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Inspection Glossary provided by
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
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A/C
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.
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A/C Circuit
Alternating Current. The flow of current through a conductor
first in one direction, then in reverse. It is used
exclusively in residential and commercial wiring because it
provides greater flexibility in voltage selection and
simplicity of equipment design.
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A/C Condenser
The outside fan unit of the air conditioning system. It
removes the heat from the Freon gas and turns the gas back
into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the
furnace.
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A/C Disconnect
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C condenser.
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ABS
(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Rigid black plastic pipe
used only for drain lines.
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Absolute Humidity
Amount of moisture in the air, indicated in grains per cubic
foot
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Accelerator
Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds
up the natural set.
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Access Panel
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that
allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system.
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Accessible
Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely,
without difficulty, fear or danger.
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Acre
43,560 square feet.
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Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic material that is vacuum-formed to
cast and mold shapes that form the surface of fiberglass
bathtubs, whirlpools, shower bases, and shower stalls.
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Activate
To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or
devices to become active by normal operating controls.
Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves
to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical
breakers or fuses.
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Actual Dimension (Lumber)
The exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried
and milled.
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Adaptor
A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g.
ABS to cast iron pipe.
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Adhesion
The property of a coating or sealant to bond to the surface
to which it is applied.
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Adhesive Failure
Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to
which it is applied.
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Adversely Affect
Constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or
destructive impact.
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Aerator
An apparatus that mixes air into flowing water. It is
screwed onto the end of a faucet spout to help reduce
splashing.
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Aggregate
Crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that comes in a
wide range of sizes which is used to surface built-up roofs.
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Air Chamber
A vertical, air-filled pipe that prevents water hammer by
absorbing pressure when water is shut off at a faucet or
valve.
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Air Duct
Ducts, usually made of sheet metal, that carry cooled or
heated air to all rooms.
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Air Filters
Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are
coated with an adhesive liquid to which particles of lint
and dust adhere. These filters will remove as much as 90% of
the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common
filters are of the throwaway or disposable type.
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Air Infiltration
The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through
cracks in walls, windows and doors.
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Air Space
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior
wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.
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Air-Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for any length
of time. For the United States as a whole, the minimum
moisture content of thoroughly air dried lumber is 12 to 15
percent and the average is somewhat higher. In the South,
air dried lumber may be no lower than 19 percent.
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Airway
A space between roof insulation and roof boards provided for
movement of air.
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Algae
Microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp
environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor
shingles. Often described as "fungus."
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Alligatoring
A condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the
loss of volatile oils and the oxidation caused by solar
radiation. Causes a coarse checking pattern characterized by
a slipping of the new paint coating over the old coating to
the extent that the old coating can be seen through the
fissures. "Alligatoring" produces a pattern of cracks
resembling an alligator hide and is ultimately the result of
the limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal
expansion or contraction.
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Allowable Span
The distance between two supporting points for load bearing
lumber such as joists, rafters or a girder.
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Allowance(s)
A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for
items which have not been selected and specified in the
construction contract. Best kept to a minimum number and
used for items whose choice will not impact earlier stages
of the construction. For example, selection of tile because
flooring may require an alternative framing or underlayment
material. (Also, money that your parents give you as a
child.)
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Aluminum Wire
A conductor made of aluminum for carrying electricity.
Aluminum is generally limited to the larger wire sizes. Due
to its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12
is not made. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than
copper, but does not conduct as well. It also breaks easily.
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Amortization
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly
payments of principal and interest.
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Ampacity
Refers to the how much current a wire can safely carry. For
example, a 12 gauge electrical copper wire can safely carry
up to 20 amps.
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Amperage
The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in
terms of amperes.
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Amps (AMPERES)
The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.
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Anchor Bolts
In residential construction, bolts used to secure a wooden
sill plate to a concrete or masonry floor or wall. In
commercial construction, bolts which fasten columns, girders
or other members to concrete or masonry such as bolts used
to anchor sills to masonry foundation.
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Angle Iron
A piece of iron that forms a right angle and is used to span
openings and support masonry at the openings. In brick
veneer, they are used to secure the veneer to the
foundation. Also known as shelf angle.
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Angle Stop
A shutoff valve in which the inlet connects to the water
supply pipe in the wall and the outlet angles 90 degrees
upward toward the faucet or toilet.
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Annealing
In the manufacturing of float glass, the process of
controlled cooling done in a Lahr to prevent residual
stresses in the glass. Re-annealing is the process of
removing objectionable stresses in glass by re-heating to a
suitable temperature followed by controlled cooling.
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Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including
interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage
insurance, and other items.
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Anti-Scald
A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn
injuries. See Pressure Balancing Valve and Thermostatic
Valve. In some areas, plumbing codes require anti-scald
valves. Speak to a professional in your area for more
information and help with code requirements.
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Anti-Siphon
A device that prevents waste water from being drawn back
into supply lines and possibly contaminating the water
supply.
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Anti-Walk Blocks
Elastomeric blocks that limit lateral glass movement in the
glazing channel which may result from thermal, seismic, wind
load effects, building movement, and other forces that may
apply.
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Antiquated
No longer in use, useful or functioning, as in most home
inspection associations. Obsolete.
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APA Plywood
(APA=American Plywood Association) Plywood that has been
rated by the American Plywood Association. For example,
number one APA rated exterior plywood contains no voids
between laminate layers.
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Aperature
The opening in pipes.
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Appliance
A household device operated by use of electricity or gas.
Not included in this definition are components covered under
central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
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Appraisal
An expert valuation of property.
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Approach
The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a
driveway or the transition from the street as you approach a
driveway.
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Apron
A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.
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Arbitration Service
A service to resolve complaints, as in NACHI's Arbitration
Service.
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Architect
A tradesman who designs and produces plans for buildings,
often overseeing the building process.
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Architects Rule (Ruler)
Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also
referred to as a "scale."
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Architectural Service
Any practice involving the art and science of building
design for construction of any structure or grouping of
structures and the use of space within and surrounding the
structures or the design, design development, preparation of
construction contract documents, and administration of the
construction contract
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Area Wells
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around
a basement window to hold back the earth.
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Areaway
An open subsurface space adjacent to a building used to
admit light/air or as a means of access to a basement.
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Asbestos
A common form of magnesium silicate which was used in
various construction products due to its stability and
resistance to fire. Asbestos exposure (caused by inhaling
loose asbestos fibers) is associated with various forms of
lung disease. The name given to certain inorganic minerals
when they occur in fibrous form. Though fire-resistant, its
extremely fine fibers are easily inhaled, and exposure to
them over a period of years has been linked to cancers of
the lung or lung-cavity lining and to asbestosis a severe
lung impairment. A naturally occurring mineral fiber
sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to your
health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable
fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable (readily
crumbled, brittle) asbestos and always seek professional
advice in dealing with it.
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Asphalt
A dark brown to black highly viscous hydrocarbon produced
from the residue left after the distillation of petroleum.
Asphalt is used on roofs and highways as a waterproofing
agent.
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Asphalt Plastic Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials.
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Assessment
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth
of a property.
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Associate Member
An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection
association membership. Slave. See Candidate.
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Astragal
A molding which is attached to one of a pair of swinging
doors against which the other door strikes.
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Attic Access
An opening that is placed in the dry-walled ceiling of a
home providing access to the attic.
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Attic Ventilators
In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic
space. They are located in the soffit area as inlet
ventilators and in the gable end or along the ridge as
outlet ventilators. They can also consist of power-driven
fans used as an exhaust system.
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Auger
In carpentry, a wood-boring tool used by a carpenter to bore
holes.
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Awning Window
A window with hinges at the top allowing it to open out and
up.
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B
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Back Nailing
The practice of nailing roofing felts to the deck under the
overlap, in addition to hot mopping, to prevent slippage of
felts.
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Backer Rod
In glazing, a polyethylene or polyurethane foam material
installed under compression and used to control sealant
joint depth, provide a surface for sealant tooling, serve as
a bond breaker to prevent three-sided adhesion, and provide
an hour-glass contour of the finished bead.
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Backfill
The slope of the ground adjacent to the house. In any
previously excavated area, i.e., the replacement of
excavated earth into a trench around and against a basement
foundation. In carpentry, the process of fastening together
two pieces of board by gluing blocks of wood in the interior
angle.
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Backflow
Movement of water (or other liquid) in any direction other
than that intended.
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Backflow Preventer
A device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water
supply.
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Backhand
A simple molding sometimes used around the outer edge of
plain rectangular casing as a decorative feature.
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Backhoe
Self-powered excavation equipment that digs by pulling a
boom mounted bucket towards itself. It is used to dig
basements and/or footings and to install drainage or sewer
systems.
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Backout
Work the framing contractor does after the mechanical
subcontractors (Heating-Plumbing-Electrical) finish their
phase of work at the rough (before insulation) stage to get
the home ready for a municipal frame inspection. Generally,
the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed by others
and completes all framing necessary to pass a rough Frame
Inspection.
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Backsplash
A raised integral portion of a wall mount sink or lavatory
located at the rear to protect the wall.
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Balancing Damper
Baffle or plate used to control the volume of flowing air in
a confined area.
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Balloon Framing
In carpentry, the lightest and most economical form of
construction in which the studding and corner plates are set
up in continuous lengths from the first floor line or sill
to the roof plate to which all floor joists are fastened.
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Balusters
Usually small vertical members in a railing used between a
top rail and the stair treads or a bottom rail.
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Balustrade
A railing made up of balusters, top rail, and sometimes
bottom rail, used on the edge of stairs, teal conies, and
porches.
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Barge
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
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Barge Board
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly
rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a
facie board.
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Barometer
Instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.
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Barrel Roof
A roof design which in a cross section is arched.
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Base Flashing
The upturned edge of a watertight membrane formed at a roof
termination point by the extension of the felts vertically
over the cant strip and up the wall for a varying distance
where they are secured with mechanical fasteners.
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Base Molding
Molding used to trim the upper edge of interior baseboard.
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Base Ply
An asphalt-saturated and/or coated felt installed as the
first ply with 4 inch laps in a built-up roof system under
the following felts which can be installed in a shingle-like
fashion.
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Base Shoe
Molding used next to the floor on interior base board.
Sometimes called a carpet strip.
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Baseboard
Usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a
room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet. A
board placed against the wall around a room next to the
floor to properly finish between the floor and the plaster.
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Baseboard Heat
A heating system with the heating unit located along the
perimeter of the wall where the baseboard would normally be
located. It can be either an electric or hot water system.
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Basement Window Inserts
The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the
window buck.
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Basket Strainer
Basket shaped strainer with holes allowing water to drain
while catching food or other solids. Can also be closed to
fill the sink with water.
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Batt Insulation
Strips of insulation, usually fiberglass, that fit between
studs or other framing.
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Batten
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative
vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
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Batten Plate
A formed piece of metal designed to cover the joint between
two lengths of metal edge.
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Batter Board
One of a pair of horizontal boards nailed to posts set at
the corners of an excavation, used to indicate the desired
level, also used as a fastening for stretched strings to
indicate outlines of foundation walls.
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Batter Boards
Temporary structures that hold strings used to locate and
square the corners of a building.
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Bay Window
Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a
building, either square or polygonal in plan.
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Bead
In glazing, an applied sealant in a joint irrespective of
the method of application, such as caulking bead, glazing
bead, etc. Also a molding or stop used to hold glass or
panels in position.
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Beam
A supporting member either of wood or steel. Structural
support member (steel, concrete, lumber) transversely
supporting a load that transfers weight from one location to
another.
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Bearing Header
(a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which
joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or
other opening. (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal
structural member over an opening (for example over a door
or window).
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Bearing Partition
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to
its own weight.
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Bearing Point
A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated
and transferred to the foundation.
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Bearing Wall
A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its
own weight.
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Bed Molding
A molding in an angle, as between the over hanging cornice
or eaves of a building and the side walls.
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Bed or Bedding
In glazing, the bead compound or sealant applied between a
light of glass or panel and the stationary stop or sight bar
of the sash or frame. It is usually the first bead of
compound or sealant to be applied when setting glass or
panels.
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Bedrock
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a
structure.
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Bell Reducer
In plumbing, a fitting shaped like a bell which has one
opening of a smaller diameter used to reduce the size of the
pipe in the line, and the opposite opening of larger
diameter.
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Below Grade
The portion of a building that is below ground level.
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Bent Glass
Flat glass that has been shaped while hot into curved
shapes.
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Bevel
The angle of the front edge of a door usually from 1/8" to
2."
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Bevel Siding (or Lap Siding)
Wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped
pattern. This siding varies in butt thickness from ½ to ¾
inch and in widths up to 12 inches. Normally used over some
type of sheathing.
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Bid
A formal offer by a contractor, in accordance with
specifications for a project, to do all or a phase of the
work at a certain price in accordance with the terms and
conditions stated in the offer.
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Bid Bond
A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that
provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor's bid
that, if the bid is accepted, the contractor will execute a
contract and provide a performance bond. Under the bond, the
surety is obligated to pay the recipient of the bid the
difference between the contractor's bid and the bid of the
next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and
the contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a
performance bond.
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Bid Documents
Drawings, details, and specifications for a particular
project.
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Bid Security
Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee to
the recipient of the bid that the contractor, if awarded the
contract, will execute the contract in accordance with the
bidding requirements of the contract documents.
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Bid Shopping
A practice by which contractors, both before and after their
bids are submitted, attempt to obtain prices from potential
subcontractors and material suppliers that are lower than
the contractors' original estimates on which their bids are
based, or after a contract is awarded, seek to induce
subcontractors to reduce the subcontract price included in
the bid.
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Bidding Requirements
The procedures and conditions for the submission of bids.
The requirements are included on documents, such as the
notice to bidders, advertisements for bids, instructions to
bidders, invitations to bid, and sample bid forms.
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Bifold Door
Doors that are hinged in the middle to allow them to open in
a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for
closet doors.
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Binder
A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a
home at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller.
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Bipass Doors
Doors that slide by each other. Commonly used as closet
doors.
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Bird's-Mouth Cut
A cutout in a rafter where it crosses the top plate of the
wall providing a bearing surface for nailing. Also called a
heel cut.
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Bite
The dimension by which the framing system overlaps the edge
of the glazing infill.
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Bitumen
Any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons occurring naturally
or obtained through the distillation of coal or petroleum.
(See Coat Tar Pitch and Asphalt).
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Blankets
Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls
15 or 23 inches wide.
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Bleeding
The migration of a liquid to the surface of a component or
into/onto an adjacent material.
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Blind Nailing
Nailing in such a way that the nail heads are not visible on
the face of the work—usually at the tongue of matched
boards.
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Blind Stop
A rectangular molding, usually ¾ by 1-3/8 inches or more in
width, used in the assembly of a window frame. Serves as a
stop for storm and screen or combination windows and to
resist air infiltration.
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Blister
An enclosed raised spot evident on the surface of a
building. They are mainly caused by the expansion of trapped
air, water vapor, moisture or other gases.
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Block Out
To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to
prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example,
foundation walls are sometimes "blocked" in order for
mechanical pipes to pass through the wall, to install a
crawl space door, or to depress the concrete at a garage
door location.
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Blocked (Door Blocking)
Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical
structural wall framing members.
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Blocked (Rafters)
Short 2x4s used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed
at the ends and at mid-span.
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Blocking
In carpentry, the process of fastening together two pieces
of board by gluing blocks of wood in the interior angle.
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Blow Insulation
Fiber insulation in loose form used to insulate attics and
existing walls where framing members are not exposed.
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Blue Prints
Architectural plans for a building or construction project,
which likely include floor plans, footing and foundation
plans, elevations, plot plans, and various schedules and or
details.
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Blue Stain
A bluish or grayish discoloration of the sapwood caused the
growth of certain mold like fungi on the surface and in the
interior of a piece, made possible by the same conditions
that favor the growth of other fungi.
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Blue Stake
Also Utility Notification. When a utility company
(telephone, gas, electric, cable TV, sewer and water, etc)
comes to the job site and locates and spray paints the
ground and/or installs small flags to show where their
service is located underground.
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Board and Batten
A method of siding in which the joints between vertically
placed boards or plywood are covered by narrow strips of
wood.
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Board Foot
The volume of a piece of wood measuring 12 inches square and
in inch thick. A piece of lumber 1/2" thick and 6 inches
wide and 24 inches long is equal to one board foot.
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Boards
Yard lumber less than 2 inches thick and 2 or more inches
wide.
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Bodied Linseed Oil
Linseed oil that has been thickened in viscosity by suitable
processing with heat or chemicals. Bodied oils are
obtainable in a great range in viscosity from a little
greater than that of raw oil to just short of a jellied
condition.
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Boiled Linseed Oil
Linseed oil in which enough lead, manganese or cobalt salts
have been incorporated to make the oil harden more rapidly
when spread in thin coatings.
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Bolster
A short horizontal timber or steel beam on top of a column
to support and decrease the span of beams or girders.
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Bond Breaker
A substance or a tape applied between two adjoining
materials to prevent adhesion between them.
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Bond or Bonding
An amount of money (usually $5,000-$10,000) which must be on
deposit with a governmental agency in order to secure a
contractor's license. The bond may be used to pay for the
unpaid bills or disputed work of the contractor. Not to be
confused with a performance bond. They are an insurance
policy which guarantees proper completion of a project. Such
bonds are rarely used in residential construction.
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Bond Plaster
In addition to gypsum, bond plaster contains 2-5% lime by
weight and chemical additives which improve the bond with
dense non-porous surfaces such as concrete. It is used as a
base coat.
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Bonding Strip (Electrical)
A thin strip of metal inside armored or BX cable. This strip
is meant to back up the primary ground.
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Boom
A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place, to
put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.
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Boston Ridge
A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge
or at the hips of a roof as a finish.
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Bottom Chord
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.
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Bottom Plate
The 2x4s or 6s that lay on the subfloor upon which the
vertical studs are installed. Also called the sole plate.
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Bow
A curve, bend, warping or other deviation from flatness in
glass or wood.
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Box Cornice
A cornice completely closed with trim work.
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Brace
An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor
to stifled the structure. Often used on walls as temporary
bracing until framing has been completed.
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Bracing
Ties and rods used for supporting and strengthening various
parts of a building used for lateral stability for columns
and beams.
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Brake Metal
Sheet metal that has been bent to the desired configuration.
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Branch Circuit (Electrical)
Wiring that runs from a service panel or sub-panel to
outlets. Branch circuits are protected by fuses or breakers
at the panel.
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Breaker Box
A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that
control the electrical current in a home.
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Breaker Panel
The electrical box that distributes electric power entering
the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and
composed of circuit breakers.
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Breeze Way
A roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two structures,
such as a house and a garage.
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Brick Ledge
Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest.
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Brick Lintel
The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a
window, door, or other opening.
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Brick Mold
Trim used around an exterior door jamb onto which siding
butts.
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Brick Tie
A small, corrugated metal strip (1"x6"- 8" long) nailed to
wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout
mortar joint of the veneer brick, and hold the veneer wall
to the sheeted wall behind it.
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Brick Veneer
A facing of brick laid against and fastened to the sheathing
of a frame wall or tile wall construction.
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Bridging
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal
position between the floor joists at midspan to act as both
tension and compression members for the purpose of bracing
the joists a spreading the action of loads.
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Broker
One that acts as an agent for others, as in negotiating
contracts, purchases, or sales in return for a fee or
commission.
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Browncoat
The coat of plaster directly beneath the finish coat. In
three-coat work, the brown is the second coat.
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BTU
A measure of the capacity of a heating or cooling system.
Abbreviation of British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat
energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of
water through a change of one degree Fahrenheit.
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Bubbling
In glazing, open or closed pockets in a sealant caused by
release, production or expansion of gasses.
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Buck
Often used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door
bucks used in reference to metal door frame.
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Buckling
The bending of a building material as a result of wear and
tear or contact with a substance such as water.
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Builder's Risk Insurance
Insurance coverage on a construction project during
construction, including extended coverage that may be added
for the contract for the customer's protections.
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Building Brick
Brick for building purposes not especially treated for
texture or color, formerly called "common brick." It is
stronger than face brick.
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Building Code
Minimum local or state regulations established to protect
health and safety. They apply to building design,
construction, rehabilitation, repair, materials, occupancy
and use. Community ordinances governing the manner in which
a home may be constructed or modified.
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Building Paper
A general term for papers, felts and similar sheet materials
used in buildings without reference to their properties or
uses. Generally comes in long rolls.
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Building Permit
Written authorization from the city, county or other
governing regulatory body giving permission to construct or
renovate a building. A building permit is specific to the
building project described in the application.
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Built-Up Beam (or Girder)
Beam (or girder) created by sistering or "scabbing" two or
more pieces of lumber together.
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Built-Up Roof
A roofing composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt
laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt. The top is
finished with crushed slag or gravel. Generally used on flat
or low-pitched roofs.
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Bull Nose (Drywall)
Rounded drywall corners.
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Bullfloat
A tool used to finish and flatten a slab. After screeding,
the first stage in the final finish of concrete, smoothes
and levels hills and voids left after screeding. Sometimes
substituted for darbying. A large flat or tool usually of
wood, aluminum or magnesium with a handle.
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Bundle
A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5 bundles per
square.
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Bushing
A pipe fitting for joining pipes with different diameters. A
bushing is threaded on the inside and outside.
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Butt Glazing
The installation of glass products where the vertical glass
edges are without structural supporting mullions.
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Butt Joint
The junction where the ends of two timbers or other members
meet in a square-cut joint.
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Butterfly Roof
A roof assembly, which pitches sharply from either side
toward the center.
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Buttering
In glazing, application of sealant or compound to the flat
surface of some member before placing the member in
position, such as the buttering of a removable stop before
fastening the stop in place.
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Butyl
Type of non-curing and non-skinning sealant made from
butylene. Usually used for internal applications.
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Buy Down
A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce
monthly payments on a mortgage.
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BX Cable
Armored electrical cable wrapped in galvanized steel outer
covering. A factory assembly of insulated conductors inside
a flexible metallic covering. It can be run anywhere except
where exposed to excessive moisture. It should not be run
below grade. It must always be grounded and uses its armor
as an equipment ground. It is difficult to pull out old
wires or insert new ones.
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C
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Caisson
A 10" or 12" diameter hole drilled into the earth and
embedded into bedrock 3 - 4 feet. The structural support for
a type of foundation wall, porch, patio, monopost, or other
structure. Two or more "sticks" of reinforcing bars (rebar)
are inserted into and run the full length of the hole and
concrete is poured into the caisson hole.
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Calcium Chloride
A chemical used to speed up curing of concrete in damp
conditions.
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Calibration
The act or process of calibrating or the state of being
calibrated.
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Camber
A slightly arched surface, as of a road, a ship's deck, an
airfoil, or a snow ski.
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Camber Arch
An arch whose intrados, though apparently straight, has a
slightly concave curve upward.
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Camber Beam
A beam whose under side has a concave curve upward.
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Camber Windows
Casement windows with a curved top.
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Candidate
An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection
association membership. Slave. See Associate Member.
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Canopy
An overhanging roof.
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Cant Strip
A beveled support used at the junction of a flat surface and
a vertical surface to prevent bends and/or cracking of the
roofing membrane at the intersection of the roof deck and
wall. Used with a base flashing to minimize breaking of the
roofing felts.
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Cantilever
A projecting beam or other structure supported only at one
end. Any part of a structure that projects beyond its main
support and is balanced on it.
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Cantilevered Void
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soil
conditions. This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical
sides of 6" and 4" respectively.
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Cap
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice,
molding, and the like.
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Cap Flashing
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface
to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
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Cap Sheet
A top layer in built-up roofing.
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Cap Sheets
In roofing, one to four plies of felt bonded and top-coated
with bitumen that is laid over an existing roof as a
treatment for defective roofs.
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Cape Chisel
Tool used to clean out mortar joints on brick.
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Capital
The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount
borrowed.
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Capital and Interest
A repayment loan and the most conventional form of home
loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the
amount borrowed (capital or principal) plus the interest
charged on capital.
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Capped Rate
The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value
during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up
and down below that level.
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Carbon Monoxide
CO. A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas formed by
the incomplete combustion of carbon.
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Casement Frames and Sash
Frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of the sash,
which may be opened by means of hinges affixed to the
vertical edges.
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Casement Window
A sidehinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side
of the window frame.
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Casing
Molding of various widths and thicknesses used to trim door
and window openings at the jambs.
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Cast Iron
Heavy metal formed by casting on molds. The metal is covered
with a porcelain enamel coating to make fixtures such as the
cast iron tubs.
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Cast-Iron Pipe (Plumbing)
Drain and vent lines. Most older drain-waste venting systems
are made of cast-iron pipes. Now increasingly supplanted by
ABS and PVC. Pipes were originally joined with molten lead,
but most plumbers now join them with no-hub couplers.
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Cat's Paw
A variation of a pry bar used to pry up deep set (counter
sunk) nails.
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Catch Basin
A drain for a low or wet spot, with pipe exiting the side
and a pit at the bottom to collect sediment.
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Caulk
The application of sealant to a joint, crack or crevice. A
compound used for sealing that has minimum joint movement
capability; sometimes called low performance sealant.
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Caulking
Material used to seal exterior cracks and openings such as
windows or foundations.
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CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)
A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to
protect it from termites, other wood boring insects, and
decay caused by fungus.
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Ceiling Joist
One of a series of parallel framing members used to support
ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders
or bearing walls. Also called roof joists.
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Cells (Masonry)
The hollow spaces in concrete blocks.
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Cellulose Insulation
Ground-up newspaper that is treated with a fire retardant.
Celotex ™
Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.
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Cement
The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland
cement. Also, any adhesive.
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Cement Mixtures
Rich - 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts coarse
aggregate. Used for concrete roads and waterproof
structures. Standard - 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4
parts coarse aggregate. Used for reinforced work floors,
roofs, columns, arches, tanks, sewers, conduits, etc.
Medium - 1 part cement, 2 1/2 parts sand, 5 parts coarse
aggregate. Used for foundations, walls, abutments,
piers, etc. Lean - 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, 6 parts
coarse aggregate. Used for all mass concrete work, large
foundations, backing for stone masonry, etc. Mixtures
are always listed Cement to Sand to Aggregate.
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Centerset
A style of faucet that is installed on a lavatory with
4" center-to-center faucet holes and that has the spout
and handle(s) combined into a single part.
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Ceramic Disk Valve
A type of valve that relies on two-part revolving disks
in a sealed cylinder. Each disk has a port in it that,
when aligned with the other, will allow water to pass
through.
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Ceramic Tile
A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a
floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower
enclosures and on counter tops.
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Certificate of Occupancy
A document stating that a building is approved for
occupancy. The Building Authority issues the Certificate
of Occupancy.
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Certified
Having a formal document testifying to qualification or
completion of requirements.
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CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
Measure of volume of air. When testing systems, find the
CFM by multiplying the face velocity (amount of air
passing through the face of an outlet or return) times
the free area (the total area of the openings in the
outlet or inlet through which air can pass) in square
feet.
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Chair Rail
A molding that runs horizontally along the wall at about
3 feet from the ground. In storefront, window wall, or
curtain wall systems, a chair rail is an aluminum
extrusion applied horizontally to the inside of the
system 3 feet from the floor to create a barrier in
floor-to-ceiling glazing applications.
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Chalk Line
A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or
cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
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Change Order
A written document which modifies the plans and
specifications and/or the price of the Construction
Contract.
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Channel Glazing
The installation of glass products into U-shaped glazing
channels. The channels may have fixed stops; however, at
least one glazing stop on one edge must be removable.
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Chapter
A local group of members of a larger association, as in
a local NACHI Chapter. A local branch.
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Chase
A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel
in a wall or through a ceiling for something to lie in
or pass through.
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Checking
Fissures that appear with age in many exterior paint
coatings. At first superficial, but in time may
penetrate entirely through the coating. It produces a
pattern of surface cracks running in irregular lines.
When found in the top pour of an asphalt built-up roof,
checking is the preliminary stage of alligatoring.
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Checkrails
Meeting rails sufficiently thicker than a window to fill
the opening between the top and bottom sash made by the
parting stop in the frame of double-hung windows. They
are usually beveled.
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Chemical Injection Grouting
Leak repair technique usually used below grade in cracks
and joints in concrete walls and floors that involves
the injection of sealant (usually urethane) that reacts
with water to form a seal.
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Chink
To install fiberglass insulation around all exterior
door and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in
the exterior wall.
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Chip Board
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips
and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the
exterior wall and roof sheathing. Also called OSB
(Oriented Strand Board) or Wafer Board.
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Circuit
A network of wiring that typically commences at a panel
box, feeds electricity to outlets and ultimately returns
to the panel box.
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Circuit Breaker
A protective device which automatically opens an
electrical circuit when it is overloaded.
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Cistern
Reservoir for water. Common in houses built prior to the
fifties in the Midwest.
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Class "A" Fire Resistance
The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing per ASTM
E-108. Indicates that roofing is able to withstand
severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside
the building.
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Class "B" Fire Resistance
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material
is able to withstand moderate exposure to fire
originating from sources outside the building.
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Class "C" Fire Resistance
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material
is able to withstand light exposure to fire originating
from sources outside the building.
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Class B Door
A fire resistant rating applied by the Underwriters
Laboratories Classification for a door having a 1 to 1
1/2 hour rating.
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Cleanout
A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for
the purpose of clearing an obstruction.
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Cleanout (Plumbing)
A drain fitting, usually a wye or a tee, with a
removable plug to permit inspection and access for an
auger or snake.
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Cleat
A wedge-shaped piece (usually of metal) which serves as
a support or check. A strip fastened across something to
give strength or hold something in position.
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Clip Ties
Sharp cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete
foundation wall that at one time held the foundation
form panels in place.
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Closed Cut Valley
A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one
side of the valley extend across the valley, while
shingles from the other side are trimmed 2 inches from
the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not
exposed.
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Closet Auger
A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the
toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.
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Closet Bend
A curved fitting that connects the closet flange to the
toilet drain.
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Closet Bolts
Bolt whose head is fitted to a closet flange and
protrudes up through a toilet base. A nut is tightened
around it on the toilet base. Two (or four) bolts serve
one toilet.
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Closet Flange
An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The base of the
toilet is secured to this ring with bolts.
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CO
An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy."
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Coal Tar
A viscous liquid mixture of hydrocarbon compounds,
derived, along with coke, from the destructive
distillation of coal.
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Coal Tar Pitch
A bituminous material, which is a by-product from the
coking of coal. It is used as the waterproofing material
for tar and gravel built-up roofing.
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Code of Ethics
Ethical standards of conduct for home inspectors.
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Cohesive Failure
Internal splitting of a compound resulting from
over-stressing of the compound.
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Cold Air Return
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air
back to the furnace for re-heating.
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Cold Applied
Products that can be applied without heating. These are
in contrast to products which need to be heated to be
applied.
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Cold Patch
In roofing, a roof repair done with cold-applied
material.
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Cold Process Adhesive
Mastic prepared with SBS modifiers to adhere laps,
flashing and joints of built-up or low-slope roofing
without hot-mopping or torching equipment.
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Cold-Method or Lap Cement
Special multipurpose adhesive for low-sloped,
cold-applied roof construction. Bonds 19" selvedge,
mineral surface and cap sheets to the underlayment.
Doubles as an adhesive on 2" selvedge lap of mineral-,
granule- or smooth-surfaced roofing. Available in both
summer and winter grades.
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Collar
In roofing, a conical metal cap flashing used in
conjunction with vent pipes or stacks usually located
several inches above the plane of the roof for the
purpose of shedding water away from the base of the
vent.
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Collar Beam
In carpentry, a tie that keeps the roof from spreading.
They serve to stiffen the roof structure. Connects
similar rafters on opposite sides of roof.
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Collar Tie
A horizontal board attached perpendicular to rafters.
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Combination Doors or Windows
Combination doors or windows are used over regular
openings. They provide winter insulation and summer
protection and often have self storing or removable
glass and screen inserts. This eliminates the need for
handling a different unit each season.
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Combustion Chamber
The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the
burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or
sprayed insulation.
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Common Rafter
Rafter that extends from the top plate to the ridge.
Generally set 12, 16, or 24 inches apart.
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Compatible
Two or more substances, which can be mixed or blended
without separating, reacting, or affecting either
material adversely.
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Component
A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or
part of a system.
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Composite Board
An insulation board which has two different insulation
types laminated together in 2 or 3 layers.
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Compression Fitting
Used to join or connect pipes and conduit by causing a
ring to compress against the connecting tube when
tightening with a wrench.
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Compression Gasket
A gasket designed to function under compression.
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Compression Set
The permanent deformation of a material after removal of
the compressive stress.
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Compression Valve
A type of valve that works by raising or lowering a
stem. Water passes through the valve by turning the
faucet handle, which causes the stem to drop or rise.
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Compression Web
A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and
top chords and which provides downward support.
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Compressor
A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to
turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be
removed or added. A compressor is the main component of
conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air
conditioning system, the compressor normally sits
outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).
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Concealed Nail Method
Application of roll roofing in which all nails are
driven into the underlying course of roofing and covered
by a cemented, overlapping course. Nails are not exposed
to the weather.
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Concrete Block
A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8"x8"x16" in size. Often
used in low rise commercial and some residential
construction. The original design and use is attributed
to the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Concrete Board
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used
as a tile backing material.
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Concrete Board or Wonderboard (TM)
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used
as a tile backing material.
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Concrete Grout
A mixture of 3/8-inch pea gravel, sand, cement and water
which is poured into the cells of concrete-block walls
to reinforce them.
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Concrete Plain
Concrete either without reinforcement, or reinforced
only for shrinkage or temperature changes.
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Condensate Line
The copper pipe that runs from the outside air
conditioning condenser to the inside furnace ( where the
A/C coil is located).
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Condensation
Water condensing on walls, ceiling and pipes. Normal in
areas of high humidity, usually controlled by
ventilation or a dehumidifier.
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Condensing Unit
The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a
compressor and condensing coil designed to give off
heat.
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Condition
The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.
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Conditions, Convenants, and
Restrictions (CC and Rs)
The standards that define how a property may be used and
the protections the developer makes for the benefit of
all owners in a subdivision.
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Conduction
The flow of heat from one part of a substance to another
part. A piece of iron with one end placed in a fire will
soon become warm from end to end due to the transfer of
heat by the actual collision of the air molecules.
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Conductivity
The rate at which heat is transmitted through a
material.
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Conductor
In roofing, a pipe for conveying rainwater from the roof
gutter to a drain, or from a roof drain to the storm
drain; also called a leader, downspout, or downpipe. In
electrical contracting, a wire through which a current
of electricity flows, better known as an electric wire.
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Conductor (Electrical)
Anything that conducts or carries electricity.
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Conduit
A hollow pipe casing through which electric lines run.
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Conduit (Electrical)
Tubing used to protect wiring.
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Console Lavatory
A table-like lavatory in which the basin is attached to
a wall at the back and by table or piano legs at the
front.
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Construction Adhesive
Thick-bodied adhesive, suited to a wide range of repair
and construction tasks. Packaged in convenient
cartridges for caulking guns.
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Construction Drywall
A type of construction in which the interior wall finish
is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of
sheet materials or wood paneling as contrasted to
plaster.
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Construction Loan
A loan provided by a lending institution specifically to
construct or renovate a building.
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Construction, Frame
A type of construction in which the structural parts are
wood or depend upon a wood frame for support. In codes,
if masonry veneer is applied to the exterior walls, the
classification of this type of construction is usually
unchanged.
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Continuing Education
Ongoing education, often a requirement for membership in
a home inspection association. For example, NACHI's
Continuing Education Policy.
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Continuity Tester
An electrical tool used to identify and diagnose a
circuit as either open or closed.
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Control Joint
A control joint controls or accommodates movement in the
surface component of a roof.
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Convection
A method of transferring heat by the actual movement of
heated molecules, usually by a freestanding unit such as
a furnace.
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Conventional Loan
A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency (such
as FHA or VA).
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Convertibility
The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate
schedule to a fixed rate schedule.
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Cooling Load
The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a
specified temperature during the summer, usually 78°
Fahrenheit, regardless of outside temperature.
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Cooling Tower
A large device mounted on roofs, consisting of many
baffles over which water is pumped in order to reduce
its temperature.
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Coped
Removing the top and bottom flange of the end(s) of a
metal I-beam. This is done to permit it to fit within,
and bolted to, the web of another I-beam in a "T"
arrangement.
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Coped Joint
Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
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Coping
A construction unit placed at the top of the parapet
wall to serve as a cover for the wall.
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Coping Joint
The intersection of a roof slope and an exterior
vertical wall.
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Copper Pipe Types
Type K has the heaviest or thickest wall and is
generally used underground. It has a green stripe. Type
L has a medium wall thickness and is most commonly used
for water service and for general interior water piping.
It has a blue stripe. Type M has a thin wall and many
codes permit its use in general water piping
installation. It has a red stripe.
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Corbel
The triangular, decorative and supporting member that
holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.
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Corbel Out
To build out one or more courses of brick or stone from
the face of a wall to form a support for timbers.
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Core
A small section cut from any material to show internal
composition.
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Corner Bead
A strip of formed sheet metal, sometimes combined with a
strip of metal lath, placed on corners before plastering
to reinforce them. Also, a strip of wood finish
three-quarters-round or angular placed over a plastered
corner for protection.
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Corner Boards
Used as trim for the external corners of a house or
other frame structure against which the ends of the
siding are finished.
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Corner Braces
Diagonal braces at the corners of frame structure to
stiffen and strengthen the wall.
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Cornerite
Metal-mesh lath cut into strips and bent to a right
angle. Used in interior corners of walls and ceilings on
lath to prevent cracks in plastering.
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Cornice
A horizontal projecting course on the exterior of a
building, usually at the base of the parapet. In
residential construction, the overhang of a pitched roof
at the cave line, usually consisting of a facie board, a
soffit for a closed cornice, and appropriate moldings.
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Cornice Return
The portion of the cornice that returns on the gable end
of a house.
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Corrosion
The deterioration of metal by chemical or
electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to
weathering, moisture, chemicals or other agents or
media.
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Corrugated
Folded or shaped into parallel ridges or furrows so as
to form a symmetrically wavy surface.
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Cost Breakdown
A breakdown of all the anticipated costs on a
construction or renovation project.
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Cost Plus Contract
See Time and Materials Contract.
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Counter Flashing
The formed metal secured to a wall, curb, or roof top
unit to cover and protect the upper edge of a base
flashing and its associated fasteners. This type of
flashing is usually used in residential construction on
chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and
to prevent moisture entry.
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Counterfort
A foundation wall section that strengthens (and is
generally perpendicular to) a long section of foundation
wall.
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Coupling
In plumbing, a short collar with only inside threads at
each end, for receiving the ends of two pipes which are
to be fitted and joined together. A right/left coupling
is one used to join 2 gas pipes in limited space.
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Course
A single layer of brick or stone or other building
material.
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Cove Molding
A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish
interior corners.
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Covenants
Rules usually developed by a builder or developer
regarding the physical appearance of buildings in a
particular geographic area. Typical covenants address
building height, appropriate fencing and landscaping,
and the type of exterior material (stucco, brick, stone,
siding, etc) that may be used.
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Coverage
Amount of weather protection provided by the roofing
material. Depends on number of layers of material
between the exposed surface of the roofing and the deck;
i.e. single coverage, double coverage, etc.
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CPVC
Plastic water piping.
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CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
Rigid plastic pipe used in water supply systems where
code permits.
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Crater
Pit in the surface of concrete resulting from cracking
of the mortar due to expansive forces associated with a
particle of unsound aggregate or a contaminating
material, such as wood or glass.
|
Crawl Space
A shallow open area between the floor of a building and
the ground, normally enclosed by the foundation wall.
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Crawlspace
The area within the confines of the foundation and
between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor
structural component.
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Crazing
A series of hairline cracks in the surface of weathered
materials, having a web-like appearance. Also, hairline
cracks in pre-finished metals caused by bending or
forming (see Brake Metal).
|
Credit Rating
A report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to
determine a borrower's credit habits.
|
Cricket
A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to
prevent accumulation of snow and ice and to deflect
water around the chimney.
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Cripple Stud
Short stud used as support in wall openings that
replaces a normal 93 inch or 96 inch stud.
|
Cripple Walls
In a wood-frame house, the section of wall under the
house between the concrete foundation and the floor
joists. Also called crawl space walls.
|
Crock
Used in the ground to hold water for pumping sump pumps.
|
Cross Tee
Short metal "T" beam used in suspended ceiling systems
to bridge the spaces between the main beams.
|
Cross-Bridging
Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed
near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from
twisting.
|
Crosscutting
Cutting across the wood grain; to crosscut a board is to
cut across its width.
|
Crown Molding
A molding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle
is to be covered.
|
Culvert
Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18" in
diameter) that is installed beneath a driveway parallel
to and near the street.
|
Cupola
A small dome at the peak of a pitched roof.
|
Cupping
A type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their
edges.
|
Curb
A short wall or masonry built above the level of the
roof that provides a means of flashing the deck
equipment.
|
Curb Roof
A roof with an upper and lower set of rafters on each
side, the under-set being less inclined to the horizon
than the upper; a mansard roof.
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Curing
In concrete application, the process in which mortar and
concrete harden. The length of time is dependent upon
the type of cement, mix proportion, required strength,
size and shape of the concrete section, weather and
future exposure conditions. The period may be 3 weeks or
longer for lean concrete mixtures used in structures
such as dams or it may be only a few days for richer
mixes. Favorable curing temperatures range from 50 to 70
degrees Fahrenheit. Design strength is achieved in 28
days.
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Curing (Paint)
The process of paint bonding to a surface. Curing and
drying are not the same.
|
Curing Agent
One part of a multi-part sealant which, when added to
the base, will cause the base to change its physical
state by chemical reaction between the two parts.
|
Curtain Drain
A ditch sometimes filled with gravel and a drain tile
which diverts storm and drain water away from a
structure.
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Curtain Wall
A thin wall, supported by the structural steel or
concrete frame of the building independent of the wall
below. Also a metal (most often aluminum) framing system
on the face of a building containing vision glass panels
and spandrel panels made of glass, aluminum, or other
material.
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Cut Off
A piece of roofing membrane consisting of one or more
narrow plies of felt usually mopped in hot to seal the
edge of insulation at the end of a day's work.
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Cut-In Brace
Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2x4s, cut in
between each stud diagonally.
|
Cutback
In roofing, basic asphalt or tar which has been "cut
back" with solvents and oils so that the material become
fluid.
|
Cutoff Valves
Valves used to shut water off, generally located under
sinks or behind bathtub and shower access panels. They
cut off hot and/or cold water at the source without
cutting all water off throughout the house.
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D
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Dado
A rectangular groove across the width of a board or
plank. In interior decoration, a special type of wall
treatment.
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Damper
An air valve that regulates the flow of air inside the
flue of a furnace or fireplace.
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Dampproofing
A process used on concrete, masonry or stone surfaces to
repel water, the main purpose of which is to prevent the
coated surface from absorbing rain water while still
permitting moisture vapor to escape from the structure.
(Moisture vapor readily penetrates coatings of this
type.) "Dampproofing" generally applies to surfaces
above grade; "waterproofing" generally applies to
surfaces below grade.
|
Darby
A flat tool used to smooth concrete flatwork immediately
after screeding. See Bullfloating.
|
De-Humidistat
A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical
ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in
the home.
|
Dead Load
The constant, design-weight (of the roof) and any
permanent fixtures attached above or below.
|
Decay
Disintegration of wood or other substance through the
action of fungi.
|
Deck
An elevated platform. "Deck" is also commonly used to
refer to the above-ground floors in multi-level parking
garage.
|
Deck Paint
An enamel with a high degree of resistance to mechanical
wear designed for use on such surfaces as porch floors.
|
Decorative
Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential
systems and components of a home.
|
Deflect
To bend or deform under weight.
|
Deflection
The amount of bending movement of any part of a
structural member perpendicular to the axis of the
member under an applied load.
|
Density
The mass of substance in a unit volume. When expressed
in the metric system, it is numerically equal to the
specific gravity of the same substance.
|
Describe
Report in writing on a system or component by its type
or other observed characteristics to distinguish it from
other components used for the same purpose.
|
Design Pressure
Specified pressure a product is designed to withstand.
|
Designer
One who designs houses, interiors, landscaping or other
objects. When used it the context of residential
construction it usually suggests that a designer is not
a licensed architect. Most jurisdictions don't require
an architectural license for most single family
construction.
|
Determine
To arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to
examination.
|
Dew Point
Temperature at which vapor condenses from the atmosphere
and forms water.
|
Dimension Lumber
Yard lumber from 2 inches to, but not including, 5
inches thick and 2 or more inches wide. Includes joists,
rafters, studs, plank, and small timbers.
|
Direct Gain System
Passive solar heating system in which sunlight
penetrates and warms the house interior directly.
|
Direct Nailing
To nail perpendicular to the initial surface or to the
junction of the pieces joined. Also termed Face Nailing.
|
Dismantle
To open, take apart or remove any component, device or
piece that would not typically be opened, taken apart or
removed by an ordinary occupant.
|
Disposer
A device that grinds food sufficiently to enter drains
for disposal without clogging them.
|
Distortion
Alteration of viewed images caused by variations in
glass flatness or in homogeneous portions within the
glass. An inherent characteristic of heat-treated glass.
|
Diverter
Valves which have a single inlet and direct water to one
of two outlets. Diverters are used with handshowers,
shower risers, tub & shower combinations, and kitchen
faucet sprayers.
|
Diverter Valve
A device that changes the direction of water flow from
one faucet to another.
|
Dolly Varden Siding
Beveled wood siding which is rabbeted on the bottom
edge.
|
Doorjamb (Interior)
The surrounding case into which and out of which a door
closes and opens. It consists of two upright pieces,
called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb.
|
Dormer
A converted attic with windows projecting through a
sloping roof.
|
Double Coverage
Application of asphalt roofing so that the lapped
portion is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed
portion, resulting in two layers of roofing material
over the deck.
|
Double Hung Window
A window with sashes that slide vertically and allow
opening from the top and bottom.
|
Double Plate
When two layers of 2x4s are placed on top of studs in
framing a wall.
|
Double Strength
In float glass, approximately 1/8" (3 mm.) thick.
|
Double Tree
Refers usually to a precast roof deck panel poured with
two fins in its underside to impart flexural rigidity.
|
Double-Glazing
In general, any use of two lights of glass, separated by
an air space within an opening to improve insulation
against heat transfer and/or sound transmission. In
insulating glass units, the air between the glass sheets
is thoroughly dried and the space is sealed, eliminating
possible condensation and providing superior insulating
properties.
|
Downspout
The pipe that carries water down from the gutter or
scupper. Also called a leader.
|
Draw
The amount of progress billings on a contract that is
currently available to a contractor under a contract
with a fixed payment schedule.
|
Drawing Detail
A top view drawing of a building or roof showing the
roof perimeter and indicating the projections and roof
mounted equipment, drawn to scale.
|
Drawing Outline
A top view drawing of a building or roof showing only
the perimeter drawn to scale.
|
Dressed and Matched (Tongued &
Grooved)
Boards or planks machined in such a manner that there is
a groove on one edge and a corresponding tongue on the
other.
|
Dressed Size Lumber
The dimension of lumber after shrinking from green
dimension and after machining to size or pattern.
|
Drier Paint
Usually oil-soluble soaps of such metals as lead
manganese or cobalt which, in small proportions, hasten
the oxidation and hardening (drying) of the drying oils
in paints.
|
Drip
(a) A member of a cornice or other horizontal exterior
finish course that has a projection beyond the other
parts for throwing off water. (b) A groove in the
underside of a sill or drip cap to cause water to drop
off on the outer edge instead of drawing back and
running down the face of the building.
|
Drip Cap
A molding placed on the exterior top side of a door or
window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside
of the frame.
|
Drip Edge
A device designed to prevent water from running back or
under an overhang.
|
Drippage
Bitumen material that drips through roof deck joints, or
over the edge of a roof deck.
|
Drop Siding
Usually ¾ inch thick and 6 and 8 inches wide with
tongued-and-grooved or shiplap edges. Often used as
siding without sheathing in secondary buildings.
|
Dropping a Stringer
In carpentry, "dropping" a stringer refers to cutting
short on the bottom of a stairs to allow for thickness
of the first tread.
|
Dry Glazing
Also called compression glazing, a term used to describe
various means of sealing monolithic and insulating glass
in the supporting framing system with synthetic rubber
and other elastomeric gasket materials.
|
Dry Rot
See Fungal Wood Rot.
|
Dry Seal
Accomplishment of weather seal between glass and sash by
use of strips or gaskets of Neoprene, EPDM, silicone or
other flexible material. A dry seal may not be
completely watertight.
|
Dry Sheet
A ply mechanically attached to wood or gypsum decks to
prevent asphalt or pitch from penetrating the deck and
leaking into the building below.
|
Dry-In
To make a building waterproof.
|
Drywall
A gypsum board material used for walls or ceilings.
|
Drywall Construction
A type of construction in which the interior wall finish
is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of
sheet materials or wood paneling as contrasted to
plaster.
|
Drywall Hammer
A special hammer used for nailing up gypsum board. Also
known as an ax or hatchet. Edges should be smooth and
the corners rounded off. The head has a convex round &
checkered head.
|
Drywall Nail
Nails used for hanging regular drywall that is to be
taped and finished later must have adequate holding
power and a head design that does not cut the face
paper. They must also be of the proper depth to provide
exactly 1 inch penetration into the framing member.
Nails commonly used are chemically-etched and are
designed with a cupped head.
|
Duct
A cylindrical or rectangular "tube" used to move air
either from exhaust or intake, and for distributing warm
air from the heating plant to rooms, or air from a
conditioning device or as cold air returns. The
installation is referred to as "duct work."
|
Ductwork
A system of distribution channels used to transmit
heated or cooled air from a central system (HVAC)
throughout a home.
|
Due-On-Sale
A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower
to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or
transfer of the property.
|
Dumbwaiter
An elevator with a maximum footage of not more than 9
sq. ft. floor area; not more than 4" headroom and a
maximum capacity of 500 lbs. used for carrying materials
only.
|
Dura Board, Dura Rock
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used
as a ceramic tile backing material. Commonly used on
bathtub decks. Sometimes called Wonder Board.
|
Durometer
A gauge to measure the hardness of an elastomeric
material.
|
DWV (Drainage, Waste & Vent)
The pipes in a plumbing system that remove waste water.
|
E
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E&O Insurance
Errors and Omissions Insurance.
|
Earnest Money
A sum paid to the seller to show that a potential
purchaser is serious about buying.
|
Earthquake Strap
A metal strap used to secure gas hot water heaters to
the framing or foundation of a house. It is intended to
reduce the chances of having the water heater fall over
in an earthquake and causing a gas leak.
|
Easement
A formal contract which allows a party to use another
party's property for a specific purpose, e.g. a sewer
easement might allow one party to run a sewer line
through a neighbor's property.
|
Eave
The part of the roof which extends beyond the side wall.
|
Eaves Flashing
Additional layer of roofing material applied at the
eaves to help prevent damage from water backup.
|
Edge Clearance
Nominal spacing between the edge of the glass product
and the bottom of the glazing pocket (channel).
|
Edge Grain (Vertical)
Edge-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of
the log and approximately at right angles to the growth
rings; i.e., the rings form an angle of 45° or more with
the surface of the piece.
|
Edge Metal
A term relating to brake or extruded metal around the
perimeter of a roof.
|
Edging Strips
Boards nailed along eaves and rakes to provide secure
edges for re-roofing with asphalt shingle after cutting
back existing wood shingles.
|
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio is figured by dividing BTU hours
by watts.
|
Efflorescence
A white powder on the surface of walls due to
evaporation of water. It forms on the surface of bricks.
|
Egress
A means of exiting the home. An egress window is
required in every bedroom and basement. Normally a 4x4
window is the minimum size required.
|
EIFS
Exterior Insulating and Finish System; exterior wall
cladding system consisting primarily of polystyrene foam
board with a textured acrylic finish that resembles
plaster or stucco.
|
Elastomer
An elastic rubber-like substance, such as natural or
synthetic rubber.
|
Elastomeric
Of or pertaining to any of the numerous flexible
membranes that contain rubber or plastic.
|
Elbow
An angled fitting that alters the direction of the water
line.
|
Electric Lateral
The trench or area in the yard where the electric
service line (from a transformer or pedestal) is
located, or the work of installing the electric service
to a home.
|
Electric Resistance Coils
Metal wires that heat up when electric current passes
through them and are used in baseboard heaters and
electric water heaters.
|
Electrical Rough
Work performed by the Electrical Contractor after the
plumber and heating contractor are complete with their
phase of work. Normally all electrical wires, and
outlet, switch, and fixture boxes are installed (before
insulation).
|
Electrical Trim
Work performed by the Electrical Contractor when the
house is nearing completion. The electrician installs
all plugs, switches, light fixtures, smoke detectors,
appliance "pig tails", bath ventilation fans, wires the
furnace, and "makes up" the electric house panel. The
electrician does all work necessary to get the home
ready for and to pass the municipal electrical final
inspection.
|
Electrolytic Coupling
A fitting required to join copper to galvanized pipe and
gasketed to prevent galvanic action. Connecting pipes of
different materials may result in electrolysis.
|
Elevation
A side of a building.
|
Elevation Sheet
The page on the blue prints that depicts the house or
room as if a vertical plane were passed through the
structure.
|
Ell
See Elbow.
|
Emissivity
The measure of a surface’s ability to emit long-wave
infrared radiation.
|
EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing)
Electrical pipe, also called thin-wall conduit, which
may be used for both concealed and exposed areas. It is
the most common type of raceway used in single family
and low rise residential and commercial buildings.
|
Emulsion
In roofing, a coating consisting of asphalt and fillers
suspended in water.
|
End Dams
Internal flashing (dam) that prevents water from moving
laterally within a curtain wall or window wall system.
|
End Lap
The amount or location of overlap at the end of a roll
of roofing felts in the application.
|
Energy Efficiency Ratio
An air conditioning efficiency rating system which
indicates the number of BTU's delivered per watt of
power consumed.
|
Engineering Service
Any professional service or creative work requiring
engineering education, training, and experience and the
application of special knowledge of the mathematical,
physical and engineering sciences to such professional
service or creative work as consultation, investigation,
evaluation, planning, design and supervision of
construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with
the specifications and design, in conjunction with
structures, buildings, machines, equipment, works or
processes.
|
Enter
To go into an area to observe all visible components.
|
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene
Monomer)
A single ply membrane consisting of synthetic rubber;
usually 45 or 60 mils. Application can be ballasted,
fully adhered or mechanically attached.
|
Equity
The "valuation" that you own in your home, i.e. the
property value less the mortgage loan outstanding.
|
Escrow
The handling of funds or documents by a third party on
behalf of the buyer and/or seller.
|
Escutcheon
A trim piece or decorative flange that fits beneath the
faucet handle to conceal the faucet stem and the hole in
the fixture or wall.
|
Estimate
The anticipated cost of materials, labor, and associated
cost for a proposed construction, repair, or remodeling
project.
|
Estimating
The process of calculating the cost of a project. This
can be a formal and exact process or a quick and
imprecise process.
|
Evaluate
To assess the systems, structures or components of a
dwelling.
|
Examine
To visually look. See Inspect.
|
Excavate
To dig the basement and/or all areas that will need
footings/foundations below ground.
|
Exhaust Fan
Extracts air or excess heat from the interior of a home.
|
Expansion Coefficient
The amount that a specific material will vary in any one
dimension with a change of temperature.
|
Expansion Joint
A device used to permit a structure to expand or
contract without breakage. In residential construction,
a bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or
units of concrete to prevent cracking due to expansion
as a result of temperature changes. Also used on
concrete slabs.
|
Expansive Soils
Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount
of water that is present.
|
Exposed Aggregate
A method of finishing concrete which washes the
cement/sand mixture of the top layer of the aggregate -
usually gravel. Often used in driveways, patios and
other exterior surfaces.
|
Exposed Aggregate Finish
A method of finishing concrete which washes the
cement/sand mixture off the top layer of the aggregate -
usually gravel. Often used in driveways, patios and
other exterior surfaces.
|
Exposed Nail
Method
Application of roll roofing in which all nails are
driven into the cemented, overlapping course of roofing.
Nails are exposed to the weather.
Exposure
The portion of the roofing exposed to the weather
after installation.
|
Exposure I Grade Plywood
Type of plywood approved by the American Plywood
Association for exterior use.
|
Exterior Glazed
Glazing infills set from the exterior of the
building.
|
Exterior Stop
The molding or bead that holds the light or panel in
place when it is on the exterior side of the light
or panel.
|
Extras
Additional work requested of a contractor, not
included in the original plan, which will be billed
separately and will not alter the original contract
amount, but increase the cost of building the home.
|
Extrusion
An item formed by forcing a base metal (frequently
aluminum) or plastic, at a malleable temperature,
through a die to achieve a desired shape.
|
Eyebrow
A flat, normally concrete, projection which
protrudes horizontally from a building wall;
Eyebrows are generally located above windows.
|
F
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Facade
The front of a building. Frequently, in
architectural terms an artificial or decorative
effort.
|
Face Brick
Brick made especially for exterior use with special
consideration of color, texture and size, and used
as a facing on a building.
|
Face Glazing
A system having a triangular bead of compound
applied with a putty knife, after bedding, setting,
and clipping the glazing infill in place on a
rabetted sash.
|
Faced Concrete
To finish the front and all vertical sides of a
concrete porch, step(s), or patio. Normally the
"face" is broom finished.
|
Facing Brick
The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall.
Usually these have a finished texture.
|
Factory Mutual (FM)
Insurance agency that has established stringent
guidelines for maximum construction integrity as it
relates to fire and environmental hazards. Their
specifications have become industry standards.
|
Fall/Flow
The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate
drainage.
|
Fascia
A flat, horizontal board enclosing the overhang
under the eave.
|
Fasteners
A general term covering a wide variety of screws and
nails, which may be used for mechanically securing
various components of a building.
|
Faucet
A device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a
reservoir such as a pipe or drum.
|
Feathering Strips
Tapered wood filler strips placed along the butt
edges of old wood shingles to create a level surface
when re-roofing over existing wood shingle roofs.
Also called "horsefeathers."
|
Felt
A very general term used to describe composition of
roofing ply sheets, consisting of a mat of organic
or inorganic fibers either unsaturated, impregnated
with asphalt or coal tar pitch, or impregnated and
coated with asphalt.
|
Female IPS
Pipe connection where the threads are on the inside
of the fitting. See FIP.
|
Female Threads
See FIP.
|
Fenestration
Any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall or
skylight unit on the exterior of a building.
|
Ferrous
Refers to objects made of or partially made of iron,
such as ferrous pipe.
|
Ferrule
Metal tubes used to keep roof gutters "open." Long
nails (ferrule spikes) are driven through these
tubes and hold the gutters in place along the fascia
of the home.
|
FHA Strap
Metal straps that are used to repair a bearing wall
"cut-out," and to "tie together" wall corners,
splices, and bearing headers. Also, they are used to
hang stairs and landings to bearing headers.
|
Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating
High-performance metallic reflective barrier for
prepared roofing, metal surfaces and exterior
masonry. Reflects sun's harmful rays, reduces energy
costs in summer and winter while prolonging surface
life.
|
Fibered Roof and Foundation
Coating
Combined application for this special
medium-viscosity-grade fibered material. Use as a
roof or foundation coating.
|
Fibered Roof Coating
Optimal protection for low-sloped roofs. This thick,
high-quality coating seals fine cracks and openings.
Renews and rejuvenates old composition roofing and
prolongs roof life. Also performs well on metal or
concrete surfaces.
|
Fiberglass Mat
An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from
glass fibers.
|
Field Measure
To take measurements (cabinets, countertops, stairs,
shower doors, etc.) in the home itself instead of
using the blueprints.
|
Fillet Bead
Caulking or sealant placed in such a manner that it
forms an angle between the materials being caulked.
|
FindAnInspector.US
Foremost home inspector search engine.
|
Finger Joint
A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter
pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece
of dimensional lumber or molding. Often used in
jambs and casings and normally painted (instead of
stained).
|
Finish
In hardware, metal fastenings on cabinets which are
usually exposed such as hinges and locks.
|
Finish Carpentry
The hanging of all interior doors, installation of
door molding, base molding, chair rail, built in
shelves, etc.
|
Finish Coat
The last coat applied in plastering intended as a
base for further decorating or as a final decorative
surface. Finish coat usually consists of calcified
gypsum, lime and sometimes an aggregate. Some may
require the addition of lime or sand on the job. The
three basic methods of applying it are trowel, flat
and spray.
|
Finish Grade
Any surface which has been cut to or built to the
elevation indicated for that point. Surface
elevation of lawn, driveway or other improved
surfaces after completion of grading operations.
|
FIP (Female Iron Pipe)
Standard threads that are on the inside of a pipe
fitting.
|
Fire Block
Short horizontal members sometimes nailed between
studs, usually about halfway up a wall. See also
'Fire Stop.'
|
Fire Brick
Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will
resist high temperatures. Used in fireplaces and
boilers.
|
Fire Rated
Descriptive of materials that have been tested for
use in fire walls.
|
Fire Retardant Chemical
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to
reduce flammability or to retard spread of flame.
|
Fire Stop
A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed
to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such
a space. In a frame wall, this will usually consist
of 2x4s cross blocking between studs.
|
Fire Wall
Any wall built for the purpose of restricting or
preventing the spread of fire in a building. Such
walls of solid masonry or concrete generally
sub-divide a building from the foundations to two or
more feet above the plane of the roof.
|
Fire-Resistive
In the absence of a specific ruling by the authority
having jurisdiction, applies to materials for
construction not combustible in the temperatures of
ordinary fires and that will withstand such fires
without serious impairment of their usefulness for
at least 1 hour.
|
Fireplace Chase Flashing Pan
A large sheet of metal that is installed around and
perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. Its
purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire
and smoke to a small area.
|
Fish Tape (Fish Wire)
Material used to advance wire through a conduit.
|
Fishplate
A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of
two members together at a butt joint with nails or
bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite
rafters near the ridge line.
|
Fitting
A general term that usually refers to faucets,
shower valves, tub fillers, or various piping parts
such as tees or elbows.
|
Fixed Price Contract
A contract with a set price for the work. See Time
and Materials Contract.
|
Fixture
In plumbing, the devices that provide a supply of
water and/or its disposal, e.g. sinks, tubs,
toilets.
|
Flagstone (Flagging or Flags)
Flat stones, from 1 to 4 inches thick, used for
rustic walks, steps, floors, and the like.
|
Flake
A scale-like particle. To lose bond from a surface
in small thin pieces. Sometimes a paint film
"flakes."
|
Flakeboard
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood
chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for
plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing.
Also called OSB or Wafer Board.
|
Flame Retention Burner
An oil burner designed to hold the flame near the
nozzle surface. Generally the most efficient type
for residential use.
|
Flapper Valve (Plumbing)
A valve that replaces a tank stopper in a toilet.
Creates a seal between the tank and the bowl.
|
Flash Point
The critical temperature at which a material will
ignite.
|
Flashing
Material used around any angle in a roof or wall to
prevent leakage.
|
Flat Glass
A general term that describes float glass, sheet
glass, plate glass, and rolled glass.
|
Flat Grain
Flat grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the
pith of the log and approximately tangent to the
growth rings, i.e., the rings form an angle of less
than 45° with the surface of the piece.
|
Flat Mold
Thin wood strips installed over the butt seam of
cabinet skins.
|
Flat Paint
An interior paint that contains a high proportion of
pigment and dries to a flat or lusterless finish.
|
Flat Seam
A seam at the junction of sheet metal roof
components that has been bent at the plane of the
roof.
|
Flatwork
Common word for concrete floors, driveways,
basements, and sidewalks.
|
Fleet Averaging
By using a point system, builders can show
compliance with energy building requirements by
using average figures for all air conditioning units
in the same sub division.
|
Flex Hose
A flexible pipe or tube usually made of braided
stainless steel. Commonly used with widespread or
Roman tub faucets to provide variable centers.
|
Flexible Metal Conduit
Conduit similar to armored cable in appearance but
does not have the pre-inserted conductors.
|
Float Glass
Glass formed on a bath of molten tin. The surface in
contact with the tin is known as the tin surface or
tin side. The top surface is known as the atmosphere
surface or air side.
|
Floating
The next-to-last stage in concrete work, when it is
smoothed and water is brought to the surface by
using a hand float or bull float.
|
Floating Wall
A non-bearing wall built on a concrete floor. It is
constructed so that the bottom two horizontal plates
can compress or pull apart if the concrete floor
moves up or down. Normally built on basements and
garage slabs.
|
Floor Plan
The basic layout of building or addition, which
includes placement of walls, windows and doors as
well as dimensions.
|
Floor Plate
See Floor Plan.
|
Flow Rate
The rate by which water is discharged from an
outlet. For example, the standard flow rate of a
showerhead is 2.5 gallons per minute.
|
Flue
A pipe used to exhaust smoke, gas or air.
|
Flue Collar
Round metal ring which fits around the heat flue
pipe after the pipe passes out of the roof.
|
Flue Damper
An automatic door located in the flue that closes it
off when the burner turns off; its purpose is to
reduce heat loss up the flue from the still-warm
furnace or boiler.
|
Flue Lining
Fire clay or terracotta pipe, round or square,
usually made in all ordinary flue sizes and in
2-foot lengths, used for the inner lining of
chimneys with the brick or masonry work around the
outside. Flue lining in chimneys runs from about a
foot below the flue connection to the top of the
chimney.
|
Fluorescent Lighting
A fluorescent lamp is a gas-filled glass tube with a
phosphor coating on the inside, normally with two
pins that extend from each end. Gas inside the tube
is ionized by electricity which causes the phosphor
coating to glow.
|
Flush Glazing (Pocket Glazing)
The setting of a light of glass or panel into a
four-sided sash or frame opening containing a
recessed "U" shaped channel without removable stops
on three sides of the sash or frame and one channel
with a removable stop along the fourth side.
|
Flush Valve
The valve separating the water in the tank from the
bowl.
|
Flux
A material applied to the surface of copper pipes
and fittings to assist in the cleaning and bonding
process.
|
Fly Rafters
End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof
sheathing and lookouts.
|
Folded Seam
In sheet metal work, a joint between sheets of metal
wherein the edges of the sheets are crimped together
and folded flat.
|
Foot Print
See Floor Plan.
|
Footing
The underground support for a foundation or support
post.
|
Footings
Wide pours of cement reinforced with re-bar
(reinforcing bar) that support foundation walls,
pillars, or posts. Footings are part of the
foundation and are often poured before the
foundation walls.
|
Forced Air Heating
A common form of heating with natural gas, propane,
oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the
furnace and distributed through a set of metal
plastic ducts to various areas of the house.
|
Form
Temporary structure erected to contain concrete
during placing and initial hardening.
|
Foundation
The supporting portion of a structure below the
first floor construction, or below grade, including
the footings.
|
Foundation Coating
High-quality below-grade moisture protection. Used
for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall
damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent
corrosion.
|
Frame Inspection
An inspection of the home's structural integrity and
its compliance to local municipal codes.
|
Framer
The carpenter contractor that installs the lumber
and erects the frame, flooring system, interior
walls, backing, trusses, rafters, decking, installs
all beams, stairs, soffits and all work related to
the wood structure of the home. The framer builds
the home according to the blueprints and must comply
with local building codes and regulations.
|
Framing
The structural wood and/or metal elements of most
homes. The floor and ceiling framing is called the
joist work. Wall framing is usually made out of 2x4
or 2x6 studs. See Rafters, Posts, and Beams.
|
Free-Tab Shingles
Shingles that do not contain factory-applied strips
or spots of self-sealing adhesive. See also
self-sealing shingles.
|
Frieze
In house construction, a horizontal member
connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of
the cornice.
|
Frostline
The depth of frost penetration in soil. This depth
varies in different parts of the country. Footings
should be placed below this depth to prevent
movement.
|
Fully Tempered Glass
Flat or bent glass that has been heat-treated to a
high surface and/or edge compression to meet the
requirements of ASTM C 1048 kind FT. Fully tempered
glass, if broken, will fracture into many small
pieces (dice) which are more or less cubical. Fully
tempered glass is approximately four times stronger
than annealed glass of the same thickness when
exposed to uniform static pressure loads.
|
Fully-Adhered
A completely attached (adhered) roof membrane.
|
Fungal Wood Rot
A common wood destroying organism which develops
when wood containing material is exposed to moisture
and poor air circulation for a long (6 months +)
period of time. Often and incorrectly referred to as
dry rot.
|
Fungi (Wood)
Microscopic plants that live in damp wood and cause
mold, stain, and decay.
|
Fungicide
A chemical that is poisonous to fungi.
|
Furnace
A heating system that uses the principle of thermal
convection. When air is heated, it rises and as the
air cools it settles. Ducts are installed to carry
the hot air from the top of the furnace to the
rooms. Other ducts, called cold air returns, return
the cooler air back to the furnace.
|
Furring
Strips of wood or metal applied to a wall or other
surface to even it and normally to serve as a
fastening base for finish material.
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G
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Gable
The end of a building as distinguished from the
front or rear side. The triangular end of an
exterior wall from the level of the eaves to the
ridge of a double-sloped roof. In house
construction, the portion of the roof above the eave
line of a double-sloped roof.
|
Gable End
An end wall having a gable.
|
Gable Roof
A type of roof with sloping planes of the same pitch
on each side of the ridge. Has a gable at each end.
|
Galvanize
To coat a metal with zinc by dipping it in molten
zinc after cleaning.
|
Gambrel Roof
A type of roof which has its slope broken by an
obtuse angle, so that the lower slope is steeper
than the upper slope. A double sloped roof having
two pitches.
|
Gang Nail Plate
A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint
of a truss. Sometimes called a Fishplate or Gusset.
|
Gas Lateral
The trench or area in the yard where the gas line
service is located, or the work of installing the
gas service to a home.
|
Gaskets
Pre-formed shapes, such as strips, grommets, etc.,
of rubber or rubber-like composition, used to fill
and seal a joint or opening either alone or in
conjunction with a supplemental application of a
sealant.
|
Gate Valve
A valve that lets you completely stop, but not
modulate, the flow within a pipe.
|
Gauge
The thickness of sheet metal and wire, etc.
|
Gauge Board (Spot Board)
Board used to carry grout needed to patch small
jobs.
|
General Contractor
A contractor responsible for all facets of
construction of a building or renovation.
|
General Contractor (Prime
Contractor)
A contractor responsible for all facets of
construction of a building or renovation.
|
GFI or GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters)
Special devices capable of opening a circuit when
even a small amount of current is flowing through
the grounding system.
|
GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete)
Material used in wall systems that resembles but
generally does not perform as well as concrete.
Usually a thin cementitious material laminated to
plywood or other lightweight backing.
|
Girder
A main beam upon which floor joists rest. Used to
support concentrated loads at isolated points along
its length, usually made of steel or wood.
|
Girdle
A large principal beam made of steel, reinforced
concrete, wood or combination of these, used to
support other structural members at isolated points
along its length.
|
Glass
A hard, brittle substance, usually transparent, made
by fusing silicates under high temperatures with
soda, lime, etc.
|
Glass-Base
Roll roofing product built on a fiberglass base
sheet constructed with a heavyweight TAMKO
fiberglass mat, coated with weathering-grade
asphalt. Used as a base sheet in select TAMKO
modified asphalt and fiberglass roofing systems and
as an alternate for TAMKO Type 43 Coated Base Sheet
in any TAMKO specification. Hot-asphalt applied or
mechanically fastened.
|
Glass-Seal
3-tab self-sealing fiberglass shingles with a
traditional square-tab design. A thick layer of
weathering-grade asphalt gives them extra
waterproofing protection. They are U.L. Class A fire
rated and backed by a 20-year limited warranty.
Algae-resistant granules optional.
|
Glaze Coat
In roofing, a light uniform mopping of bitumen on
exposed felts to protect them from the weather,
pending completion of the job.
|
Glazing
A generic term used to describe an infill material
such as glass, panels, etc. Also the process of
installing an infill material into a prepared
opening in windows, door panels, partitions, etc.
|
Glazing Bead
In glazing, a strip surrounding the edge of the
glass in a window or door which holds the glass in
place.
|
Glazing Channel
In glazing, a three-sided, U-shaped sash detail into
which a glass product is installed and retained.
|
Globe Valve
A valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to
any rate between fully on and fully off. Also see
Gate Valve.
|
Gloss (Paint or Enamel)
A paint or enamel that contains a relatively low
proportion of pigment and dries to a sheen or
luster.
|
Gloss Enamel
A finishing material made of varnish and sufficient
pigments to provide opacity and color, but little or
no pigment of low opacity. Such an enamel forms a
hard coating with maximum smoothness of surface and
a high degree of gloss.
|
Glued Laminated Beam (Glulam)
A structural beam composed of wood laminations or
lams. The lams are pressure bonded with adhesives to
attain a typical thickness of 1 ½" . (It looks like
5 or more 2x4s are glued together).
|
GPF (Gallons Per Flush)
The unit of measurement by which flow rate of
toilets are measured and regulated. Current U.S.
regulations for toilets require a maximum of 1.6 GPF.
|
GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
The unit of measurement by which the flow rate of
faucets and showerheads is measured and regulated.
|
Grade Beam
A foundation wall that is poured level with or just
below the grade of the earth. An example is the area
where the 8' or 16' overhead garage door "block out"
is located, or a lower (walk out basement)
foundation wall is poured.
|
Grade MW
Moderate Weather grade of brick for moderate
resistance to freezing used, for example, in
planters.
|
Grade NW
No Weather brick intended for use as a back-up or
interior masonry.
|
Grade SW
Severe Weather grade of brick intended for use where
high resistance to freezing is desired.
|
Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM)
A fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan. It starts with
lower payments than a level payment loan; payments
rise annually, with the entire increase being used
to reduce the outstanding balance. The increase in
payments may enable the borrower to pay off a
30-year loan in 15 to 20 years, or less.
|
Grain
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or
quality of the fibers in wood.
|
Granules
The mineral particles of a graded size which are
embedded in the asphalt coating of shingles and
roofing.
|
Gravel
Loose fragments of rock used for surfacing built-up
roofs, in sizes varying from 1/8" to 1¾."
|
Grid
The completed assembly of main and cross tees in a
suspended ceiling system before the ceiling panels
are installed. Also the decorative slats (munton)
installed between glass panels.
|
Ground
Refers to electricity's habit of seeking the
shortest route to earth. Neutral wires carry it
there in all circuits. An additional grounding wire
or the sheathing of the metal-clad cable or conduit
protects against shock if the neutral leg is
interrupted.
|
Ground Iron
The plumbing drain and waste lines that are
installed beneath the basement floor. Cast iron was
once used, but black plastic pipe (ABS) is now
widely used.
|
Ground System
The connection of current-carrying neutral wire to
the grounding terminal in the main switch which in
turn is connected to a water pipe. The neutral wire
is called the ground wire.
|
Grounding Rod
Rod used to ground an electrical panel.
|
Grounds
Guides used around openings and at the floorline to
strike off plaster. They can consist of narrow
strips of wood or of wide sub-jambs at interior
doorways. They provide a level plaster line for
installation of casing and other trim.
|
Groundwater
Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source.
|
Grout
A hydrous mortar whose consistency allows it to be
placed or pumped into small joints or cavities, as
between pieces of ceramic clay, slate, or tile.
Also, various mortar mixes used in foundation work
to fell voids in soils, usually injected through
drilled holes.
|
Grout or Grouting
A cement mortar mixture made of such consistency (by
adding water) that it will flow into joints and
cavities of masonry work to fill them solid.
|
Gun Consistency
Sealant formulated in a degree of viscosity suitable
for application through the nozzle of a caulking
gun.
|
Gunite
A construction material composed of cement, sand or
crushed slag and water mixed together and forced
through a cement gun by pneumatic pressure, used in
the construction of swimming pools.
|
Gusset
A flat wood, plywood, or similar type member used to
provide a connection at intersection of wood
members. Most commonly used at joints of wood
trusses. They are fastened by nails, screws, bolts,
or adhesives.
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Gutter
Metal or wood trough at the eaves of a roof to carry
rain water from the roof to the downspout.
|
Gutter Strap
Metal bands used to support the gutter.
|
Guy Wire
A strong steel wire or cable strung from an anchor
on the roof to any tall slender projection for the
purpose of support.
|
Gypsum Board
See Drywall.
|
Gypsum Keene Cement
Material used to obtain a smooth finish coat of
plaster, for use over gypsum plastic base coats only
and in areas not subject to moisture. It is the
hardest plaster.
|
Gypsum Plaster
Gypsum formulated to be used with the addition of
sand and water for base-coat plaster.
|
H
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H Clip
Small metal clips formed like an "H" that fits at
the joints of two plywood (or wafer board) sheets to
stiffen the joint. Normally used on the roof
sheeting.
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Hardware
Metal accessories such as door knobs, towel bars,
toilet paper holders, etc.
|
Hatch
An opening in a deck, floor or roof. The usual
purpose is to provide access from inside the
building.
|
Haunch
An extension, knee-like protrusion of the foundation
wall that a concrete porch or patio will rest upon
for support.
|
Hawk
A flat wood or metal tool 10 inches to 14 inches
square with a handle used by plasterers to carry
plaster mortar or mud.
|
Hazard Insurance
Insurance for a building while it is under
construction.
|
Header
Framing members over windows, doors, or other
openings. A beam placed perpendicular to joists and
to which joists are nailed in framing for chimney,
stairway, or other opening. Also, a wood lintel.
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Hearth
The inner or outer floor of a fireplace, usually
made of brick, tile, or stone.
|
Heartwood
The wood extending from the pith to the sapwood, the
cells of which no longer participate in the life
processes of the tree.
|
Heat Meter
An electrical municipal inspection of the electric
meter breaker panel box.
|
Heat Pump
A device which uses compression and decompression of
gas to heat and/or cool a house.
|
Heat Rough
Work performed by the heating contractor after the
stairs and interior walls are built. This includes
installing all duct work and flue pipes. Sometimes
the furnace and fireplaces are installed at this
stage of construction.
|
Heat Strengthened Glass
Flat or bent glass that has been heat-treated to a
specific surface and/or edge compression range to
meet the requirements of ASTM C 1048, kind HS.
Heat-strengthened glass is approximately two times
as strong as annealed glass of the same thickness
when exposed to uniform static pressure loads.
Heat-strengthened glass is not considered safety
glass and will not completely dice in the manner
fully tempered glass will.
|
Heat Trim
Work done by the heating contractor to get the home
ready for the municipal final heat Inspection. This
includes venting the hot water heater, installing
all vent grills, registers, air conditioning
services, turning on the furnace, installing
thermostats, venting ranges and hoods, and all other
heat related work.
|
Heating Load
The amount of heating required to keep a building at
a specified temperature during the winter, usually
65° Fahrenheit, regardless of outside temperature.
|
Heel Bead
Sealant applied at the base of a channel, after
setting the light or panel and before the removable
stop is installed, one of its purposes being to
prevent leakage past the stop.
|
Heel Cut
A notch cut in the end of a rafter to permit it to
fit flat on a wall and on the top, doubled, exterior
wall plate.
|
Hermetic Seal
Vacuum seal between panes of a double-paned window,
i.e. insulated glass unit or IGU. Failure of a
hermetic seal causes permanent fogging between the
panels of the IGU.
|
High-Early Cement
A portland cement sold as Type III which sets up to
its full strength faster than other types.
|
Highlights
A light spot, area, or streak on a painted surface.
|
Hinge
A jointed or flexible device that allows the turning
or pivoting of a part, such as a door or lid, on a
stationary frame.
|
Hip
The external angle formed by the meeting of two
sloping sides of a roof.
|
Hip Rafter
A rafter that forms the intersection of an external
roof angle.
|
Hip Roof
A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four
sides of a building.
|
Hip Shingles
Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle
formed by the intersection of two sloping roof
planes.
|
Hoistway
A shaftway for the travel of one or more elevators.
|
Home Run (Electrical)
The electrical cable that carries power from the
main circuit breaker panel to the first electrical
box, plug, or switch in the circuit.
|
Honeycomb
Areas in a foundation wall where the aggregate
(gravel) is visible. Honeycombs can be usually be
remedied by applying a thin layer of grout or other
cement product over the affected area. Also, a
method by which concrete is poured and not puddled
or vibrated, allowing the edges to have voids or
holes after the forms are removed.
|
Horizontal
Parallel to or in the plane of the horizon.
|
Hose Bib
An outdoor faucet with hose threads on the spout.
Also commonly used to supply washing machines and
wash basins.
|
Hot Wire
The wire that carries electrical energy to a
receptacle or other device—in contrast to a neutral,
which carries electricity away again. Normally the
black wire. Also see Ground.
|
Hub
In plumbing, the enlarged end of a pipe which is
made to provide a connection into which the end of
the joining pipe will fit.
|
Humidifier
A device designed to increase the humidity within a
room or a house by means of the discharge of water
vapor. They may consist of individual room size
units or larger units attached to the heating plant
to condition the entire house.
|
Hurricane Clip
Metal straps that are nailed and secure the roof
rafters and trusses to the top horizontal wall
plate. Sometimes called a Teco Clip.
|
Hurricane Ties
Metal fasteners used to secure rafters in structures
subject to hurricane winds.
|
HVAC
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
|
Hydro-Electric Elevator
An elevator where liquid is pumped under pressure
directly into the cylinder by a pump driven by an
electric motor without an accumulator between the
pump and cylinder.
|
I
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I-Beam
A steel beam with a cross section resembling the
letter "I." It is used for long spans as basement
beams or over wide wall openings, such as a double
garage door, when wall and roof loads are imposed on
the opening.
|
ID (Inside Diameter)
The diameter measurement taken from the inside of a
pipe. A common method for sizing pipe.
IIC
A new system utilized in the Federal Housing
Administration recommended criteria for impact
sound insulation.
|
Incandescent Lamp
A lamp employing an electrically charged metal
filament that glows at white heat. A typical
light bulb.
|
Incompatibility
Descriptive of two or more materials which are
not suitable to be used together.
|
Indemnification Clause
Provision in a contract in which one party
agrees to be financially responsible for
specified types of damages, claims, or losses.
|
Index
The interest rate or adjustment standard that
determines the changes in monthly payments for
an adjustable rate loan.
|
Infiltration
The process by which air leaks into a building.
To find the infiltration heating load factor (HLF),
the formula to account for the extra BTUs needed
to heat the infiltrated air is BTU/HR = building
volume x air changes x BTU/cu.ft/hr x TD
(temperature difference).
|
Inlet
An opening providing a means of entrance or
intake.
|
INR
(Impact Noise Rating)
A single figure rating which provides an
estimate of the impact sound insulating
performance of a floor-ceiling assembly.
|
Inside
Corner
The point at which two walls form an internal
angle, as in the corner of a room.
|
Inside
Drain
In roofing, a drain positioned on a roof at some
location other than the perimeter. It drains
surface water inside the building through closed
pipes to a drainage system.
|
Insulating Glass
Window or door in which two panes of glass are
used with a sealed air space between. Also known
as Double Glass.
|
Insulating Glass Unit
Two or more lights of glass spaced apart and
hermetically sealed to form a single-glazed unit
with an air space between each light. Commonly
called IG units.
|
Insulation
Generally, any material which slows down or
retards the flow or transfer of heat. Building
insulation types are classified according to
form as loose-fill, flexible, rigid, reflective,
and foamed-in-place. All types are rated
according to their ability to resist heat flow
(R-Value). In electrical contracting, rubber,
thermoplastic, or asbestos wire covering. The
thickness of insulation varies with wire size
and type of material, application or other code
limitations.
|
Insulation Board
A rigid structural building board made of coarse
wood or cane fiber in 1/2 and 25/32 inch
thickness. It can be obtained in various size
sheets, in various densities, and with several
treatments.
|
Insulation Fasteners
Any of several specialized mechanical fasteners
designed to hold insulation down to a steel or a
nailable deck.
|
Interest
The cost paid to a lender for borrowed money.
|
Interior Finish
Material used to cover the interior framed
areas, or materials of walls and ceilings.
|
Interior Glazed
Glazing infills set from the interior of the
building.
|
Interlayer
In glazing, any material used to bond two lights
of glass and/or plastic together to form a
laminate.
|
Interlocking Shingles
Individual shingles that mechanically fasten to
each other to provide wind resistance.
|
Interply
Between two layers of roofing felts that have
been laminated together.
|
IPS
(Iron Pipe Size)
Pipe thread sizing system. Also measurement of
the outside diameter of a pipe.
|
IRMA
[Insulated (or Inverted) Roof Membrane Assembly]
In this system the roof membrane is laid
directly on the roof deck, covered with extruded
foam insulation and ballasted with stone,
minimum of 1000 lbs. per square.
|
Irrigation
Lawn sprinkler system.
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J
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J
Channel
Metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a
better finished appearance when a wall is not
"wrapped." Generally, basement stairway walls
have drywall only on the stair side. J Channel
is used on the vertical edge of the last drywall
sheet.
|
Jack
Post
A type of structural support made of metal which
can be raised or lowered through a series of
pins and a screw to meet the height required.
Basically used as a replacement for an old
supporting member in a building. See Monopost.
|
Jack
Rafter
A rafter that spans the distance from the wall
plate to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.
|
Jamb
The side and head lining of a doorway, window,
or other opening.
|
Joint
The space between the adjacent surfaces of two
members or components joined and held together
by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.
|
Joint
Cement
A powder that is usually mixed with water and
used for joint treatment in gypsum-wallboard
finish. Often called "spackle."
|
Joint
Compound
A material applied to threaded connections to
help prevent leaks in plumbing. Also, in
carpentry, a wet gypsum material applied to
sheetrock joints.
|
Joint
Tenancy
A form of ownership in which the tenants own a
property equally. If one dies, the other
automatically inherits the entire property.
|
|
Joist Any of
the small timbers or metal beams ranged parallel
from wall to wall in a structure to support a
floor or ceiling
Joint
Trench
When the electric company and telephone company
dig one trench and "drop" both of their service
lines in.
|
Joist
Hanger
A metal "U" shaped item used to support the end
of a floor joist and attached with hardened
nails to another bearing joist or beam.
|
Jumpers
Water pipe installed in a water meter pit
(before the water meter is installed), or
electric wire that is installed in the electric
house panel meter socket before the meter is
installed. This is sometimes illegal.
|
K
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Keene's
Cement
A white finish plaster that produces an
extremely durable wall. Because of its density,
it excels for use in bathrooms and kitchens and
is also used extensively for the finish coat in
auditoriums, public buildings, and other places
where walls may be subjected to unusually hard
wear or abuse.
|
Keeper
The metal latch plate in a door frame into which
a doorknob plunger latches.
|
Kelvin
Thermometer scale on which a unit of measurement
equals the Celsius degree.
|
Keyless
A plastic or porcelain light fixture that
operates by a pull string. Generally found in
the basement, crawl space, and attic areas.
|
Keyway
A slot formed and poured on a footer or in a
foundation wall when another wall will be
installed at the slot location. This gives
additional strength to the joint/meeting point.
|
Kick
Hole
A defect frequently found in perimeter flashings
arising from being stepped on or kicked. A small
fracture of the base flashing in the area of the
cant.
|
Kiln
Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been kiln dried often to a
moisture content of 6 to 12 percent. Common
varieties of softwood lumber, such as framing
lumber are dried to a somewhat higher moisture
content.
|
Kilowatt (KW)
One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base
unit used in measuring electrical consumption.
Also see Watt.
|
King
Stud
The vertical 2x4 frame lumber (left and right)
of a window or door opening, and runs
continuously from the bottom sole plate to the
top plate.
|
Knife
Consistency
Compound formulated in a degree of firmness
suitable for application with a putty knife such
as used for face glazing and other sealant
applications.
|
Knot
In lumber, the portion of a branch or limb of a
tree that appears on the edge or face of the
piece.
|
Kraft
A heavy, water resistant paper.
|
Kynar
Coating
Architectural coating that is UV stable and
suitable for exterior use on aluminum and other
metal surfaces.
|
L
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Labor
Hour
A standard in which one person's labor is
performed in one hour.
|
Ladder,
Fixed
A ladder which is permanently attached to a
building.
|
Laminated Glass
Two or more lights of glass permanently bonded
together with one or more inter-layers.
|
Laminated Shingles
Shingles that have added dimensionality because
of extra layers or tabs, giving a shakelike
appearance. May also be called "architectural
shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles."
|
Laminating
Bonding together two or more layers of
materials.
|
Landing
A platform between flights of stairs or at the
termination of a flight of stairs.
|
Lap
To extend one material partially over another;
also, the distance so extended.
|
Lap
Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to adhere
overlapping plies of roll roofing.
|
Lateral
(Electric, Gas, Telephone, Sewer and Water)
The underground trench and related services
(i.e., electric, gas, telephone, sewer and water
lines) that will be buried within the trench.
|
Lath
A building material of wood, metal, gypsum, or
insulating board that is fastened to the frame
of a building to act as a plaster base.
|
Lath
and Plaster
The most common wall finish prior to the
introduction of drywall. Thin wood strips (lath)
were nailed onto the framing as a base for the
sand/lime plaster.
|
Lattice
A framework of crossed wood or metal strips.
|
Lavatory
Bathroom or washroom sink.
|
Leach
field
A method used to treat/dispose of sewage in
rural areas not accessible to a municipal sewer
system. Sewage is permitted to be filtered and
eventually discharged into a section of the lot
called a leech field.
|
Lead
A malleable metal once extensively used for
flashings.
|
Lead
Based Paint
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for
many years in products found in and around our
homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects,
from behavioral problems and learning
disabilities, to seizures and death. Children 6
years old and under are most at risk, because
their bodies are growing quickly.
|
Leader
See Downspout.
|
Lean-To
Roof
The sloping roof of a building addition, having
its rafters or supports pitched against and
supported by the adjoining wall of a building.
|
Ledger
Strip
A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom of the
side of a girder on which joists rest.
|
Let-In
Brace
Nominal 1 inch-thick boards applied into notched
studs diagonally.
|
Level
Term use to describe any horizontal surface
whereby all sides are at the same elevation.
|
Level
(Carpenter's Level)
A tool used to check for level.
|
Level
Payment Mortgage
A mortgage with identical monthly payments over
the life of the loan.
|
Leveling Rod
A rod with graduated marks for measuring heights
or vertical distances between given points and
the line of sight of a leveling instrument. They
are longer than a yardstick and are held by a
surveyor in a vertical position.
|
Lien
An encumbrance that usually makes real or
personal property the security for payment of a
debt or discharge of an obligation.
|
Light
Space in a window sash for a single pane of
glass. Also, a pane of glass.
|
Limit
Switch
A safety control that automatically shuts off a
furnace if it gets too hot. Most also control
blower cycles.
|
Lintel
A horizontal structural member that supports the
load over an opening such as a door or window.
|
Liquated Damages
A monetary amount agreed upon by two parties to
a contract prior to performance under the
contract that specifies what a either party owes
the other if that party defaults under the
contract.
|
Liquid-Applied Membrane
Generally applied to cast-in-place concrete
surfaces in one or more coats to provide
fully-adhered waterproof membranes which conform
to all contours.
|
Lite
(Not the beer!) Another term for a pane of
glass. Also spelled "light" in industry
literature.
|
Live
Load
Loads produced by use and occupancy of the
building or other structure and do not include
construction or environmental loads such as wind
load, snow load, ice load, rain load, seismic
load, or dead load.
|
Load
Bearing Wall
A wall which is supporting its own weight and
some other structural elements of the house such
as the roof and ceiling structures.
|
Loan
The amount to be borrowed.
|
Loan to
Value Ratio
The ratio of the loan amount to the property
valuation and expressed as a percentage; e.g. if
a borrower is seeking a loan of $200,000 on a
property worth $400,000 it has a 50% loan to
value rate. If the loan were $300,000, the LTV
would be 75%. The higher the loan to value, the
greater the lender's perceived risk. Loans above
normal lending LTV ratios may require additional
security.
|
Lookout
A short wood bracket or cantilever to support an
overhang portion of a roof or the like, usually
concealed from view.
|
Loose
Laid
In roofing, a membrane "laid loosely," i.e. not
adhered, over a roof deck or Burm.
|
Lot
A parcel of ground with boundaries determined by
the county.
|
Louver
An opening with a series of horizontal slats
arranged so as to permit ventilation but to
exclude rain, sun. light, or vision. See also
Attic Ventilators.
|
Low-Slope Application
Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof
slopes between 2 and 4 inches per foot.
|
Lumber
The product of the sawmill and planing mill not
further manufactured other than by sawing,
re-sawing, and passing lengthwise through a
standard planing machine, crosscutting to
length, and matching.
|
Lumens
Unit of measure for total light output. The
amount of light falling on a surface of one
square foot.
|
M
[Back to Top]
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Main
Vent (or Stack)
Principal vent to which branch vents may be
connected. See Stack.
|
Male
IPS
Pipe connection where the threads are on the
outside of the fitting. See MIP.
|
Male
Threads
See MIP.
|
Mansard
Roof
A roof which rises by inclined planes from all
four sides of a building. The sloping roofs on
all four sides have two pitches, the lower pitch
usually very steep and the upper pitch less
steep.
|
Mantel
The shelf above a fireplace. Also used in
referring to the decorative trim around a
fireplace opening.
|
Manufactured Wood
A wood product such as a truss, beam, Glue Lam
or joist which is manufactured out of smaller
wood pieces and glued or mechanically fastened
to form a larger piece. Often used to create a
stronger member which may use less wood. See
Oriented Strand Board.
|
Manufacturers Specifications
The written installation and/or maintenance
instructions which are developed by the
manufacturer of a product and which may have to
be followed in order to maintain the product
warrantee.
|
Mason's
Hammer (Bricklayer's Hammer)
Tool shaped like a chisel to trim brick or
stone.
|
Masonry
Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete
block, gypsum block, or other similar building
units or materials or a combination of the same,
bonded together with mortar to form a wall,
pier, buttress, or similar mass.
|
Masonry
Primer
An asphalt-based primer used to prepare masonry
surfaces for bonding with other asphalt
products.
|
Mastic
Heavy-consistency compound that may remain
adhesive and pliable with age. Is typically a
waterproof compound applied to exterior walls
and roof surfaces.
|
Matched
Lumber
Lumber that is dressed and shaped on one edge in
a grooved pattern and on the other in a tongued
pattern.
|
Maximum
Occupancy Load
The maximum number of people permitted in a
room. It is measured per foot for each width of
exit door. The maximum is 50 per foot of exit.
|
Mechanics Lien
A lien on real property, created by statue in
many years, in favor of persons supplying labor
or materials for a building or structure for the
value of labor or materials supplied by them. In
some jurisdictions, a mechanics lien also exists
for the value of professional services. Clear
title to the property cannot be obtained until
the claim for the labor, materials, or
professional services is settled. Timely filing
is essential to support the encumbrance, and
prescribed filing dates vary by jurisdiction.
|
Melt
Point
The temperature at which solid asphalt becomes a
liquid.
|
Membrane
A generic term relating to a variety of sheet
goods used for certain built-up roofing repairs
and application.
|
Metal
Edge
Brake metal or metal extrusions which are
secured at the perimeter of the roof to form a
weather-tight seal.
|
Metal
Lath
Sheets of metal that are slit and drawn out to
form openings. Used as a plaster base for walls
and ceilings and as reinforcing over other forms
of plaster base.
|
Microlam
A manufactured structural wood beam. It is
constructed of pressure and adhesive bonded wood
strands of wood. They have a higher strength
rating than solid saw lumber. Normally comes in
l ½" thickness' and 9 ½", 11 ½" and 14" widths.
|
Migration
Spreading or creeping of a constituent of a
compound onto/into adjacent surfaces. See
bleeding.
|
Mil
Thickness
Measurement used to determine thickness of a
coating. 1 mil = .001 inch (1/1000).
|
Milar
(Mylar)
Plastic, transparent copies of a blueprint.
|
Millwork
Generally all building materials made of
finished wood and manufactured in millwork
plants and planing mills are included under the
term "millwork." It includes such items as
inside and outside doors, window and doorframes,
blinds, porchwork, mantels, panelwork,
stairways, moldings, and interior trim. It
normally does not include flooring, ceiling, or
siding.
|
Mineral
Spirits
A by-product of petroleum, clear in color, used
as a solvent for asphalt coatings.
|
Mineral
Stabilizers
Finely ground limestone, slate, traprock or
other inert materials added to asphalt coatings
for durability and increased resistance to fire
and weathering.
|
Mineral-Surfaced Roofing
Asphalt shingles and roll roofing that are
covered with granules.
|
Minispread
A smaller variation of a widespread faucet with
separate spout and handles designed small enough
to fit 4" center-to-center faucet holes.
|
MIP
(Male Iron Pipe)
Standard threads that are on the outside of a
pipe or fitting.
|
Miter
Joint
The joint of two pieces at an angle that bisects
the joining angle. For example, the miter joint
at the side and head casing at a door opening is
made at a 45° angle.
|
Mixing
Valve
A valve that mixes hot and cold water in the
valve to obtain a set temperature prior to
delivery.
|
Mobile
Home Aluminum Roof Coating
Durable one-coat application prolongs the life
of mobile home roofs while reflecting sun's rays
and providing a decorative surface. Reduces
energy costs.
|
Mock-Up
Testing
Controlled air, water and structural performance
testing of existing or new glazing systems.
|
Modified Bitumen Roof
A roof covering that is typically composed of a
factory-fabricated composite sheet consisting of
a copolymer-modified bitumen, often reinforced
with polyester and/or fiberglass, and installed
in one or more plies. The membrane is commonly
surfaced with field-applied coatings,
factory-applied granules or metal foil. The
roofing system may incorporate rigid insulation.
|
Modulus
Stress at a given strain. Also tensile strength
at a given elongation.
|
Moisture Content of Wood
Weight of the water contained in the wood,
usually expressed as a percentage of the weight
of the oven-dry wood.
|
Molding
A wood strip having a coned or projecting
surface used for decorative purposes, e.g., door
and window trim.
|
Monitor
A large structure rising above the surrounding
roof planes, designed to give light and/or
ventilation to the building interior.
|
Monopost
Adjustable metal column used to support a beam
or bearing point. Normally 11 gauge or Schedule
40 metal, and determined by the structural
engineer.
|
Mopping
In roofing, a layer of hot bitumen mopped
between plies of roofing felt. Full mopping is
the application of bitumen by mopping in such a
manner that the surface being mopped is entirely
coated with a reasonably uniform coating. Spot
Mopping is the procedure of applying hot bitumen
in a random fashion of small daubs, as compared
to full mopping. Sprinkle mopping is a special
application of installing insulation to the
decks. It is done by dipping a roof mop into hot
bitumen and sprinkling the material onto the
deck. Strip Mopping is the application of
bitumen in parallel bands.
|
Mortar
Types
Type M is suitable for general use and is
recommended specifically for masonry below grade
and in contact with earth, such as foundations,
retaining walls and walks. Type M is the
strongest type. Type S is suitable for general
use and is recommended where high resistance to
lateral forces is required. Type N is suitable
for general use in exposed masonry above grade
and is recommended specifically for exterior
walls subject to severe exposures. Type O is
recommended for load-bearing walls of solid
units where the compressive stresses do not
exceed 100 lbs. per square inch and the masonry
wall not be subjected to freezing and thawing in
the presence of excessive moisture.
|
Mortgage
Loan secured by land.
|
Mortgage Broker
A broker who represents numerous lenders and
helps consumers find affordable mortgages; the
broker charges a fee only if the consumer finds
a loan.
|
Mortgage Company
A company that borrows money from a bank, lends
it to consumers to buy homes, then sells the
loans to investors.
|
Mortgage Deed
Legal document establishing a loan on property.
|
Mortgage Origination Fee
A charge for work involved in preparing and
servicing a mortgage application (usually one
percent of the loan amount).
|
Mortgagee
The lender who makes the mortgage loan.
|
Mortise
A slot cut into a board, plank, or timber,
usually edgewise, to receive tenon of another
board, plank, or timber to form a joint.
|
Mud
Cracks
Cracks developing from the normal shrinkage of
an emulsion coating when applied too heavily.
|
Mudsill
A wood foundation member, usually a pressure
treated 2x4 or 2x6, bolted to the foundation and
on which other framing members can be attached.
|
Mullion
A vertical bar or divider in the frame between
windows, doors, or other openings that supports
and holds such items as panels, glass, sash, or
sections of a curtain wall.
|
Muntins
Horizontal or vertical bars that divide the sash
frame into smaller lights of glass. Muntins are
smaller in dimensions and weight than mullions.
|
Muriatic Acid
Commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry
work is completed.
|
Mushroom
An unacceptable occurrence when the top of a
caisson concrete pier spreads out and hardens to
become wider than the foundation wall thickness.
|
N
[Back to Top]
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NACHI
Foundation
A Maryland based charitable organization funded
by members of the National Association of
Certified Home Inspectors.
|
Nailer
A piece of lumber secured to non-nailable decks
and walls by bolts or other means, which
provides a suitable backing onto which roof
components may be mechanically fastened.
|
Natural
Finish
A transparent finish which does not seriously
alter the original color or grain of the natural
wood. Natural finishes are usually provided by
sealers, oils, varnishes, water-repellent
preservatives, and other similar materials.
|
Neat
Plaster
A base coat plaster which does not contain
aggregates and is used where the addition of
aggregates on the job is desired.
|
NEC
(National Electrical Code)
A set of rules governing safe wiring methods.
Local codes—which are backed by law—may differ
from the NEC in some ways.
|
Neoprene
A synthetic rubber having physical properties
closely resembling those of natural rubber. It
is made by polymerizing chloroprenes, which are
produced from acetylene and hydrogen chloride.
|
Nesting
A method of re-roofing with new asphalt shingles
over old shingles in which the top edge of the
new shingles is butted against the bottom edge
of the existing shingle tab.
|
Neutral
Wire
Usually color-coded white, the neutral wire
carries electricity from an outlet back to the
service panel. Also see Hot Wire and Ground.
|
Newel
A post to which the end of a stair railing or
balustrade is fastened. Also, any post to which
a railing or balustrade is fastened.
|
Nipple
A short pipe installed between fittings. A pipe
coupling that is threaded on both ends.
|
NM
A type of Romex cable (nonmetallic sheathed
cable that contains several conductors). The
cable, which is flame-retardant, is limited to
use in dry locations only and can not be exposed
to excessive moisture.
|
NMC
(Non Metallic Conduit)
A type of Romex cable (nonmetallic sheathed
cable that contains several conductors). NMC may
be used in damp or corrosive locations as well
as dry areas.
|
No-Cutout Shingles
Shingles consisting of a single, solid tab with
no cutouts.
|
Nominal
Size
Size used for identification only; not literal
dimensions.
|
Non-Bearing Wall
A wall supporting no load other than its own
weight.
|
Non-Destructive
A phrase describing a method of examining the
interior of a component whereby no damage is
done to the component itself.
|
Non-Drying (Non-Curing)
A sealant that does not set up or cure. See
Butyl.
|
Non-fibered Aluminum Roof Coating
Thin but efficient reflective barrier to reflect
sun's harmful rays and prolong surface life.
Also works on metal surfaces.
|
Non-Sag
A sealant formulation having a consistency that
will permit application in vertical joints
without appreciable sagging or slumping. This
performance characteristic allows the sealant to
be installed in a sloped or vertical joint
application without appreciable sagging or
slumping.
|
Non-Skinning
Descriptive of a product that does not form a
surface skin.
|
Non-Staining
Characteristic of a compound that will not stain
a surface.
|
Non-Veneer Panel
Any wood-based panel that does not contain
veneer and carries an APA span rating, such as
wafer board or oriented strand board.
|
Nonfibered Roof and Foundation Coating
Dual purposed, this thin-viscosity material
doubles as a nonfibered roof or foundation
coating.
|
Normal
Slope Application
Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof
slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
|
Nosing
The projecting edge of a molding or drip.
Usually applied to the projecting molding on the
edge of a stair tread.
|
Notch
A crosswise rabbet at the end of a board.
|
Note
A formal document showing the existence of a
debt and stating the terms of repayment.
|
Nozzle
The tubular tip of a caulking gun through which
the compound is extruded.
|
Nuclear
Meter
A device used to detect moisture by measuring
slowed, deflected neutrons.
|
O
[Back to Top]
|
O-Ring
Round rubber washer or gasket that is compressed
to create a watertight seal, typically in a
compression fitting.
|
O. G.
(or Ogee)
A molding with a profile in the form of a letter
S; having the outline of a reversed curve.
|
Oakum
Loose hemp or jute fiber that is impregnated
with tar or pitch and used to caulk large seams
or for packing plumbing pipe joints.
|
OD
(Outside Diameter)
A measurement of the diameter of a pipe as taken
from the outside edge. A common method for
sizing pipe.
|
Offset
A tubular component which permits the offsetting
of a drainage run in the same basic direction.
|
Ohmmeter
In electrical contracting, a device to measure
the resistance across a load. They are never
used on a live circuit. Used to track down
broken wires.
|
Oil-Canning
The term describing distortion of thin-gauge
metal panels which are fastened in a manner
restricting normal thermal movement.
|
On
Center (O.C.)
A measurement term meaning a certain distance
between like materials. Studs rafters, joists,
and the like in a building placed at 16 inches
O.C. will be laid out so that there is 16 inches
from the center of one stud to the center of the
next.
|
Open
Hole Inspection
When an engineer (or municipal inspector)
inspects the open excavation and examines the
earth to determine the type of foundation
(caisson, footer, wall on ground, etc.) that
should be installed in the hole.
|
Open
Valley
Method of valley construction in which shingles
on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a
chalk line snapped on each side of the valley.
Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley
flashing is exposed.
|
Organic
A term designating any chemical compound which
contains carbon and hydrogen.
|
Organic
Felt
An asphalt roofing base material manufactured
from cellulose fibers.
|
Oriented Strand Board (OSB, Chip Board, Wafer
Board)
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2"
wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute
for plywood in the exterior wall and roof
sheathing.
|
Outrigger
An extension of a rafter beyond the wall line.
Usually a smaller member nailed to a larger
rafter to form a cornice or roof overhang.
|
Overhang
That part of the roof structure which extends
horizontally beyond the vertical plane of the
exterior walls of a building.
|
Oxidize
To combine with oxygen in the air.
|
P
[Back to Top]
|
P Trap
P-shaped section of drain pipe that prevents
sewer odors from escaping into your home. Water
is trapped in the pipe blocking gases from
escaping through the drain.
|
Pad
Out, Pack Out
To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or
ceiling in order that the finished ceiling/wall
will appear correct.
|
Padding
A material installed under carpet to add foot
comfort, isolate sound, and to prolong carpet
life.
|
Paint
A combination of pigments with suitable thinners
or oils to provide decorative and protective
coatings.
|
Pallets
Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping
bundles of shingles.
|
Panel
In house construction, a thin flat piece of
wood, plywood, or similar material, framed by
stiles and rails as in a door or fitted into
grooves of thicker material with molded edges
for decorative wall treatment.
|
Parapet
Wall
A low wall around the perimeter of a roof deck.
|
Parge
Coat
A thin application of plaster for coating a
wall.
Parking Strip
The area in front of a building between the
sidewalk and the street usually landscaped
with grass. The parking strip serves as a
buffer between the road and pedestrians
walking on the sidewalk.
|
Parting Stop or Strip
A small wood piece used in the side and head
jambs of double-hung windows to separate
upper and lower sash.
|
Partition
A wall that subdivides spaces within any
story of a building.
|
Patterned Glass
A type of rolled glass having a pattern
impressed on one or both sides. Used
extensively for light control, bath
enclosures and decorative glazing. Sometimes
call "rolled," "figured," or "obscure"
glass.
|
Paver Stones
Usually pre-cast concrete slabs used to
create a traffic surface.
|
Payment Schedule
A pre-agreed upon schedule of payments to a
contractor usually based upon the amount of
work completed. Such a schedule may include
a deposit prior to the start of work.
Payments are often scheduled for the
beginning of the month and allow the
contractor to subcontractors and suppliers
by the 10th of the month. There may also be
a temporary 'holdout' at the end of the
contract for any small items which have not
been completed.
|
Pedestal Lavatory
A lavatory in which the bowl is supported by
a single pedestal leg.
|
Penalty Clause
A provision in a contract that provides for
a reduction in the amount otherwise payable
under a contract to a contractor as a
penalty for failure to meet deadlines or for
failure of the project to meet contract
specifications.
|
Penny
As applied to nails, it originally indicated
the price per hundred. The term now serves
as a measure of nail length and is
abbreviated by the letter "D."
|
Penthouse
A relatively small structure built above the
plane of the roof.
|
Percolation Test (Perc
Test)
Tests that a soil engineer performs on earth
to determine the feasibility of installing a
leech field type sewer system on a lot. A
test to determine if the soil on a proposed
building lot is capable of absorbing the
liquid affluent from a septic system.
|
Performance and Payment
Bond
Guaranty by a surety company that if a
contractor fails to perform under a
contract, the surety company will complete
the work.
|
Performance Bond
An amount of money (usually 10% of the total
price of a job) that a contractor must put
on deposit with a governmental agency as an
insurance policy that guarantees the
contractors' proper and timely completion of
a project or job.
|
Perimeter Drain
3" or 4" perforated plastic pipe that goes
around the perimeter (either inside or
outside) of a foundation wall (before
backfill) and collects and diverts ground
water away from the foundation. Generally,
it is "daylighted" into a sump pit inside
the home, and a sump pump is sometimes
inserted into the pit to discharge any
accumulation of water.
|
Perlite
An aggregate formed by heating and expanding
siliceous volcanic glass.
|
Perm
A measure of water vapor movement through a
material (grains per square foot per hour
per inch of mercury difference in vapor
pressure).
|
Permanent Set
The amount by which a material fails to
return to its original dimensions after
being deformed by an applied force or load.
|
Photo-Oxidation
Oxidation caused by rays of the sun.
|
Pier
A column of masonry, usually rectangular in
horizontal cross section, used to support
other structural members.
|
Pier Block
A concrete block used to support foundation
members such as posts, beams, girders and
joist.
|
Pigment
A powdered solid in suitable degree of
subdivision for use in paint or enamel.
|
Pigtails, Electrical
The electric cord that the electrician
provides and installs on an appliance such
as a garbage disposal, dishwasher, or range
hood.
|
Pilot Hole
A small-diameter, pre-drilled hole that
guides a nail or screw.
|
Pilot Light
A small, continuous flame (in a hot water
heater, boiler, or furnace) that ignites gas
or oil burners when needed.
|
Pitch
(a) The incline slope of a roof or the ratio
of the total rise to the total width of a
house, i.e., an 8-foot rise and 24-foot
width is a one-third pitch roof. Roof slope
is expressed in the inches of rise per foot
of run. A term frequently used to designate
coal tar pitch.
|
Pitch Pan or Pitch Pocket
A container, usually formed of sheet metal,
around supporting connections with
roof-mounted machinery. Filling the
container with pitch, or better yet, plastic
roof cement, helps seal out water even when
vibration is present.
|
Pitch Pocket
An opening extending parallel to the annual
rings of growth, that usually contains, or
has contained, either solid or liquid pitch.
|
Pith
The small, soft core at the original center
of a tree around which wood formation takes
place.
|
PITI
Principal, interest, taxes and insurance
(the four major components of monthly
housing payments).
|
Plan Submittal
Submission of construction plans to the city
or county in order to obtain a Building
Permit.
|
Plans
See Blue Prints.
|
Plaster Grounds
Strips of wood used as guides or strike off
edges around window and door openings and at
base of walls.
|
Plastic Roof Cement
Used as a waterproofing medium in new
construction and as a general-purpose
exterior repair and maintenance material.
Stops roof and other leaks fast. Available
in both summer and winter grades.
|
Plat
A map of a geographical area as recorded by
the county.
|
Plate Line
The top horizontal line of a building wall
upon which the roof rests.
|
Platform Framing
(Platform Construction)
A system of framing a building in which
floor joists of each story rest on the top
plates of the story below or on the
foundation sill for the first story, and the
bearing walls and partitions rest on the
subfloor of each story. (Usually one story
constitutes a platform.)
|
Plenum (or Plenum
Chamber)
Chamber or container for moving air under a
slight positive pressure to which one or
more ducts are connected.
|
Plot Plan
A bird’s eye view showing how a building
sits on the building lot, typically showing
setbacks (how far the building must sit from
the road), easements, rights of way, and
drainage.
|
Plough
To cut a lengthwise groove in a board or
plank.
|
Plumb
Exactly perpendicular; vertical.
|
Plumb Bob
A lead weight attached to a string. It is
the tool used in determining plumb.
|
Plumbing Boots
Metal saddles used to strengthen a bearing
wall/vertical stud(s) where a plumbing drain
line has been cut through and installed.
|
Plumbing Ground
The plumbing drain and waste lines that are
installed beneath a basement floor.
|
Plumbing Jacks
Sleeves that fit around drain and waste vent
pipes at and are nailed to the roof
sheeting.
|
Plumbing Rough
Work performed by the plumbing contractor
after the Rough Heat is installed. This work
includes installing all plastic ABS drain
and waste lines, copper water lines, bath
tubs, shower pans, and gas piping to
furnaces and fireplaces. Lead solder should
not be used on copper piping.
|
Plumbing Stack
A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the
roof.
|
Plumbing Trim
Work performed by the plumbing contractor to
get the home ready for a final plumbing
inspection. Includes installing all toilets
(water closets), hot water heaters, sinks,
connecting all gas pipe to appliances,
disposal, dishwasher, and all plumbing
items.
|
Plumbing Waste Line
Plastic pipe used to collect and drain
sewage waste.
|
Ply
A term to denote the number of thicknesses
or layers of roofing felt, veneer in
plywood, or layers in built-up materials, in
any finished piece of such material.
|
Ply Sheet
A layer in built-up roofing.
|
Plywood
A piece of wood made of three or more layers
of veneer joined with glue, and usually laid
with the grain of adjoining plies at right
angles. Almost always an odd number of plies
are used to provide balanced construction.
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Pocket (Channel)
A three-sided, U-shaped opening in a sash or
frame to receive glazing infill. Contrasted
to a rabbet, which is a two-sided, L-shaped
sections as with face glazed window sash.
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Point Load
A point where a bearing/structural weight is
concentrated and transferred to the
foundation.
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Pointing
The process where joints between masonry
units, brick, etc., are filled with mortar.
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Polished Wired Glass
Wired glass that has been ground and
polished on both surfaces.
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Polymer
A substance consisting of large molecules
which have been formed from smaller
molecules of similar make-up.
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Polysulfide Sealant
Polysulfide liquid polymer sealant which is
mercaptan terminated, long chain aliphatic
polymers containing disulfide linkages. They
can be converted to rubbers at room
temperature without shrinkage upon addition
of a curing agent.
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Polyurethane Sealant
An organic compound formed by reaction of a
glycol with an isocyanate.
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polymer formed by polymerization of vinyl
chloride monomer. Sometimes called vinyl.
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Ponding
A condition where water stands on a roof for
prolonged periods due to poor drainage
and/or deflection of the deck.
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Pop Rivets
Fasteners used to join pieces of metal that
are installed by either
compressed-air-assisted or hand-operated
guns. Unique in that they are installed from
one side of the work.
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Pop-Out
See Stucco Pop-Out.
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Pores
Wood cells of comparatively large diameter
that have open ends and are set one above
the other to form continuous tubes. The
openings of the vessels on the surface of a
piece of wood are referred to as pores.
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Porosity
The density of substance and its capacity to
pass liquids.
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Portland Cement
A mixture of certain minerals which when
mixed with water form a gray colored paste
and cure into a very hard mass.
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Post
A vertical member of wood, steel, concrete
or other material that transfers weight from
the top of the post to whatever the post is
resting on.
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Post & Beam Construction
Most common type of wall framing, using
posts which carry horizontal beams on which
joists are supported. It allows for fewer
bearing partitions and less material.
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Post-and-Beam
A basic building method that uses just a few
hefty posts and beams to support an entire
structure. Contrasts with stud framing.
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Pot-Life
The time interval following the addition of
an accelerator before chemically curing
material will become too viscous to apply
satisfactorily. See Shelf Life.
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Potable
Water that is safe to drink.
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Powder Coat
A technique for applying paint to metal
surfaces. The metal is covered with a powder
of dry paint particles and is baked in an
oven. This causes the powder to melt and
harden into a tough, colorful finish.
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Power
The energy rate, usually measured in watts.
Power equals voltage times amps, or W = E x
1. The heavier the flow of amps at a given
supply, the higher the rate at which energy
is being supplied and used.
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Power Vent
A vent that includes a fan to speed up air
flow. Often installed on roofs.
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Pre-Shimed Tape Sealant
A sealant having a pre-formed shape
containing solids or discrete particles that
limit its deformation under compression.
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Precast
Concrete building components which are
formed and cured at a factory and then
transported to a work site for erection.
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Premium
Amount payable on a loan.
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Preservative
Any substance that, for a reasonable length
of time, will prevent the action of
wood-destroying fungi, borers of various
kinds, and similar destructive agents when
the wood has been properly coated or
impregnated with it.
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Pressure Tank
Used in conjuction with wells to maintain
pressure.
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Pressure-Reducing Valve
Valve installed in the water service line
where it enters the building to reduce the
pressure of water in the line to an
acceptable pressure used in buildings (40-55
psi desired).
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Pressure-Relief Valve
Valve to relieve excess pressure in water
storage tanks.
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Pressure-Treated Lumber
Lumber that is treated in such a way that
the sealer is forced into the pores of the
wood.
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Primer
A material of relatively thin consistency
applied to a surface for the purpose of
creating a more secure bonding surface and
to form a barrier to prevent migration of
components. The first coat of paint in a
paint job that consists of two or more
coats. Also, the paint used for such a first
coat.
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Priming
Sealing of a porous surface so that
compounds will not stain, lose elasticity,
shrink excessively, etc. because of loss of
oil or vehicle into the surround.
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Principal
The original amount of the loan, the
capital.
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Projection
In roofing, any object or equipment which
pierces the roof membrane.
|
Property Survey
A survey to determine the boundaries of a
property. The cost depends on the complexity
of the survey.
|
Protection Board
In roofing, heavy asphalt impregnated boards
which are laid over bituminous coatings to
protect against mechanical injury.
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Pump Mix
Special concrete that will be used in a
concrete pump. Generally, the mix has
smaller rock aggregate than regular mix.
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Punch List
A list of discrepancies that need to be
corrected by the contractor.
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Punch Out
To inspect and make a discrepancy list.
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Purlins
A horizontal structural member spanning
between beams or trusses to support a roof
deck. In slope glazing, purlins are the
horizontal framing members.
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Push Stick
In hardware, a tool used when cutting a
short board on a table saw.
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Putty
A type of cement usually made of whiting and
boiled linseed oil, beaten or kneaded to the
consistency of dough, and used in sealing
glass in sash, filling small holes and
crevices in wood, and for similar purposes.
|
PVC or CPVC (PolyVinyl
Choride)
A type of white plastic pipe sometimes used
for water supply lines.
|
PVD (Physical Vapor
Deposition)
A very durable titanium or zirconium coating
that resists tarnish, scratches, and
corrosion. It is used mostly to protect
faucets with a brass finish.
|
PVDF
Architectural coating. See Kynar Coating.
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Q
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Quarry Tile
A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to
finish a floor or wall. Generally 6"X6"X1/4"
thick .
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Quarter Round
A small molding that has the cross section
of a quarter circle.
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Quartersawn Grain
Another term for edge grain.
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Quick-Setting Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to adhere tabs
of strip shingles to the course below. Also
used to adhere roll roofing laps applied by
the concealed nail method.
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Quote or Quotation
A price provided by a contractor,
sub-contractor, or vendor to funish
materials, labor and/or both. Quotes differ
from estimates in that an estimate is a best
guess of the cost involved.
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R
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R-Value
The thermal resistance of a glazing system.
The R-value is the reciprocal of the
U-value. The higher the R value, the less
heat is transmitted throughout the glazing
material.
|
Rabbet
A rectangular, longitudinal groove cut in
the corner edge of a board or plank.
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Radial Saw
A circular saw which hangs from a horizontal
arm or beam and slides back and forth. The
arm pivots from side to side to allow for
angle cuts and bevels. When sawing finish
plywood, the good side should face up as the
saw cuts on the down stroke.
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Radiant Heating
A method of heating, usually consisting of a
forced hot water system with pipes placed in
the floor, wall, or ceiling, or with
electrically heated panels.
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Radiation
Any heated surface loses heat to cooler
surrounding space or surfaces through
radiation. The earth receives its heat from
the sun by radiation. The heat rays are
turned into heat as they strike an object
which will absorb some or all of the heat
transmitted.
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Radiator
A heating unit which is supplied heat
through a hot water system.
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Radon
A naturally-occurring, radioactive gas which
is heavier than air and is common in many
parts of the country. Radon gas exposure is
associated with lung cancer. Mitigation
measures may involve crawl space and
basement venting and various forms of vapor
barriers.
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Radon System
A ventilation system beneath the floor of a
basement and/or structural wood floor and
designed to fan exhaust radon gas to the
outside of the home.
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Rafter
A sloping roof member that supports the roof
covering which extends from the ridge or the
hip of the roof to the eaves. A common
rafter is one which runs square with the
plate and extends to the ridge. A hip rafter
extends from the outside angle of the plate
towards the apex of the roof. They are 2"
deeper or wider than common rafters. A
valley rafter extends from an inside angle
of the plates toward the ridge of the house.
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Rafter Tail
The portion of a rafter that extends past
the building to form the eaves.
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Rafter, Hip
A rafter that forms the intersection of an
external roof angle.
|
Rafter, Valley
A rafter that forms the intersection of an
internal roof angle. The valley rafter is
normally made of double 2-inch-thick
members.
|
Raggle Block
A specially designed masonry block having a
slot or opening into which the top edge of
the roof flashing is inserted and anchored.
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Rail
Cross members of panel doors or of a sash.
Also the upper and lower members of a
balustrade or staircase extending from one
vertical support, such as a post, to
another.
|
Railroad Tie
Black, tar and preservative impregnated,
6"x8" and 6'-8' long wooden timber that was
used to hold railroad track in place.
Normally used as a member of a retaining
wall.
|
Rake
Trim members that run parallel to the roof
slope and form the finish between the wall
and a gable roof extension. The angle of
slope of a roof rafter, or the inclined
portion of a cornice.
|
Rake Edge
The overhang of an inclined roof plane
beyond the vertical wall below it.
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Rake Fascia
The vertical face of the sloping end of a
roof eave.
|
Rake Siding
The practice of installing lap siding
diagonally.
|
Ranch
A single story, one level home.
|
Random-Tab Shingles
Shingles on which tabs vary in size and
exposure.
|
Rankin
Thermometer scale on which unit of
measurement equals the Fahrenheit degree.
|
Raw Linseed Oil
The crude product processed from flaxseed
and usually without much subsequent
treatment.
|
Ready Mixed Concrete
Concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en
route to a job and delivered ready for
placement.
|
Rebar
Reinforcing bar used to increase the tensile
strength of concrete.
|
Receptacle
An electrical outlet. A typical household
will have many 120 volt receptacles for
plugging in lams and appliances and 240 volt
receptacles for the range, clothes dryer,
air conditioners, etc.
|
Recording Fee
A charge for recording the transfer of a
property, paid to a city, county, or other
appropriate branch of government.
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Redline, Red Lined Prints | | | | | | |
