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Glossary of Terms
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
A
A/C Back to top
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.
A/C CONDENSOR Back to top
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.
A-FRAME DESIGN Back to top
An interior style that features a steeply peaked roofline and a ceiling that is open to the top rafters.
AERATOR Back to top
The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow.
AIR HANDLER Back to top
Short for air handling unit, the blower equipment in a furnace, heat pump, or similar unit for circulating heated or cooled air through a central heating system.
AIR SPACE Back to top
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.
ALCOVE Back to top
A recessed section of a room.
ALUMINUM SIDING Back to top
A metal covering that provides an alternative to paint for owners of wood homes.
ALUMINUM CLAD WINDOWS Back to top
Wooden windows with aluminum covering the exterior.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME INSPECTORS(ASHI) Back to top
Professional association of independent home inspectors whose members must meet the group's education and performance requirements. Visit www.ashi.com for a list of certified inspectors.
AMPERAGE Back to top
The strength of an electrical current.
AMPERE Back to top
The basic unit used to measure electric current.
ANCHOR BOLTS Back to top
Bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, or masonry floors or walls.
APRON Back to top
A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill, or a paved area, such as the area where the street and driveway meet.
ARCH Back to top
A curved structure that supports weight over an area, such as a doorway.
AREA WELLS Back to top
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier wall installed around a basement window to hold back the earth.
ASTRAGAL Back to top
A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes.
ATTIC ACCESS Back to top
An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.
ATTIC VENTILATORS Back to top
Screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space.
AWNING WINDOWS Back to top
Single-sash windows that tilt outward and up.
B
BACKERBOARD Back to top
A rigid board used beneath tile.
BACKFILL Back to top
The replacement of excavated soil into a trench around or against a basement/crawl space foundation wall. Soil used to solidify the foundation of a structure.
BACKING Back to top
Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item. This way, items are mounted into solid wood instead of weak drywall.
BACKSPLASH Back to top
The area behind and above a countertop, typically covered to prevent water from splashing onto the wallboard.
BACKWATER VALVE Back to top
A valve in a sewer line that prevents sewage from flowing back into a house.
BAFFLE Back to top
A device to help acheive a ventilation space between insulation and roof sheathing. It helps to assure air flow from the eave vents in attics and cathedral ceilings. A device used as a heat sheild to deflect the by products of combustion.
BALL COCK Back to top
One type of inlet valve assembly inside a toilet tank that when opened fills the tank with water. BALLCOCK ASSEMBLY is the toilet tank mechanism that controls flushing.
BALLAST Back to top
A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.
BALLOON FRAMED WALL Back to top
Framed walls (generally over 10' tall) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss.
BALUSTER Back to top
Intermediate vertical support for a stair railing, often made from turned hardwood. Sometimes referred to as "picket" or "spindle."
BALUSTRADE Back to top
The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway. Railing held up by a set of posts on a porch or stairway.
BARGE Back to top
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
BARGE BOARD Back to top
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board.
BASEBOARD Back to top
Any board or molding found at the bottom of an interior wall.
BASEBOARD ELECTRIC HEAT Back to top
Heating units installed in the floor that can be controlled by a central thermostat.
BASEMENT Back to top
The area of a home below ground level.
BAT Back to top
A half-brick.
BATT Back to top
A section of fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation measuring 15 or 23 inches wide by four to eight feet long and various thickness'. (If "faced" has paper covering on one side, if "unfaced", does not have paper backing)
BATTEN Back to top
A narrow piece of material used on the outside of a house to cover joints in walls or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
BAY Back to top
The opening between two columns or walls that forms a space.
BAY WINDOW Back to top
A window that projects outward in a curve/square/polygon, or any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building.
BEAM Back to top
(Sometimes called a "girder") A structural member transversly supporting a load. A structural member carrying building load (weight) from one support to another.
BEARING HEADER Back to top
A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway or other opening. The horizontal structural member over an opening, such as a window or door.
BEARING WALL Back to top
A wall that supports its own weight in addition to other parts of a structure.
BERM Back to top
A built-up lip of concrete designed to prevent runoff water from entering the garage or driveway.
BIFOLD DOOR Back to top
Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used on closets.
BI-LEVEL Back to top
A home that has two levels. Typically, a garage or storage area is situated in the lower level and the home in the upper section. Most bi-level structures were built after 1950.
BI-METAL COIL Back to top
Part of a mechanical thermostat. It consists of two different types of metal that expand and contract at two different rates with changes in room temperature.
BI-PASS DOORS Back to top
Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors.
BLIND NAILING Back to top
Nails driven into a wall and concealed with putty.
BLOCKING Back to top
Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling.
BLOW INSULATION Back to top
Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls, where framing members are not exposed.
BOARD AND BATTEN Back to top
A type of siding composed of vertical boards and batten slats that cover wall joints.
BOOT Back to top
A piece of sheet metal that connects a heating or cooling duct and a vent.
BOTTOM CHORD Back to top
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.
BRACE Back to top
An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to strengthen the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing has been completed. Bracing is the technique used to reinforce a structure.
BRACED FRAMING Back to top
A construction method in two-story homes in which the frame is reinforced with posts and braces.
BRANCH CIRCUIT Back to top
An electrical circuit with its own circuit breaker in the service panel.
BREEZEWAY Back to top
A roofed passageway with open sides.
BRICK LINTEL Back to top
The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening.
BRICK VENEER Back to top
A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction. A brick facade on a wall or fireplace.
BUILDING CODES Back to top
Community ordinaces governing the manner in which a home may be constructed or modified. A comprehensive set of laws that controls the construction or remodeling of a home or other building.
BUILT INS Back to top
Appliances or other items that are framed into a home or permanently attached.
BUILT-UP ROOF Back to top
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.
BULKHEAD Back to top
A retaining wall designed to hold back water from the ocean or other body of water.
BUTT EDGE Back to top
The lower edge of the shingle tabs.
BUTT JOINT Back to top
The junction where the ends of two timbers meet, and also where sheets of drywall meet on the four foot edge. To place materials end to end or end to edge without overlapping.
BUTTERFLY ROOF Back to top
A roof formed by two gables that dip in the middle to resemble a butterfly's wings.
C
CANTILEVER Back to top
A projecting structure supported on one end, an overhang. One floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall.
CAP Back to top
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding or fireplace.
CAP FLASHING Back to top
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
CAPE COD STYLE Back to top
A single-story house style made popular in New England. Often characterized by a steep roof with gables.
CARPORT Back to top
A roof that covers a driveway or other parking area.
CASEMENT Back to top
Frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of a window shash. May be opened by hinges affixed to the vertical edges.
CASEMENT WINDOW Back to top
A window hinged on its sides to allow it to swing open vertically.
CASING Back to top
The trim that encircles a window or door opening, hiding the gap between the door or window jamb and the wall's surface.
CATHEDRAL CEILING Back to top
A high, open ceiling formed by finishing exposed roof rafters.
CAULK/CAULKING Back to top
A flexible material used to seal a gap between two surfaces. An acrylic or silicon sealant used to fill cracks, crevices and holes.
CEILING JOIST Back to top
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.
CENTER MULLION Back to top
A cabinetry term referring to the vertical piece of wood on the front that divides the opening into two parts.
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING Back to top
A device that generates cold air through an outside unit connected to ductwork inside the house.
CHASE Back to top
A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel in a wall, or through a ceiling for something to lie or pass through.
CHIMNEY Back to top
A structure containing a flue or flues and extending above the roof of a building. The passage through which smoke or fumes from a fire escape.
CHIMNEY CAP Back to top
A concrete cap that surrounds the top of the chimney brick. The cap protects the masonry from rain and other elements.
CHIMNEY POT Back to top
A short pipe at the top of a chimney that increases ventilation to the fireplace and reduces smoke.
CHIP BOARD Back to top
A board made of wood chips glued together under pressure. 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.
CIRCUIT Back to top
Short for electrical circuit, a complete circuit requires two electrical conductors (wires), an electrical source, and an electrical device such as a light. Electricity travels through one "hot" wire from the source to the device where it is converted into light, heat, or energy, then it returns along the other "neutral" wire to the source. The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to the ground.
CIRCUIT BREAKER Back to top
A switch like device in an electrical circuit that is designed to shut down the circuit in the event of an electrical overload or short circuit. Circuit breakers are normally installed in main electrical panels or subpanels.
CISTERN Back to top
A tank used to store rainwater.
CLAPBOARD Back to top
A type of siding, typically cedar, composed of overlapping horizontal boards.
CLEAN OUT Back to top
An opening providing access to a drain line, and closed with a threaded plug. It also refers to the part of a fireplace from which ashes can be removed.
CO/ALR Back to top
A designation on special light switches and outlets intended to be installed with aluminum wiring.
COLD AIR RETURN Back to top
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating.
COLLAR Back to top
Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roofing above the vent pipe opening, also called a "vent sleeve."
COLLAR BEAM Back to top
The structural element that connects roof beams. It serves to stiffen the roof structure.
COLUMN Back to top
A vertical structural compression member which supports loads.
COMBUSTION CHAMBER Back to top
The part of the boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation.
COMBUSTION GASES Back to top
The fumes or exhaust from a gas or oil burning appliance, such as a water heater or furnace. Combustion gases are usually vented through a flue.
COMPRESSOR Back to top
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.
CONDENSATE LINE Back to top
The copper pipe that runs from the outside air conditioning condensor to the inside furnace (where the A/C coil is located).
CONDENATE DRAIN Back to top
A drain required by a dehumidifier, high efficiency furnace, or similar appliance to carry away condensation.
CONDENSATE PUMP Back to top
A small pump used with high-efficiency furnaces or other appliances that create significant condensation. It activates when water collects to a certail level and pumps it out to a drain.
CONDENSATION Back to top
Beads or drops of water that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a building.
CONDENSOR Back to top
Part of a refrigeration (or air conditioning) system that pressurizes refrigerant to cool it by changing it from a vapor to a liquid. On a refrigerator, the condensor is the coil on the outside of the unit; an air conditioner's condensor is usually outside the house.
CONDOMINIUM Back to top
A development where individual units are owned, but common areas and amenities are shared equally by all owners.
CONVECTION Back to top
Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it.
COOLING LOAD Back to top
The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer, usually 78 degrees, regardless of outside temperature.
COPED Back to top
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.
Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
CORBEL Back to top
The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.
CORNER BOARD Back to top
Used as trim for the external corners of a house or other frame structure against which the ends of the siding are finished.
CORNER BRACES Back to top
Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and strengthen the wall.
CORNICE Back to top
Overhang of a pitched roof, usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit and the appropriate trim moldings.
COUNTER FLASHING Back to top
A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and used to prevent moisture entry.
COURSE Back to top
A row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof. Parallel layers of building materials such as bricks, or siding laid horizontally.
CRAWL SPACE Back to top
A shallow space below the living quarters of a house, normally enclosed by the foundation wall and having a dirt floor.
CRICKET Back to top
A second roof built on top of the primary roof to increase the slope of the roof or valley. A saddle-shaped, peaked construction connecting a sloping roof with a chimney. Designed to encourage water drainage away from the chimney joint.
CROSS BRIDGING Back to top
Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting.
CROSS TEE Back to top
Short metal "T" beam used in suspended ceiling systems to bridge the spaces between the main beams.
CROWN MOLDING Back to top
A piece of molding around the the top of the room. Molding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered, especially at the roof and wall corner.
CU/AL Back to top
A designation on standard light switches and outlets that are intended to be installed with copper wiring.
CUPOLA Back to top
A dome-like structure that sits on top of a roof.
CURABLE DEFECT Back to top
A deficiency in a property that is easy or inexpensive to fix, such as chipping paint.
CURTAIN WALL Back to top
An exterior wall that encloses a yard or other area, but does not provide any structural support to a home.
D
DAMPER Back to top
A metal "door" placed within the fireplace chimney. Normally closed when the fireplace is not in use. A movable plate or valve in the flue of a stove or furnace, for controlling the draft.
DAMP-PROOFING Back to top
The black, tar like waterproofing material applied to the exterior of a foundation wall.
DEDICATED CIRCUIT Back to top
An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors.
DELAMINATION Back to top
Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture.
DIRECT NAILING Back to top
The practice of nailing perpendicular to the initial surface or to the junction of the pieces joined. Also termed face nailing. Fastening a member by driving nails through it at right angles to its exposed surface.
DOOR JAMB Back to top
The surrounding case into and out of which a door closes and opens. It consists of two upright pieces, called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb.
DORMER Back to top
An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.
DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW Back to top
Window with two vertically moving sashes, each closing a different part of the window.
DOUBLE GLAZING Back to top
Two panes of glass in a door or window, with an air space between the panes. They may be sealed hermetically as a single unit or each pane may be installed separately in the door or window sash.
DOWNSPOUT Back to top
A pipe, usually of metal or plastic, for carrying rainwater from the horizontal roof gutters.
DRIP Back to top
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 Back to top
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, or at the bottom of a wall of siding (drip mold).
DRY ROT Back to top
A fungus that decays wood in the prescence of moisture and warm conditions and in the absence of light.
DRYWALL Back to top
Wall board or gypsum, a manufactured panel made out of gypsum plaster and encased in a thin cardboard. Usually 1/2" thick and 4' x 12' in size. The panels are nailed or screwed onto the framing and the joints are taped and covered with a "joint compound". "Green board" type drywall has a greater resistance to moisture that regular (white) plasterboard and is used in bathrooms and other wet areas.
DUCTS Back to top
The round or rectangular metal pipes in a house used for distributing warm air from the heating plant (device) or air from a conditioning device to rooms, or as cold air returns.
DUPLEX Back to top
A single building type which is divided and provides two units which serve as homes to two families.
E
EAVE Back to top
A The lower par of a roof which projects beyond the face of the walls.
EAVE SOFFIT Back to top
The under surface of the eave.
ELBOW (ell) Back to top
A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions in runs of pipe or conduit.
ELECTRIC RESISTANCE COILS Back to top
Metal wires that heat up when electric current passes through them and are used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters.
ESCROW Back to top
An amount retained by a third party in trust to meet a future obligation.
ESCUTCHEON Back to top
An ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending through a wall or floor to hide the cut out hole.
EVAPORATOR COIL Back to top
The part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your home (see condensing unit).
EXPANSION JOINT Back to top
Fibrous material (about 1/2" thick) installed in and around a concrete slab to permit it to move up and down (seasonally) along the non-moving foundation wall.
EXFILTRATION Back to top
The uncontrolled leakage of air out of a building.
EXPANDED METAL Back to top
A metal network formed by stamping or cutting sheet-metal and stretching it to form open meshes. It is used as reinforcing in concrete constructuon and as lath for plastering and stucco.
EXPOSED AGGREGATE FINISH Back to top
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.
F
FACE NAILING Back to top
The practice of fastening a member by driving nails through it at right angles to its exposed surface.
FACING BRICK Back to top
The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these have a finished texture.
FASCIA Back to top
A finish member around the face of eaves and roof projections. Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia.
FELT Back to top
Tar paper, installed under the roof shingles, normally 15 or 30 lb.
FERRULE Back to top
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.
FINGER JOINT Back to top
A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of lumber or molding.Often used in jambs and casing and are normally painted vs. stained.
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING Back to top
The time in hours or fraction thereof that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance.
FIRE RETARDANT CHEMICAL Back to top
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the spread of flame.
FIRE STOP Back to top
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 usually consists of 2x4 cross blocking between studs.
FISHPLATE (gusset) Back to top
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 juction of opposite rafters near the ridge line.
FLASHING Back to top
A material, such as sheet metal, used in roof and wall construction to shed water and protect the building from water seepage.
FLOATING Back to top
The next to last step in concrete work, when the job is smoothed off and water is brought to the surface by using a hand float or bull float.
FLOATING WALL Back to top
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.
FLUE Back to top
The space or pasage in a chimney through which smoke, gas, or fumes ascend. Each passage is called a flue, which together with any others and the surrounding masonry make up the chimney.
FLUE COLLAR Back to top
Round metal ring which fits around the heat flue pipe after the pipe passes through the roof.
FLUE DAMPER Back to top
A door located in the flue that closes it off when the flue is not in use; an automatic door located in the flue that closes it off when the burner turns off, the purpose is to reduce heat loss up the flue from the sitll warm furnace or boiler.
FLUE LINING Back to top
A fire clay or terra-cotta pipe, round or square, usually made in all ordinary flue sizes and in 24" lengths, used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work around the outside. Flue lining in chimneys usually runs from about 12 inches below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.
FOOTER/FOOTINGS Back to top
A masonry section (usually continuous) 8" or 10" thick concrete, in a rectangular form wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports.
FORCED AIR HEATING Back to top
A common form of heating with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity as a fuel, where air is heated in the furnace and distributed through a set of metal ducts to various areas of the house.
FOUNDATION Back to top
The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction, or below grade, including the footings, which transfers the weight of, and loads of, the structure to the ground.
FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING Back to top
High quality below grade moisture protection, used for exterior concrete and masonry walls to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion, normally looks like black tar.
FRAMING Back to top
The skeleton of the building. The rough timber work of a house, including the flooring, roofing, partitioning and beams.
FRAMING, BALLOON Back to top
A system of framing a building in which all vertical structural elements of the bearing walls and partitions consist of single pieces extending from the top of the foundation sill plate to the roof plate and to which all floor joists are fastened.
FRAMING, PLATFORM Back to top
A system of framing a building in which floor joists of each storey rest on the top plates of the storey below, or on the foundation sill for the first storey, and the bearing walls and partitions rest on the subfloor of each storey.
FRIEZE Back to top
A horizontal member used in house construction to connect the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.
FROST LID Back to top
Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit.
FROSTLINE Back to top
The depth of frost penetration is soil. This depth varies in different parts of the country. Footings should be placed below this depth to prevent movement.
FURRING Back to top
The 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.
FUSE Back to top
A device often found in older homes designed to prevent overloads in electrical lines. This protects against fire.
G
GFCI/GFI Back to top
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, an ultra sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, exteior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and wet areas, generally has a small reset button on it.
GABLE Back to top
The upper triangular shaped portion of the end wall of a house above the eave line of a double sloped roof.
GABLE ROOF Back to top
A steeply angled, triangular roof.
GAMBREL ROOF Back to top
A ''barn-like'' roof, where the upper portion of the roof is less-steeply angled than the lower part.
GATE VALVE Back to top
A valve that lets you completely stop, but not modulate, the flow within a pipe.
GEORGIAN Back to top
A classic, English-style house characterized by simple rectangular shape and multiple stories.
GAUGE Back to top
A standard for measuring, e.g diameter of nails or wire and thickness of metal sheets, etc.
GIRDER Back to top
A large beam supporting floor joists at the same level as the sills. A larger or principal beam used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.
GIRT Back to top
A large horizontal beam supporting the ends of upper storey floor joists between posts.
GRADE Back to top
Ground level, or the elevation at any given point. The surface slope, or level of the ground around the foundation wall. Also, to modify the ground surface by cut and fill. Can be used to refer to the designated quality of a piece of manufactured wood.
GRADE BEAM Back to top
A foundation wall that is poured at level with or just below the grade of the earth.
GRADE LINE Back to top
A pre-determined line indicating the proposed elevation of the ground surface around a building.
GROUND Back to top
Refers to electricity's habit of seeking the shortest route to earth. Neutral wires carry it there in all circuits. An additonal grounding wire or the sheathing of the metal-clad cable or conduit-protects against shock if the neutral leg is interupted.
GROUND FAULT Back to top
See GFCI/GFI
GROUND IRON Back to top
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.
GROUT Back to top
A wet mixture of cement, sand and water the flows into masonry or ceramic crevices to seal the cracks between the different pieces/surfaces.
GUSSET Back to top
A flat wood, plywood, or similar type member used to provide a connection at the intersection of wood members. Most commonly used at joints of wood trusses. They are fastened by nails, screws, bolts, or adhesives.
GUTTER Back to top
A shallow channel or conduit of metal, plastic or wood set below and along the eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from the roof.
GYPSUM PLASTER Back to top
The combination of gypsum with sand and water for making base-coat plaster.
H
HEADER Back to top
A wood member at right angles to a series of joists or rafters at which the joists terminate. When used at openings in the floor or roof system, the header supports the joist or rafters and acts as a beam.
HEARTH Back to top
The inner or outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile or stone.
HEAT EXCHANGER Back to top
A device specifically designed to transfer heat between two physically separated fluids, such as air.
HEATING Back to top
Air conditioning: the process of bringing air to a required state of temperature and humidity, and removing dust, pollen, and other foreign matter.
Baseboard Heater: A radiator shaped like a decorative baseboard having openings at the top and bottom through which air circulates.
Central Heating: A heating system in which a number of rooms or spaces are heated from a central source.
Convector: A heating device in which the air enters through an opening near the floor, is heated as it passes through the heating element and enters the room through an upper opening.
Hot Water Heating: The circulation of hot water through a system of pipes and radiators either by gravity or a circulating pump.
Panel Heating: Coils or ducts installed in wall, floor or ceiling panels to provide a large surface supply of low intensity heat.
Radiant Heating: A heating system in which only the heat radiated from panels is effective in providing the heating requirements.
Warm Air Heating: A warm air heating plant consisting of a heating unit (fuel burning furnace) enclosed in a casing, from which the heated air is distributed to various rooms of the building through ducts.
HEAT PUMP Back to top
A mechanical device which uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool. It extracts usuable heat from a medium like air or water by raising (pumping) its temperature, in reverse it can be used for cooling.
HIP Back to top
The sloping ridge of a roof formed by two intersecting roof slopes.
HIP-RAFTER Back to top
The rafter which forms the hip of a roof.
HIP ROOF Back to top
A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building.
HOME INSPECTION Back to top
A complete examination of a building to determine its structural integrity and uncover any defects in materials or workmanship which may adversely affect the property or decrease its value.
HOMEOWNERS WARRANTY Back to top
An insurance policy covering the repair of systems and appliances within the home for the coverage period.
HOSE BIB Back to top
An exterior water faucet (sill cock).
HUMIDIFIER Back to top
A device designed to increase the humidity within a room or a house by means of the discharge of water vapour. It may consist of an individual room-size unit or a larger unit attached to the heating plant to condition the entire house.
HVAC Back to top
An abbreviation for Heat,Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
I
I-BEAM Back to top
A steel beam with a cross section resembling the letter "I". It is used for long spans as basement beams or over wide openings, such as double garage door, when wall and roof loads are imposed on the opening.
I-JOIST Back to top
Manufactured structural building component resembling the letter "I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include tow key parts:
(1)Flange-front of the joist usually made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber and formed into a 1 1/2" length.
(2)Web-center of the joist commonly made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Large holes can be cut in the web to accomodate duct work and plumbing waste lines.
IMPERMEABLE Back to top
Not permitting water vapour or other fluid to pass through.
INFILTRATION Back to top
The uncontrolled leakage of air into or out of a building, usually associated with drafts from cracks, seams or holes in the building.
INSULATED GLASS Back to top
Window or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed air space between (double glass).
INSULATION Back to top
Any material high in resistance to heat transmission that, when placed in the walls, ceiling or floors of a structure, will reduce the rate of heat flow.
Blown:low density, loose insulation material which is mechanically installed.
Electrical:Non-conducting covering applied to wire or equipment to prevent short circuiting
Friction Fit Batt:Batt insulation which is held secure withing framing members by friction
Rigid:Dense insulation material that is structurally rigid (board insulation).
INTERIOR FINISH Back to top
The covering used on interior walls and ceilings.
IRRIGATION Back to top
Lawn sprinkler system.
J
J-CHANNEL Back to top
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 Back to top
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.
JACK RAFTER Back to top
A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip, or from a valley rafter to the roof ridge.
JAMB Back to top
The side post or lining of a doorway, window, or other opening.
JOINT Back to top
The location between the touching surfaces of two members or components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.
JOIST Back to top
One of a series of horizontal wood members, usually 2 inches nominal thickness, used for support (eg. floor joist, ceiling joist or roof joist). A parrallel beam used to support floor and ceiling loads, and supported in turn by larger beams, girders, or bearing walls.
JOIST HANGER Back to top
A steel section shaped like a stirrup ("U" shaped), bent so it can be fastened to a beam to provide end support for joists, headers, etc.
JUMPERS Back to top
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
KEEPER Back to top
The metal latch plate in a door frame into which a doorknob plunger latches.
KEYLESS Back to top
A plastic or porcelain light fixture that operates by a pull string. Generally found in the basement , crawl space, and attic areas.
KEYWAY Back to top
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 additonal strength to the joint meeting point.
KING STUD Back to top
The vertical 2x's frame lumber (left & right) of a window or door opening that runs continuously from the bottom sole plate to the top plate.
KNEEWALL Back to top
Partitions of varying length used to support roof rafters when the span is so great that additional support is required to stiffen them.
L
LAMINATED SHINGLES Back to top
Shingles that have added dimension because of extra layers or tabs, giving them a shake-like appearance (also called arhitectural shingles or three dimensional shingles).
LANDING Back to top
A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs.
LAP Back to top
To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.
LATH Back to top
A building material of wood, metal, gypsom or insulating board that is fastened to the frame of a building to act as a plaster, shingle, or tile base.
LATTICE Back to top
A framework of crossed wood or metal strips.
LEDGER Back to top
The wooden perimeter frame lumber member that bolts onto the face of a foundation wall and supports the wood structural floor.
LEDGER STRIP Back to top
A strip of lumber fastened along the bottom of the side of a beam on which joists rest.
LEVEL Back to top
True horizontal. Also, a tool used to determine level.
LINTEL Back to top
A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening such as a door or window.
LIVE LOAD Back to top
The weight due to occupancy of a building.
LOOKOUT RAFTERS Back to top
The short wood members contilevered over a wall to support an overhanging portion of a roof.
LOUVER Back to top
An opening with a series of horizontal slats so arranged as to permit ventilation, but to exclude rain, sunlight or vision.
LUMBER Back to top
Any wood which has been sawed and planed only.
Dressed size lumber: the dimension of lumber after shrinking from green dimension and after machining to size or pattern
Matched lumber: Any lumber that is dressed and shaped on one edge in a grooved pattern and on the other in a tongued pattern
Shiplap lumber:Any lumber that is edge-dressed to make a close rabbeted or lapped joint.
M
MANSARD ROOF Back to top
A double-pitched roof with lower section containing dormers.
MANTEL Back to top
The shelf above a fireplace, also used in referring to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.
MASONRY Back to top
The combination of stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete-block, gypsum block, or other similar building units or materials, bonded together with mortar to form a wall, pier, buttress or similar mass.
MASTIC Back to top
A pasty material used as a cement (as for setting tile) or a protective coating (as for thermal insulation, sealing or waterproofing).
METAL LATH Back to top
A base for plaster or stucco, usually expanded metal or woven wire.
MICOLAM Back to top
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 sawn lumber.
MILLWORK Back to top
Generally all building materials made of finished wood and manufactured in millwork plants. Includes all doors, window and door frames, blinds, mantels, panel work, stairway components, moldings, and interior trim. Does not include flooring, ceiling or siding.
MITER JOINT Back to top
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 degree angle.
MOLDING Back to top
A wood strip having an engraved, decorative surface.
MONOPOST Back to top
Adjustable metal column used to support a beam or bearing point. Normally 11 gauge or Schedule 40 metal, and determined by the structural engineer.
MORTAR Back to top
A substance produced from prescribed proportions of cementing agents, aggregates and water which gradually sets hard after mixing.
MORTAR BED Back to top
The layer of mortar on which any structural member, masonry unit or tile is bedded.
MORTISE Back to top
A slot cut into a board, plank, or timber, usually edgewise, to receive a tenon or another board, plank or timber to form a joint or to receive a lock, hinge, etc.
MUDSILL Back to top
Any timber placed directly on the ground as a foundation for a structure.
MULLION Back to top
A vertical divider in the frame between windows, doors or other openings.
MUNTIN Back to top
A secondary framing member (horizontal, vertical or slanted) to hold the window panes in the sash.
N
NEC (National Electric Code) Back to top
A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes may differ from the NEC in some ways.
NEWEL POST Back to top
The large starting post to which the end of a stair guard, railing or balustrade is fastened.
NON-BEARING WALL Back to top
A wall which separates space into rooms, but does not support any vertical load except its own weight.
NOSING Back to top
The projecting edge of a molding or drip or the front edge of a stair tread.
NOZZLE Back to top
The part of a heating system that sprays the fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber.
O
OC/ON CENTER Back to top
The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, and joists in a building from the center of one member to the center of the next.
ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB) Back to top
A manufactured 4' x 8' wood panel made out of 1-2" wood chips and glue, often used as a substitute for plywood.
OUTRIGGER Back to top
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 Back to top
Outward projecting eave/soffit area of a roof; the part of the roof that hangs out or over the outside wall.
P
PADDING Back to top
A material installed under carpet to add foor comfort, isolate sound and to prolong the carpet's life.
PAD OUT or PACK OUT Back to top
To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or ceiling in order that the finished ceiling/wall will appear correct.
PANE Back to top
A sheet of glass for glazing a window. After installation, the pane is referred to as a "light" (lite) or "window light".
PANEL Back to top
A large board or sheet of lumber, plywood or other material. A thin board with all its edges inserted in a groove of a surrounding frame of thick material. A portion of a flat surface recessed or sunk below the surounding area, distinctly set off by molding or some other decorative device. Also, a section of floor, wall, ceiling or roof, usually prefabricated and large, handled as a single unit in the operations of assembly and erection.
PAPER, BUILDING Back to top
A breather type sheathing paper usually underneath or behind exterior finish material in wood frame construction. A general term for papers, felts, and similar sheet materials used in buildings without reference to their properties or uses.
PAPER, SHEATHING Back to top
A breather type tar or asphalt used under extension wall cladding as protection against the passage of air or water. A building material, generally paper or felt, used in wall and roof construction as a protection against the passage of air and sometimes moisture.
PARAPET Back to top
The part of an exterior, party or firewall extending above the roof line; a wall which serves as a guard at the edge of a balcony or roof.
PARGING Back to top
A coat of plaster or cement mortar applied to masonry or concrete walls.
PARTICLE BOARD Back to top
Plywood subsitute made of course sawdust that is mixed with resin and pressed into sheets. Used for closet shelving, floor underlayment, stair treads,etc.
PARTITION Back to top
A wall that subdivides spaces within any storey of a building.
PERCOLATION TEST (perc test) Back to top
Test 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.
PERIMETER DRAIN Back to top
3-4" 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.
PERMEABILTY Back to top
A measure of the ease with which water vapour passes through a unit thickness of a material.
PIG-TAIL, ELECTRICAL Back to top
The electric cord that the electrician provides and installs on an appliance such as a garbage disposal,dishwasher or range hood.
PIER Back to top
A column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross section, used to support other structural members.
PITCH Back to top
The incline slope of a roof or the ration of the total rise to the total width of a house, i.e. an 8 foot rise and a 24 foot width is a one-third pitch roof. Roof slope is expressed in teh inches of rise, per foor of horizontal run.
PITCHED ROOF Back to top
A roof which has one or more surfaces sloping at angles greater than necessary for drainage.
PLATE Back to top
Sill Plate: a horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall.
Sole Plate: bottom horizontal member of a frame wall.
Top Plate: top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, or other members.
PLATFORM FRAME Back to top
A house frame in which the floor joists of one storey rest on the top plate of the wall below..
PLENUM Back to top
The main hot air supply duct leading from a furnace.
PLUMB Back to top
The state of being exactly perpendicular, vertical.
PLUMBING BOOTS Back to top
Metal saddles used to strengthen a bearing wall/vertical stud(s) where a plumbing drain line has been cut through and intalled.
PLUMBING WASTE LINE Back to top
Plastic pipe used to collect and draining sewage waste.
PLY Back to top
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.
PLYWOOD Back to top
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.
POINT LOAD Back to top
A point where a bearing/structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation.
POST Back to top
The vertical wall members at the corners and wall intersections. A vertical framing member usually designed to carry a beam. Often a 4" x 4", a 6" x 6" or a metal pipe with a flat plate on top and bottom.
POST & BEAM Back to top
A basic building method that uses just a few hefty posts and beams to support an entire structure, contrasts with stud framing.
PRESSURE DIFFERENCE Back to top
The difference in pressure of the volume of air enclosed by the house envelope and teh air surrounding the envelope.
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE (PRV) Back to top
A device mounted on a hot water heater or boiler which is designed to release any high steam pressure in the tank to prevent tank explosions.
PRESSURE TREATED WOOD Back to top
Lumber that has been saturated with a preservative.
PRIMER Back to top
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.
PROPERTY SURVEY Back to top
A survey to determine the boundaries of your property. The cost depends on the complexity.
PURLIN Back to topThe members at right angles to rafters serving to break up the roofboard span.
PVC or CPVC Back to top
Poly Vinyl Chloride, a type of white or light gray plastic pipe sometimes used for water supply lines.
Q
QUARRY TILE Back to top
A man-made or machine made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall, generally 6"x6"x1/4" thick.
QUARTER ROUND Back to top
A small trim molding that has the cross section of a quarter circle.
R
RABBET Back to top
A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.
RADIANT HEATING Back to top
A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced hot water sytem with pipes placed in the floor, wall or ceiling; or with electrically heated cables or panels.
RADON Back to top
A naturally occurring radioactive gas found in many parts of the country. Radon enters homes by cracks, crevices, and other openings in the foundation. Exposure to radon gas is associated with lung cancer.
RADON SYSTEM Back to top
A ventilation system beneath the floor/slab and designed to exhaust radon gas from underneath the house to the exterior.
RAFTER Back to top
A structural member of a roof designed to support roof loads. The rafters of a flat roof are sometimes called roof joists.
RAFTER, HIP Back to top
A rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof angle.
RAFTER, VALLEY Back to top
A rafter that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle. The valley rafter is normally made of double 2" thick members.
RAIL Back to top
Cross members of panel doors or of a sash. Also, a wall or open balustrade placed at the edge of a staircase, walkway bridge, or elevated surface to prevent people from falling off. Any lightweight horizontal element, especially those found in fences.
RAKE Back to top
The trim members that run parrallel to the roof slope and form the finish between the wall and a gable roof extension. Slope or slanted.
RAKE FASCIA Back to top
The vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave.
RAKE SIDING Back to top
The practice of installing lap siding diagonally.
RANCH STYLE Back to top
A single story, one level home.
REBAR Back to top
Reinforcing bar. Ribed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers, and poured in place, designed to strengthen concrete.
RECEPTACLE Back to top
An mounted electrical outlet.
REDUCER Back to top
A fitting with different size openings at either end and used to go from a larger to a smaller pipe.
REFRIGERANT Back to top
A substance that remains a gas at low temperatures and pressure, and can be used to transfer heat (for example, freon).
REGISTER Back to top
A grill placed over a heating duct or cold air return.
REINFORCING Back to top
The practice of placing steel rods or metal fabric in concrete slabs, beams, or columns to increase their strength.
RELIEF VALVE Back to top
A device designed to open if it detects excess temperature or pressure.
RESISTANCE VALUE (RSI or R-VALUE) Back to top
Thermal resistance value. A metric measurement of the ability of a material to resist heat transfer.
RETAINING WALL Back to top
A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.
RIBBON (GIRT)Back to top
A 1 inch by 4 inch let into the studs horizontally to support ceiling or second floor joists, replaces the girt in balloon frame.
RIDGE Back to top
The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping roof surfaces.
RIDGE BOARD Back to top
the board placed on the ridge of the roof onto which the upper ends of other rafters are fastened.
RIM JOIST Back to top
A joist that runs around the perimeter of the floor joists and home.
RISE Back to top
The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge. Also, the vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (not to exceed 7.5 inches).
RISER Back to top
Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads of stairways.
ROLL ROOFING Back to top
A roofing material, composed on fiber and saturated with asphalt, that is supplied in 36" wide rolls with 100 square feet of material.
ROMEX Back to top
A name brand of nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable that is used for indoor wiring.
ROOF JACK Back to top
Sleeves that fit around the black plumbing waste vent pipes at, and nailed to, the roof sheeting.
ROOF SHEATHING/SHEETING Back to top
The boards or sheet material fastened to the roof on which the shingle or other roof covering is laid.
ROOF VALLEY Back to top
The "V" created when two sloping roofs meet.
ROUGH OPENING Back to top
The horizontal and vertical measurement of a window or door opening before drywall or siding is installed.
RUN Back to top
Roof Run: The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.
Stair Run: The horizontal distance of a stair tread from the nose to the riser.
R-VALUE Back to top
A measure on insulation. A measure of a materials resistance to the passage of heat. The higher the R-value, the more insulating "power" it has.
S
SADDLE Back to top
The two sloping surface meeting in a horizontal ridge, used between the back side of a chimney, or other vertical surface, and sloping roof. Also called a cricket.
SASH Back to top
The framework which holds the glass in a window, often the movable part of the window.
SASH BALANCE Back to top
A device, usually operated by a spring or tensioned weatherstripping designed to counterbalance double-hung window sash, designed to hold a single hung window vent up and in place.
SATURATED FELT Back to top
A felt which is impregnated with tar or asphalt.
SCUPPER Back to top
An opening for drainage in a wall, curb or parapet. Also the drain in a downspout or flat roof, usually connected to the downspout.
SEPTIC SYSTEM Back to top
An on site waste water treatment system. It usually has a septic tank, which promotes the biological digestion of the waste, and a drain field, which is designed to let the left over liquid soak into the ground. Septic systems are generally sized by the number of bedrooms in a house.
SERVICE ENTRANCE PANEL Back to top
Main power cabinet where electricity enters a home wiring system.
SETBACK THERMOSTAT Back to top
A thermostat with a clock which can be programmed to come on or go off at various temperatures and at different times of the day/week. Usually used as a heating or cooling system thermostat.
SETTLEMENT Back to top
Shifts in a structure, usually caused by freeze-thaw cycles underground.
SEWAGE EJECTOR Back to top
A pump used to "lift" waste water to a gravity sanitary sewer line. Usually, used in basements and other locations which are situated below the level of the side sewer.
SEWER LATERAL Back to top
The portion of the sanitary sewer which connects the interior waste water lines to the main sewer lines. The side sewer is usually buried in several feet of soil and runs from the house to the sewer line. It is usually "owned" by the sewer by the sewer utility, must be maintained by the owner and may only be serviced by utility approved contractors.
SHAKE Back to top
A wood roofing material, normally cedar or redwood.
SHED ROOF Back to top
A roof containing only one sloping plane.
SHIM Back to top
A small piece of scrap lumber or shingle, usually wedge shaped, which when forced behind a furring strip or framing member forces it into position. Also, metal or wood pieces used to fill gaps in framing members.
SHINGLES Back to top
Any roof covering of asphalt, asbestos, wood, tilt, slate or other material cut to stock lengths, widths, and thickness.
SHUTTER Back to top
The common lightweight lovered of flush wood or non-wood frames in the form of doors located a each side of a window.
SIDING Back to top
The finished exterior covering of the outside walls of a frame building.
Siding, Lap Siding: The wedge shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped pattern.
Siding, Dolly Varden: A beveled wood siding which is rabbeted on the bottom edge.
SILL Back to top
The lowest member of the frame of a structure, resting on the foundation and supporting the floor joists or the uprights of the wall. The member forming the lower side of an opening, such as a door sill, window sill, etc.
SILL COCK Back to top
An exterior water faucet (hose bib).
SILL PLATE (mudsill) Back to top
A structural member anchored to the top of a foundation wall, upon which the floor joists rest.
SKYLIGHT Back to top
A more or less horizontal window located on the roof of a building.
SLAB ON GRADE Back to top
A type of foundation with a concrete floor which is placed directly on the soil. The edge of the slab is usually thicker and acts as the footing for the walls.
SLOPE Back to top
The incline angle of a roof surface, given as a ratio of the rise to the run (see "pitch").
SOFFIT Back to top
The horizontal or sloping part of the eave. The area below/under the eaves and overhangs.
SOIL STACK Back to top
A general term for the vertical main of a system of soil, waste or vent piping. A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
SOLE PLATE Back to top
The bottom, horizontal framing memver of a wall that is attached to the floor sheeting and vertical wall studs.
SOLID BRIDGING Back to top
A solid member placed between adjacent floor joists near the center of the span to prevent joist from twisting.
SPAN Back to top
The horizontal distance between supports for beams, joists, rafters, etc.
SPECIFIC HEAT Back to top
The number of BTU's required to raise the temperature of one pound of a substance 1 degree in temperature.
SPLASH BLOCK Back to top
A small masonry block laid with the top close to the ground surface to receive roof drainage and divert it away from the building.
SQUARE TAB SHINGLES Back to top
Shingles on which tabs are all same size and exposure.
STACK EFFECT Back to top
Pressure differential across a building caused by differences in the density of the air due to an indoor-outdoor temperature difference.
STEP FLASHING Back to top
Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane. Each piece overlaps the one beneath it the entire length of the sloping roof (step by step).
STICK BUILT Back to top
A house built without prefabricated parts.
STILE Back to top
The vertical edge members of a window sash.
STOOL Back to top
The flat molding fitted over the window sill between jambs and contacting the bottom rail of the lower sash.
STOPS Back to top
Moldings along the inner edges of a door or window frame, also valves used to shut off water to a fixture.
STOP VALVE Back to top
A device installed in a water supply line, usually near a fixture, that permits one to shut off the water supply to one fixture without interrupting service to the rest of the system.
STOREY Back to top
The part of the building between any floor and the floor or roof next above.
STORM SASH OR STORM WINDOW Back to top
An extra window usually placed outside of an existing one, as additional protection against the cold weather.
STRING, STRINGER Back to top
A timber or other support for cross members in floors or ceilings. In stairs, the support on which the stair treads rest; also stringboard
STRUCTURAL FLOOR Back to top
A framed lumber floor that is installed as a basement floor instead of concrete. This is done on very expansive soils.
STRUT Back to top
A structural member which is designed to resist longitudinal compressive stress such as members supporting ridge beam or rafters; a short column.
STUB, STUBBED Back to top
To push through.
STUCCO Back to top
An outside plaster made with Portland cement as its base.
STUDS Back to top
The vertical framing members between the posts used to support vertical loads and provide nailing surfaces for interior and exterior sheathing.
SUBFLOOR Back to top
The boards or sheet material laid on joists under a finished floor. The framing components of a floor to include the sill plate, floor joists, and deck sheeting over which a finish floor is to be laid.
SUMP Back to top
Pit or large plastic bucket/barrel inside the home designed to collect ground water from the perimeter drain system.
SUMP PUMP Back to top
A submersible pump in a sump pit that pumps any excess ground water to the outside of the building.
SUSPENDED CEILING Back to top
A ceiling system supported by hanging it from the overhead structural framing.
SWAY BRACE Back to top
Metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally on the inside of a wall from bottom to top plate, to prevent the wall from twisting, racking or falling over in a dominoe fashion.
T
T & G, TONGUE AND GROOVE Back to top>
Any lumber, such as boards or planks, machined in such a manner that there is a groove on one edge and a corresponding rib, or tongue, on the other edge.
TAIL BEAM Back to top
A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other.
TAPING Back to top
The process of covering drywall joints with paper tap and joint compound.
TECO Back to top
Metal straps that are nailed to secure the roof rafters and trusses to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called "hurricane clip".
TEMPERED Back to top
Strengthened. Tempered glass will not shatter or create shards, but will "pelletize" like an automobile window. Tempered glass is required in tub and shower enclosures, entry doors, sidelights, and windows where the sill is less than 16 inches to the floor.
THERMAL BREAK (THERMAL BARRIER) Back to top
An element of low heat conductivity placed in such a way as to reduce or prevent the flow of heat.
THERMAL BRIDGE Back to top
A low thermal resistance path connecting two surfaces; for example, framing members in insulated frame wall or metal ties in cavity wall and panel construction.
THERMOSTAT Back to top
Any device that controls a heating or cooling device by responding to changes in temperature.
THRESHOLD Back to top
The bottom metal or wood plate of an exterior door frame. The strip of beveled wood or metal used over the finish floor and sill of an exterior door.
TIE BEAM Back to top
A beam connecting the base of rafter pairs to prevent outward thrust.
TIMBERS Back to top
All wood framing members whose smallest dimension is 5 inches.
TIP UP Back to top
The downspout extension that directs water (from the building's gutter system) away from the building.
TOENAIL Back to top
To drive a nail in at a slant. Nailing at an angle to the first member so as to ensure penetration into a second member.
TONGUE AND GROOVE LUMBER Back to top
See T & G, Tongue and Groove.
TOP CHORD Back to top
The upper or top member of a truss.
TOP PLATE Back to top
The horizontal member nailed to the top of the partition or wall studs in a building.
TRANSOM Back to top
A horizontal member separating a door from a window panel above the door, or separating one window above another.
TRAP Back to top
A plumbing fitting that holds water to prevent air, gas and vermin from backing up into a fixture.
TREAD Back to top
The walking surface board in a stairway on which the floor is placed.
TREATED LUMBER Back to top
A wood product which has been impregnated with chemical pesticides such as Chromated Copper Arsenate to reduce damage from wood rot or insects. Wood may also be treated with a fire retardant.
TRIM Back to top
Interior: The finish materials in a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim) or at the floor and ceiling of rooms (baseboard, cornice and other moldings). Also, the pysical work of installing interior doors and interior woodwork, to include all handrails, guardrails , stair way balustrades, mantles, light boxes, etc.
Exterior:The finish materials on the exterior of a building, such as moldings applied around opening (window trim,door trim), siding, windows, exterior doors, attic vents, crawl space vents, shutters, etc. Also, the physical work of installing these materials.
TRIMMER Back to top
A beam or joist alongside an opening and into which a header is framed.
TRUSS Back to top
Any rafter, ceiling joist and tie assembled in such a way as to span a greater distance than the rafter alone.
TUB TRAP Back to top
Curved, "U" shaped section of a bath tub drain pipe that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gases from entering the home through the tub's water drain.
U
U-VALUE Back to top
(Coefficient of heat transfer) The number of BTU's that flow through one square floor of a material in one hour, when there is a 1 percent difference in temperature between the inside and outside air, under steady state conditons.
UNDERLAYMENT Back to top
A 1/4" material placed over the subfloor plywood sheeting and under finish coverings, such as vinyl flooring, to provide a smooth even surface. Also, a secondary roofing layer that is waterproof or water-resistant, installed on the roof deck and beneath shingles or other roof finishing layer.
UNION Back to top
A plumbing fitting that joins pipes end to end so they can be dismantled.
V
VALLEY Back to top
The internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides of a roof.
VALLEY RAFTERS Back to top
Any rafters which are located at the center of roof valleys to support the jack rafters.
VALLEY FLASHING Back to top
Sheet metal that lays in the "V" area of a roof valley.
VAPOR BARRIER Back to top
The material used to retard the movement of water vapor into walls and attics and prvent condensation in them. Applied separately over the side of exposed walls. Normally, polyethylene plastic sheeting is used.
VENT Back to top
A pipe or duct which alows the flow of air and gasses to the outside. Also, another word for the moving glass part of a window sash, i.e. window vent.
VENTILATION Back to top
The provision for supplying, moving, or removing air, either mechanically or naturally.
VERMICULITE Back to top
A mineral closely related to mica, with the faulty of expanding on heating to form lightweight material with insulation quality. used as bulk insulation, as aggregate in insulating and accoustical plaster and in insulating concrete floors.
VISQUEEN Back to top
A 4-6 mil plastic sheeting.
VOLTAGE Back to top
A measure of electrical potential. Most homes are wired with 110 and 220 volt lines. The 110 volt power is used for lighting and most of the other circuits. The 220 volt power is usually used is usually for the larger appliances, such as dryers, ranges, etc.
W
WAFER BOARD Back to top
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.
WALK-THROUGH Back to top
A final inspection of a home before "Closing" to look for and document problems that need to be corrected.
WALL PLATESBack to top
The horizontal member in wood frame construction attached to the ends of the studs. Also called top or bottom plates, depending on their location.
WARPING Back to top
Any distortion in a material.
WASTE PIPE & VENT Back to top
Plumbing plastic pipe that carries waste water to the municipal sewage system.
WATER BOARD Back to top
Water resistant drywall to be used in tub and shower location. Normally green or blue colored.
WATER WALL Back to top
An interior wall of water filled containers constituting a one step heating system which combines collection and storage.
WATT Back to top
A measure of the electrical requirement of an appliance calculated by multiplying the voltage times the amperage.
WEATHER BARRIER Back to top
The outer most assembly of the building envelope, used to protect the inner structure and insulation from the effects of wind and rain. Materials typically used are siding, building paper and flashing.
WEATHERSTRIPPING Back to top
A strip of felt, rubber, metal or other material, fixed along the edges of doors or windows to keep out drafts and reduce heat loss.
WEEP CUT (DRIP CUT) Back to top
A groove in the underside of a horizontal board or masonry unit (such as a sill), which projects beyond the wall surface below to prevent water from moving back toward the wall surface.
WEEP HOLE Back to top
A small hole, as at the bottom of a retaining wall or masonry veneer, to drain water to the exposed face.
WHOLE HOUSE FAN Back to top
A fan designed to move air through and out of a home and installed in the ceiling.
WINDOW, PART OF Back to top
Balance: A device used to counteract the weight of the sash for ease of operation.
Light: Window pane; the term is used to designate the number of separate panes which make up the entire window.
Lintel: The horizontal top piece of the window framework.
Mullion: The perpendicular members which divide the bays or lights of windows or screen-work.
Muntin: A secondary framing member (horizontal,vertical or slanted)to hold the window panes in the sash. This term is often confused with Mullion.
Pane: A glass surface in a window. A window may include a number of panes or may consist of a single pane.
Rough Frame: Framing of the enclosure in which the finished window frame is placed.
Sash: A light frame of wood, metal or plastic either fixed or movable which holds the glass.
Sill: The base of the window frame sloped on the outside to shed rain.
WINDOW TYPES Back tot top
Awning Window: A frame containing one or more sash, each of which is installed in a vertical plane and is hinged to permit the bottom of the sash to open outward.
Bay Window: Window which projects outside the main line of a building and the compartment in which it is located.
Casement Window: A frame which contains a sash hinged at the side to open in or out.
Check Rail Window: A frame containing at least a pair of sash which are engaged when closed. The sash are installed in a vertical plane and designed to be moved either vertically or horizontally.
Clerestory Window: A window which occurs in the wall of a clerestory (the wall of a church rising above the roofs of the flanking aisles and containing windows for lighting the central part).
Dormer Window: A window set upright in a sloping roof.
Double-Hung Window: A window with an upper and lower sash, each balanced by springs or weights to be capable of vertical movement with relatively little effort.
Fire Window: A window with its frame, sash and glazing, which, under standard test conditions, meets the fire protection requirements for the location in which it is to be used.
Hopper Window: A frame containing one or more sash, each of which is installed in a vertical plane and hinged to permit the top sash to open inwards.
Jalousie Window: A frame containing a number of movable, shutter like, overlapping glass panels.
Oriel Window: A window or group of windows that projects beyond the wall of a building and is usually carried on brackets or corbels.
Sashless Window: A window with a wood frame containing at least two lights of glass with polished or ground edges, or sash with light metal or plastic edges. At least one light of glass slides horizontally or vertically.
WIRE NUT Back to top
A plastic device used to connect bare wires together.
WONDERBOARD Back to top
A trademark name for a panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a ceramic tile backing material.
WOOD FRAMING,TYPES Back to top
Balloon Framing: A method of wood frame construction in which the studs extend in one piece from the foundation wall to the top plate supporting the roof.
Bridging: A method used to resist twisting of joists and for stiffening floor construction by fitting either crossed pieces or solid blocks between the joists.
Cap: The upper half of the top plate in wood frame walls and partitions.
Plank Framing: A type of construction which employs flat vertical structural members with horizontal beams let into them and having infilling of planks on edge.
Post and Beam Framing: A system of construction in which posts and beams support the loads and the infilling walls are non-load bearing.
Western Framing (Platform Framing): A system of framing a building on which floor joists of each storey rest on the top plates of the storey below (or on the foundation sill for the first storey) and the bearing walls and partitions rest on the subfloor of each storey.
X
NO "X" TERMS Back to top
Y
YOKE Back to top
The location where a home's water meter is sometimes installed between two copper pipes, and located in the water meter pit in the yard. A clamp, coupling, slotted piece, etc. used to hold two parts together.
Z
Z-BAR FLASHING Back to top
Bent, glavanized metal flashing that is installed above a horizontal trim board of an exterior window, door or brick run to prevent water from getting behind the trim or brick and into the house.
ZONE Back to top
The section of a building that is served by one heating or cooling loop because it has noticeably distinct heating or cooling needs.
ZONE VALVE Back to top
A device, usually placed near the heater or cooler, which controls the flow of water or steam to parts of the building; it is controlled by a zone thermostat.