Glossary - B

A Glossary of window terminology

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z

Bay window

A composite of three windows usually made up of a large center unit and two flanking units, typically they are 30 or 45 degree angles to the wall. A bay window refers to the angle of departure from the plane of a wall. 

Between-The-Glass Window Fashions

Blinds, fabric shades and grilles tucked between panes glass. Protected from dust and damage. 

Bottom-Up Shades or Blinds

A standard operating shade or blind that can be raised and lowered to any position. 

Brickmold

Exterior casing around a wood window or door through which nails are driven to install the unit. Covers the gap between the frame and masonry opening. In some cases, siding is installed up to the edge of the brickmold.

Backerboard
A flat material used on the face of the house, between the studs and the siding, to provide a nailable surface for the siding.

Balance covers
A snap in covering that conceals the EvenForce™ block and tackle balance system within the window frame, helping to keep dirt and dust out of the chamber.

Beveled MasterFrame
Some Alside windows feature a unique fusion-welded design that accommodates differing installation methods and architectural styles. It is the angled portion of the masterframe profile that adds a three dimensional appearance to the exterior of the window.

Bow window
An angled combination of windows in 3-, 4- or 5-lite configurations. As the windows are joined to each other, they combine to form an arch shape that projects from the wall of the home.

Buttlock
The bottom edge of a siding or soffit panel, or accessory piece, opposite the nailing slots, which locks onto the preceding panel.

Butyl
A rubber material that seals the glass to the spacer, creating an airtight and water-tight insulated glass unit.

Balance System
The system in the side jambs of a single or double-hung window that controls the tension and balance for smooth operation of the sash.   

Bar Hinge
Hardware that connects the bottom and top rails of a casement or awning sash to the window frame and slides back and forth allowing the sash to open and close; bar hinges are composed of the hinge track and the bar assembly.  

Basement Window
A sash unit, usually in-swinging from the top or bottom. Typically used to provide ventilation for basements or cellars, and may include screens or storm panels.

Bead
A semicircular or rounded trim profile; often used to cover the edge of the glass in a window or door.  

Beveled Raised Door Panel
A raised door panel with the edges of the raised face at an angle or radius. 

Boot-Glaze
The method by which glass is set and sealed into a sash or window opening with a rubber-like beige or gray gasket (“boot”).  

Bottom Rail
A horizontal rail at the bottom of a sash, door, blind or other panel assembly. 

Bow Window
A series of four or more adjoining window units, commonly five in number, projecting 10°-20° from the wall of the building, forming a radius.  

Brickmould
A form of exterior casing for windows and doors that serves as an aesthetic boundary between the siding and the frame.

Butt Joint
The joint of two square edges united without overlapping.