Window Cleaning Terms Glossary
Welcome to the Window Cleaning Glossary for Professionals. This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for window cleaning companies seeking to deepen their understanding of industry-specific terminology. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this glossary provides clear and concise definitions of terms, tools, and techniques essential to the trade. Use this resource to enhance your knowledge, improve communication with clients and team members, and stay informed about the latest advancements in window cleaning technology.
A
Angle Adaptor: An attachment for extension poles that allows window cleaners to adjust the angle of their tools, making it easier to reach awkward or hard-to-clean areas.
Applicator: A tool with an absorbent sleeve, used to apply cleaning solutions evenly across window surfaces before squeegeeing.
Apron: Decorative trim installed on the interior wall immediately below the window sill, enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Awning: An external overhang or covering above windows or doors, providing protection from sun and rain while adding architectural interest.
B
Bay Window: A window structure that projects outward from the main walls, creating a bay inside the room. It typically consists of a central window flanked by two angled side windows.
Blade (also Scraper): A tool equipped with a sharp edge or razor, used to remove tough residues like paint, stickers, or hardened dirt from glass surfaces.
Boar Hair (also Boar Bristle): Natural bristles sourced from boars, used in brushes for their softness and effective cleaning without scratching the glass.
Boom Lift: An aerial work platform with an extendable arm, allowing window cleaners to access high or difficult-to-reach windows safely.
Bow Window: Similar to a bay window but with a curved structure, consisting of multiple windows that form an arch, extending beyond the exterior wall.
Brickmould (also Brickmold): Exterior casing that frames windows or doors, bridging the gap between the window frame and the brick or siding of a building.
Bucket On A Belt (BOAB): A holster worn on a belt that holds essential window cleaning tools like squeegees and washers, keeping them within easy reach.
C
Carbon Fiber: A strong, lightweight material used to manufacture water-fed poles, offering durability and ease of use at extended heights.
Carbon/Sediment Filter: A filtration component in water purification systems that removes chlorine, organic compounds, and sediment from the water.
Casement Window: A window hinged on the side that swings outward or inward like a door, operated using a crank or handle.
Casing: The molding or framing around a window or door that covers the space between the wall and the frame, providing a finished look.
Center Hinged Door: A door unit where one door is operable and hinged at the center, while the adjacent door is fixed, giving the appearance of double doors.
Channel: The metal part of a squeegee that holds the rubber blade, guiding it across the glass for effective water removal.
Check Rail: The horizontal meeting point of the upper and lower sashes in a double-hung window, often where locks are installed.
Clamp: A locking mechanism on telescopic poles that secures each extended section, preventing slippage during use.
Clerestory: High windows placed near the roofline, allowing natural light into spaces without compromising privacy.
Closeout: The final squeegee stroke at the edge or bottom of a window, ensuring all water and cleaning solution are removed without leaving streaks.
Commercial Window Cleaning: Professional cleaning services focused on non-residential buildings, such as offices, retail spaces, and skyscrapers.
Condensation: Moisture that forms on window surfaces when humid air meets a cooler pane, sometimes indicating seal failure in double-glazed windows.
Construction Clean Up: Specialized cleaning services post-construction, removing debris, paint overspray, and other residues from new windows.
Cottage Double-Hung: A double-hung window design where the upper sash is shorter than the lower sash, often used for stylistic purposes.
Cuts or Cut-ups: Windows divided into smaller sections or panes by muntins or grids, creating a classic or colonial appearance.
D
Deionization (DI): A water purification process that removes mineral ions, producing pure water ideal for spot-free window cleaning.
Deionization Resin: The medium within a DI tank that facilitates ion exchange, removing impurities from the water.
Detail: The finishing process of wiping window edges and frames after squeegeeing to eliminate drips and streaks.
DI Tank: A portable tank containing deionization resin, used to produce purified water on-site for window cleaning.
DI Water: Deionized water free from dissolved minerals, preventing water spots when cleaning and drying windows.
Doodlebug: A handheld or pole-mounted tool with an abrasive pad, used for scrubbing stubborn dirt or for dusting high areas.
Dormer: A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof, adding light and space to attic rooms.
Double Doors (also French Doors or Side by Side Doors): A pair of doors installed side by side, hinged on opposite sides, and meeting in the middle when closed.
Double Glazing: Windows constructed with two panes of glass separated by an air or gas-filled space, enhancing insulation and energy efficiency.
Double or Dual-Paned Windows: Another term for double-glazed windows, emphasizing the use of two glass layers.
Drip Cap: A horizontal molding installed above windows and doors to divert rainwater away from the opening.
Drop Cloth: Protective material placed over surfaces or floors to catch spills and debris during window cleaning.
E
Ergonomic Handle: A tool handle designed to reduce strain and increase comfort during use, important for repetitive motions in window cleaning.
Extension Pole (also Telescopic Pole): An adjustable pole that extends to various lengths, allowing cleaners to reach high windows without ladders.
Exterior Windows: Windows located on the outside walls of a building, exposed to external environmental elements.
F
Fabricating Debris: Tiny glass particles or contaminants embedded on the surface of tempered glass during manufacturing, which can cause scratches if not properly addressed during cleaning.
Failed Window: A window where the seal between panes has deteriorated, leading to condensation or fogging between the glass layers.
Fan Jet: A type of nozzle on water-fed poles that sprays water in a wide, fan-shaped pattern for efficient rinsing.
Fanning: A squeegee technique involving smooth, overlapping strokes in an S-pattern to remove water without leaving streaks.
Fast Release (also Quick Release): A feature on squeegee handles that allows quick and easy swapping of channels or rubber blades.
Fixed Window: A non-operable window designed solely to admit light or provide views, without the ability to open for ventilation.
Flashing: Thin sheets of metal or waterproof material installed around windows to prevent water intrusion into the building structure.
French Door (also Double Door or Side by Side Door): See Double Doors.
French Windows (also "Frenchies"): Windows consisting of two casement panels that open inward or outward from the center, often extending to the floor.
G
Garden Window (also Greenhouse Window or Plant Window): A protruding window that creates a small shelf or space ideal for growing plants indoors.
Gas-Filled Window (also Gas Fills): Double or triple-glazed windows where inert gas, like argon, fills the space between panes to improve insulation.
Gasket (also Window Seal or Seal Gasket): A rubber or silicone seal that creates a weather-tight barrier between the window sash and frame.
Glass Sealant: A protective coating applied to glass surfaces to repel water and contaminants, making future cleaning easier.
Glazing: The glass components within a window frame or the process of fitting glass into windows.
Glazing Bead: A molding or strip that secures the glass pane within the window frame, often removable for glass replacement.
Gooseneck: An angled attachment for water-fed poles that positions the brush at the optimal angle for cleaning.
Grille (also Glue-Ups or Fake Muntins): Decorative elements applied over windows to mimic the appearance of divided panes without using separate pieces of glass.
H
Hard Water: Water containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave spots or scale on glass surfaces.
High Dusting: The process of removing dust and cobwebs from high or hard-to-reach areas inside buildings, often using extension tools.
Hip Bucket or Bucket On A Belt: See Bucket On A Belt.
Holster (also Bucket On A Belt or BOAB): See Bucket On A Belt.
Horizontal Blinds: Window coverings with horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy.
Hybrid Brush: A water-fed pole brush combining different bristle types, such as natural and synthetic, for versatile cleaning performance.
Hybrid Water Fed Pole: A pole made from a mix of carbon fiber and fiberglass, balancing weight, rigidity, and cost.
Hydrofluoric Acid: A highly corrosive acid used in specialized glass restoration processes to remove severe mineral stains; requires careful handling.
Hydrophilic Glass: Glass treated or manufactured to cause water to spread evenly across the surface, reducing spotting and aiding in self-cleaning.
Hydrophobic Glass: Glass that repels water, causing it to bead and roll off, often treated with special coatings.
I
Interior Windows: Windows or glass surfaces located inside a building, such as office partitions or interior glass doors.
Ion Exchange: A water purification process where undesirable ions are replaced with acceptable ones, used in deionization systems.
J
Jalousie Window: A window made up of horizontal glass slats that open and close in unison, similar to shutters, allowing ventilation control.
L
Ladder Stabilizer: An accessory that attaches to a ladder, increasing its stability and preventing damage to walls or gutters.
Ladder Work: The practice of using ladders to access windows at various heights during cleaning operations.
Light (also Lite): An individual pane of glass within a window or door frame.
Louver Window: Another term for Jalousie Window.
Low-E Glass (Low-Emissivity Glass): Glass coated with a microscopically thin metallic layer that reflects infrared energy, improving thermal efficiency.
M
Mineral Deposits: Residues left on glass from evaporated hard water, appearing as white spots or hazy films that can be challenging to remove.
Modular Scopic Pole (also Mod-Scopic): A water-fed pole system with removable sections, allowing customization of pole length as needed.
Mop (also Scrubber or Washer): A tool with an absorbent sleeve used to apply and scrub cleaning solutions onto windows.
Mullion: A structural element that separates adjacent window units, providing support and dividing the window visually.
Muntin (also Windowpane Divider): Strips of wood or metal that divide a window into smaller panes, traditionally holding individual pieces of glass.
N
Nano Coating: An ultra-thin protective layer applied to glass surfaces at the molecular level, enhancing water repellency and reducing dirt adhesion.
Non-Proprietary Filters (WFP): Filters for water-fed pole systems that can be sourced from various manufacturers, offering flexibility and cost savings.
Nylon (WFP): Synthetic bristles made of nylon used in water-fed brushes, known for durability and effective cleaning action.
Nylon Bristles: See Nylon (WFP).
O
Operator: The mechanism, such as a crank or lever, used to open and close a window.
Outer Frame Member: The external components of a window frame that provide structural support and house the sashes or panes.
Overhead Glazing (also Slope Glazing): Glass installations positioned at an angle, such as skylights or glass roofs, requiring specialized cleaning techniques.
Overspray: Unintended droplets of paint, chemicals, or other substances that land on windows during nearby work, necessitating careful removal.
P
Palladian Window: A large, arched window flanked by two smaller rectangular windows, creating an elegant, classical appearance.
Pane (also Panel): An individual sheet of glass within a window or door frame.
Passive Solar Collector: Architectural features, like south-facing windows, designed to capture and utilize solar energy without mechanical systems.
Pencil Jets (WFP): Narrow, focused water streams from jets on a water-fed brush, providing targeted cleaning power.
Picture Frame Casing: Trim molding applied equally on all four sides of a window, giving it the appearance of a framed picture.
Pitch (also Slope): The steepness or angle of a roof or surface, important for accessing and cleaning overhead windows.
Pivot: A window design where the sash rotates around a central axis, allowing it to swing inward or outward for ventilation.
Plant Window (also Garden Window or Greenhouse Window): See Garden Window.
Pressure Washing: The use of high-pressure water jets to clean exterior surfaces, including building facades and sidewalks.
Proprietary Filters (WFP): Filters designed specifically for certain water-fed pole systems, often only available from the original manufacturer.
Pure Water: Water that has been purified through processes like deionization or reverse osmosis, ideal for streak-free window cleaning.
Q
Quick Release Handle (also Fast Release): A squeegee handle that allows for rapid swapping of channels or rubber blades without tools.
R
Rafter: Structural beams extending from the ridge of a roof to the eaves, supporting the roof deck.
Rails: The horizontal components of a window sash or door panel.
Residential Window Cleaning: Professional cleaning services for homes, apartments, and other living spaces.
Reverse Cottage Double-Hung: A double-hung window where the upper sash is larger than the lower sash, offering unique styling.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane: A semi-permeable barrier used in water purification to remove dissolved solids, producing pure water.
Reverse Osmosis Deionization (RODI): A combined water purification process using reverse osmosis and deionization for maximum water purity.
Rinse Bar: An attachment on a water-fed brush that delivers a curtain of water, aiding in efficient rinsing without lifting the brush from the glass.
Rinsebar: See Rinse Bar.
RO Membrane: See Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane.
RO System: A water purification system utilizing reverse osmosis technology to produce pure water.
Rough Opening: The framed space in a wall where a window or door unit will be installed.
Rough Sill: The bottom framing component of a rough opening, supporting the window or door.
Rubber (also Squeegee Rubber or Rubber Blade): The replaceable rubber strip on a squeegee that contacts the glass to remove water and cleaning solution.
S
Sash Balance: A mechanism, such as springs or weights, that counterbalances a window sash, making it easier to open and close.
Sash Cord: A rope or chain in older windows connecting the sash to counterweights hidden within the frame.
Sash Lock: A locking device that secures a window sash, enhancing security and sealing.
Sash Weights: Weights used in traditional double-hung windows to balance the sash via cords or chains.
Scraper (also Blade): See Blade (also Scraper).
Scrapers: Plural of Scraper, referring to multiple scraping tools.
Scrim: A durable, lint-free cloth made from linen, used for polishing and detailing glass surfaces without leaving fibers.
Screen Cleaner: A tool or device designed to clean window screens efficiently, often involving brushes and running water.
Screen Washer (also Screen Cleaner): See Screen Cleaner.
Seat Board: The flat surface or shelf at the base of a bay or bow window, sometimes used for seating or display.
Seal Gasket (also Gasket or Window Seal): See Gasket.
Shims: Thin wedges used during installation to level and secure windows or doors within their frames.
Side Lights (also Sidelights): Narrow windows positioned on one or both sides of a door, allowing additional light into an entryway.
Side by Side Door (also French Door or Double Door): See Double Doors.
Sill: The horizontal bottom part of a window frame, often sloped to shed water away from the building.
Sill Course (Soldier Course, Soldier Row): A row of bricks or stones laid vertically beneath a window, adding structural support and aesthetic detail.
Sill Nosing: The projecting edge or trim of a window sill on the exterior, helping to direct water away from the wall.
Simulated Divided Light: Windows with grilles or grids applied to the glass surface to mimic the look of true divided panes.
Single Glazing: Windows consisting of a single pane of glass, offering minimal insulation compared to double or triple glazing.
Single-Hung: A window with two sashes where only the bottom sash is operable, and the top sash is fixed.
Sleeve (also Mop or Scrubber): The fabric cover fitted over a t-bar, used to apply cleaning solutions to windows.
Slope (also Pitch): See Pitch.
Slope Glazing (also Overhead Glazing): See Overhead Glazing.
Solar Gain: The increase in temperature in a space resulting from solar radiation entering through windows.
Sole Plate: The bottom horizontal member of a wall frame, resting on the floor or foundation.
Stack Ladders: Ladders made of interlocking sections that can be added or removed to achieve the desired height.
Stile: The vertical components of a window sash or door panel.
Stool: The interior ledge or shelf at the base of a window, extending into the room.
Stop: A strip of molding that holds the window sash in place within the frame.
Storefront Window Cleaning: Regular cleaning services for the windows of retail businesses, often performed on a scheduled basis.
Storm Window (also Storm Windows): Additional windows installed over existing ones to provide extra insulation and protection against weather.
Straight Pull: A squeegee technique involving straight, consistent strokes, usually from top to bottom or side to side.
Stud: Vertical framing members in a wall to which drywall or sheathing is attached.
Swivel Gooseneck: A flexible attachment for water-fed poles that allows the brush head to pivot, improving maneuverability.
Swivel Handle: A squeegee handle with a pivoting joint, enabling the blade to adjust angles for better control.
T
T-Bar: The T-shaped handle component of a window washer, holding the sleeve or mop in place.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): A measurement of all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water, important for assessing water purity.
TDS Meter: A device that measures the TDS level in water, helping determine if it's suitable for streak-free window cleaning.
Telescopic Pole (also Extension Pole): See Extension Pole.
Tenon: A projecting piece of wood designed to fit into a corresponding mortise, forming a strong joint.
Tracks: The channels or grooves in which window sashes slide or roll, requiring regular cleaning to ensure smooth operation.
Trad Pole (Traditional Pole): A pole used with traditional window cleaning tools, like squeegees and washers, without water-fed capabilities.
Traditional Window Cleaners: Professionals who utilize conventional tools and methods, as opposed to modern water-fed systems.
Transom: A horizontal beam or window above a door or another window, often for decorative purposes or additional light.
Transom Window: See Transom.
Triple Glazing: Windows constructed with three panes of glass, offering superior insulation and energy efficiency.
True Divided Light: Windows where individual panes of glass are separated by actual muntins, as opposed to simulated grids.
U
U-Factor: A metric indicating a window's rate of heat transfer; lower values represent better insulating properties.
Unison Lock: A multi-point locking system that secures a window at several locations with a single handle or mechanism.
V
Vapor Barrier: Material used to prevent moisture from passing through walls or ceilings, protecting building integrity.
Venting Unit: A window or component designed to open for air circulation, contributing to indoor air quality.
Vertical Blinds: Window coverings with vertical slats that can be rotated or drawn aside to control light and privacy.
Vinyl Windows: Windows with frames made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known for durability and low maintenance.
Viscosity: The thickness or flow resistance of a liquid, relevant for selecting appropriate cleaning solutions.
W
Washer Sleeve (also Mop or Sleeve): See Sleeve (also Mop or Scrubber).
Water Fed Brush: A brush attached to a water-fed pole that delivers purified water through its bristles for cleaning.
Water Fed Pole: An extendable pole system that delivers purified water to a brush head, enabling safe cleaning of high windows from the ground.
Water Key: A tool that allows access to water spigots or faucets without standard handles, often used in commercial settings.
Water-Fed Pole: Alternative term for Water Fed Pole.
Waterfed Brush: Alternative term for Water Fed Brush.
Waterfed Pole: Alternative term for Water Fed Pole.
Window Bleed: The occurrence of water seeping from window frames after cleaning, potentially causing drips or streaks.
Window Cleaning: The professional service of washing windows to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants for clear visibility.
Window Pane Divider (also Muntin): See Muntin.
Window Seal (also Gasket or Seal Gasket): See Gasket.
Windowpane Divider: See Muntin.
Windload: The force exerted by wind on a structure or window, considered in design and installation for safety.
WFP (Water Fed Pole): Abbreviation for Water Fed Pole.
X
XERO: A brand offering professional window cleaning equipment, including water-fed poles and purification systems.
Y
Yellowing: Discoloration of window frames or seals, often due to aging, UV exposure, or environmental factors.
Z
Zero-Degree Squeegee: A squeegee with a handle aligned directly behind the blade, allowing effective cleaning of windows from certain angles or positions.