As we round out the d’s this week and finish up our window terminology and vocabulary from this often overlooked letter, we are going to get a little heavy on the technical side. We’ll start with something mild, like divided light. Divided light is a term that is used to talk about a window with a number of smaller panes of glass that are separated from one another and held in place by muntins. We’re not going to get too in depth on this term today because we have too many others to cover, but by all means do some independent research and read up on this interesting facet of window manufacturing.

Our next term that we are going to begin looking at is double glazing. By first light, this appears to be a pretty self-explanatory term, but looks can be deceiving. It is essentially two pieces or panes of glass that are separated from one another by an air space. This technique is effective at improving insulation from heat transfer as well as sound transmission. The air between the two panes of glass is thoroughly dried in order to reduce or eliminate to possibility of condensation forming between the panes when temperatures become optimum for condensation. This is the mark of a quality double glazed or double hung aluminum window or vinyl window. Inferior windows can often be spotted by a light haze of condensation that can form within the sealed window. This can be a major aesthetic problem, and often causes many to seek out replacement windows and doors. Aside from the merely aesthetic side of things, this telltale condensation can spell out inferior insulation as well. To avoid this kind of headache, it is important that vinyl windows and aluminum windows have quality ratings and high production standards. On that note, we’ll say goodbye until next week where we’ll continue our terminology marathon.