BCM Glass · Technical manuals and tools
The BCM Field Guide
Free technical manuals and tools for the general contractors and architects who build and design commercial glazing.
The BCM Field Guide started as a weekly series of technical carousels on LinkedIn. These manuals take each topic further: the full explanation, the standards behind it, worked examples, and free tools you can use on your next project. Every manual is free to read here or download as a PDF, with no sign-up.
For general contractors
Manual · 11 chapters
The Glazing Buyout Manual
Read the glazing spec, close scope gaps between trades, level glazing bids line by line, and settle the decisions that set the schedule. Includes the Glazing Bid Leveling Workbook and the Division 08 Scope Responsibility Matrix.
Manual · 11 chapters
The Glazing Schedule and Site Readiness Manual
The stages from award to close-in, guaranteed versus field-verified dimensions, site readiness, the pre-install meeting, envelope sequencing, shop glazing, and better RFIs. Includes three fillable forms.
For architects
Manual · 11 chapters
The Architect’s Glass Selection Manual
Heat treatment, safety glazing, laminated and insulating units, low-E coatings compared, color and sample review, bird-friendly design, and security, ballistic, impact, blast, and fire-rated glazing. Ends with a glass type schedule checklist.
Manual · 11 chapters
The Glazing Design and Specification Manual
Choosing between storefront, curtain wall, and window wall, detailing the perimeter, sizing sealant joints and mullions, designing entrances, specifying testing, and writing a glazing spec that prices cleanly.
Free tools
Five workbooks and fillable forms, free to download and use on any project, with any glazing contractor: the Glazing Bid Leveling Workbook, the Division 08 Scope Responsibility Matrix, the Guaranteed Opening Dimensions Form, the Site Readiness Checklist, and the Pre-Install Meeting Agenda and Minutes.
Questions on a project?
Send us your bid invitations, drawings, or glazing sections. We welcome a line-by-line review.
Basis and limits The BCM Field Guide is general guidance from a commercial glazing contractor. It does not replace the contract documents, the project specifications or the building code, nor does it represent our professional advice tailored to your project’s specific requirements.