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Glossary terms for letter 'b'

Back Fill The material used for refilling trenches or excavations. After services have been installed or works have been completed. Excavating & Earth Moving Contractors

Bagged Brickwork A method of finishing brickwork, usually in preparation for a painted finish. It involves the application of thin mortar to the face of the brickwork. Bricklayers / Brick Makers

Balcony An open or covered area attached to an upper floor of a building.

Barge Board A plain or decorated sloping board fixed a projecting gable. Carpenters & Joiners

Barge Tile A moulded roofing tile for gable ends fitted over barge boards. Roof Construction & Restoration, Tile Layers

Basin A bowl-shaped sanitary fixture with outlets for taps and wastes. Plumbers & Gasfitters

Batch Mixer (Mixer) A mechanical device used for the thermal insulation of roofs, walls and ceilings. Concreters

Batt A fibrous material used for the thermal insulation of roofs, walls and ceilings. Home Insulation

Batten A small timber member fixed between longer stud members to improve structural adequacy. Carpenters & Joiners, Roof Construction & Restoration

Batter The excavated stable slope of an earth bank. Excavating & Earth Moving Contractors

Bay Window A window projecting outward from the face of a building and forming a bay. Window Installation

Beam A structural horizontal member which supports vertical loads.

Bearer A horizontal structural sub-floor timber member. They bear on foundation walls or piers. Bearers support the floor joists.

Bed Joint The horizontal layer of mortar on which brick or other masonry is placed. Bricklayers / Brick Makers

Benchmark A point of known elevation or reduced level. Building Surveyors

Bill of Quantities A document prepared by a suitably qualified person detailing the estimated quanities of materials, labour fixtures and fittings for a particular building project. Building Consultants

Block Fill A concrete or cement mixture placed into hollow masonry blocks which have laid as a wall or retaining wall. Concreters

Blue Metal A crushed rock used as gravel. Used for back filling and in concrete. Landscape Architects & Designers, Concreters

Bollard A solid structure placed vertically and usually up to 1 metre in height, used as a barrier to deter vehicles.

Bottom Plate The bottom horizontal member of a timber frame wall. Carpenters & Joiners

Box Gutter A concealed roof gutter of rectangular shape. Gutter Installation, Protection and Repair, Plumbers & Gasfitters

Brace A member fixed diagonally across two or more members to provide rigidity.

Brick A solid masonry unit used for building purposes. Bricklayers / Brick Makers

Brick Buildings (Full Brick) In which the external and internal walls are built of brick.

Building Height The distance between the average natural ground level and the upper most height of a building structure.

Building Line (Set Back) A line used parallel to the property line, beyond which any building is not allowed by statutory law a building. Building Surveyors

Building Permit A licence issued by the statutory authority, to carry out specific building work.

Bulkhead A lowered part of a ceiling to accomodate structures and services. Carpenters & Joiners

Bullnose The rounding of a defined edge into a curve. Carpenters & Joiners

Bullnose Brick A brick with one end or edge rounded to a quadrant. Bricklayers / Brick Makers