skylight glazing panes to reduce the U-factor by suppressing conduction and convection. 

Gable Roof

A type of roof with two sloping sides that form a triangle top, common in pergolas and patio covers. 

Gazebo

A freestanding, open-sided structure used in gardens or backyards, typically with a roof for shade and protection from the elements. 

Glass Room Addition

A room addition made primarily of glass; a builder’s term used interchangeably with the term “sunroom”. 

Glass Sunroom

A sunroom that features glass windows and doors for a bright open feel, often used for enjoying outdoor views year-round. 

Glazing

Glass in a window sash or door panel; the act of installing glass in a window sash or door panel. 

Glazing Bead

Wood or vinyl pieces around the perimeter of the glass that covers the space between the glass edge and sash/panel. 

Gliding Door

Door with two or more panels where one panel slides horizontally past another. Can also be known as a sliding door. 

Gliding Window

Window with two sash, where one sash slides horizontally past the other.

Gusset Plate

Metal plate attached to a window or door to strengthen a window or door joint. 

Gutter System

A drainage system installed along the roofline of outdoor structures like sunrooms and patio covers to direct rainwater away from the structure. 

H

Half Insect Screen

Insect screen that only covers the lower sash area of a double-hung window. 

Handling

Opening direction of hinging windows and doors; direction is determined by location of hinge on unit as viewed from exterior. 

Hardscape Gazebo

Non-living elements of landscaping such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls, often enhanced by pergolas, gazebos, or sunrooms. 

Hardtop Gazebo

A type of gazebo with a solid roof, offering more protection from the sun and weather than fabric-topped gazebos. 

Head Board

Stain grade wood shaped to the angles of a bay or bow window that form the finished upper and lower interior surfaces. 

Heavy beam extended across the top of the rough opening to divert the weight of the wall or roof around the window. 

Heat Gain

The transfer of heat from outside to inside by means of conduction, convection, and radiation through all surfaces of a house. 

Heat Loss

The transfer of heat from inside to outside by means of conduction, convection, and radiation through all surfaces of a house. 

Hinged Windows

Windows (casement, awning, and hopper) with an operating sash that has hinges on one side. 

Hopper

window with sash hinged at the bottom

Horizontal Slider

A window with a movable panel that slides horizontally.

I

Impact Resistant Glass

Laminated glass frequently used in hurricane-prone areas for protection from wind-bourne debris. 

Infill Panel

A panel used to fill the space between structural members in a wall or fence, often made of glass, mesh, or solid material, commonly used in sunrooms and privacy. 

Infiltration

The movement of outdoor air into the interior of a building through cracks around windows and doors or in walls, roofs, and floors. 

Infrared Radiation

invisible, electromagnetic radiation beyond red light on the spectrum, with wavelengths greater than 0.7 microns. 

Insect Screen

A tightly woven mesh attached to a frame; allows outside air ventilation while keeping insects out. 

Insert Window

A new window unit intended to be installed inside the frame pocket of an existing window. 

Insulating Value

Same as U-factor

Insulating Glass Unit

two or more glass panes that are sealed together to increase energy efficiency. 

Insulated Panels

Wall and roof panels that contain insulation, often used in four-season sunrooms to improve energy efficiency. 

Interlocker

A vertical member at the side of a window frame, or the horizontal member at the top of the window frame, as in head jam

Interlocker Stile

An upright frame member of a panel in a sliding glass door which engages with a corresponding member in an adjacent panel when the door is closed. 

Integrated Drainage

A system built into the roof of an outdoor structure to channel rainwater away, preventing pooling and water damage. 

Tab Title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

J

Jalousie Window

Louvered window with multiple horizontal glass sections that rotate open or closed

Jamb

Window or door frame members that for the top and sides of a unit. 

Jamb Clips

Metal brackets used to secure a unit to the rough opening from the interior. 

Jamb Liner

Interior frame cover surface where the sash side on the double-hung window. 

J-Channel

Receiver components that surrounds a window intended to hide the seam between the window and siding

Joining

Two or more window or door units joined together with mull materials or Andersen’s Easy Connect joining system; joint can run vertically, horizontally or both. 

 

K

Keeper

Receiver on a sash that the lock engages. 

Keyed Lock

Patio door lock that enables locking and unlocking from the home’s exterior. 

Knee Wall

A short wall, typically about three feet high, often used in sunrooms or screen rooms to provide structure and support for windows and screens. 

Krypton

An inert, nontoxic gas used in insulating windows to reduce heat transfer. 

L

Laminated Glass

Layered glass that resists breakage and hold together when broken. 

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)

Engineered wood consisting of multiple layers of thin wood bonded together

Lanai

A Hawaiian term for a covered patio or porch, often enclosed with screens or glass to keep insects out while maintaining airflow. 

Lantern Roof

A roof structure with a raised central section that has windows or glass panels to allow more light into a sunroom or other enclosed space. 

LED Lighting

Energy-efficient lighting commonly used in outdoor living spaces like pergolas or patios for ambient evening illumination. 

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Carolina Home Exteriors provides a lifetime limited warranty on all enclosures, covering manufactured components such as glass, roof panels, framing, seals, and more. Additionally, our other products come with outstanding warranties. For specific details about your warranties, please consult your design consultant.

Light-To-Solar-Gain Ratio

A measure of the ability of a glazing to provide light without excessive solar heat gain. It is the ratio between the visible transmittance of a glazing and its solar heat gain coefficient. Abbreviated LSG. 

Lintel

A horizontal member above a window or door opening that supports the structure above. 

Lock

Mechanism used to secure windows and doors into a closed position. 

Long-Wave Infrared Radiation

Invisible radiation, beyond red light on the electromagnetic spectrum (above 3.5 micro meters), emitted by warm surfaces such as a body at room temperature radiating to a cold window surface. 

Louvered Roof

A roof with adjustable slats that can be opened and closed to control sunlight and airflow, often used in pergolas and patio cover 

Low-Conductance Spacers

An assembly of materials designed to reduce heat transfer to the edge of an insulating window. Spacers are placed between the panes of glass in a double- or triple-glazed window.

Low-E

Low emissivity (Low-E) refers to an object’s ability to absorb and reflect heat and light energy. “High-E” objects, like dark clothing, absorb heat, while “Low-E” objects, such as light-colored clothing, reflect heat and light. When it comes to glass, Low-E is a very thin metal and compound coating applied to the surface. There are two types of Low-E coatings: hard-coat and soft-coat. Hard-coat Low-E is bonded directly to the glass, making it difficult to remove. Soft-coat Low-E, on the other hand, offers a higher R-value, meaning it provides superior insulation compared to hard-coat.

Low-Emittance (Low-E) Coating

Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow. A typical type of low-E coating is transparent to the solar spectrum (visible light and short-wave infrared radiation) and reflective of long-wave infrared radiation. 

M

Manual Crank System

A hand-operated mechanism used to control roll-down screens, windows, or louvered roof systems. 

Manual Roll Down Screens

Outdoor screens that can be manually lowered or raised to provide shade and insect protection. 

Masonry Opening

Opening in a brick, stone, or stucco wall where a window or door is installed. 

Measurement Guide

Step-by-step tool to help in determining the dimensions of replacement windows. 

Meeting Rail

The part of a sliding glass door, a sliding window, or hung window where to panels meet and create a weather barrier. 

Meeting Stile

Central location on a gliding window or door where the sash/panel overlap

Monolithic Glass

Laminated glass that has no air space; used in specific situations such as some coastal applications. 

Moretise-And-Tenon

Laminated glass that has no air space; used in specific situations such as some coastal applications. 

Motorized Screens

Screens that can be automatically raised or lowered using a remote control, often used in patios, screen rooms or pool enclosures. 

Mullion

The vertical or horizontal joint between individual window or door units that form a combination

Multi-point Lock

Lock that engages the sash or panel in multiple locations; activated by a single motion. 

Metal-Clad Windows

Exterior wood parts covered with extruded aluminum or other metal, with a factory-applied finish to deter the elements. 

N

Nailing Flange

Narrow attachment strip on the window perimeter that is typically used to secure the window to the rough opening and provide added protection from water infiltration. 

NFRC

National Fenestration Rating Council is a non-profit organization that provides for fair, accurate and credible energy performance ratings for windows, doors and skylights. 

O

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor cooking space, often installed under a pergola or patio cover to provide shade and protection while cooking. 

Obscure Glass

glass with a texture of pattern of various degrees of opacity that limits visibility through a window or door (see also patterned glass)

Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class

(OITC) Measurement standard used to indicate the rate of sound transmission between indoors and outdoors.  (see also STC)

Operator

metal arm, gear and handle used to open and close hinged windows. 

OX/XO

OX or XO are used to identify the opening direction of gliding windows/doors “X” stands for operating while “O” stands for stationary. 

 

P

Palladian Window

Large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on each side. 

Panel

Refers to the rail, stile, and glass assembly on a door; similar to a window sash. 

Panning Kerf

Narrow groove on the exterior outer frame edge of a unit typically used to accept trim or aluminum coil stock. 

Panoramic Windows

Large windows that provide a wide, unobstructed view, often used in sunrooms to maximize visibility and natural light. 

Parting Stop

A narrow frame molding that holds a sash or panel in position. 

Passive Panel/Sash

Panel/Sash that will open only after active panel/sash is opened 

Patio Cover

Patio covers provide an excellent solution for those seeking shade and protection from the elements without fully enclosing their deck or patio.

Patio Doors

Doors, typically sliding or French doors, that connect an indoor space to a patio or outdoor living area. 

Patterned Glass

Glass that lets in light while obscuring vision (see obscure glass)

Paver Patio

An outdoor area paved with stone, brick, or concrete pavers, often used as the base for pergolas, gazebos, or other outdoor structures. 

Performance Grade (PG)

An industry rating for a unit that has been tested for air, water, structural and force entry performance. Used to determine compliance with code required design pressures. 

Pergolas

An outdoor structure with an open roof, typically made of beams and raters, often used to provide shade in gardens or patios. 

Perma Shield

Andersen brand name for low-maintenance exterior cladding 

Plinth Block

Decorative wood block typically found at the top corners of the unit that creates a transition from vertical to horizontal interior trim. 

Pocket Door

A door panel that can be concealed by a wall; panels slide to wall

Polycarbonate Roofing

A lightweight, durable plastic material used in sunrooms and patio covers that allows light to filter through while protecting from UV rays. 

Pool Cage

A screen enclosure built around a pool to keep insects out while allowing fresh air and sunlight in. 

Porch Enclosure

A structure that encloses a porch with screens, windows, or walls, turning it into a usable space in various weather conditions. 

Pre-Finished

Factory painted or stained unit that is ready for installation; no finish coat required. 

Privacy Screens

Outdoor screens designed to block views from neighbors or passersby, often used in patios, pergolas and backyard enclosures. 

Pultrusion

Strong, stiff composite material, in profile form, made from polymeric resin and glass fiber. Also used to refer to the process for producing these profiles. 

Push-Out Casement

A casement with no crank handle; window is opened by releasing sash lock and push the sash outward. 

R

R-Value

R-value measures a material’s thermal resistance, or its ability to block heat flow. A higher R-value indicates greater resistance to heat transfer. This rating is commonly used in the building and construction industry.

Rail

Horizontal components of a window sash or door panel framework 

Rain-Sensing Technology

A feature in motorized louvered roofs that automatically closes the roof when rain is detected 

Reinforced Corners

Strengthened corners in a structure’s framework, often used in sunrooms, screen enclosures, and pergolas for added durability. 

Reinforced mull

Mull that uses a structural material (wood, aluminum, steel, LVL) to provide a stronger joint. 

Removable Interior Grille

Interior grille that can be readily removed for cleaning. 

Retractable Roof

A roof system that can be opened or closed depending on the weather, providing flexibility for outdoor living spaces like patios or decks. 

Reverse Cottage/Oriel Window

Double-hung windows where the upper sash is larger than the bottom sash. 

Roof Pitch

Roof pitch refers to the steepness of a roof and is calculated by dividing the vertical rise by the horizontal span. It is also commonly known as the roof’s slope.

Roof Vent

A vent installed in a roof to allow air to escape, helping regulate temperature in enclosed outdoor spaces like sunrooms or patio covers. 

Rough Opening

Opening in a wall for the installation of a window or door. The rough opening is larger than the actual unit to allow for shimming and insulating. 

S

Sash

Rail, stile and glass components joined together form the venting capability of a window. 

Sash Glazed/Sash Set

Fixed window with a separate sash and fame intended to replicate the look of nearby venting windows. 

Screen Enclosure

A structure that surrounds an outdoor space with screens to keep insects out while allowing fresh air to circulate. 

Screened-In Porch

A porch that has been enclosed with insect screens, offering protection from bugs while allowing breezes to flow through. 

Screen Room

An outdoor room enclosed with screens, offering protection from bugs while allowing breezes to flow through. 

Seal

a compressible surface that inhibits air and water passage. 

Segmented Arch

Multiple arch windows mulled horizontally to provide a single continuous arch. 

Shed Roof

A shed roof features a single sloping surface that extends from the highest point of a building downward. This simple and efficient design is often used for modern homes, additions, and outdoor structures like sunrooms or patios. It offers effective water drainage and can be customized with various pitch angles to suit specific design and functional needs. Also known as a single-sloped or studio roof.

Shim

A wedge often made of wood used to plumb and/or level a window or door in the rough opening. 

Sidelight

Tall, narrow unit placed alongside a window or door. 

Simulated Divided Light

Use of interior and exterior grille with no spacer between the glass panes; used to stimulate the lock of a window with multiple glass lights. 

Single Hung

Double-hung styled windows in which the top sash is inoperable. 

Single-Pane Glass

Standard glass for a three-season sunroom typically features single-pane glass, which consists of just one pane. It offers protection from the elements and allows you to take advantage of solar heat gain, providing free warmth from the sun. In some regions, single-pane glass is sufficient for enjoying your sunroom. However, for extended use during cooler seasons or for year-round comfort, double-pane insulated glass is a better option to consider.

Single-Point Locking System

Carolina Home Exteriors screen rooms feature user-friendly locks built into the screen handles, offering single-point locking for enhanced home security.

Single-Slope Roof

This popular and cost-effective roof style features a single sloping surface, attached at the highest point of the building’s roofline. The pitch of the single-sloped roof can vary based on your specific needs. It is also commonly referred to as a shed roof or studio roof.

Sliding Glass Door

Doors made of large glass panels that slide open horizontally, often used in sunrooms and patios for easy access to outdoor spaces. 

SmartSun Glass

Andersen brand of a glass option that reduces solar heating but allows high visible light transmission

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

A measurement of the sun’s heat energy that passes through the window/door. The lower the value the less heat gain through the product. 

Solarium

A glass-enclosed room, often with a glass roof, designed to capture sunlight and provide a bright, sunny space. 

Solar Screens

Screens that block UV rays while allowing light and air to pass through, often used in outdoor enclosures to reduce heat. 

Sound Transmission Class (STC)

Rating system used to measure how much sound is transferred through windows/doors (see also OITC)

Spingline Windows

Round top picture windows 

Stick-Built Sunroom

A traditional, custom-built sunroom with wood framing, allowing for greater design flexibility, and structural stability. 

Stile

The vertical components of a window sash or door panel 

Stool

Flat, interior trim member located at the sill of a window or door, typically extending into the room and horizontally beyond the extension jams. 

Stop

A trim member attached to the window or door intended to hold, position or separate components. 

Stone Columns

Decorative or structural columns made from stone or stone veneer, often used to support pergolas, patio covers or gazebos. 

Stormwatch Protection

An Andersen brand name for a series of upgrades you can specify to meet increased code performance in coastal areas. 

Storm Doors

Secondary doors installed outside the primary door to provide additional protection from weather and improve energy efficiency. 

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Panels used in construction that consist of insulating foam sandwiched between two structural facings, used for energy-efficient sunrooms and enclosures. 

Straight Eave

A straight eave creates a clean, sharp transition between the roof and the front panels, allowing for flexibility in roof pitch variations.

Sun Glass

tinted glass that reduces heat gain. 

Sun Shade Sail

A tensioned fabric structure that provides shade over patios, pools, or other outdoor areas, typically supported by poles or buildings. 

Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI)

Forest certification standard dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management. 

Sunroom

A sunroom is an enclosed, light-filled room designed to bring the outdoors inside while providing protection from the elements. Typically built with large windows or glass panels, a sunroom allows for ample natural light and panoramic views, making it a popular addition for relaxation, entertaining, or enjoying the scenery year-round. Sunrooms can be customized with different framing and window options, and they come in various styles, such as screen rooms, EZE-Breeze rooms, and glass sunrooms, to suit individual preferences and climates.

T

Three-Season Room

a sunroom designed for use in spring, summer, and fall, usually not insulated enough for winter use. 

Transom

Window positioned directly above another window/door

Transom Windows

Small windows placed above doors or larger windows, often used for decorative purposes or to let in additional light. 

Tempered Glass

Glass that has been heat-treated to be stronger and more resistant to breakage, commonly used in sunrooms and patio enclosures. 

Thermal Break

A feature in windows or aluminum framing that reduces the transfer of heat, improving the energy efficiency of sunrooms and enclosures. 

Threshold

Decorative wood component used as a transition door sill to the interior flooring. 

Tinted Glass

Glass with a tint that reduces glare and heat, commonly used in sunrooms and enclosed patios. 

Top-Hung Insect Screen

Insect screen used on patio doors and are secured from the top; results in smoother operation. 

Transition Block

A decorative wood piece used to cover the joint between extension jambs or casings. 

Trellis

An outdoor structure made from intersecting pieces of wood or metal, often used to support climbing plants such as a decorative feature in gardens. 

Triple-Pane

Glass construction consisting of three distinct layers of glass and two air spaces. 

Trombe Wall

A sun-facing wall built from material that absorbs heat during the day and slowly releases it at night, often used in sunrooms for passive heating. `

True Divided Light (TDL)

Windows and doors in which multiple smaller glass lights are framed in a single sash or panel. 

U

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built, and operated. 

U-Factor

Commonly used measurement of heat transmission through a window/door. The lower the U-Factor, the better the insulating value. 

Unobstructed Glass Opening

Visible glass area

UV Protection

Percentage of Ultra-Violent (UV) transmission from the sun’s energy. The lower the number, the potential for reduced fabric fading 

V

Vapor Barrier

Watertight material used to prevent moisture migration around windows and doors. 

Vent Limiter

Device that restricts window operation and cannot be disengaged without tools or special effort. 

Venting Unit

Window or door that opens; operates

Vinyl

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that is very durable and resistant to corrosion. 

Vinyl Cladding

Vinyl material applied over wood or other structural materials for protection and easy maintenance, often used in pergolas, patio covers, and sunrooms. 

Vinyl Windows

Windows made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known for their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, often used in sunroom and screen room enclosures. 

Visible Light Transmission

The fraction of the light allowed to enter through a window

W

Weatherstrip

Compressible material designed to seal the sash or panel to the frame. 

Weep Holes

Small holes placed on the exterior of a window or door that allows for water drainage

Window Opening Control Device (WOCD)

Device intended to restrict the opening of a window when first activated to less than 4 inches, but can be disengaged to allow full opening of the sash for escape and rescue but reengages when the sash is closed such that the sash will open to a less than 4 inch dimension when opened again. 

Wall Framing

The structural framework that supports the walls of a building or enclosure, typically made from materials like wood or aluminum. 

Weather-Resistant Fabric

Material used for outdoor structures like awnings, pergolas, and patio covers that can withstand exposure to rain, sun, and wind. 

Wind-Load Rating

The measure of how much wind pressure a structure like a screen room or patio cover can safely withstand.