B
Back BeddingThe process of adhering and sealing.
BackerA strip of aluminum glued to the interior side of a raised grid unit. When applied with a raised grid, the look simulates a true divided light.
BackerboardEvens out walls, insulates and gives siding an even surface to be mounted to.
BacksetThe term backset is used to explain the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole drilled for your knob, lever or deadbolt.
BalanceA device in a hung window that allows the sash to be adjusted to any position between fully open and fully closed. Originally, balances were weights attached to the top corners of the sash and draped over a pulley on either jamb. The weights and the friction of the pulleys "balanced" the weight of the sash. Balances normally are placed in pairs for each sash, one at each jamb. A heavier window may use two balances on each jamb.
Balance CoversCovers the balance cavity holding the coil-spring balance system inside the jamb.
Balance RodSame as Spiral Balance.
Balance ShoeNylon hardware used in a balance system.
Balance SystemDevice for holding vertically sliding sash in any desired position through the use of a spring or weight to counterbalance the weight of the sash.
Balance ToolA hook-like tool used for adjusting spiral balances.
BallcatchesItem of hardware inserted into hole drilled into top of door and used where only pulling or pushing opens the door. In double doors, they are used with dummy pairs of levers or knobs. They also can be used in the top of a small closet where pull may be used. The ball is pushed by spring tension into notched brass plate in jamb above door.
Bay WindowA composite of three windows, usually made up of a large center unit and two flanking units at 30- or 45-degree angles to the wall. A bay projects from the wall of the structure.
BeadA molding, snap-in-glazing, or stop placed around a window frame to hold the glass in place by pressure.
Beveled ExteriorAn angled extension from the frame that adds an aesthetically pleasing dimension to the exterior of the window.
BiteA glazing term referring to the dimension of the glazing leg which overlaps the edge of the glass.
Block And Tackle BalanceA type of balance that employs a block and tackle apparatus and a spring. This type of balance allows the sash to be easily removed from the window frame.
BoreBore is the diameter of the hole drilled in a door for a knob, lever or deadbolt.
Bow WindowA combination of two or more windows mulled together with each window offset at a small angle. A horizontal cross section would resemble an archer's bow. Bow window units normally consist of four to six individual hung windows or picture windows.
BrickmoldExterior casing around window to cover jambs and provide means for nailing during installation. Also referred to as nailing fin.
BumperA soft vinyl or rubber cushion that prevents the moving panel of a sliding glass door from striking the jamb on the fixed panel side of the door.
ButylA rubber material that seals the glass to the spacer, creating an airtight and water-tight insulated glass unit. Butyl has the lowest gas permeability of all rubbers. SWISCO uses butyl, along with spacer filled with desiccant to manufacture our insulated glass.
Bypass DoorA sliding glass door style whereby the door panels pass around each other on separate tracks.
