Glossary

Fitted to the window on both the outside and inside, astragal bars are styled in a grid pattern to add a traditional decorative flourish that was commonly found on heritage windows. Older windows used to have several glass panes that were connected with bars to make up a whole window. Nowadays, we use just a single glazing panel. Hence, the purpose of astragal bars is just for aesthetic reasons.

These are also known as chamfered frames. They have a flat profile which give them a smooth and sleek style. This modern appearance is why they are commonly chosen for new-builds and modern properties.

This is when a window is hinged from the bottom of the frame. This functionality is common with sliding sash windows.

This is the horizontal bar that sits across the bottom of the window frame.

The most popular window style in the UK, casement windows tend to open outwards from the left or right of the frame. We install uPVC, aluminium and timber casement windows.

The central hinge is where the window sashes pivot. They tend to be fully reversible, opening both inwards and outwards for larger openings to maximise ventilation and make cleaning easier.

This is the lowest ledge which forms the bottom of the window frame.

Our double glazing is formed of two panes of glass which encompass a chamber that is filled with argon-gas. This technology is able to break up currents of airflow, so that the warmth is kept inside and the draughts are kept out. With double glazed products, you’ll notice lower energy bills as well as having a more environmentally friend home. Whilst double glazing is great at reducing energy wastage, it also keeping external noises out of the rooms.

A style of sliding sash windows which features two sashes that can be moved. This means that either the top or bottom sash can be opened for ventilation.

These are usually fitted to enhance the views from the window and allow more natural light to enter. Fixed lights can’t be opened so they can’t add extra ventilation.

This is a window style whereby the sash fits flatly within the frame, for a modern and sleek appearance.

They have a distinctive opening functionality. They can be opened and tilted 180 degrees, which makes cleaning the windows from inside much easier.

Georgian bars are fitted within the glazing layers, unlike astragal bars which are fitted on top of the glazing. They are often fitted in a grid pattern to add a heritage aesthetic to windows.

These bars are fitted onto the glazing panes to hold it in place in the window frame. They are usually designed in a grid to replicate the heritage style.

This measures how much heat is able to pass through a window. The lower the value, the more protective the glass is from infrared radiation. Our products can achieve G-values as low as 0.3.

This is the top horizontal bar which forms the top of the window pane.

These are metal or wood strips found on window glazing that can be styled in a range of decorative patterns for a traditional appearance.

Low-emisivity glass (Low-e glass) has a thin coating which is applied to the exterior of the glazed panel. It's function is to allow heat from the sun to enter a room to warm it up, and when it reaches an optimum temperature, it reflects the rest of the sun rays so that it doesn't overheat. This will improve the thermal performance of a window and reduce energy bills.

uPVC windows have multi-chambered frames. The frames use several layers of uPVC that encompass several chambers inside of the profile. This specification makes the window frames more energy efficient as it effectively breaks up air currents, keeping the warmth within the home and stopping the draughts from entering.

This is the vertical beam which divides the window into a number of units, with a primary function of supporting the glazing panes.

A curved window frame which replicates the traditional frame design. They are ideal for period and listed properties to retain the heritage style.

The part of the window where the rail of each sash meets the others when the window is closed is the meeting rail.

This is the section of the window which holds the glazing panes. It can be moved, although it is fitted inside of the main window frame.

A sash eye is fitted onto the top rail of the bottom sash on vertical sliding windows. It's purpose is to assist the unique up and down opening functionality.

It has three main elements; the central gearbox and two shootbolt rods which slot into the gearbox. This locking system can be fitted to windows or doors and is commonly locked into the surrounding frame at either the top or bottom. The central gearbox has small holes which the shootbolt rods slot into. When the system is locked, the shootbolt rods connect and move vertically into the top and bottom of the frame, securing it in place.

A window which opens from either the left or right side of the frame.

This window style has either one or two sashes which are moved vertically. Due to this distinctive opening, they have a unique collection of sash hardware and furniture which assists with the functionality whilst also adding to the traditional aesthetic. Sliding sash windows are usually seen on Georgian and Victorian properties.

They are the vertical edges of the window frame.

These are one of the most versatile window styles as they offer a range of opening mechanisms. They can be opened either from the top or bottom hinge for a small gap for ventilation. Tilt and turn windows can also be opened inwards from the left or right of the frame to make cleaning the window panes easier.

A top hung window opens from the top of the window.

This is the horizontal version of a mullion. It divides the window into several smaller sections which helps to keep the window structurally intact.

They are most frequently found on sliding sash windows and are fitted on the interior of the window sash in the inside of your house. Their purpose is to restrict how wide the window can be opened, hence why they are popular with homeowners who have young children.

This is a small opening in a window which allows small amounts of ventilation to let fresh air into the rooms.

Triple glazing includes an extra third pane of glass to the two used in double glazing. The three glass panes encompass argon-gas filled chambers for further energy efficiency performances and better noise reduction abilities.

They are vertical bars which form the sides of the window frames.

These are fitted inside of the glass edge to keep the glazing panes separate. They help to minimise energy wastage and stop external noises from entering the property. It also reduces the occurrence of condensation from forming within the window panes.

Also known as a weather strip, they seal the openings on windows and doors to stop rain and water from being let into the room, whilst also keeping the warm air within your home.

The Window Energy Rating (WER) scale illustrates the energy efficiency performance of a window, ranging from G to A+. A+ energy rated windows provide the highest levels of energy efficiency performances.

Bumping a lock occurs when someone forces the pins to jump above the shear line to get access to a property. To stop this, anti-bump locks have more pins and use specially designed keys.

The cylinder of a lock is one of the key components and it's where the key is inserted. With anti-snap locks, intruders will find it more difficult to force entry because the cylinder is split into two halves, with a snap line in the middle. If force is applied to the lock, the initial cylinder will snap but the second will be able to stay intact, so your home is protected.

A door style which opens in a concertina style so that the door panels are able to stack to either the left or right side. They're offered in uPVC or aluminium and will add a modern and sleek style to any home. You can choose from a range of configurations to fit any desired space in your home.

Also known as hinge bolts, dog bolts are steel pins which are fitted into the side of a door where the hinges are located. When the door is closed, the bolt slides into a slot on the door frame to maximise its resilience from unwanted intruders forcing entry.

The Door Set Energy Rating (DSER) is a scale which indicates the energy efficiency performance of a door. It ranges from E to A++, with A++ being the most insulating doors. Many of our door styles are able to achieve top-level energy ratings.

They use two glazed door panels which can be opened either outwards or inwards. With a simple opening, they're a functional and easy door solution to blend your home and garden. We can install uPVC, timber or aluminium French doors in both modern and traditional styles.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) skins are applied to the outer of composite doors. The skin protects the doors from scratching, peeling, warping or fading.

This is a latch which consists of a cam and base. The cam is a metal plate and is the key component which latches onto the base. The base is the element where the key is inserted. When the key is turned, the cam will rotate either 90 or 180 degrees and secures to the base when locked, and releases when unlocked.

It's a sloped element which runs along the bottom of a doorway to separate the inside and outside of the property. It seals the underneath of a door to stop any rain or elements from getting into your home. Low thresholds can be fitted in a number of sizes to reduce the height of a step. They're commonly found in households where people with mobility issues or young children live.

Multi-point locks secure the door to the frame at several points to provide greater levels of home security.

This is a plastic barrier which is fitted between the inside and outside of an aluminium door frame. It's purpose is to enhance the thermal performance of the door as it stops the warmth from escaping and the draughts from entering.

It is often referred to as toughened glass or tempered glass and is made using advanced chemical processes and then left to cool, which maximises its strength. When safety glass is smashed, it will break up into thousands of tiny pieces. It is used in door styles which have large panes of glass, including French, patio and bi-fold doors.

These are narrow glass panes which tend to be found alongside a front door for a decorative purpose. They are most commonly designed using obscured glass to let some natural light in, whilst still maintaining privacy.

These are part of the overall door design but are fixed in place and aren't able to be opened. Slave doors tend to be found on the side of French doors to add a decorative touch and let in more natural light for a brighter interior.

This is a door style which uses large panes of glass in each door panel, letting in lots of natural light. The panels open to either the left or right, so they're ideal for saving space as they don't require any additional floorspace to open outwards like a standard door. We offer sliding patio doors in uPVC or aluminium.

They can be fitted into a bi-fold door on either one or both sides. They function like a traditional door, opening either outwards or inwards. They are perfect for making access in or out of the home easier, as sliding the bi-fold system may not be practical all of the time.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area which is protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2020. Such conservation areas are protected by local planning authorities to retain the natural beauty of areas which are seen to have a significant landscape.

This measures how well something performs in soundproofing, which ensures that sound does not transfer through the material.

Aluminium is one of the strongest construction materials. It is lightweight, corrosion and rust resistant, and can be recycled. Aluminium windows and doors have a thin-framed design that can be finished in over 150+ RAL colours. They have high-performance thermally broken frames, providing excellent thermal insulation.

A special form of glass, anti-glare glass prevents any reflection and uncomfortable glare entering your rooms. This means that when the sun is shining, you'll still be able to enjoy a comfortable atmosphere within your home without having to squint from the sunlight.

They are metal strips which are fitted to the edge of locks on outward opening windows and doors. They stop the window or door from being forced open as the metal strips ensure the frames are bolted together.

Argon gas is used to enhance the energy efficiency abilities of a window or door. It fills the space between the double or triple glazing panes, and slows the energy transfer whilst breaking up the molecular movements of airflow. Argon gas is odourless and colourless.

Composite is a populahich results in a r door material which combines polyurethane foam and uPVC, which results in a dense core. This is then coated in a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) skin. As composite has such a thick core and robust frames, they are incredibly insulating and secure. It can be designed in both modern or traditional styles, with a plethora of colour and design choices on offer.

This is an area which is to be preserved because it has a historic interest or special architecture. Therefore, conservation areas have tighter limitations for home improvements. We can offer products which are ideal for conservation areas, including heritage wood effect windows and doors and authentic sash windows.

You can choose to include decorative glazing into many of our window and door products. The designs include stained, frosted, leaded, etched, patterned and bevelled. Decorative glazing can be designed bespokely to add a unique touch to any product. You could even choose obscured glazing options to heighten privacy.

This is a colour design choice which gives greater flexibility as the exterior and interior of the window or door frame can be two seperate colours.

This is a small window which is included above another window or door. They'll let in more natural light, whilst adding a decorative flourish to the overall design.

Window or door furniture includes elements such as handles and letterplates. Whilst they are required for the functionality, they also add to the overall appearance. You'll be able to choose from an array of styles and colours to suit your personal tastes.

Window or door hardware serves a primary role of allowing the system to function. Hardware pieces include hinges and sash fasteners.

Home improvement finance options allow property owners to improve their homes with a payment plan that is tailored to specific requirements. We offer a number of finance options, including buy now pay later and interest free.

These are blinds which are fitted within the glass panes of windows or doors. As they aren't exposed, integral blinds won't need any upkeep and will continue to look like new whilst enabling you to control the amount of natural light which enters your rooms.

This is also known as low-e glass, it's a type of energy-efficient glass which has a high-tech specification that stops heat from escaping through the glazing. It does this by using a microscopic coating which is applied to the glass, enhancing the overall thermal performance.

This is a type of glazing which you can't see through. It will retain your privacy whilst letting an optimal amount of natural light in.

The Passivhaus standard is perfect for eco-conscious homeowners looking for a low-energy property. They use 90% less energy than an average home through a number of factors, including larger insulation depths and using the sun's heat to warm the house. Passivhaus standards are not required in the UK, as Building Regulation Standards ensure that properties provide excellent energy efficiency performances.

This accreditation is given to home improvement products which meet a certain security criteria. It's tested through a number of regulations which measure it's security performance to ensure that it protects from common burglary methods.

A type of high-performance glass which has a number of features to ensure a comfortable atmosphere within the home, including greater home security and better noise reduction.

This is a top coating which is applied to aluminium windows and doors. A powder coating is more protective than a standard paint, eliminating any likelihood of the products fading, rotting or corroding.

This is a colour matching system which is used across the double glazing industry. Each of the 150+ RAL colours has its own unique RAL code.

Solar control glazing uses an extra layer of coating to let in an optimal amount of the sun's rays to let heat in. When it reaches the right temperature, the rest of the light is deflected from entering the room. This means that the room is kept cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Our aluminium window and door frames have thermally broken frames. They use plastic barriers which are fitted to the inside and outside of the frame to break up any currents of airflow, whilst stopping any heat from escaping from the rooms. This significantly improves the thermal performance of our aluminium products, so you can save money on your heating bills.

Timber was the original material used for window and doors, yet it is still popular with homeowners today. It provides a natural appearance and texture that will add character to any property. Timber frames are durable, strong and naturally insulating. We use only sustainably sourced wooden materials, which makes it an ideal choice to reduce the environmental footprint of your home.

Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) is one of the most popular materials for new windows and doors in the UK. In recent years, modern manufacturing techniques have significantly improved the performance capabilities of uPVC. It's flexible, robust and low-maintenance. With advanced multi-chambered frames, our uPVC products will add superb energy efficiency capabilities to your home.

U-values measure how effective a material is at providing insulation. The lower the U-value, the better the product is at insulating. Our product range can achieve U-values from 0.8 w/m2K to 1.2 w/m2K.

Visible light transmittance (VLT) measures the amount of daylight which can pass through a glazed window or door. The lower the tint percentage, the less light that can enter the rooms.

A product warranty is a written guarantee that we give to each of our products. This means that we will repair or replace the particular product within a specific period of time, as per the warranty.

uPVC products can be coated with a woodgrain foil to achieve a traditional appearance. The foil designs include a range of authentic wood effects, such as Irish oak and rosewood.

Woodgrain or wood stain effects are applied to uPVC and aluminium products. They replicate the heritage style of natural wood, making them ideal to retain the authentic appearance of listed properties. They're also an excellent solution for adding character to newer homes.