Glossary of Terms

ARGON:

Gas that is used to fill the space between two panes of glass to increase insulation.

ATRIUM:

Glass cover for a courtyard.

BAY:

The distance from one edge of post to the edge of the next.

BASE WALL:

Also known as a pony wall or knee wall. A short wall that is below the glass.

CAP:

Finish aluminum trim to cover screws or unfinished material differences.

CONDENSATION:

The moisture that deposits on the glass due to temperature changes.

CONDUCTION:

The direction of heat as it flows from one solid material to another throught direct contact.

CONSERVATORY:

A classically designed sunroom.

CONVECTION:

The direction of heat as is flows through gas or liquid.

DOUBLE PANE:

Two panes of glass separated by a spacer and sealed making it a sealed unit with air or gas between them.

EAVE:

Where the front wall meets the roof.

FLASHING:

Metal material that is used to waterproof between layers of construction.

FOOTING:

Base of a foundation wall, usually concrete.

FOUNDATION:

A wall that something is built on or supported by.

FRONT WALL:

The full front length of the sunroom between the two gable walls.

GABLE END:

The sidewall or end of a sunroom.

GLAZING:

A system of glass, gaskets, sealants, framing and any other component used in installation of glass.

GLAZING TRACK:

The base of an extrusion that holds the glass in place.

GUTTER:

A track that collects rain or condensation of water and diverts it to the drain.

HEAT TRANSFER:

How heat flows from hot to cold. There are three methods of this, convection, conduction or radiation.

LENGTH:

The dimension that is the same as the front wall.

LOW E GLASS:

Polaritic coating applied to the surface of glass that reflects long wave energy.

MUNTIN:

Horizontal member used to support the bottom and top edge of sunroom.

RAFTER:

Support member that extends between the ridge and front wall.

SHADING COEFFICIENCY:

Measure of how glass transmits solar heat.

SILL:

Horizontal member that is installed first on the floor or pony wall.

SINGLE GLAZE:

One layer of glass.

SOLAR CONTROL:

The ability of glass to resist heat flow from the sun’s direct radiation, the short wave energy that lies near visible light in the spectrum.

SOLAR COOL BRONZE GLASS:

A type of glass that has a heat reflective coating. This type of glass reduces the amount of heat entering your sunroom.

U-VALUE:

Describes the rate of non solar heat gain or loss through glass.

WEEPAGE SYSTEM:

A series of holes and channels in the aluminum framing system that allows accumulated moisture to escape outside.