Thermal Break

Related terms

• Aluminum Window

  A strong, slim-profile metal-framed window; without a thermal break it conducts heat and is less efficient, so used mainly in warm climat…

• Threshold

  The bottom member of an exterior door opening, often adjustable, that works with the door bottom and sweep to seal out water and air.

• Tempered Glass

  Heat-treated safety glass that is much stronger and breaks into small blunt pieces. Code-required near doors, floors, tubs, and large low…

• Transom

  A window above a door or window, fixed or operable, adding daylight and architectural detail.

• Strike Plate

  The metal plate on the jamb the latch and bolt engage. Long screws into the framing here are the single cheapest security upgrade.

• Triple-Pane / Triple-Glazed

  A three-pane insulated unit with two gas-filled cavities for superior insulation and sound control, used in cold climates and high-perfor…

• Storm Door

  A secondary exterior door (often glass/screen interchangeable) mounted outside the entry door for added weather protection and ventilation.

• U-Factor

  The rate of non-solar heat flow through a window; lower means better insulation. The primary winter-performance metric on the NFRC label.