Word (916) | Definition |
A measure of the electrical requirement of an appl | An abbreviation for water closet (toilet). |
A/C | An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning. |
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 |
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. |
A/C Disconnect | The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser. |
AAMA | Architectural Aluminum Manufacturer’s Association. |
Above-Grade | The portion of a building that is above ground level. |
Accelerator | Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds up the natural set |
Acre | 43,500 square feet |
Adhesion | The property of a coating or sealant to bond to the surface to which it is applied. |
Adhesive Failure | Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to which it is applied. |
Aerator | The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow. |
Aggregate | A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete |
Air Filters | Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are coated with adhesive liquid to which the 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 |
Air Infiltration | The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows and doors |
Air space | The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap |
Alligatoring | A condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils and the oxidation caused by solar radiation. "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 |
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. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an allowance for an underlayment material, or an electrical allowance which sets aside an amount of money to be spent on electrical fixtures |
Aluminum Wire | Conductors made of aluminum for carrying electricity. Aluminum generally is 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 not as good a conductor. It also breaks easily |
Ammeter | Device to measure the current flowing in a circuit |
AMPS (Ampheres) | The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor |
Anchor bolts | Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, or masonry floor or wall. |
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. |
Annealing | – In the manufacturing of float glass, it is the process of controlled cooling done in a lehr 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. |
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. |
Appraisal | An expert evaluation of property |
Aproach | The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway or the transition from the street as you approach a driveway |
Apron | A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill |
Architect | One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans. |
Architects Rule (ruler) | Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also referred to as a "scale." |
Area wells | Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth |
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 |
Assessment | A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property. |
Astragal | A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes |
Attic access | An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic |
Attic Ventilators | In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. |
Back Charge | Billings for work performed or costs incurred by one party that, in accordance with the agreement, should have been performed or incurred by the party to whom billed. Owners bill back charges to general contractors, and general contractors bill back charges to subcontractors. Examples of back charges include charges for cleanup work or to repair something damaged by another subcontractor, such as a tub chip or broken window. |
Back Nailing | The practice of nailing roofing felts to the deck under the overlap, in addition to hot mopping, to prevent slippage of felts |
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 |
Backfill | The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundation wall |
Backflow | The flow of liquids through irrigation into the pipes of a potable or drinking water supply from any source which is opposite to the intended direction of flow. |
Backflow Preventer | A device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water supply. |
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 |
Backing | - Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screwed and mounted into solid wood rather than weak drywall that may allow the item to break loose from the wall. Carpet backing holds the pile fabric in place |
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. |
Ballast | A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp. |
Balloon framed wall | 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. |
Balusters | Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as 'pickets' or 'spindles'. |
Balustrade | The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway. |
Barge | Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters |
Barge board | A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board |
Barometer | Instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure |
Barrel Roof | A roof design which in cross section is arched. |
Base or baseboard | A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor. |
Base shoe | Molding used next to the floor on interior base board. Sometimes called a carpet strip. |
Basement window inserts | The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window buck |
Bat | A half-brick |
Batt | A section of fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation measuring 15 or 23 inches wide by four to eight feet long and various thickness'. Sometimes "faced" (meaning to have a paper covering on one side) or "unfaced" (without paper). |
Bay window | Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, either square or polygonal in plan. |
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. |
Beam | A structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another. Sometimes called a "girder". |
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). |
Bearing partition | A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight. |
Bearing point | A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation |
Bearing wall | A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight |
Bedrock | A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure |
Below-Grade | The portion of a building that is below ground level |
Bent Glass | Flat glass that has been shaped while hot into curved shapes |
Bevel | (of a door) is the angle of the front edge of a door usually from 1/8" to 2". |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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. |
Bidding requirements | The procedures and conditions for the submission of bids. The requirements are included ion documents, such as the notice to bidders, advertisements for bids, instructions to bidders, invitations to bid, and sample bid forms. |
Bifold door | Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors. |
Binder | A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller |
Bipass doors | - Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors |
Blankets | Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls 15 or 23 inches wide. |
Bleeding | A migration of a liquid to the surface of a component or into/onto an adjacent material. |
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. |
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, and to depress the concrete at a garage door location. |
Blocked (door blocking) | Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural wall framing members. |
Blocked (rafters) | Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid-span. |
Blocking | Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling |
Blow insulation | Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed |
Blow insulation | Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed. |
Blue print(s) | A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction. |
Blue stake | Another phrase for Utility Notification. This is 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 little flags to show where their service is located underground. |
Board foot | A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1" x 12" x 16' = 16 board feet, 2" x 12" x 16' = 32 board feet |
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'. Such bonds are rarely used in residential construction, they are an insurance policy which guarantees proper completion of a project. |
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 |
Bottom chord | The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss. |
Bottom plate | The "2 by 4's or 6's" that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Also called the 'sole plate'. |
Brace | 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. |
Brake Metal | Sheet metal that has been bent to the desired configuration. |
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. |
Brick ledge | Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest |
Brick lintel | The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening. |
Brick mold | Trim used around an exterior door jamb that siding butts to |
Brick tie | A small, corrugated metal strip @ 1" X 6"- 8" long nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer brick, and holds the veneer wall to the sheeted wall behind it. |
Brick veneer | A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction |
Bridging | Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists or rafters at mid-span for the purpose of bracing the joists/rafters & spreading the load. |
BTU | British Thermal Unit - The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water through a change of one degree F. |
Bubbling | In glazing, open or closed pockets in a sealant caused by release, production or expansion of gasses |
Buck | Often used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door bucks used in reference to metal door frame. See Window Bucks |
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. |
Building codes | Community ordinances governing the manner in which a home may be constructed or modified |
Building insurance | Insurance covering the structure of the building. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Bull nose (drywall) | Rounded drywall corners |
Bundle | A package of shingles. Normally, there are 3 bundles per square and 27 shingles per bundle. |
Butt edge | The lower edge of the shingle tabs. |
Butt Glazing | The installation of glass products where the vertical glass edges are without structural supporting mullions. |
Butt hinge | The most common type. One leaf attaches to the door's edge, the other to its jamb. |
Butt joint | The junction where the ends of two timbers meet, and also where sheets of drywall meet on the 4 foot edge. To place materials end-to-end or end-to-edge without overlapping. |
Buy down | A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce monthly payments on a mortgage. |
By fold door | Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors. |
By pass doors | Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors. |
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 |
Canopy | An overhanging roof. |
Cantilever | An overhang. Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window cantilever. Normally, not extending over 2 feet. |
Cantilevered void | Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soils conditions. This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical sides of 6" and 4" respectively. |
Cap | The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding, or fireplace. |
Cap flashing | The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing. |
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. |
Cape Chisel | Tool used to clean out mortar joints on brick. |
Casement | Frames of wood or metal enclosing part (or all) of a window sash. May beopened by means of hinges affixed to the vertical edges |
Casement Window | A window with hinges on one of the vertical sides and swings open like a normal door |
Casing | Wood trim molding installed around a door or window opening. |
Caulking | (1) A flexible material used to seal a gap between two surfaces e.g. between pieces of siding or the corners in tub walls. (2) To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt plastic cement to prevent leaks. |
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 |
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. |
Celotex ™ | Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething. |
Cement | The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland cement. Also, any adhesive. |
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. |
Certificate Of Occupancy | A document stating that a building is approved for occupancy. The building authority issues the Certificate of Occupancy |
CFM (cubic feet per minute) | A rating that expresses the amount of air a blower or fan can move. The volume of air (measured in cubic feet) that can pass through an opening in one minute. |
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. |
Chalk line | A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes. |
Change order | A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the construction Contract. |
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 |
Chink | To install fiberglass insulation around all exterior door and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in the exterior wall. |
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. |
Circuit | The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground. |
Circuit Breaker | A device which looks like a switch and is usually located inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box. It is designed to (1) shut of the power to portions or all of the house and (2) to limit the amount of power flowing through a circuit (measured in amperes). 110 volt household circuits require a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 or a maximum of 20 amps. 220 volt circuits may be designed for higher amperage loads e.g. a hot water heater may be designed for a 30 amp load and would therefore need a 30 amp fuse or breaker. |
Class "A" | Optimum fire rating issued by Underwriter's Laboratories on roofing. The building codes in some areas require this type of roofing for fire safety. |
Class "C" | Minimum fire rating issued by the Underwriters' Laboratories for roofing materials. |
Clean out | An opening providing access to a drain line. Closed with a threaded plug. |
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). |
CO | An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy". This certificate is issued by the local municipality and is required before anyone can occupy and live within the home. It is issued only after the local municipality has made all inspections and all monies and fees have been paid. |
Coating | A layer of any liquid product spread over a surface for protection |
Cohesive Failure | Internal splitting of a compound resulting from over-stressing of the compound. |
Cold air return | The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating. |
Cold Applied | Products that can be applied without heating. These are in contrast to products which need to be heated to be applied. |
Cold Patch | In roofing, a roof repair done with cold applied material. |
Collar | Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roofing above the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve. |
Collar beam | Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure |
Column | A vertical structural compression member which supports loads. |
Combustion air | The duct work installed to bring fresh, outside air to the furnace and/or hot water heater. Normally 2 separate supplies of air are brought in: One high and One low. |
Combustion chamber | The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation. |
Compression web | A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and top chords and which provides downward support. |
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). |
Concrete | The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to make garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh). |
Concrete block | A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size. |
Concrete board | A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material. |
Condensate line | The copper pipe that runs from the outside air conditioning condenser to the inside furnace ( where the a/c coil is located). |
Condensing unit | The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat. |
Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions (CC and R | 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. |
Conduction | The direct transfer of heat energy through a material |
Conductivity | The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material. |
Conduit, electrical | A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed. |
Construction Contract | A legal document which specifies the what-when-where-how-how much and by whom in a construction project. A good construction contract will include:
1. The contractors registration number.
2. A statement of work quality such as 'Standard Practices of the Trades' or 'according to Manufacturers Specifications'.
3. A set of Blue Prints or Plans
4. A construction timetable including starting and completion dates.
5. A set of Specifications
6. A Fixed Price for the work, or a Time and Materials formula.
7. A Payment Schedule.
8. Any Allowances.
9. A clause which outlines how any disputes will be resolved.
10. A written Warrantee.
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Construction, frame | A type of construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support. |
Continuity tester | A device that tells whether a circuit is capable of carrying electricity. |
Contractor | A Company licensed to perform certain types of construction activities. In most states, the generals contractor's license and some specialty contractor's licenses don't require of compliance with bonding, workmen's compensation and similar regulations. Some of the specialty contractor licenses involve extensive training, testing and/or insurance requirements. There are various types of contractors:
• General contractor - responsible for the execution, supervision and overall coordination of a project and may also perform some of the individual construction tasks. Most general contractors are not licensed to perform all specialty trades and must hire specialty contractors for such tasks, e.g. electrical, plumbing.
• Remodeling contractor - a general contractor who specializes in remodeling work.
• Specialty contractor - licensed to perform a specialty task e.g. electrical, side sewer, asbestos abatement.
• Sub contractor - a general or specialty contractor who works for another general contractor.
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Control joint- | Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete floors to "control" where the concrete should crack |
Convection | Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it. Also see radiation |
Conventional loan | A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency (such as FHA or VA) |
Convertibility | The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate schedule to a fixed rate schedule. |
Cooling load | The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer, usually 78° F, regardless of outside temperature. |
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 |
Coped joint | Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface. |
Corbel | The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf. |
Corner bead | A strip of formed sheet metal placed on outside corners of drywall before applying drywall 'mud'. |
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. |
Corner braces | Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and strengthen the wall. |
Cornice | Overhang of a pitched roof , usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit and appropriate trim moldings |
Corrosion | The deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals or other agents or media. |
Corrugated | Folded or shaped into parallel ridges or furrows so as to form a symmetrically wavy surface. |
Counter flashing | A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and used to prevent moisture entry. |
Counterfort | A foundation wall section that strengthens (and generally perpendicular to) a long section of foundation wall |
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. |
Course | A row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof. Parallel layers of building materials such as bricks, or siding laid up horizontally. |
Cove molding | A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners. |
Crawl space | A shallow space below the living quarters of a house, normally enclosed by the foundation wall and having a dirt floor. |
Cricket | 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. |
Cripple | Short vertical "2 by 4's or 6's" frame lumber installed above a window or door. |
Cross bridging | Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting. |
Cross Tee | Short metal "T" beam used in suspended ceiling systems to bridge the spaces between the main beams. |
Crown molding | A molding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered, especially at the roof and wall corner. |
Culvert | Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18" in diameter) that is installed beneath a driveway and parallel to and near the street. |
Cupping | A type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their edges. |
Curb | The short elevation of an exterior wall above the deck of a roof. Normally a 2 by 6 box (on the roof) on which a skylight is attached. |
Curb stop | Normally a cast iron pipe with a lid (@ 5" in diameter) that is placed vertically into the ground, situated near the water tap in the yard, and where a water cut-off valve to the home is located (underground). A long pole with a special end is inserted into the curb stop to turn off/on the water |
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 F. Design strength is achieved in 28 days. |
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 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. |
Cut Off | A piece of roofing membrane consisting of one or more narrow plies of felt usually moped in hot to seal the edge of insulation at the end of a day's work. |
Cut-in brace | Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2 by 4's, 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. |
Dado | A groove cut into a board or panel intended to receive the edge of a connecting board or panel. |
Damper | A metal "door" placed within the fireplace chimney. Normally closed when the fireplace is not in use. |
Dampproofing | The black, tar like waterproofing material applied to the exterior of a foundation wall. |
Daylight | The end of a pipe (the terminal end) that is not attached to anything. |
De-humidistat | A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home. |
Dead bolt | An exterior security lock installed on exterior entry doors that can be activated only with a key or thumb-turn. Unlike a latch, which has a beveled tongue, dead bolts have square ends. |
Dead light | The fixed, non-operable window section of a window unit. |
Dead Load | The constant, design-weight (of the roof) and any permanent fixtures attached above or below |
Deck, decked | To install the plywood or wafer board sheeting on the floor joists, rafters, or trusses. |
Dedicated circuit | An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance (ie, dishwasher) or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors. |
Default | Breach of a mortgage contract (not making the required payments). |
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. |
Delamination | Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture. |
Design Pressure | Specified pressure a product is designed to withstand. |
Dew Point | The critical temperature at which vapor condenses from the atmosphere and forms water. |
Disconnect | A large (generally 20 Amp) electrical ON-OFF switch |
Discount rate | A mortgage interest rate that is lower than the current rate for a certain period of time, e.g. 2.00% below variable rate for 2 years. |
Door operator | An automatic garage door opener |
Door stop | The wooden style that the door slab will rest upon when it's in a closed position. |
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. These 3 jambs have the "door stop" installed on them. |
Dormer | An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings |
Double glass | Window or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed air space between. Also known as Insulating Glass. |
Double hung window | A window with two vertically sliding sashes, both of which can move up and down. |
Double Plate | when two layers of 2 x 4's are placed on top of studs in framing a wall. |
Double Strength | In float glass, approximately 1/8" (3 mm.) thick. |
Double Tee | 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 lites 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. |
Down payment | The difference between the sales price and the mortgage amount. A downpayment is usually paid at closing. |
Downspout | A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater down from the roof's horizontal gutters. |
Drain tile | A perforated, corrugated plastic pipe laid at the bottom of the foundation wall and used to drain excess water away from the foundation. It prevents ground water from seeping through the foundation wall. Sometimes called perimeter drain. |
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. |
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 or metal flashing placed on the exterior topside 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. |
Dry in | To install the black roofing felt (tar paper) on the roof. |
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. |
Drywall (or Gypsum Wallboard (GWB), Sheet rock or | 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 8' or 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 than regular (white) plasterboard and is used in bathrooms and other "wet areas". |
Drywall Hammer | A special hammer used for nailing up gypsum board. It is 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. |
Ducts | The heating system. Usually round or rectangular metal pipes installed for distributing warm (or cold) air from the furnace to rooms in the home. Also a tunnel made of galvanized metal or rigid fiberglass, which carries air from the heater or ventilation opening to the rooms in a building. |
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. |
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 |
DWV (drain-waste-vent) | The section of a plumbing system that carries water and sewer gases out of a home. |
Earthquake Strap | A metal strap used to secure gas hot water heaters to the framing or foundation of a house. Intended to reduce the chances of having the water heater fall over in an earthquake and causing a gas leak. |
Eaves | The horizontal exterior roof overhang. |
Edge Clearance | Nominal spacing between the edge of the glass product and the bottom of the glazing pocket (channel). |
Edge Metal | term relating to brake or extruded metal around the perimeter of a roof. |
EER | Energy Efficiency Ratio; is figured by dividing BTU hours by watts. |
Effloresence | The process by which water leeches soluble salts out of concrete or mortar and deposits them on the surface. Also used as the name for these deposits. |
Egress | A means of exiting the home. An egress window is required in every bedroom and basement. Normally a 4' X 4' window is the minimum size required |
EIFS | Exterior Insulating Finish System; exterior wall cladding system consisting primarily of polystyrene foam board with a textured acrylic finish that resembles plaster or stucco |
Elbow (ell) | A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions in runs of pipe or conduit. |
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 entrance package | - The entry point of the electrical power including: (1) the 'strike' or location where the overhead or underground electrical lines connect to the house, (2) The meter which measures how much power is used and (3) The 'panel' or 'circuit breaker box ' (or 'fuse box') where the power can be shut off and where overload devices such a fuses or circuit breakers and located. |
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 |
Elevation sheet | The page on the blue prints that depicts the house or room as if a vertical plane were passed through the structure. |
EMT | Electrical Metallic Tubing- This electrical pipe, also called thin-wall conduit, 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. |
Escutcheon | An ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending through a wall or floor to hide the cut out hole |
Estimate | The amount of labor, materials, and other costs that a contractor anticipates for a project as summarized in the contractor's bid proposal for the 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. |
Evaporator coil | The part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your home. Also see condensing unit. |
Excavate | Dig the basement and or all areas that will need footings/foundations below ground. |
Expansion Coefficient | The amount that a specific material will vary in any one dimension with a change of temperature. |
Expansion joint | Fibrous material (@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. |
Expansive soils | Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water that is present. ("Betonite" is an expansive soil). |
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. |
Exterior Glazed | Glazing infills set from the exterior of the building. |
Exterior Stop | The molding or bead that holds the lite or panel in place when it is on the exterior side of the lite 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. |
Facade | The front of a building. Frequently, in architectural terms an artificial or decorative effort. |
Face nail | To install nails into the vertical face of a bearing header or beam. |
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 |
Fascia | Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia |
Fasteners | A general term covering a wide variety of screws and nails which may be used for mechanically securing various components of a building. |
Felt | Tar paper. Installed under the roof shingles. Normally 15 lb. or 30 lb. |
Female | Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another (male) part can be inserted. Internal threads are female. |
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. |
Field measure | To take measurements (cabinets, countertops, stairs, shower doors, etc.) in the home itself instead of using the blueprints. |
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 are 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 (1) trowel (2) flat and (3) 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. |
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 a fireplace and boiler. |
Fire retardant chemical | A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the 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 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs. Work performed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in the walls and ceiling (behind the drywall). Includes stuffing wire holes in the top and bottom plates with insulation, and installing blocks of wood between the wall studs at the drop soffit line. This is integral to passing a Rough Frame inspection. See also 'Fire block'. |
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-Rated | Descriptive of materials that has been tested for use in fire walls. |
Fire-resistive or Fire rated | Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour. Drywall used in the garage and party walls are to be fire rated, 5/8", Type X. |
Fireplace chase flashing pan | A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. It's purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area. |
Fish tape | A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling wires through conduit. |
Fishplate (gusset) | 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. Sometimes called a gang nail plate. |
Fixed price contract | A contract with a set price for the work. See Time and Materials Contract. |
Flagstone (flagging or flags) | Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick). |
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. |
Flash Point | The critical temperature at which a material will ignite. |
Flashing | Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage. |
Flashing Base | The upturned edge of the 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. |
Flashing- Counter | 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. |
Flashing- Step | Individual small pieces of metal flashing material used to flash around chimneys, dormers, and such projections along the slope of a roof. The individual pieces are overlapped and stepped up the vertical surface. |
Flashing- Throu-Wall | Flashing extended completely through a masonry wall. Designed and applied in combination with counter-flashings, to prevent water which may enter the wall above from proceeding downward in the wall or into the roof deck or roofing system. |
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 |
Flatwork | Common word for concrete floors, driveways, basements, and sidewalks. |
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 you smooth off the job and bring water 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 |
Flue | Large pipe through which fumes escape from a gas water heater, furnace, or fireplace. Normally these flue pipes are double walled, galvanized sheet metal pipe and sometimes referred to as a "B Vent". Fireplace flue pipes are normally triple walled. In addition, nothing combustible shall be within one inch from the flue pipe. |
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; purpose is to reduce heat loss up the flue from the still-warm furnace or boiler. |
Flue lining | 2-foot lengths, fire clay or terra-cotta pipe (round or square) and usually madein all ordinary flue sizes. Used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work done around the outside. Flue linings in chimneys runs from one foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney. |
Fluorescent lighting | A fluorescent lamp is a gas-filled glass tube with a phosphur coating on the inside. Gas inside the tube is ionized by electricity which causes the phosphur coating to glow. Normally with two pins that extend from each end. |
Fly rafters | End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts. |
Footer, footing | Continuous 8" or 10" thick concrete pad installed before and supports the foundation wall or monopost. |
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 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 ties | Metal wires that hold the foundation wall panels and rebar in place during the concrete pour. |
Foundation waterproofing | High-quality below-grade moisture protection. Used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion. Normally looks like black tar. |
Frame Inspection | The act of inspecting the home's structural integrity and it's 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 | Lumber used for the structural members of a building, such as studs, joists, and rafters. |
Frieze | In house construction a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice. |
Frost lid | Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit. |
Frost line | The depth of frost penetration in soil and/or the depth at which the earth will freeze and swell. This depth varies in different parts of the country. |
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. |
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 | Strips of wood, often 1 X 2 and used to shim out and provide a level fastening surface for a wall or ceiling. |
Fuse | A device often found in older homes designed to prevent overloads in electrical lines. This protects against fire. See also 'circuit breakers'.
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Gable | The end, upper, triangular area of a home, beneath the roof. |
Galvanize | To coat a metal with zinc by dipping it in molten zinc after cleaning </ |
