P
Palladian WindowA large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on each side.
PaneA lite of glass.
PanelA part of a door, or sometimes a window, composed of a light of glass and surrounded by a frame. Panels can be fixed in place or movable. It is similar to a sash or vent.
PanningA set of extrusions which are fastened to a new window to cover the exterior perimeter of an existing opening in a retrofit application.
Parting StopIn a double-hung window, a strip of wood applied to the jamb to separate the sash.
Parting StripThe small strips of wood placed in the side and head jambs of a double hung window to separate the upper and lower sash.
Pass-Thru WindowA single-hung window without a sill that is used for counter-top applications.
PassagePassage knobs or levers are for doors that do not need to be locked, such as a closet or doors between rooms and family rooms or living rooms.
Passive SolarA solar heating system which operates on natural thermal processes, and that uses no external mechanical power to move the collected heat. Generally, the building's structure itself forms the solar system.
Passive Solar CollectorAny glazed area in the walls or roof of a building pointed to the south to take maximum advantage of the sun's heat without a mechanical (or active) method of storage or distribution of the heat.
Patio DoorA glass door that slides open and close on adjustable rollers. Available in 2- or 3-lite configurations with the operable panel available in any position.
Patio Door ScreenA rolling screen for a patio sliding glass door.
Picture WindowA window that has no moveable sash.
PivotA mode of operation for ventilating windows which generally means the sash pivots on a central axis and turns 90 or more degrees.
Pivot Lock ShoeA hinge-type system used on double hung windows. This system attaches the sash to the balance, creating perfect alignment between the sash and frame, while allowing the sash to tilt inward for cleaning.
Pocket DoorA sliding door that has the moving panels slide into (interior) or onto (exterior) a wall when opened.
Polished brassBrass finish that is shiny.
Polished chromeChrome finish that is shiny.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)A material used to make vinyl window parts, weather strip and glazing bead.
Prehung DoorA door already mounted to the jambs, eliminates steps of fitting the hinges and squaring door.
Primary WindowA window installed into the wall of a structure. Storm windows, which attach to or over a prime window, are called secondary windows.
Prime FrameA window frame which has an extended perimeter leg 1" back from the window exterior plane, which becomes a nailing fin for new construction installation.
PrivacyPrivacy knobs or levers are used on doors where locks are needed, such as on bathrooms, or bedrooms on interior doors.
ProfileThe term used to designate a vinyl extrusion
Pull HandleA handhold for sliding sash or sliding door back and forth.
Pull RailA handhold for sliding the sash back and forth. Rail implies that the handhold is continuous across the sash.
Pull StileA handhold for sliding the sash back and forth. Stile implies that the handhold is continuous across the sash.
