The Window and Door Repair Academy Jargon Buster

8 January 2023
The Window and Door Repair Academy Jargon Buster

When you take a window and door repair course at the Academy there’s a fair bit of jargon. Don’t worry, everything will be eplained during the course.

Here are some of the most common terms used in UPVC window and door repair:

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride): A type of plastic material commonly used in window and door frames.

Double-glazing: Two panes of glass with a gap between them, used to provide insulation and reduce noise.

Draught-proofing: The process of sealing gaps and cracks in a window or door to prevent air leakage.

Locking mechanism: The part of a window or door that secures it in place, often using a key or handle.

Hinge: The mechanism that allows a window or door to pivot on its frame.

Sealant: A substance used to fill gaps and cracks to prevent air and water leakage.

Sash: The part of a window that holds the glass and moves up and down.

Handle: The part of a window or door used to open and close it.

Frame: The structure that surrounds a window or door.

Glazing bead: The strip of material that holds the glass in place within the window frame.

Espagnolette: A type of locking mechanism that uses a handle to activate a series of bolts along the length of the window.

Tilt and turn: A type of window that can be opened by tilting inwards from the top or turning on its hinges.

Patio door: A type of sliding door commonly used in outdoor areas, often made from UPVC.

Bi-fold door: A type of door that folds in on itself in a concertina fashion, often used to create an open-plan feel in homes.

Weatherstripping: A material used to seal gaps around the window or door frame to prevent air and water leakage.

Sill: The bottom part of a window or door frame, often sloping to direct water away from the building.

Cill: Similar to a sill, but often refers to the external part of the frame.

Mullion: A vertical element that separates two or more windows or doors in a single frame.

Transom: A horizontal element that separates two or more windows or doors in a single frame.

Trickle vent: A small opening in the frame that allows for ventilation while still maintaining a level of security.

Gasket: A rubber or plastic seal used to secure the glass in place within the frame.

Drip groove: A small channel in the frame that helps to direct water away from the window or door.

Shoot bolt mechanism: A type of locking mechanism that engages a bolt into a receiver in the window or door frame.

Euro cylinder: A type of lock mechanism used in many UPVC doors that uses a key to engage a series of pins and tumblers.

Letterbox: An opening in the door used for mail delivery.

Threshold: The bottom part of a door frame that forms a barrier between the inside and outside of the building.

Anti-lift device: A feature that prevents the door from being lifted out of the frame when locked.

Multi-point locking: A locking system that engages several points around the door frame to provide increased security.

Friction hinge: A type of hinge that allows the door to be held open in any position, without the need for additional hardware.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about our course please get in touch we’ll be happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have.