Doors and Windows – Anatomy for doors and windows

• Description: The frame is a fixed structure made of aluminium that surrounds the door and provides stability and support. It consists of several components:
• Head Jamb: The horizontal top section of the frame.
• Side Jambs: The vertical sections on either side of the door.
• Threshold (Sill): The bottom section of the frame that the door rests upon.

2. Hinges:

• Description: As mentioned previously, these are the mechanical components that allow the door to swing open and closed. Hinges come in various types and materials to suit door weight and style.

3. Door Slab:

• Description: This is the main body of the door, typically made from aluminium panels. It can be solid or incorporate glass sections for a more modern look.

4. Lockset:

• Description: This includes the locking mechanism operated by a handle or knob on the inside and a key from the outside (deadbolt) for added security.

5. Strike Plate:

• Description: This metal plate is mounted on the door frame to receive the deadbolt and secure the door when locked.

6. Door Handle:

• Description: This provides a grip for opening and closing the door. It can be a simple pull handle or a lever handle that activates the latch mechanism.

7. Glazing Beads (if applicable):

• Description: These are thin strips that hold glass panels in place within the aluminium frame of the door. They come in various materials (plastic, aluminium) and styles.

8. Gaskets:

• Description: These are compressible strips that create a tight seal between the door and the frame. They help prevent drafts, dust, moisture, and sound transmission.

9. Weatherstrip (Optional):

• Description: This flexible strip, often made of brush or vinyl, is typically attached to the bottom of the door for additional weatherproofing.

10. Fixstile (Muntin bar - optional):

• Description: These are vertical or horizontal bars used within a glazed door to create sections for multiple glass panes. They are decorative and can add visual interest.

11. Double Action Flash Bolt (applicable for double hinged doors):

• Description: This is a locking mechanism used on double hinged doors. It consists of a bolt that extends from the top and bottom of one door leaf to secure it to the other door and the frame.

12. Threshold (Sill):

• Description: As mentioned earlier, this is the bottom section of the door frame that the door rests upon. It can be flat or have a raised profile depending on the application.

13. Mullion (applicable for double hinged doors):

• Description: This is a vertical post that separates and supports two hinged door leaves in a double hinged door configuration. It provides structural support and creates a finished look.

By understanding these components and their roles, you can make informed decisions when choosing and maintaining aluminium hinged doors for your home.

Complete Anatomy of an Aluminium Stacking Folding Door

Stacking folding doors offer a unique way to open large spaces and create seamless indoor-outdoor living. Here's a breakdown of their key components:

1. Door Panels:

• Description: These are the individual sections that make up the entire door. They are typically constructed from aluminium frames and can be filled with glass, solid aluminium panels, or a combination of both.
• Number of Panels: The number of panels can vary depending on the desired opening width. Common configurations range from 2 to 6 panels.

2. Door Stiles:

• Description: These are the vertical extrusions that form the sides of each door panel. They provide structure, rigidity, and house the rollers and other operating mechanisms.

3. Top and Bottom Rails:

• Description: These are the horizontal extrusions that form the top and bottom of each door panel. The top rail houses the rollers that guide the panels along the track. The bottom rail might have a built-in channel for the bottom guide (optional).

4. Rollers:

• Description: These are small wheels typically made of nylon or steel that are attached to the top rail of each panel. They allow the panels to glide smoothly along the track system.

5. Stacking Track:

• Description: This is a horizontal track mounted at the top of the opening. It guides the rollers of the door panels as they stack neatly to one side when opened.

6. Bottom Guide (Optional):

• Description: This can be a U-shaped channel or a flat track mounted on the floor to guide the bottom of the door panels and prevent them from swinging outwards. Not all stacking folding doors have a bottom guide.

7. Interlocking Stiles (Optional):

• Description: Some stacking folding doors feature interlocking stiles on the meeting edges of the panels. These create a tighter seal when the door is closed, improving weatherproofing and sound insulation.

8. Handles:

• Description: Handles are mounted on one or more panels to facilitate opening and closing the door. They can be recessed pull handles or lever handles depending on the design.

9. Locking Mechanisms:

• Description: Stacking folding doors can have various locking mechanisms depending on the level of security required. Options include single or multi-point locks that engage with the fixed frame when the door is closed.

10. Drainage Channels (Optional):

• Description: Some stacking folding doors, particularly those used in exterior applications, have drainage channels integrated into the bottom rail to allow water to drain out effectively.

11. Weatherstrip (Optional):

• Description: A weatherstrip, typically made of brush or silicone, can be installed on the meeting edges of the door panels or along the bottom rail for additional weatherproofing.

12. Master Panel (Optional):

• Description: In some configurations, one panel might be designated as the "master panel" and house the primary handle and locking mechanism.

By understanding these components and their functions, you can make informed decisions when choosing and maintaining aluminium stacking folding doors for your home. They offer a great way to maximize space, enhance light flow, and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

Anatomy of a 700 Series Patio Sliding Door:

1. Top Rail:

• Description: The horizontal framing member at the top of the door.
• Benefit/Function: Provides structural support for the door panel, distributes weight load evenly, and houses the sliding mechanism track.

2. Bottom Sill:

• Description: The horizontal framing member at the bottom of the door.
• Benefit/Function: Creates a weather-tight seal with the floor, supports the door weight, and guides the bottom rollers.

3. Side Jamb:

• Description: The vertical framing members on either side of the door.
• Benefit/Function: Provides structural support, creates the door opening, and houses the interlocking mechanism and rollers.

4. Lockstyle (Female):

• Description: A receiver plate embedded in the fixed door jamb that accepts the locking mechanism from the moving panel.
• Benefit/Function: Provides a secure closure for the door, typically used with a deadbolt or latch.

5. Lockstyle (Male):

• Description: The movable locking mechanism on the moving door panel that engages with the female lockstyle in the jamb.
• Benefit/Function: Provides a secure closure for the door, typically operated by a handle or thumbturn.

6. Interlocker:

• Description: A secondary locking mechanism that engages between the meeting stiles of the moving and fixed door panels.
• Benefit/Function: Enhances security by providing additional locking points and improves weather resistance.

7. Heavy Duty Interlocker (Optional):

• Description: A more robust version of the interlocker designed for larger or heavier doors.
• Benefit/Function: Provides increased security and stability for wider or heavier patio doors.

8. Wheel Sash:

• Description: The vertical framing member of the moving door panel that houses the rollers.
• Benefit/Function: Supports the weight of the door panel and allows for smooth sliding movement.

9. Rubbers & Gaskets:

• Description: Flexible strips made of rubber or vinyl that create a weather-tight seal between the door panels and the frame.
• Benefit/Function: Prevent drafts, moisture infiltration, and dust from entering the house.

10. Wool Pile (Optional):

• Description: A strip of fluffy material, often wool, installed on the bottom of the moving door panel.
• Benefit/Function: Provides additional weather sealing and sound insulation.

11. Door Stopper:

• Description: A small block mounted on the bottom track that prevents the moving door panel from overshooting the opening.
• Benefit/Function: Protects the door and walls from damage.

12. Bottom Roller Wheels:

• Description: Wheels attached to the bottom of the moving door panel that ride within the bottom track.
• Benefit/Function: Allow the door to slide smoothly and easily.

13. Cylinder Lock Handle:

• Description: The handle on the moving door panel that is used to operate the locking mechanism and open/close the door.
• Benefit/Function: Provides a comfortable grip for opening and locking the door.

Anatomy of an Aluminum Top Hung Window:

1. Casement Window:

• Description: A general term for windows with one or more sashes hinged to the frame on the side or top for opening outwards.
• Benefit/Function: Provides ventilation and easy cleaning.

2. Casement Top Hung Window: (This is the specific type of window we're focusing on)

• Description: A casement window where the hinge is located at the top of the frame, allowing the sash to pivot outwards from the bottom.
• Benefit/Function: Offers ventilation while maintaining some privacy and protection from rain.

3. Casement Side Hung Window:

• Description: A casement window where the hinge is located on one side of the frame, allowing the sash to swing outwards.
• Benefit/Function: Similar to top hung, but offers more ventilation depending on size and wind direction.

4. Equal Leg Outframe:

• Description: The frame surrounding the window opening, with all sides having the same width.
• Benefit/Function: Provides a clean and symmetrical look.

5. Sash or Vents/Openers:

• Description: The movable part of the window that holds the glass and glazing.
• Benefit/Function: Allows opening and closing of the window for ventilation.

6. Mullion (Optional):

• Description: A vertical member that separates two or more fixed or opening sashes in a large window unit.
• Benefit/Function: Creates larger window configurations while maintaining structural stability.

7. Multibeads:

• Description: Decorative or functional moldings applied to the exterior of the window sash or frame.
• Benefit/Function: Can enhance aesthetics, add shadow lines, or improve weather sealing.

8. Handle Friction Stays:

• Description: The handle used to operate the window and the friction stay mechanism that controls the opening angle and keeps the window open securely.
• Benefit/Function: Provides easy opening and closing, and prevents accidental slamming.

9. Window Corner Cleats:

• Description: Reinforcing pieces placed at the corners of the sash or frame for added strength.
• Benefit/Function: Improves structural integrity and helps the window withstand wind loads.

10. Screws and Pop Rivets:

• Description: Fasteners used to assemble the window frame, sash, and hardware.
• Benefit/Function: Provide a secure and durable connection between components.

11. Rubber Seals:

• Description: Flexible strips made of rubber that create a weather-tight seal between the sash and the frame.
• Benefit/Function: Prevent drafts, moisture infiltration, and dust from entering the house.

12. Window Woolpile (Optional):

• Description: A strip of fluffy material, often wool, installed on the perimeter of the sash to improve sealing.
• Benefit/Function: Provides additional weather sealing and sound insulation.

13. Glazing Options:

• 6.38 Laminated Glass: Two panes of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer for increased strength and security.
• 4mm Float Glass: Standard clear glass commonly used in windows.
• 4mm Obscure Glass: Glass with a textured or patterned surface for privacy while allowing some light transmission.
• 6.38 White Translucent Glass: Provides diffused light but reduces visibility.
• S10 Reflective Glass: Glass with a reflective coating that reduces solar heat gain and offers a mirrored appearance from the outside.

Note: Not all top hung windows will have all the optional features listed above. The specific features will depend on the manufacturer, design, and desired functionality.