Glossary of Window and Door Terms

Aluminium anodising is a type of coating added to aluminium by means of an electrochemical process. Anodising increases the durability and corrosion-resistance of aluminum, as it increases the thickness of the oxide layer on the surface of the metal. Windows and doors constructed with aluminium frames should be anodised to ensure that they withstand outdoor weather conditions.

Right-angled or flat aluminum extrusion, powder-coated to match the window or door. Available in various sizes it is used as a finishing solution during installation.

Annealed glass is a type of float glass which has been slowly cooled in order to relieve internal stresses in the material, and hence reduce the risk of the glass shattering or cracking when the it undergoes small temperature changes or mechanical shocks. Using annealed glass for glass windows and doors in the home is important, as they need to withstand everyday opening and closing, as well as constant outdoor temperature fluctuations and weather conditions.

Architraves refer to the trim around door and window frames. As well as having an aesthetic and design function, they also hide the point where window and door jambs fit into the wall. Architraves can also be used in wall openings and doorways in which no doors or windows are installed (such as internal archways between rooms).

AS stands for Australian Standard. Australian Standards are national benchmarks for products and services which ensure efficiency, safety, high quality, and most of all, suitability to withstand Australia’s particular climate conditions. Products which adhere to these strict high standards mean that they have undergone rigorous testing and have been proven to be safe, durable, and suitable for use in the home. All of BetaView’s products adhere to Australian Standards, meaning that you’re always getting a top-quality product in your home.

AWA is the Australian Window Association. The Association is comprised of over 500 window manufacturers and industry suppliers throughout Australia, all of whom manufacture and sell products which adhere to Australian Standards. Betaview is a member of AWA.

An awning window is hinged at the top of the glass, while the bottom of the window swings outwards. Awning windows are configured only open to a fixed degree, making them perfect for leaving open in the rain. Awning windows are also ideal for helping to prevent accidents in homes with children.

Bars, also sometimes called glazing bars, are bars that are applied on top of the glass in larger windows and doors. Their purpose is mainly aesthetic, as they visually separate a large pane of glass into smaller sections.

Bifold doors are made up of multiple panels (usually two or more) with hinges in between each panel to allow the doors to fold away and stack on top of each other when fully openened. Bifold doors are great for making the most out of an entire door opening as a thoroughfare, as there are no fixed sections of glass which cannot be opened.

Bushfire Attack refers to the amount of ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame contact that a building can be exposed to during a bushfire. Different types of Bushfire Attack can cause varying defrees of damage to a building.

BAL stands for Bushfire Attack Level, and is a rating system developed under Australian Standard 3959 which refers to different levels of bushfire damage that a building may be exposed to during a bushfire. The BAL is split into 6 categories of varying severity, including (from lowest severity to highest) BAL-LOW, BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL29, BAL-40 and BAL-FZ. All of Betaview’s aluminium windows and doors have been certified and proven to withstand a BAL of up to 40.

A casement window refers to any type of window which is attached to its frame on one side by a hinge, ether at the top (awning window), side (regular hinged window), or at the bottom (hopper window). Casement windows are ideal if you want to have windows in your home that only open to a certain degree, either for safety or aesthetic purposes.

The check measure is a meeting between the customer and the Installation Supervisor. Final measurements are taken ahead of production and all details are finalised, including colour and requirements for the installation work.

The Commercial range is a small suite of commercial grade windows and doors. Typically, heavier than regular residential windows and doors. Suitable for demanding architectural projects with large openings.