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AAMA

American Architectural Manufacturers Association. A national trade organization that establishes voluntary standards for the fenestration industry.

ACOUSTICS

The science of sound and sound control.

ACRYLIC

A non-crystalline thermoplastic with good weather resistance, shatter resistance, and optical clarity; sometimes used for safety glazing.

ACTUAL SIZE

The true horizontal and vertical dimensions of a window or door, as opposed to nominal or call sizes. inside frame dimensions and tip-to-tip dimensions are measurements of the actual size of a window or door.

ADHESION

The ability of a compound or sealant to stick or bond to the surface to which it is applied.

ADHESIVE FAILURE

Failure of a compound or sealant to stick or bond to the surface to which it is applied.

AIR INFILTRATION

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

ALLOY

A metal to which another element (usually another metal) was added while forming.

ANCHOR

Any device used to secure a window/door or its parts to a building frame or to each other.

ANNEAL

To heat metal, glass, or other materials above the critical or re-crystallization temperature, then control cooling to eliminate the effects of cold-working, relieve internal stresses, or improve strength or other properties.

ANNEALED GLASS

Standard Sheet or Plate Glass, which has not been tempered.

ANODIZE

To provide an extremely hard, non-corrosive oxide film on the surface of metals by electrolytic action. The electrochemical process produces an anodic coating by converting the metal into metal oxide. Appearance depends on both the metal involved and surface preparation.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute. A clearinghouse for all types of standards and specifications.

APRON

Horizontal trim under the window stool.

ASTM

American Society for Testing and Materials. A society of engineers that sets standards for testing of materials and products.

ASTRAGAL

A vertical member placed at the meeting edges of two door panels to provide a weather seal and to anchor the fixed panel.

AWNING WINDOW

A window with a top-hinged sash that swings either inward or outward.