Glass Identification

December 20th, 2006

How to identify your window

The easiest way to identify your window is when the manufacture puts their name in a visible area. This would generally be on the handles, sash locks or other hardware. The homeowner or builder may have bought replacement parts from someone else and they may not be original equipment.

Most window companies buy their hardware from a manufacture like Truth or Wright and this same hardware may be used on other brands also. Many window manufactures like Acorn, Caradco and Hurd have their name stamped on the hardware. Companies like Marvin, Keller and Malta have their information stamped in the spacer bar channel. Others like Andersen, Shelter and Windsor have their name etched into the corner of the glass.

Some manufactures, like Crestline, SNE and Vetter have a system of letters and numbers but no reference to any names and it is nearly impossible to identify their windows unless you know what the code means. The last type will have nothing on the hardware, glass or spacer bar channel, it is usually made by a local manufacture and is sometimes referred to as a ? Shop Window?.

GLASS IDENTIFICATION CODE

The glass code number normally references the manufacture and date of production, which is helpful in identifying the product and determining any warranty that may be remaining.

The code can be one of two places:

Etched into the corner of the glass
Stamped or printed on one of the four sides of the spacer channel which separates the two panes of glass

AAMA / ADL Code

Many aluminum and vinyl window manufactures belong to the AAMA or the defunct ADL. These associtation uses a small sticker that is applied to the window frame or sash. The sticker is about 1/2 inch wide and 3-1/2 inches long. Among the information on this sticker is the manufacture code and series of window. This code needs to be converted to know who makes the window and in many cases the original companies are out of business.

Measuring Visible / Exposed Glass

The visible glass dimensions can be determined by measuring the width and the height of the exposed glass from inside the home.

Measurements within a 1/4? will be rounded to the nearest standard size given in the tables in the catalog. Visible glass dimensions that are greater or less than 5/16? of a standard size are normally a custom sized window. Some wood window manufactures like Marvin and Caradco will custom build windows any size the customer wants. Most vinyl replacement window are always custom.

When not sure, it is recommended taking the sash apart and measuring the exact width, height and thickness of the insulated glass. Most windows can be identified by taking the exposed glass size and cross-referencing it to the manufactures actual size. When glass or other parts are needed: always get the exposed glass measurement and date of manufacture. Try and get as much information as possible.

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