Back end ratio     Ratio of monthly housing costs (principal, insurance, taxes and interest) plus regular monthly payments to gross monthly income used by lenders to evaluate an applicant qualification for a loan. Lenders will typically allow a back ratio between 32 and 45 percent.

Backfill    Earth used to fill excavated areas around exterior foundation walls.

Back Nailing    The practice of blind-nailing roofing felts to a substrate in addition to hot-mopping to prevent slippage.

Back Surfacing    Fine mineral matter applied to the back side of shingles to keep them from sticking.

Back water lap joint    A non-water shedding seam between building materials.

Baffles    Device to help achieve a ventilation space between insulation and roof sheathing. It helps ensure air flow from the eave vents in attics and cathedral ceilings.

Bald Roof    A smooth-surfaced roof.

Balusters    Thin columns or spindles supporting the stair railing.

Band Board    Perimeter floor joist that sits atop the sill in a wood floor framing system.

Band Joist (Also known as the rim joist)    Vertical member that forms the perimeter of a floor system in which the floor joists tie in.

Bankruptcy    A legal proceeding, which offers protection from creditor, if one is unable to pay debts.

Base Flashing    That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering. Blisters or bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.

Basement Floor Slab    The 4- to 5-inch layer of concrete forming the basement floor.

Base Ply    The bottom or first ply in a built-up roofing membrane when additional plies are to be subsequently installed.

Base Sheet    A product intended to be used as a base ply in a built-up roofing system.

Bead    A small amount of mastic, caulking or flashing cement applied to the waterproofing membrane at a termination, generally the width of a 1/2″ caulking gun orifice.

Below-grade    Pertaining to the location of a finished floor that is in direct contact with the ground or with less than 18 inches of well-ventilated space.

Bitumen    Any of various flammable mixtures of hydrocarbons and other substances, occurring naturally or obtained by distillation from coal or petroleum, that are a component of asphalt and tar and are used for surfacing roads and for waterproofing.

Bituminized    Impregnated with bitumen. Example: bituminized fiber pipe.

Bituminous    Containing or treated with bitumen.

Bituminous Emulsion    (1) a suspension of minute globules of bituminous material in water or in an aqueous solution; (2) a suspension of minute globules of water or of an aqueous solution in a liquid bituminous material (invert emulsion).

Bituminous Grout    A mixture of bituminous material and fine sand that will flow into place without mechanical manipulation when heated.

Blind Nailing    The use of nails that are not exposed to the weather in the finished roofing.

Blister     (1) A raised portion of a roofing membrane resulting from local internal pressure; (2) The similarly formed protuberances in coated prepared roofing.

Blocking    Wood built into a roofing system above the deck and below the membrane and flashing to a) stiffen the deck around an opening, b) act as a stop for insulation, c) serve as a nailer for attachment of the membrane or flashing.

Bond    The adhesive and cohesive forces holding two roofing components in intimate contact.    Bottom Plate (Sole Plate)
The lowest horizontal member of a wall that rests on the rough floor, to which the studding is nailed. 

Breach    Failure to perform on a promise made in contract without legal excuse.

Brick mold trim/Brick molding    The wood molding covering the gap between brick masonry and a door or window frame.

Bridging    Framing members placed between joists to brace them and prevent the joists from twisting or deflecting.

Broker    A licensed professional who assists in the purchase, sale, rental, or management of real property. A broker can be employed by either the buyer or seller, and accordingly, his duties may include locating and showing properties to prospective buyers, advertising properties for sale, assisting in contract negotiations, and other related activities. The term agent is often used interchangeably with broker, although in actuality, agents work under a broker and act as agents for that broker.

Bruce Lock Installation    Installation method for Bruce Laminate flooring which features a unique tongue-and-groove profile that allows for easy installation of boards by just locking edges into place and requiring no glue. Offers the tightest fit and provides virtually seamless appearance.

Building Paper    A heavy waterproof paper such as asphalt felt paper, placed on the exterior side of wall
sheathing to prevent the passage of air and water into the
home. (Note: Building paper is not a vapor barrier.)

Bullnose Trim    Ceramic trim installed on the wall. Upper edge of the tile slopes inward toward the wall, providing transition or closure.

Bundle    A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5 bundles per square.

Butt Edge    The lower edge of the shingle tabs.