Glossary of Window and Door Terms

Jambs are the upright vertical sections either side of a window or door opening.

Laminated glass is a type of glass which has a special layer inside it made of a type of plastic. If the pane of glass is broken, the shards adhere to this inner layer rather than falling onto the ground. Laminated glass can be an effective security measure against intruders entering your home, and is also ideal for use in areas of the home which are high-traffic and may be prone to breaking.

Louvre windows are a type of window made up of a series of horizontal blades of glass which overlap each other when closed, and open to allow air to pass through the blades. They are usually controlled by a lever, and can be left open in light rain.

A low lite is a fixed pane of glass which is often placed below a window, usually for aesthetic, design, or safety purposes (for example, when you don’t want an operable window within easy reach of children).

Low-E (Low Emissivity) is a type of glass that has a special energy efficient coating. This reduces the transfer of heat between the indoor and outdoor environments. Low-E glass is a great all-round option that helps increse the energy efficiency of your home both in summer and winter, providing a noticably improved level of comfort.

Safety motif. Subtle design added to doors to prevent accidents – legal requirement on glass doors.

A mullion is a vertical section between window units which visually and physically separates two windows from each other. Mullions can be purely aesthetic, or used to provide physical support for larger panes of glass.