Glossary Of Window Cleaning Terms

 

A

Angle Adaptor – An attachment for an extension pole that allows the user to adjust the angle of an attached tool.

Apron – Decorative trim installed against the wall immediately beneath the stool of a window.

Awning –  A piece of material (such as cloth, metal, glass, etc.) on a frame that sticks out over a door or window and provides shelter from sun, rain, snow, etc.

B

Bay Window – A type of window structure that projects outward from the main walls of a building, forming a bay or alcove inside. Differing from a bow window they have angular lines and typically consist of a large picture window and two smaller operable windows on either side. 

Blade (also scraper) – A tool with a sharp edge that can be used to remove debris from windows.

Boar Hair (also boar bristle) – The bristles of a water fed brush that are the actual hair from a boar. These are softer and heavier than synthetic fibers. 

Boom Lift – A type of elevated work platform (EWP) that consists of a hydraulic arm with a platform at the end. Used to reach high windows, often used in commercial or high-rise window cleaning.

Bow Window – A type of curved window structure that extends outward from the main walls of a building, creating a rounded, gentle arch shape. Differing from bay windows they consist of four or more panels arranged in a gradual curve.

Brickmould (also brickmold) – A type of trim or casing used around exterior doors and windows. Not made of brick, but named this because it goes between the window and the home (brick).

Bucket On A Belt (abbr. BOAB) [rhymes with “snow crab”] – A container worn on a toolbelt to carry window cleaning tools, usually squeegees, scrapers and washers. 

C

Carbon Fiber – Most common type of water fed pole material that is lightweight, strong and stiff.

Carbon/Sediment Filter – Used in a water fed pole system to remove both sediment and organic compounds in water.

Casement Window – A window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side and swings open like a door.

Casing – The trim or molding that surrounds a window frame, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Center Hinged Door – A door that has the look of double doors (side by side), but only one side is an active door and swings from the center of the door system, while the other side is a fixed window.

Channel – The part of the squeegee that holds the rubber blade.

Check Rail – On a double-hung window, the part where the bottom of the upper sash and the upper part of the lower sash come in contact. The middle of the window.

Clamp – secures each section of a water fed pole in place as it's extended, consisting of a bolt (or two), a lever, and the clamp body.

Clerestory – Windows placed high on a wall, above eye-level.

Closeout – The final stroke in the process of using a squeegee to clean a window.

Commercial Window Cleaning – Cleaning windows of buildings that are not homes, such as businesses, churches, schools, hospitals, etc.

Construction Clean Up – A service for new residential or commercial buildings, involving thorough removal of debris from windows, like paint overspray, concrete splatter, tape, and glue.

Cottage Double Hung – A window with two sashes hung with one atop the other that slide up and down, in which the upper sash is shorter than the lower one.

D

Deionization (DI) – A form of water purification that works by sending water through a filter filled with deionization resin, which attracts and holds onto contaminants.

Deionization Resin – The filter medium used in deionization (DI) filters. It looks like sand and contains tiny beads that are either positively charged or negatively charged to attract contaminants. 

Detailing – Using a dry towel to clean and dry the edges, corners, and frames of windows after cleaning.

Dormer – A roofed structure that projects vertically from a pitched roof and often contains a window.

Double Doors (also french doors or side by side doors) – Two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the door frame when closed.

Double Glazing – Two panes of glass in a window frame with a space between them. The space, typically filled with air or an inert gas like argon, acts as an insulating barrier. (see also: gas-filled)

Drip Cap – An L-shaped flashing installed on windows and doors (after installation but before siding is added to the frame), designed to prevent moisture from seeping into the building and causing damage.

Drop Cloth – Protective cloth placed under windows to catch drips and debris during cleaning.

E

Ergonomic Handle – A handle designed with comfort and ease of use in mind, commonly found on squeegees and scrubbers.

Extension Pole (also telescopic pole) – A pole that tools (squeegees, scrubbers, scrapers, etc.) can be attached to in order to clean windows that are out of reach, such as those on higher floors or large windows. Can extend to various lengths, usually ranging from a few feet to over 20 feet. 

​​Exterior Windows – The windows located on the outer surface of a building.

F

Fabricating Debris – Microscopic fragments or pieces of glass, dust, or imperfections that occur on glass surface as part of the manufacturing process. If not removed properly before the tempering process, this debris can become sealed into the glass's surface, causing scratches when cleaned.

Failed Window – A failure in the edge seal that secures individual panes of glass, allowing air and moisture to enter the space between panes. This can result in fogginess or condensation that can’t be wiped off from either side of the window.

Fan Jet – A wide, fine stream of water that covers a large area. Usually used in water fed pole systems.

Fanning – A window cleaning method where the cleaner keeps the edge of the squeegee in contact with the window while moving it back and forth in an S-shaped pattern. This helps achieve streak-free results and maximize speed.

Fast Release (also quick release) – A squeegee handle that has a mechanism that allows the user to quickly release the channel.

Fixed – A window that cannot open. They are for aesthetic purposes instead of ventilation.

Flashing –  Thin strips of waterproof material, typically metal or plastic, installed around the perimeter of window and door openings to prevent water and wind from entering.

French Door (also double door or side by side door) – Two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the door frame when closed.

French Windows (also “frenchies”) – Window cleaners are usually referring to windows with multiple panes of glass separated by muntins, giving them a grid-like appearance, but these windows are actually called true divided lights. Actual french windows consist of two side-hung glass panels that open either inward or outward, meeting in the middle when closed.

G

Garden Window (also greenhouse window or plant window) – A window that extends outward from a home's exterior wall to create a three-dimensional glass box for plants to grow in.

Gasket (also window seal or seal gasket) – A rubber strip that's fitted to a window frame to create a seal and prevent air and water from entering the home.

Gass-Filled Window (also gas fills) – Windows with double or triple panes, that have inert gas (usually argon or krypton) pumped into the space between panes in order to improve insulation.

Glass Sealant – A product that protects glass surfaces by creating a hydrophobic coating that repels water, stains, fingerprints, soil, and hard water buildup.

Glazing – Window glass. Can also refer to the putty holding the glass in place, or the process of installing this putty.

Glazing Bead – Trim pieces made of wood, vinyl, or aluminum, installed around the sash or frame perimeter of a window. They cover the space between the glass edge and sash or panel.

Gooseneck – A curved or angled extension that goes on a water fed pole. 

Grille (also glue-ups or fake muntins) – Decorative, narrow strips of wood, vinyl or metal attached to window glass, giving the appearance of a grid of separate panes of glass. (see also: simulated divided light)

H

Hard Water - Water with a high mineral content, mostly calcium and magnesium. Hard water on glass can leave white hazy spots.

Holster (also bucket on a belt or “BOAB) – A container worn on a toolbelt to carry window cleaning tools, usually squeegees, scrapers and washers. 

Horizontal Blinds – Window blinds with horizontal slats that are attached by cords and can slide up and down to open and close.

Hybrid Brush – Has both boar hair and nylon bristles. Used with a water fed pole. (see also: water fed brush)

Hybrid Water Fed Pole – Combines carbon fiber and fiberglass to get the best features of both materials. They’re lighter and more rigid than a fiberglass pole, but cheaper than a carbon fiber pole.

Hydrofluoric Acid – A highly corrosive and toxic acid used in some solutions to remove hard water stains. It requires extreme caution and adherence to safety protocols due to its highly corrosive and toxic nature.

Hydrophilic Glass – (literally means "water loving") Has an affinity for water, causing water to spread out into a thin, uniform layer rather than forming beads.

Hydrophobic Glass – (literally means “water fearing”) Repels water, causing water to bead up and roll off its surface rather than spread out and stick.

I

Interior Windows – The windows and window surfaces located inside a building, requiring access inside the building to clean.

Ion Exchange – The process that occurs in deionization (DI) resin, where charged particles (ions) are swapped between the resin and the water going through it. For example, calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are exchanged for sodium ions from resin, resulting in softened water.

J

Jalousie Window – Has adjustable slats of glass that can adjust to open and close, similar to blinds.

K

L

Ladder Stabilizer – An attachment for ladders that increases stability and safety when leaning against windows or walls.

Ladder Work - Refers to the tasks involved in window cleaning that require the use of a ladder for access.

Light (also lite) – Each separately framed piece of glass on a window or door. In a grid, each small square is a lite.

Louver Window – Has horizontal slats of glass fixed at an angle to allow light and air to enter, but keep out rain and direct sunlight.

Low-E glass (short for Low-Emissivity or Low-Emittance) – A microscopic coating on glass that makes it more thermally efficient. 

M 

Modular Scopic Pole (also called “mod-scopic”) - A water fed pole that can be taken apart in order to remove or add sections.

Mop (also scrubber or washer) – Tool used to apply cleaning solution to windows. It consists of a t-bar handle and a mop head, often made of microfiber or other absorbent material. Can also refer to the actual fabric covering that goes on the t-bar.

Mullion - A slender, vertical strip of material that separates windows, usually offering structural support for the window.

Muntin (also window pane divider) - A strip of wood or metal separating and holding panes of glass in a window, usually forming a grid pattern.

N

Nano Coating – A protective, hydrophobic film that can be applied to glass surfaces to make them easier to clean and more resistant to dirt and water.

Nylon Bristles – Usually referring to the bristles of a water fed pole brush. Nylon is a synthetic material that is strong and lightweight.

O

Overspray – When liquids that are being sprayed, such as paint, cleaning solutions or water, accidentally land on areas adjacent to the intended surface.

P

Palladian Window – A three-part window composed of a large, arched central section with two narrower, shorter sections with square tops on each side. 

Pane (also panel) – Refers to each single section of glass within a frame.

Pencil Jet – A focused, narrow stream of water. Usually used in water fed pole systems.

Picture Frame Casing – Molding around a window that looks the same on all four sides, resembling a framed picture.

Pitch (also slope) – The pitch of a roof is a ratio indicating how steep it is.

Plant Window (also garden window or greenhouse window) – A window that extends outward from a home's exterior wall to create a three-dimensional glass box for plants to grow in.

Pressure Washing – Using a high-pressure stream of water to remove paint, mold, grime, and dirt from surfaces. 

Pure Water – Tap water that's been filtered through a purification system to remove minerals and impurities.

Q

Quick Release Handle (also fast release) – A squeegee handle that has a mechanism that allows the user to quickly release the channel.

Overhead Glazing (also slope glazing) – Glass that slopes at an angle on a roof or sloped facade, such as a skylight.

R

Residential Window Cleaning - Window cleaning work at homes, such as houses, apartments, condos and mobile homes.

Reverse Osmosis Deionization (RODI) - A process of water filtration in which water goes through reverse osmosis and then goes through deionization.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane – A semi-permeable barrier that filters water by allowing water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities.

Rinse Bar – An accessory for a water fed pole brush that allows for rinsing of windows without removing the brush from the glass. 

Rubber (also squeegee rubber or rubber blade) – The replaceable rubber strip in a squeegee that actually contacts the window surface to remove water and cleaning solution.

S

Scraper (also blade) – A tool with a blade that can be used to remove debris from windows.

Screen Washer – (also called a screen cleaner) A portable device that contains brushes and can be attached to a water hose. The user can run a screen back and forth between the brushes and running water, quickly washing the screen.

Scrim – Cloth that is 100% linen. It is used during detailing windows.

Seal Gasket (also gasket or window seal) – A rubber strip that's fitted to a window frame to create a seal and prevent air and water from entering the home.

Side By Side Door (also french door or side by side door) – Two vertical doors that meet in the middle of the door frame when closed.

Sidelights (also sidelites) – Narrow, vertical windows that are usually placed on either side of an exterior door.

Sill – The horizontal structure or surface at the bottom of a window.

Simulated Divided Light - Windows that have a single pane of glass with a surface grid attached to the glass to create the appearance of separate smaller panes. (see also: grille)

Single Glazing – A window that consists of a single pane of glass set into a frame.

Single Hung (also single sash) – A type of window with two sashes hung one atop the other, where the lower sash is operable and an upper sash is fixed.

Sleeve (also mop or scrubber) – Refers to the actual soft fabric covering that goes on a t-bar. The complete setup may then be called a mop, scrubber or washer.

Slope (also pitch) – A ratio indicating how steep a roof is.

Slope Glazing (also overhead glazing) – Glass that slopes at an angle on a roof or sloped facade, such as a skylight.

Squeegee – The tool most commonly used by window cleaners. It has a flat, smooth rubber blade, used to remove or control the flow of liquid on glass.

Squeegee Rubber (also rubber or rubber blade) – The replaceable rubber strip in a squeegee that actually contacts the window surface to remove water and cleaning solution.

Storefront Window Cleaning – Cleaning the exterior and sometimes interior windows of a commercial retail establishment, usually on a consistent schedule.

Storm Window – Extra windows that are installed over existing windows to provide insulation, wind protection and regulate the temperature. 

Straight Pull – Involves applying a cleaning solution to the window, then using a squeegee to pull in straight, smooth, overlapping strokes, wiping the squeegee blade after each pass to prevent streaks.

Swivel Handle – A squeegee handle that can rotate, allowing for better maneuverability and control when cleaning windows at different angles.

T

T-Bar – The T-shaped handle for the mop/scrubber/washer.

TDS – Stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It is the amount of minerals in the water.

TDS Meter – A device that measures the TDS level of water.

Telescopic Pole (also extension pole) – A pole that tools (squeegees, scrubbers, scrapers, etc.) can be attached to in order to clean windows that are out of reach, such as those on higher floors or large windows. Can extend to various lengths, usually ranging from a few feet to over 20 feet. 

Tracks – The channels, or grooves, in which windows slide to open or close.

Trad Pole – (short for “traditional pole”) A pole that's designed to be used with traditional window cleaning tools like squeegees.

Transom Window - A Window that is above another window or a door.

Triple glazing – Three panes of glass in a window frame with a space between them. The space, typically filled with air or an inert gas like argon, acts as an insulating barrier. (see also: gas-filled)

True Divided Light – A window or door that has multiple panes of glass separated by muntins, usually giving the look of a grid, where each small square is a separate piece of glass. (see also: french window)

U

V

Vertical Blinds – Window covering made up of wide panels hung on a track where they can slide sideways to open and close. 

Vinyl Windows – Window frames made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They're known for being low-cost and durable in various weather conditions.

Viscosity – The measure of resistance of a fluid to flow. Refers to the “thickness” of a liquid, such as cleaning solutions, which can have an affect on how the product performs.

W

Washer Sleeve (also mop or sleeve) – The fabric cover that goes on a t-bar, to then be used for washing and scrubbing.

Water Fed Brush – Used with a water fed pole to provide continuous flow of water through the brush. 

Water Fed Pole – Consists of an extendable pole, that brushes, nozzles and other tools can be attached to, through which purified water is fed. It allows for safe cleaning of high surfaces from the ground. 

Window Pane Divider (also muntin) – A strip of wood or metal separating and holding panes of glass in a window, usually forming a grid pattern.

Window Seal (also gasket or seal gasket) – A rubber strip that's fitted to a window frame to create a seal and prevent air and water from entering the home.

X

Y

Yellowing – Discoloration of window frames or glass, often due to prolonged exposure to the sun, trapped moisture or certain chemicals.

Z