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Window Blinds & Construction Glossary
A/C - An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.
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.
Acre - A plot of land comprising 43,560 sq.ft.
Adhesive - A natural or synthetic material, generally in paste or liquid form, used to fasten or glue boards together, lay floor tile, fabricate plastic laminates, etc.
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-dried lumber - Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for length of time. The minimum moisture content of thoroughly air-dried lumber is usually 12 to 15 percent.
Air Space - The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior
wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.
Alcove - A recess opening off a wall of a larger room. Often used as a sitting area, coat room, or storage area.
Allowance - 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.
Amortization - A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly
payments of principal and interest.
Anchor - Any fastener (usually metal) used to attach parts, such as joists, trusses, posts, etc., to masonry or masonry materials.
Anchor Bolts - Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete , or
masonry floor or wall.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) - Annual cost of credit over the life
of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage
insurance, and other items.
Appraisal - An expert valuation of property.
Apron - A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.
Arcade - A series of arches supported by columns or piers to provide an open passageway.
Arch - A curved structure that will support itself and the weight above its curved opening by mutual pressure.
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.
Areaway - Recessed area below grade around the foundation to allow light and ventilation into basement window.
Area Wells - Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around
a basement window to hold back the earth
Assessment - A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the
worth of a property.
Assumption - Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for an existing
loan instead of getting a new loan.
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.
Backfill - The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around and against a basesment foundation.
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.
Backfill - The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around
or against a basement /crawl space foundationwall.
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.
Balcony - a deck projecting from the wall of a building above ground level.
Ballast - A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.
Balloon - A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining
balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.
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.
Banister - A handrail with supporting posts used alongside a stairway.
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.
Base or Baseboard - A trim board placed against the wall around the
room next to the floor.
Base shoe - A molding used next to the floor in interior baseboards.
Baseboard - The finish board covering the interior wall where the wall and the floor meet.
Basement Window Inserts - The window frame and glass unit that is installed
in the window buck.
Base Shoe - Molding used next to the floor on interior base board.
Sometimes called a carpet strip.
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).
Batten - Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative
vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
Batter Board - One of a pair of horizontal boards nailed to posts set at the corners of an excavation, used to indicate the desired level, also as a fastening for stretched strings to indicate outlines of foundation walls.
Bay Window - Any window space projecting outward from the walls of
a building, either square or polygonal in plan.
Beam - A structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural
member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another. Sometimes
called a "girder".
Beam Ceiling - A ceiling in which the ceiling beams are exposed to view.
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.
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).
Bedrock - A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a
structure.
Beech - A whitish to reddish brown hardwood used especially in construction for interior and exterior cabinet parts. Blends well with birch for stained kitchen cabinets and vanities.
Bench mark - A mark on some permanent object fixed to the gound from which land measurements and elevations are taken.
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.
Birch - Hard and heavy light reddish brown hardwood. The most widely used hardwood veneer for flush doors, cabinet work, and paneling. Mill products include interior trim, flooring, sash, and trim.
Blind nailing - A method of nailing so that the nail is not visible.
Blankets - Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls
15 or 23 inches wide.
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.
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.
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.
Blown Insulation - Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate
attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed.
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'.
Bottom Rail - The bottom rail supports and anchors the blind/shade and gives it it's sense of form. Usually bottom rails are smaller than headrails and are matched with the headrail or blind/shade color.
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.
Brackets - The physical peice(s) that connect the blind with wall or surface of the house. Brackets come in a range of sizes and shapes and are matched with the mounting or installation preference you choose in the configuration of the covering.
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 - A solid masonry unit composed of clay or shale. Formed into a rectangular prism while soft and burned or fired in kiln.
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 required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
Bureau of Land Management - The branch of government in charge of surveying public lands.
Butt Edge - The lower edge of the shingle tabs.
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.
C.O. - 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.
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
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.
Capital - The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount borrowed.
Capital and Interest - A repayment loan and the most conventional form
of home loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the amount
borrowed (or capital or principal) plus the interest charged on capital.
Capped Rate - The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified
value during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up and down
below that level.
Carpet backing - holds the pile fabric in place.
Carport - A garage not fully enclosed.
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
Celotex ™ - Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.
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.
Cement - The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland cement.
Also, any adhesive.
Central heating - A system by which the heat from a single source is distributed with ducts.
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.
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.
Chain - A unit of land measurement 66 ft. in length.
Chair Rail - Interior trim material installed about 3-4 feet up the
wall, horizontally.
Chalk Line - A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with
chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
Chamfer - A believed edge on a board formed by removing the sharp corner. Generally used on moldings, edges of drawer fronts, and cabinet doors.
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.
Chipped Grain - Wood surface that has been roughened by the action of cutting tools. Considered a defect when sufaces are to be smoothly finished.
Chord - The horizontal member of a truss connecting the lower corners.
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.
Clear Title - A title to property that is free of any defects.
Cleat - A piece of wood, normally used in frame construction, fastened to another member to serve as a brace or support.
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).
Cold Air Return - The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room
air back to the furnace for re-heating.
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).
Computer aided design - Using the computer ot perform drafting and design functions.
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).
Condensation - Beads or drops of water (and frequently frost in extremely
cold weather) that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a
building. Use of louvers or attic ventilators will reduce moisture condensation
in attics. A vapor barrier under the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls
will reduce condensation.
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 Rs) - The standards
that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer
makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.
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.
Construction Drywall - A type of construction in which the interior
wall finish is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of sheet
materials or wood paneling as contrasted to plaster.
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.
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.
Coping - A cap or top course of a masonry wall to protect lower areas from water penetration.
Corbel - The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds
a mantel or horizontal shelf.
Core - The inner layer or layers of plywood. The core may consist of veneer, solid lumber, or composition board.
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.
Cornice - Decorative appliance that can be added to the shade/blind to enhance the look and feel (similar to a valance). Cornices are mounted on the outside wall of the window to conceal the headrail and give the blind a more unified appearance.
Cornice Return - That portion of the cornice that returns on the gable end of a house.
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.
Counterflashing - A flashing used under the regular flashing.
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 - Molded trim of a concave shape used around cabinet construction and other built-ins.
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.
Credit Rating - A report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to
determine a borrower's credit habits.
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 bracing - Boards nailed diagonally across studs or other boards to make framework rigid.
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.
Cul-De-Sac - A street or court with no outlet which provides a circular turn around for vehicles.
Cull - Building material (especially boards that is rejected because of defects or below usuable grade.
Culvert - Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18" in diameter)
that is installed beneath a driveway and parallel to and near the street.
Cupola - A small, decorative structure built on the roof of a house. It is often placed over an attached garage and may also be used for ventilating purposes.
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.
Curtain Wall - An exterior wall which provides no structural support.
Cut-in Brace - Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2 by 4's, cut
in between each stud diagonally.
Dado Joint - A groove cut across the face of a board to receive the end of another board. Often used in quality shelf and cabinet construction.
Damper - A movable plate which regulates the draft of a stove, fireplace, or furnace.
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.
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 - All the unmovable weight in a stucture and the weight of the structure itself.
Deck, Decked - To install the plywood or wafer board sheeting on the
floor joists, rafters, or trusses.
Decorative Tapes - Thin cloth or fabric strips that are used to cover the ladder cords of the blind. Most wood, faux wood and aluminum blinds are available with tapes.
Dedicated Circuit - An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance
(ie, dishwasher) or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors.
Deed - A document indicating that the ownership of land has been transferred from one person to another.
Default - Breach of a mortgage contract (not making the required payments).
De-Humidistat - A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical
ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.
Delamination - Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of
the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture.
Dimension Lumber - Framing lumber which is 2 in. thick and from 4 to 12 in. wide.
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.
Dome Structures - Structures incorporating design elements of the geodesic dome or triangular space frames.
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.
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.
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 Glazing - Making a pane of two pieces of glass with air space between and sealed to proved insulation.
Double Header - Two or more timbers joined for strength.
Double Hung Window - A window with two vertically sliding sashes, both
of which can move up and down.
Douglas Fir - A yellow to pale reddish soft wood. The leading veneer wood primarily converted into plywood and widely used in building and construction. Lumber used in general construction. Mill products used for sash, flooring, and doors.
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.
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.
Dry In - To install the black roofing felt (tar paper) on the roof.
Drywall (or Gypsum Wallboard (GWB), Sheet Rock or Plasterboard) Dry Wall - 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".
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.
Duplex Outlet - Electrical wall outlet having two plug receptacle.
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.
Earth Sheltered Dwelling - A structure which uses soil to reduce heat loss (or gain).
Easement - An area of a piece of property given rights to another for the purpose of placing power lines,drains, and other specified uses.
Earnest Money - A sum paid to the seller to show that a potential purchaser
is serious about buying.
Earthquake Strap - A metal strap used to secure gas hot water heaters
to the framing or foundation of a house. Intended to reduce the chances of
having the water heater fall over in an earthquake and causing a gas leak.
Easement - A formal contract which allows a party to use another party's
property for a specific purpose. e.g. A sewer easement might allow one party
to run a sewer line through a neighbors property.
Eastern Fir - A softwood similar to spruce in its general characteristics. Used for siding, moldings, and general construction.
Eaves- The horizontal exterior roof overhang.
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
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.
Equity - The "valuation" that you own in your home, i.e. the property
value less the mortgage loan outstanding.
Escrow - The handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf
of the buyer and/or seller.
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.
Escutcheon - An ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending
through a wall or floor to hide the cut out hole
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.
Excavation - A cavity or pit produced by digging the earth in preparation for construction.
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.
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.
Extension Brackets - Used for outside mounts only, extension brackets snap onto the sides (installation brackets) of the blind/shade to increase the space from the blind to the window.
FHA - FHA is the Federal Housing Administration. An FHA Mortgage is a Home Mortgage that is fully insured by the FHA. FHA, was established in 1934 to increase home ownership by providing an insurance program to safeguard lenders against borrower default. The FHA sets standards for property construction and credit underwriting, but it does not lend money, plan or build housing.
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.
Facade - The front elevation or face of a structure.
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.
Faux Wood - Faux, or french for "Fake" or "False", wood blinds consist of compressed bits of sawdust, wood grain, plastic polymers, etc. which are melted, molded and eventually cut and shaped to your specifications. Excellent for humid locations (most manufacturers guarantee they wont warp, fade, or crack). Faux or Alternative Woods come in wide ranges of colors, including natural tones and white based tones. They are also available in a textured finished to give them a rustic look.
Fiberboard - A building board made with fibrous material and used as an insulting board.
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.
Field Measure - To take measurements (cabinets, countertops, stairs,
shower doors, etc.) in the home itself instead of using the blueprints.
Filled Insulation - A loose insulating material poured from bags or blown by machine into walls.
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).
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.
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.
Fire-Resistive or Fire Rated (FR) - 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.
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'.
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.
Fish Tape - A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and
for pulling wires through conduit.
Fixed Price Contract - A contract with a set price for the work. See
Time and Materials Contract.
Fixed Rate - A loan where the initial payments are based on a certain
interest rate for a stated period . The rate payable will not change
during this period regardless of changes in the lender's standard variable
rate.
Fixed Rate Mortgage - A mortgage with an interest rate that remains
the same over the years.
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.
Flashing - Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction
to protect a building from water seepage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Footing - A masonry section, usually concrete, in a rectangular form wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports.
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 complianceto 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.
Framing, Balloon - 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.
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.
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'.
GF C I, or G F I - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter- an ultra sensitive
plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms, kitchens,
exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas". Has a small
reset button on the plug.
Gable - The end, upper, triangular area of a home, beneath the roof.
Gang Nail Plate - A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint
of a truss. Sometimes called a fishplate or gussett.
Garrett - An attic or unfinished part of a house just under the roof.
Gate Valve - A valve that lets you completely stop—but not
modulate—the flow within a pipe.
General Contractor A contractor who enters into a contract with the
owner of a project for the construction of the project and who takes full
responsibility for its completion, although the contractor may enter into
subcontracts with others for the performance of specific parts or phases
of the project.
Gas Lateral - The trench or area in the yard where the gas line service
is located, or the work of installing the gas service to a home.
Girder - A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support
concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.
Glazing - The process of installing glass, which commonly is secured
with glazier's points and glazing compound.
Globe Valve - A valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to any
rate between fully on and fully off. Also see gate valve.
Gloss Enamel - A finishing paint material. Forms a hard coating with
maximum smoothness of surface and dries to a sheen or luster (gloss)
Glued Laminated Beam (Glulam) - A structural beam composed of wood
laminations or lams. The lams are pressure bonded with adhesives to attain
a typical thickness of 1 ½" . (It looks like 5 or more 2 X 4's
are glued together).
Grade - Ground level, or the elevation at any given point. Also the
work of leveling dirt. Also the designated quality of a manufactured piece
of wood.
Grade Beam - A foundation wall that is poured @ level with or just
below the grade of theearth. An example is the area where the 8' or 16' overhead
garage door "block out" is located, or a lower (walk out basement) foundation
wall is poured
Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM) - A fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan.
It starts with lower payments than a level payment loan; payments rise annually,
with the entire increase being used to reduce the outstanding balance. The
increase in payments may enable the borrower to pay off a 30-year loan in
15 to 20 years, or less.
Grain - The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of
the fibers in wood.
Grid - The completed assembly of main and cross tees in a suspended
ceiling system before the ceiling panels are installed. Also the decorative
slats (munton) installed between glass panels.
Groover - A plastic, clear sheeth for support of Fabric vertical blinds. Fabric verticals can stand by themselves, groovers help for longer life and steadier posture of the vanes.
Ground - Refers to electricity's habit of seeking the shortest route
to earth. Neutral wires carry it there in all circuits. An additional grounding
wire or the sheathing of the metal-clad cable or conduit—protects against
shock if the neutral leg is interrupted.
Ground Fault - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, GFI)- an ultra
sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms,
kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas". Has
a small reset button on the plug.
Ground Iron - The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed
beneath the basement floor. Cast iron was once used, but black plastic pipe
(ABS) is now widely used.
Groundwater - Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source.
Grout - A wet mixture of cement, sand and water that flows into masonry
or ceramic crevices to seal the cracks between the different pieces. Mortar
made of such consistency (by adding water) that it will flow into the joints
and cavities of the masonry work and fill them solid.
Gusset - 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 - A shallow channel or conduit of metal or wood set below and
along the (fascia) eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from
the roof.
um
Gypsm Board - Drywall. Wall board or gypsum - A panel (normally 4' X 8',
10', 12', or 16')made with a core of Gypsum (chalk-like) rock, which covers
interior walls and ceilings.
Gypsum Plaster - Gypsum formulated to be used with the addition of
sand and water for base-coat
plaster.
H Clip - Small metal clips formed like an "H" that fits at the joints
of two plywood (or wafer board) sheets to stiffen the joint. Normally used
on the roof sheeting.
Hanger - A metal strap used to support piping or the ends of joists.
Hardware - All of the "metal" fittings that go into the home when it
is near completion. For example, door knobs, towel bars, handrail brackets,
closet rods, house numbers, door closers, etc. The Interior Trim Carpenter
installs the "hardware".
Hardwood - Wood produced from broad-leaved trees or trees that lose their leaves. Examples include oak, maple, walnut, and birch.
Haunch - An extension, knee like protrusion of the foundation wall
that a concrete porch or patio will rest upon for support.
Hazard insurance - Protection against damage caused by fire, windstorms,
or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers to carry it in an
amount at least equal to the mortgage.
Header - (a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists
are nailed inframing 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).
Headrail - The thick metal part of the blind where all the tracking is located. During installation, headrails are attached to the brackets and form the stabilizing portion of the blind.
Hearth - The fireproof area directly in front of a fireplace. The inner
or outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile, or stone.
Heating Load - The amount of heating required to keep a building at
a specified temperature during the winter, usually 65° F, regardless
of outside temperature.
Heat exchanger - A device for removing heat from water or air and transferring the heat to another medium. Baseboard convectors are water to air heat exchangers.
Heat Meter - An electrical municipal inspection of the electric meter
breaker panel box.
Heat Pump - A mechanical device which uses compression and decompression
of gas to heat and/or cool a house.
Heat Rough - Work performed by the Heating Contractor after the stairs
and interior walls are built. This includes installing all duct work and
flue pipes. Sometimes, the furnace and fireplaces are installed at this stage
of construction.
Heat Trim - Work done by the Heating Contractor to get the home ready
for the municipal Final Heat Inspection. This includes venting the hot water
heater, installing all vent grills, registers, air conditioning services,
turning on the furnace, installing thermostats, venting ranges and hoods,
and all other heat related work.
Heel Cut - A notch cut in the end of a rafter to permit it to fit flat
on a wall and on the top, doubled, exterior wall plate.
Hexadome - One variation of the geodesic dome.
Hickory - A hard and heavy brown to reddish brown hard wood. Used as face veneer for decorative interior plywood paneling and as solid lumber in special flooring applications. Pecan, a variety of the hickory family, has similar properties and construction applications.
Highlights - A light spot, area, or streak on a painted surface.
Hip - A roof with four sloping sides. The external angle formed by
the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof.
Hip Rafter - The diagonal rafter that extends from the plate to the ridge to form the hip.
Hip Roof - A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides
of a building.
Hold Down Brackets - For door mounts, hold down brackets prevent the blind/shade from swaying (or moving) when opening or closing a door.
Home Run (Electrical) - The electrical cable that carries power from
the main circuit breaker panel to the first electrical box, plug, or switch
in the circuit.
Honeycomb - A shade with amazing capabilities. The honeycomb term is used to describe the chamber formed by the compressed fibrous material, creating a tempreature trapping and neutralizing sphere which increases your houses heating or cooling retention abilities. Available in a massive array of colors and options, honeycomb shades are an excellent product in both function and form.
Honey Combs - The appearance concrete makes when rocks in the concrete
are visible and where there are void areas in the foundation wall, especially
around concrete foundation windows.
Horizontal - Reference to the angle of the slats in a blind. Horizontal blinds are aligned with the slats laying on top of each other and stacking accordingly.
Hose Bib - An exterior water faucet (sill cock).
Hot Wire - The wire that carries electrical energy to a receptacle
or other device—in contrast to a neutral, which carries electricity
away again. Normally the black wire. Also see ground.
Humidifier - An appliance normally attached to the furnace, or portable
unit device designed to increase the humidity within a room or a house by
means of the discharge of water vapor.
Humidstat - A controlling device to regulate or maintain the desired degree of humidity in a house.
Hurricane Clip - Metal straps that are nailed and secure the roof rafters
and trusses to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called a Teco clip.
H V A C - An abbreviation for Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
I-Beam - A steel beam with a cross section resembling the letter I. It is used for long spans as basement beams or over wide wall openings,
such as a double garage door, when wall and roof loads bear down on the opening.
I-Joist - Manufactured structural building component resembling the
letter "I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two key parts:
flanges and webs. The flange or from of the I joist
may be made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber, usually formed
into a 1 ½" width. The web or center of the I-joist is commonly
made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Large holes can be cut in
the web to accommodate duct work and plumbing waste lines. I-joists are available
in lengths up to 60 feet long.
Improvements - Any additions to property which tends to increase its value, such as buildings, streets, sewers, etc.
Incandescent Lamp - A lamp employing an electrically charged metal
filament that glows at white heat. A typical light bulb.
Index - The interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the
changes in monthly payments for an adjustable rate loan.
Infiltration - The passage of air from indoors to outdoors and vice
versa; term is usually associated with drafts from cracks, seams or holes
in buildings.
Inside Corner - The point at which two walls form an internal angle,
as in the corner of a room.
Inside Mount - When the blind/shade is mounted or installed in the inside of the recess. The headrail will fit within the recess with the bottom rail resting on the bottom surface of the window recess.
Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) - It is steel reinforced poured concrete that allows the forms to stay in place and become a functional part of the house. The walls and floors will be concrete.
Insulating Board - Any board suitable for insulating purposes: usually manufactured board made from vegetable fibers, such as fiberboard.
Insulating Glass - Window or door in which two panes of glass are used
with a sealed air space between. Also known as Double Glass.
Insulation Board, Rigid - A structural building board made of coarse
wood or cane fiber in 1/2" and 25/32" thickness. It can be obtained
in various size sheets and densities.
Insulation - Any material high in resistance to heat transmission that,
when placed in the walls, ceiling, or floors of a structure, and will reduce
the rate of heat flow.
Interest - The cost paid to a lender for borrowed money.
Interior Finish - Material used to cover the interior framed areas
of walls and ceilings.
Interior Trim - General term for al the finish molding, casing, baseboard, and cornice applied within the building by finish carpenters.
Irrigation - Lawn sprinkler system.
J Channel - Metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a better
finished appearance when a wall is not "wrapped" Generally, basement stairway
walls have drywall only on the stair side. J-Channel is used on the vertical
edge of the last drywall sheet
Jack Post - A type of structural support made of metal, which can be
raised or lowered through a series of pins and a screw to meet the height
required. Basically used as a replacement for an old supporting member in
a building. See Monopost.
Jack Rafter - A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate
to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.
Jalousie - A type of window consisting of a number of a long, thin, hinged panels.
Jamb - The side and head lining of a doorway, window, or other opening.
Includes studs as well as the frame and trim.
Joint - The location between the touching surfaces of two members or
components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other
means.
Joint Cement or Joint Compound - A powder that is usually mixed with
water and used for joint treatment in gypsum-wallboard finish. Often called
"spackle" or drywall mud.
Joint Tenancy - A form of ownership in which the tenants own a property
equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the entire property.
Joint Trench - When the electric company and telephone company dig
one trench and "drop" both of their service lines in.
Joist - Wooden 2 X 8's, 10's, or 12's that run parallel to one another
and support a floor or ceiling, and supported in turn by larger beams, girders,
or bearing walls.
Joist Hanger - A metal "U" shaped item used to support the end of a
floor joist and attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or
beam.
Jumpers - Water pipe installed in a water meter pit (before the water
meter is installed), or electric wire that is installed in the electric house
panel meter socket before the meter is installed. This is sometimes
illegal.
Keeper - The metal latch plate in a door frame into which a doorknob
plunger latches.
Keyless - A plastic or porcelain light fixture that operates by a pull
string. Generally found in the basement, crawl space , and attic areas.
Keyway - A slot formed and poured on a footer or in a foundation wall
when another wall will be installed at the slot location. This gives additional
strength to the joint/meeting point.
Kiln-Dried-Lumber - Lumber that has been kiln-dried, generally to a moisture content of 6 to 12 percent.
Kilowatt (kw) - One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base unit
used in measuring electrical consumption. Also see watt.
King Post - The central upright piece in a roof truss.
King Stud - The vertical "2 X's" frame lumber (left and right) of a
window or door opening, and runs continuously from the bottom sole plate
to the top plate.
Knee Wall - A low wall resulting from one-and-one-half-story construction.
Knot - In lumber, the portion of a branch or limb of a tree that appears
on the edge or face of the piece.
Ladder - The cords that hold the blinds together. Ladder cords can be drilled through the slats or wrapped around the slats (to increase light prevention and privacy). Greater widths require greater support and more ladder systems. Most blinds come standard with two and can go all the way up to 5-6 ladders per blind. Tapes can be added to cover the ladder cords creating a more elegant and refined look.
Laminated Beam - A beam made of superimposed layers of similar materials by uniting them with glue and pressure.
Laminated Shingles - Shingles that have added dimensionality because
of extra layers or tabs, giving a shake-like appearance. May also be called
"architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles."
Laminating - Bonding together two or more layers of materials.
Landing - A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination
of a flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change direction. Normally
no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square.
Lap - To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.
Latch - A beveled metal tongue operated by a spring-loaded knob or
lever. The tongue's bevel lets you close the door and engage the locking
mechanism, if any, without using a key. Contrasts with dead bolt.
Lateral (electric, gas, telephone, sewer and water) - The underground
trench and related services (i.e., electric, gas, telephone, sewer and water
lines) that will be buried within the trench.
Lath - A building material of narrow wood, metal, gypsum, or insulating
board that is fastened to the frame of a building to act as a base for plaster,
shingles, or tiles.
Lattice - An open framework of criss-crossed wood or metal strips that
form regular, patterned spaces.
Ledger (for a Structural Floor) - The wooden perimeter frame lumber
member that bolts onto the face of a foundation wall and supports the wood
structural floor.
Ledger Strip - A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom of the side
of a girder on which joists rest.
Leech Field - A method used to treat/dispose of sewage in rural areas
not accessible to a municipal sewer system. Sewage is permitted to
be filtered and eventually discharged into a section of the lot called a
leech field.
Legal Description - A written indication of the location and boundaries of a parcel of land. Reference is generally made to a recorded plat of survey.
Let-in Brace - Nominal 1 inch-thick boards applied into notched studs
diagonally. Also, an "L" shaped, long (@ 10') metal strap that are installed
by the framer at the rough stage to give support to an exterior wall or wall
corner.
Level - True horizontal. Also a tool used to determine level.
Level Payment Mortgage - A mortgage with identical monthly payments
over the life of the loan.
Lien - An encumbrance that usually makes real or personal property
the security for payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation.
Lift - Lift is the control that will raise or lower the blind/shade. In the configuaration screen, lift location will determine where you would like the cord lift system to be located (either on the left or the right).
Light - Space in a window sash for a single pane of glass. Also, a
pane of glass.
Limit Switch - A safety control that automatically shuts off a furnace
if it gets too hot. Most also control blower cycles.
Lineal 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.
Lintel - A horizontal structural member that supports the load over
an opening such as a door or window.
Load bearing wall - Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall
that is aligned above a support beam or girder. Normally, any wall that has
a double horizontal top plate.
Loan - The amount to be borrowed.
Loan to Value Ratio - The ratio of the loan amount to the property
valuation and expressed as a percentage. E.g. if a borrower is seeking a
loan of $200,000 on a property worth $400,000 it has a 50% loan to value
rate. If the loan were $300,000, the LTV would be 75%. The higher the loan
to value, the greater the lender's perceived risk. Loans above normal lending
LTV ratios may require additional security.
Lookout - A short wood bracket or cantilever that supports an overhang
portion of a roof.
Lot - A measured amount of property (land) having fixed boundaries.
Lot Line - Then line forming th elegal boundary of a piece of property.
Louver - A vented opening into the home that has a series of horizontal
slats and arranged to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, snow, light,
insects, or other living creatures.
Lumens - Unit of measure for total light output. The amount of light
falling on a surface of one square foot.
Male - Any part, such as a bolt, designed to fit into another (female)
part. External threads are male.
Mantel - The shelf above a fireplace opening. Also used in referring
to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.
Manufactured Wood- A wood product such as a truss, beam, gluelam,
microlam or joist which is manufactured out of smaller wood pieces and glued
or mechanically fastened to form a larger piece. Often used to create a stronger
member which may use less wood. See also Oriented Strand Board.
Manufacturer's Specifications - The written installation and/or maintenance
instructions which are developed by the manufacturer of a product and which
may have to be followed in order to maintain the product warrantee.
Maple - Both hard and soft maple are generally light tan and used in construction where hardness is a major factor. Used for expensive cabingetwork, flooring, doors, and trim. Often used for interior railings,posts, and furniture.
Masonry - Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, or other
similar building units or materials. Normally bonded together with mortar
to form a wall.
Mastic - A pasty material used as a cement (as for setting tile) or
a protective coating (as for thermal insulation or waterproofing)
Mechanics Lien - A lien on real property, created by statue in many
years, in favor of persons supplying labor or materials for a building or
structure, for the value of labor or materials supplied by them. In some
jurisdictions, a mechanics lien also exists for the value of professional
services. Clear title to the property cannot be obtained until the claim
for the labor, materials, or professional services is settled. Timely filing
is essential to support the encumbrance, and prescribed filing dates vary
by jurisdiction.
Metal Lath - Sheets of metal that are slit to form openings within
the lath. Used as a plaster base for walls and ceilings and as reinforcing
over other forms of plaster base.
Metal Wall Ties - Strips of corrugated metal used to tie a brick veneer wall to a framework.
Microlam - A manufactured structural wood beam. It is constructed of
pressure and adhesive bonded wood strands of wood. They have a higher strength
rating than solid sawn lumber. Normally comes in l ½" thickness' and
9 ½", 11 ½" and 14" widths
Milar (mylar) - Plastic, transparent copies of a blueprint.
Millwork - Generally all building materials made of finished wood and
manufactured in millwork plants. Includes all doors, window and door frames,
blinds, mantels, panelwork, stairway components (ballusters, rail, etc.),
moldings, and interior trim. Does not include flooring, ceiling, or siding.
Miter Joint - The joint of two pieces at an angle that bisects the
joining angle. For example, the miter joint at the side and head casing at
a door opening is made at a 45° angle.
Modular Construction - Construction in which the size of all the building materials is based on a common unit of measure.
Moisture barrier - A material such as specially treated paper that retards the passage of vapor or moisture into walls, and prevents condensation with the walls.
Molding - A wood strip having an engraved, decorative surface.
Monopost - Adjustable metal column used to support a beam or bearing
point. Normally 11 gauge or Schedule 40 metal, and determined by the structural
engineer
Mortar - A mixture of cement (or lime) with sand and water used in
masonry work.
Mortgage - Loan secured by land.
Mortgage Broker - A broker who represents numerous lenders and helps
consumers find affordable mortgages; the broker charges a fee only if the
consumer finds a loan.
Mortgage Company - A company that borrows money from a bank, lends
it to consumers to buy homes, then sells the loans to investors.
Mortgage Deed - Legal document establishing a loan on property.
Mortgagee - The lender who makes the mortgage loan.
Mortgage Loan- A contract in which the borrower's property is pledged
as collateral. It is repaid in installments. The mortgagor (buyer) promises
to repay principal and interest, keep the home insured, pay all taxes and
keep the property in good condition.
Mortgage Origination Fee - A charge for work involved in preparing
and servicing a mortgage application (usually one percent of the loan amount).
Mortise - A slot cut into a board, plank, or timber, usually edgewise,
to receive the tenon (or tongue) of another board, plank, or timber to form
a joint.
Mudsill - Bottom horizontal member of an exterior wall frame which
rests on top a foundation, sometimes called sill plate. Also sole plate,
bottom member of interior wall frame.
Mullion - A vertical divider in the frame between windows, doors, or
other openings.
Muntin - A small member which divides the glass or openings of sash
or doors.
Muriatic Acid - Commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry work
is completed.
Mushroom - The unacceptable occurrence when the top of a caisson concrete
pier spreads out and hardens to become wider than the foundation wall
thickness.
Nail Inspection - An inspection made by a municipal building inspector
after the drywall material is hung with nails and screws (and before taping).
Natural Finish - A transparent finish which does not seriously alter
the original color or grain of the natural wood. Natural finishes are usually
provided by sealers, oils, varnishes, water repellent preservatives, and
other similar materials.
NEC (National Electrical Code) - A set of rules governing safe wiring
methods. Local codes—which are backed by law—may differ from the
NEC in some ways.
Neutral Wire - Usually color-coded white, this carries electricity
from an outlet back to the service panel. Also see hot wire and ground.
Newel Post - The large starting post to which the end of a stair guard
railing or balustrade is fastened.
Nominal Size - The size of lumber before dressing, rather than its actual size.
Nonbearing Wall - A wall supporting no load other than its own weight.
Nosing - The projecting edge of a molding or drip or the front edge
of a stair tread.
Notch - A crosswise groove at the end of a board.
Note - A formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating
the terms of repayment.
Nozzle - The part of a heating system that sprays the fuel of fuel-air
mixture into the combustion chamber.
O C - On-Center - The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, and
joists in a building from the center of one member to the center of the next.
Oak, Red - Hard and tough hardwood used for flooring, interior trim, stair treads, and railings. Popular as a face veneer plywood for paneling and cabinetwork. A rich light to medium brown in color. White oak has similar characteristics and applications.
Oakum - Loose hemp or jute fiber that's impregnated with tar or pitch
and used to caulk large seams or for packing plumbing pipe joints
Open Hole Inspection - When an engineer (or municipal inspector) inspects
the open excavation and examines the earth to determine the type of foundation
(caisson, footer, wall on ground, etc.) that should be installed in the hole.
Oriented Strand Board or OSB - A manufactured 4' X 8' wood panel made
out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood.
Outrigger - An extension of a rafter beyond the wall line. Usually
a smaller member nailed to a larger rafter to form a cornice or roof overhang.
Outside Corner - The point at which two walls form an external angle,
one you usually can walk around.
Outside Mount - When the blind/shade is installed on the outside of the window recess. The headrail will usually be bracketed above the opening or recess of the window.
Overhang - Outward projecting eave-soffit area of a roof; the part
of the roof that hangs out or over the outside wall. See also Cornice.
Padding - A material installed under carpet to add foot comfort, isolate
sound, and to prolong carpet life.
Pad Out, Pack Out - To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or
ceiling in order that the finished ceiling/wall will appear correct.
Paint - A combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to
provide decorative and protective coatings. Can be oil based or latex water
based.
Pallets - Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping material.
Forklifts and hand trucks are used to move these wooden platforms around.
Panel - A thin flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material, framed
by stiles and rails as in a door (or cabinet door), or fitted into grooves
of thicker material with molded edges for decorative wall treatment.
Paper, Building - 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.
Parapet - A wall placed at the edge of a roof to prevent people from
falling off.
Parting Stop or Strip - A small wood piece used in the side and head
jambs of double hung windows to separate the upper sash from the lower sash.
Particle Board - Plywood substitute made of course sawdust that is
mixed with resin and pressed into sheets. Used for closet shelving, floor
underlayment, stair treads, etc.
Partition - A wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building
or room.
Passive Solar Heating - Involves capturing, storing, and using solar radiation (the sun's energy) to heat a dwelling without the use of fans or pumps to circulate the heat.
Paver, Paving - Materials, commonly masonry, laid down to make a firm, even surface.
Payment Schedule - A pre-agreed upon schedule of payments to a contractor
usually based upon the amount of work completed. Such a schedule may include
a deposit prior to the start of work. There may also be a temporary 'retainer'
(5-10% of the total cost of the job) at the end of the contract for correcting
any small items which have not been completed or repaired.
Pedestal - A metal box installed at various locations along utility
easements that contain electrical, telephone, or cable television switches
and connections.
Penalty Clause - A provision in a contract that provides for a reduction
in the amount otherwise payable under a contract to a contractor as a penalty
for failure to meet deadlines or for failure of the project to meet contract
specifications.
Penny - As applied to nails, it originally indicated the price per
hundred. The term now series as a measure of nail length and is abbreviated
by the letter "
d". Normally, 16d (16 "penny") nails are used for framing
Percolation Test or Perc. Test - Tests that a soil engineer performs
on earth to determine the feasibility of installing a leech field type sewer
system on a lot. A test to determine if the soil on a proposed building lot
is capable of absorbing the liquid affluent from a septic system.
Performance Bond - An amount of money (usually 10% of the total price
of a job) that a contractor must put on deposit with a governmental
agency as an insurance policy that guarantees the contractors' proper and
timely completion of a project or job.
Perimeter Drain - 3" or 4" perforated plastic pipe that goes around
the perimeter (either inside or outside) of a foundation wall (before backfill)
and collects and diverts ground water away from the foundation. Generally,
it is "daylighted" into a sump pit inside the home, and a sump pump is sometimes
inserted into the pit to discharge any accumulation of water.
Periphery - A boundary or complete outside edge of a parcel of land or an object on a drawing.
Permeability - A measure of the ease with which water penetrates a
material.
Permit - A governmental municipal authorization to perform a building process as in:
- Zoning\Use Permit - Authorization to use a property for a specific use e.g. a garage, a single family residence etc.
- Demolition Permit - Authorization to tear down and remove an existing structure.
- Grading Permit - Authorization to change the contour of the land.
- Septic Permit - A health department authorization to build or modify a septic system.
- Building Permit - Authorization to build or modify a structure.
- Electrical Permit - A separate permit required for most electrical work.
- Plumbing Permit - A separate permit required for new plumbing and larger modifications of existing plumbing systems.
Phase Change Material - A material capable of storing large amounts of heat as they change from solid to liquid. They are slow ro release the stored heat and are, therefore, interesting as possible thermal mass materials.
Pigtails, Electrical - The electric cord that the electrician provides
and installs on an appliance such as a garbage disposal, dishwasher, or range
hood.
Pier - A column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross
section, used to support other structural members. Also see Caisson.
Pigment - A powdered solid used in paint or enamel to give it a color.
Pilaster - A portion of a square column, usually set within or against a wall for the purpose of strengthening the wall; also, a decorative column attached to a wall.
Pilot Hole - A small-diameter, pre-drilled hole that guides a nail
or screw.
Pilot Light - A small, continuous flame (in a hot water heater, boiler,
or furnace) that ignites gas or oil burners when needed.
Pine, Ponderosa - Light reddish colored softwood used especially for a sash, doors,and screens in the softer grades. Harder grades are used for joists, rafters, studdings, sills, sheathing, porch columns, posts, balusters, and stair rails.
Pine, White - Softwood of light tan color used for door, sash, interior and exterior trim, siding, and panels. Lower grades are used for sheathing, subflooring, and roofing.
Pine, Yellow - Softwood of medium texture, moderately hard, and a yellow to reddish brown color. Used for joists, rafters, studding, and general construction where extra strength and stiffness are required.
Pitch - The incline slope of a roof or the ratio of the total rise
to the total width of a house, i.e., a 6-foot rise and 24-foot width is a
one-fourth pitch roof. Roof slope is expressed in the inches of rise, per
foot of horizontal run.
PITI - Principal, interest, taxes and insurance (the four major components
of monthly housing payments).
Plan view - Drawing of a structure with the view from overhead, looking
down.
Plaster - A mortar-like composition used for covering walls and ceilings, usually made of portland cement mixed with sand and water.
Plate - Normally a 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 that lays horizontally within
a framed structure, such as:
- Sill Plate- A horizontal member anchored to a concrete or 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.
Plan View - Drawing of a structure with the view from overhead, looking
down.
Plat - A drawing of surveyed land indicating the location, boun daries, and dimensions of the parcel. The recorded plat, usually sent to an appropriate governmental office or the county recorders office, also contains information as to easements, restrictions, and lot number.
Plate - Sill plate is a horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall. Sole plate is bottom horizontal member of a frame wall. Top plate is top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters or other members.
Plenum - The main hot-air supply duct leading from a furnace.
Plenum System - A system of heating or air conditioning in which the air is forced through a chamber connected to distributing ducts.
Plot Plan - An overhead view plan that shows the location of the home
on the lot. Includes all easements, property lines, set backs, and legal
descriptions of the home. Provided by the surveyor.
Plough, Plow - To cut a lengthwise groove in a board or plank. An exterior
handrail normally has a ploughed groove for hand gripping purposes
Plumb - Exactly vertical and perpendicular.
Plumb Bob - A lead weight attached to a string. It is the tool used
in determining plumb.
Plumbing Boots - Metal saddles used to strengthen a bearing wall/vertical
stud(s) where a plumbing drain line has been cut through and installed.
Plumbing Ground - The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed
beneath a basement floor.
Plumbing Jacks - Sleeves that fit around drain and waste vent pipes
at, and are nailed to, the roof sheeting.
Plumbing, Rough - Work performed by the plumbing contractor after the
Rough Heat is installed. This work includes installing all plastic ABS drain
and waste lines, copper water lines, bath tubs, shower pans, and gas piping
to furnaces and fireplaces. Lead solder should not be used on copper piping.
Plumbing Stack - A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
Plumbing Trim - Work performed by the plumbing contractor to get the
home ready for a final plumbing inspection. Includes installing all toilets
(water closets), hot water heaters, sinks, connecting all gas pipe to appliances,
disposal, dishwasher, and all plumbing items.
Plumbing Waste Line - Plastic pipe used to collect and drain sewage
waste.
Ply - A term to denote the number of layers of roofing felt, veneer
in plywood, or layers in built-up materials, in any finished piece of such
material.
Plywood - A panel (normally 4' X 8') of wood made of three or more
layers of veneer, compressed and joined with glue, and usually laid with
the grain of adjoining plies at right angles to give the sheet strength.
Point Load - A point where a bearing/structural weight is concentrated
and transferred to the foundation.
Portico - A covered entryway attached to house,usually open on three sides and supported by posts or columns.
Portland Cement - Cement made by heating clay and crushed limestone
into a brick and then grinding to a pulverized powder state.
Post - 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-and-Beam - A basic building method that uses just a few hefty
posts and beams to support an entire structure. Contrasts with stud framing.
Power Vent - A vent that includes a fan to speed up air flow. Often
installed on roofs.
Precast - Concrete shapes which are made before being placed into structure.
Prefabricated Houses - Houses that are built in sections or component parts in a plant, and then assembled at the site.
Preframed Panels - Fabricated panels consisting of precut lumber and plywood manufactured to standard dimensions ready for structural use.
Premium - Amount payable on a loan.
Preservative -. Any pesticide substance that, for a reasonable length
of time, will prevent the action of wood-destroying fungi, insect borers,
and similar destructive agents when the wood has been properly coated or
impregnated with it. Normally an arsenic derivative. Chromated Copper Arsenate
(CCA) is an example.
Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) - 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 - Lumber that has been saturated with a preservative.
Primer - The first, base coat of paint when a paint job consists of
two or more coats. A first coating formulated to seal raw surfaces and holding
succeeding finish coats.
Principal - The original amount of the loan, the capital.
Property Survey - A survey to determine the boundaries of your property.
The cost depends on the complexity of the survey.
P Trap - Curved, "U" section of drain pipe that holds a water
seal to prevent sewer gasses from entering the home through a fixtures water
drain.
Pump Mix - Special concrete that will be used in a concrete pump.
Generally, the mix has smaller rock aggregate than regular mix.
Punch List - A list of discrepancies that need to be corrected by the
contractor.
Purlins - Horizontal roof members laid over trusses to support rafters.
Punch Out - To inspect and make a discrepancy list.
Putty - A type of dough used in sealing glass in the sash, filling
small holes and crevices in wood, and for similar purposes.
PVC or CPVC - Poly Vinyl Chloride-A type of white or light gray plastic
pipe sometimes used for water supply lines and waste
pipe.
Quarry Tile - A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a
floor or wall. Generally 6" X 6" X 1/4" thick .
Quarter Round - A small trim molding that has the cross section of
a quarter circle.
Quarter-Sawed - Lumber which has been sawed so that the medullary rays showing on the end grain are nearly perpen dicular to the face of the lumber.
Quoins - Stone or other building materials set in the corners of masonry sections of a house for appearance.
Rabbet - A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of
a board or plank.
Radiant Heating - A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced
hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling. Also
electrically heated panels.
Radiation - Energy transmitted from a heat source to the air around
it. Radiators actually depend more on convection than radiation.
Radon - A naturally-occurring, heavier than air, radioactive gas common
in many parts of the country. Radon gas exposure is associated with
lung cancer. Mitigation measures may involve crawl space and basement venting
and various forms of vapor barriers.
Radon System - A ventilation system beneath the floor of a basement
and/or structural wood floor and designed to fan exhaust radon gas to the
outside of the home
Rafter - Lumber used to support the roof sheeting and roof loads.
Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used. The rafters of a flat roof are
sometimes called roof joists.
Rafter, Hip - A rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof
angle.
Rafter, Valley - A rafter that forms the intersection of an internal
roof angle. The valley rafter is normally made of double 2-inch-thick members.
Rail - 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 relatively lightweight
horizontal element, especially those found in fences (split rail).
Railroad Tie - Black, tar and preservative impregnated, 6" X 8" and
6'-8' long wooden timber that was used to hold railroad track in place. Normally
used as a member of a retaining wall.
Rake - Slope or slanted.
Rake Fascia - The vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave.
Rake Siding - The practice of installing lap siding diagonally
Ranch - A single story, one level home.
Ready Mixed Concrete - Concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en route
to a job and delivered ready for placement.
Rebar, Reinforcing Bar -Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete
walls, footers, and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen
concrete. Comes in various thickness' and strength grade.
Receptacle - An electrical outlet. A typical household will have
many 120 volt receptacles for plugging in lams and appliances and 240 volt
receptacles for the range, clothes dryer, air conditioners, etc.
Recording Fee - A charge for recording the transfer of a property,
paid to a city, county, or other appropriate branch of government.
Red cedar - A reddish to dull brown softwood. The premier wood for shingles used in the United States because of its durability, ease of working, and light weight. Also used for interior and exterior trim, sash, doors, and siding.
Redline, Red Lined Prints - Blueprints that reflect changes and that
are marked with red pencil.
Reducer - A fitting with different size openings at either end and
used to go from a larger to a smaller pipe.
Reflective Insulation - Sheet material with one or both faces covered
with aluminum foil.
Refrigerant - A substance that remains a gas at low temperatures and
pressure and can be used to transfer heat. Freon is an example and is used
in air conditioning systems.
Register - A grill placed over a heating duct or cold air return.
Reglaze - To replace a broken window.
Reinforced concrete - Concrete with steel bars or webbing embedded for strength.
Relief Valve - A device designed to open if it detects excess temperature
or pressure.
Remote - Remote electrical, gas, or water meter digital readouts that
are installed near the front of the home in order for utility companies to
easily read the home owners usage of the service.
Retaining Wall - A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.
Retentions - Amounts withheld from progress billings until final and
satisfactory project completion.
Reveal - The side of an opening for a window or door, between the frame and the outer surface of the wall.
Reverse Roll - Applies to Roller Shades; when the blind rolls up the opposite side/direction on the track than it's usual location.
R Factor or R-Value - A measure of a materials resistance to the passage
of heat. New homewalls are usually insulated with 4" of batt insulation with
an R value of R-13, and a ceiling insulation of R-30.
Ribbon (girt) - Normally a 1 X 4 board let into the studs horizontally
to support the ceiling or second-floor joists.
Ridge - The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two
sloping roof surfaces.
Ridge Board - The board placed on the ridge of the roof onto which
the upper ends of other rafters are fastened.
Ridge Shingles - Shingles used to cover the ridge board.
Rim Joist - A joist that runs around the perimeter of the floor joists
and home.
Riprap - A sustaing wall or foundation of random stome to prevent erosion on an embankment.
Rise - The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge. Also
the vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (and not to exceed
7 ½").
Riser - Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the
treads of stairways.
Riser and Panel - The exterior vertical pipe (riser) and metal electric
box (panel) the electrician provides and installs at the "Rough Electric"
stage.
Road Base - A aggregate mixture of sand and stone.
Rock 1, 2, 3 - When referring to drywall, this means to install drywall
to the walls and ceilings (with nails and screws), and before taping is
performed.
Roll, Rolling - To install the floor joists or trusses in their correct
place. (To "roll the floor" means to install the floor joists).
Roll Down Shade - A throwback to the old days, Roll Down Shades (or Roller shades) combine simplicity with beauty, still available with a spring release. Available in an array of fabric designs and colors, use Roll Down shades to enhance the warmth and exuberance of your guest room or den.
Romex - A name brand of nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable that
is used for indoor wiring.
Roll Roofing - Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form.
36-inch wide rolls with and 108 square feet of material. Weights are generally
45 to 90 pounds per roll.
Roman Shades - Roman shades are fabric designed and styled in the ancient form and techniques used by the Romans. Available in either a "flat" or "teardrop" (sometimes called Hobbled) style, Roman shades add a breath of beauty and elegance to any room.
Romex - A name brand of nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable that
is used for indoor wiring.
Roof Jack - Sleeves that fit around the black plumbing waste vent pipes
at, and are nailed to, the roof sheeting.
Roof Joist - The rafters of a flat roof. Lumber used to support the
roof sheeting and roof loads. Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used.
Roof Sheathing or Roof Sheeting - The wood panels or sheet material fastened
to the roof rafters or trusses on which the shingle or other roof covering
is laid.
Roof Valley - The "V" created where two sloping roofs meet.
Rough Opening - The horizontal and vertical measurement of a window
or door opening before drywall or siding is installed.
Rough Sill - The framing member at the bottom of a rough opening for
a window. It is attached to the cripple studs below the rough opening.
Roughing-in - The initial stage of a plumbing, electrical, heating,
carpentry, and/or other project, when all components that won't be seen after
the second finishing phase are assembled. See also Heat Rough, Plumbing Rough,
and Electrical Rough.
Run, Roof - The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly
under the ridge. One half the span.
Run, Stair - the horizontal distance of a stair tread from the nose
to the riser.
R Value - A measure of insulation. A measure of a materials resistance
to the passage of heat. The higher the R value, the more insulating "power"
it has. For example, typical new home's walls are usually insulated with
4" of batt insulation with an R value of R-13, and a ceiling insulation of
R-30.
Saddle - A small second roof built behind the back side of a fireplace
chimney to divert water around the chimney. Also, the plate at the bottom
of some—usually exterior—door openings. Sometimes called a threshold.
Sack Mix - The amount of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete
mix. Generally, 5 or 6 sack is required in a foundation wall.
Sales Contract - A contract between a buyer and seller which should
explain: (1) What the purchase includes, (2) What guarantees there are, (3)
When the buyer can move in, (4) What the closing costs are, and (5) What
recourse the parties have if the contract is not fulfilled or if the buyer
cannot get a mortgage commitment at the agreed upon time.
Sand Float Finish - Lime that is mixed with sand, resulting in a textured
finish on a wall.
Sanitary Sewer - A sewer system designed for the collection of waste
water from the bathroom, kitchen and laundry drains, and is usually not designed
to handle storm water.
Sash - A single light frame containing one or more lights of glass.
The frame that holds the glass in a window, often the movable part of the
window.
Sash Balance - A device, usually operated by a spring and designed
to hold a single hung window vent up and in place
Saturated Felt - A felt which is impregnated with tar or asphalt.
Schedule (window, door, mirror) - A table on the blueprints that list
the sizes, quantities and locations of the windows, doors and mirrors.
Scrap Out - The removal of all drywall material and debris after the
home is "hung out" (installed) with drywall.
Scratch Coat - The first coat of plaster, which is scratched to form
a bond for a second coat.
Screed, Concrete - To level off concrete to the correct elevation during
a concrete pour.
Screed, Plaster - A small strip of wood, usually the thickness of the
plaster coat, used as a guide for plastering.
Scribing - Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
Scupper - (1) An opening for drainage in a wall, curb or parapet. (2)
The drain in a downspout or flat roof, usually connected to the downspout.
Sealer - A finishing material, either clear or pigmented, that is usually
applied directly over raw wood for the purpose of sealing the wood surface.
Seasoning - Drying and removing moisture from green wood in order to
improve its usability.
Self-Sealing Shingles - Shingles containing factory-applied strips
or spots of self-sealing adhesive.
Semigloss Paint or Enamel - A paint or enamel made so that its coating,
when dry, has some luster but is not very glossy. Bathrooms and kitchens
are normally painted semi-gloss.
Semi-Opaque - Blocks much less light than Opaque materials. Semi-opaque fabrics will alter the outside view considerably and provide an exceptional amount of light filtering and privacy.
Septic System - 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 and permits are usually sized by the number of bedrooms
in a house.
Service Entrance Panel - Main power cabinet where electricity enters
a home wiring system.
Service Equipment - Main control gear at the service entrance, such
as circuit breakers, switches, and fuses.
Service Lateral - Underground power supply line.
Setback - A zoning restriction which applies to the location of the home on a lot.
Setback Lines - Lines which indicate the required distances for the location of a structure in relation to the boundaries of the property.
Setback Thermostat - 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 the heating or cooling system thermostat.
Settlement - Shifts in a structure, usually caused by freeze-thaw cycles
underground.
Sewage Ejector - A pump used to 'lift' waste water to a gravity sanitary
sewer line. Usually used in basements and other locations which are situated
bellow the level of the side sewer.
Sewer Lateral - 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 utility, must be maintained by the owner
and may only be serviced by utility approved contractors. Sometimes called
side sewer.
Sewer Stub - The junction at the municipal sewer system where the home's
sewer line is connected.
Sewer Tap - The physical connection point where the home's sewer line
connects to the main municipal sewer line.
Shake - A wood roofing material, normally cedar or redwood. Produced
by splitting a block of the wood along the grain line. Modern shakes are
sometimes machine sawn on one side. See shingle.
Shear Block - Plywood that is face nailed to short (2 X 4's or 2 X
6's) wall studs (above a door or window, for example). This is done to prevent
the wall from sliding and collapsing.
Sheathing, Sheeting - The structural wood panel covering, usually OSB
or plywood, used over studs, floor joists or rafters/trusses of a structure.
Shed Roof - A roof containing only one sloping plane.
Sheet Metal Work - All components of a house employing sheet metal,
such as flashing, gutters, and downspouts.
Sheet Metal Duct Work - The heating system. Usually round or rectangular
metal pipes and sheet metal (for Return Air) and installed for distributing
warm (or cold) air from the furnace to rooms in the home.
Sheet Rock- Drywall-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 '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".
Shim - 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 used when installing doors and placed between the door jamb
legs and 2 X 4 door trimmers. Metal shims are wafer 1 1/2" X 2" sheet
metal of various thickness' used to fill gaps in wood framing members, especially
at bearing point locations.
Shingles - Roof covering of asphalt. asbestos, wood, tile, slate, or
other material cut to stock lengths, widths, and thickness'.
Shingles, Siding - Various kinds of shingles, used over sheathing for
exterior wall covering of a structure.
Shoe Mold - The small mold against the baseboard at the floor.
Short Circuit - A situation that occurs when hot and neutral wires
come in contact with each other. Fuses and circuit breakers protect against
fire that could result from a short.
Shutter - Usually lightweight louvered decorative frames in the form
of doors located on the sides of a window. Some shutters are made to close
over the window for protection.
Side Sewer - 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 utility, must be maintained by the owner and
may only be serviced by utility approved contractors. Sometimes called sewer
lateral.
Siding - The finished exterior covering of the outside walls of a frame
building.
Siding, (Lap Siding) - Slightly wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal
siding in a lapped pattern over the exterior sheathing. Varies in butt thickness
from ½ to ¾ inch and in widths up to 12".
Sill - (1) The 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 wood plate framing member that lays flat
against and bolted to the foundation wall (with anchor bolts) and upon which
the floor joists are installed. Normally the sill plate is treated lumber.
(2) The member forming the lower side of an opening, as a door sill or window
sill.
Sill Cock - An exterior water faucet (hose bib).
Sill Plate (Mudsill) - Bottom horizontal member of an exterior wall
frame which rests on top a foundation, sometimes called mudsill. Also sole
plate, bottom member of an interior wall frame.
Sill Seal - Fiberglass or foam insulation installed between the foundation
wall and sill (wood) plate. Designed to seal any cracks or gaps.
Single Hung Windows - A window with one vertically sliding sash or window
vent.
Skylight - A more or less horizontal window located on the roof of
a building.
Slab, Concrete - Concrete pavement, i.e. driveways, garages, and basement
floors.
Slab, Door - A rectangular door without hinges or frame.
Slab on Grade - 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.
Slag - Concrete cement that sometimes covers the vertical face of the
foundation void material.
Sleeper - Usually, a wood member embedded in concrete, as in a floor,
that serves to support and to fasten the subfloor or flooring.
Sleeve(s) - Pipe installed under the concrete driveway or sidewalk,
and that will be used later to run sprinkler pipe or low voltage wire.
Slope - The incline angle of a roof surface, given as a ratio of the
rise (in inches) to the run (in feet). See also pitch.
Slump - The "wetness" of concrete. A 3 inch slump is dryer and stiffer
than a 5 inch slump.
Soffit - The area below the eaves and overhangs. The underside where
the roof overhangs the walls. Usually the underside of an overhanging cornice.
Softwood - Wood produced from coniferous trees or trees that bear cones. Most commonly used at the pines, but also includes such trees as fir, spruce, redwood, and cedar. The term has no reference to the actual hardness or softness of the wood.
Soil Pipe - A large pipe that carries liquid and solid wastes to a
sewer or septic tank.
Soil Stack - A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
Sole Plate - The bottom, horizontal framing member of a wall that's
attached to the floor sheeting and vertical wall studs.
Solar Collectors - Devices for trapping the sun's energy.
Solid Bridging - A solid member placed between adjacent floor joists
near the center of the span to prevent joists or rafters from twisting.
Sonotube - Round, large cardboard tubes designed to hold wet concrete
in place until it hardens.
Sound Attenuation - Sound proofing a wall or subfloor, generally with
fiberglass insulation.
Space Heat - Heat supplied to the living space, for example, to a room
or the living area of a building.
Spacing - The distance between individual members or shingles in building
construction.
Span - The clear distance that a framing member carries a load without
support between structural supports. The horizontal distance from eaves to
eaves.
Spec Home - A house built before it is sold. The builder speculates
that he can sell it at a profit.
Specifications or Specs - A narrative list of materials, methods, model
numbers, colors, allowances, and other details which supplement the information
contained in the blue prints. Written elaboration in specific detail about
construction materials and methods. Written to supplement working drawings.
Splash Block - Portable concrete (or vinyl) channel generally placed
beneath an exterior sill cock (water faucet) or downspout in order to receive
roof drainage from downspouts and to divert it away from the building.
Spruce - Pale yellowish softwood used for general building purposes as planks, dimension stock, and joists. Millwork products include doors, casing, and trim.
Square - A unit of measure-100 square feet-usually applied to roofing
and siding material. Also, a situation that exists when two elements are
at right angles to each other. Also a tool for checking this.
Square-Tab Shingles - Shingles on which tabs are all the same size
and exposure.
Squeegie - Fine pea gravel used to grade a floor (normally before concrete
is placed).
Stack (Trusses) - To position trusses on the walls in their correct
location.
Stack - The stack is how the blinds will accumulate or pile up when fully closed. Horizontal blinds have varying stack heights (depths) depending on the widths and/or thickness of the blind/shade. Vertical blinds can stack on the left, right, or center of it's mounting as well as certain specialty lifting systems.
Standard Practices of the Trade(s) - One of the more common basic and
minimum construction standards. This is another way of saying that the work
should be done in the way it is normally done by the average professional
in the field.
Starter Strip - Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides
protection by filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of the first
course of shingles.
Stair Carriage or Stringer - Supporting member for stair treads. Usually
a 2 X 12 inch plank notched to receive the treads; sometimes called a "rough
horse."
Stair Landing - A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination
of a flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change direction. Normally
no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square.
Stair Rise - The vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread
(and not to exceed 7 ½").
Static Vent - A vent that does not include a fan.
STC (Sound Transmission Class) - The measure of sound stopping of ordinary
noise.
Steel Inspection - A municipal and/or engineers inspection of the concrete
foundation wall, conducted before concrete is poured into the foundation
panels. Done to insure that the rebar (reinforcing bar), rebar nets, void
material, beam pocket plates, and basement window bucks are installed and
wrapped with rebar and complies with the foundation plan.
Step Flashing - Flashing application method used where a vertical surface
meets a sloping roof plane. 6" X 6" galvanized metal bent at a 90 degree
angle, and installed beneath siding and over the top of shingles. Each piece
overlaps the one beneath it the entire length of the sloping roof (step by
step).
Stick Built - A house built without prefabricated parts. Also called
conventional building.
Stile - An upright framing member in a panel door.
Stool - The flat molding fitted over the window sill between jambs
and contacting the bottom rail of the lower sash. Also another name
for toilet.
Stop Box - 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.
Stop Order - A formal, written notification to a contractor to discontinue
some or all work on a project for reasons such as safety violations, defective
materials or workmanship, or cancellation of the contract.
Stops - Moldings along the inner edges of a door or window frame. Also
valves used to shut off water to a fixture.
Stop Valve - A device installed in a water supply line, usually near
a fixture, that permits an individual to shut off the water supply to one
fixture without interrupting service to the rest of the system.
Storm Sash or Storm Window - An extra window usually placed outside
of an existing one, as additional protection against cold weather.
Storm Sewer - A sewer system designed to collect storm water and is
separated from the waste water system.
Story - That part of a building between any floor or between the floor
and roof.
Stretcher Course - A row of masonry in a wall with the long side of the units exposed to the exterior.
Strike - The plate on a door frame that engages a latch or dead bolt.
String, Stringer - A timber or other support for cross members in floors
or ceilings. In stairs, the supporting member for stair treads. Usually a
2 X 12 inch plank notched to receive the treads
Strip Flooring - Wood flooring consisting of narrow, matched strips.
Structural Floor - A framed lumber floor that is installed as a basement
floor instead of concrete. This is done on very expansive soils.
Stub, Stubbed - To push through.
Stucco - Refers to an outside plaster finish made with Portland cement
as its base.
Stud - A vertical wood framing member, also referred to as a wall stud,
attached to the horizontal sole plate below and the top plate above. Normally
2 X 4's or 2 X 6's, 8' long (sometimes 92 5/8"). One of a series of wood
or metal vertical structural members placed as supporting elements in walls
and partitions.
Stud Framing - A building method that distributes structural loads
to each of a series of relatively lightweight studs. Contrasts with
post-and-beam.
Stud Shoe - A metal, structural bracket that reinforces a vertical
stud. Used on an outside bearing wall where holes are drilled to accommodate
a plumbing waste line.
Subfloor - 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.
Subgrade - A fill or earth surface upon which concrete is placed.
Sump - Pit or large plastic bucket/barrel inside the home designed
to collect ground water from a perimeter drain system.
Sump Pump - A submersible pump in a sump pit that pumps any excess
ground water to the outside of the home.
Survey - A description of the measure and marking of land, including maps and field notes which describe the property.
Suspended Ceiling - A ceiling system supported by hanging it from the
overhead structural framing.
Sway Brace - 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 "domino" fashion.
Switch - A device that completes or disconnects an electrical circuit.
T & G, Tongue and Groove - A joint made by a tongue (a rib on one
edge of a board) that fits into a corresponding groove in the edge of another
board to make a tight flush joint. Typically, the subfloor plywood is T &
G.
Tab - The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.
Tail Beam - A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on
one end and by a header at the other.
Take Off - The material necessary to complete a job.
Taping - The process of covering drywall joints with paper tape and
joint compound.
T Bar - Ribbed, "T" shaped bars with a flat metal plate at the
bottom that are driven into the earth. Normally used chain link fence poles,
and to mark locations of a water meter pit.
Teco - Metal straps that are nailed and secure the roof rafters and
trusses to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called a hurricane clip.
Tee - A "T" shaped plumbing fitting.
Tempered - Strengthened. Tempered glass will not shatter nor create
shards, but will "pelletize" like an automobile window. Required in tub and
shower enclosures and locations, entry door glass and sidelight glass, and
in a windows when the window sill is less than 16" to the floor.
Termites - Wood eating insects that superficially resemble ants in
size and general appearance, and live in colonies.
Termite Shield - A shield, usually of galvanized metal, placed in or
on a foundation wall or around pipes to prevent the passage of termites.
Terra Cotta - A ceramic material molded into masonry units.
Terrazzo Flooring - Wear-resistant flooring made of marble chips or small stones embedded in cement and polished smooth.
Thermoply ™ - Exterior laminated sheathing nailed to the exterior
side of the exterior walls. Normally ¼ " thick, 4 X 8 or 4 x 10 sheets
with an aluminumized surface.
Thermostat - A device which relegates the temperature of a room or
building by switching heating or cooling equipment on or off.
Three-Dimensional Shingles - Laminated shingles. Shingles that have
added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving a shake-like
appearance. May also be called "architectural shingles".
Threshold - The bottom metal or wood plate of an exterior door frame.
Generally they are adjustable to keep a tight fit with the door slab.
Tilt - The mechanism that allows you to angle the slats (vanes) to increase or decrease the amount of incoming light. If tilt is combined with location, that refers to where the mechanism will be placed, if it's with type, that gives you a choice of either a wand or cord tilt.
Time and Materials Contract - A construction contract which specifies
a price for different elements of the work such as cost per hour of labor,
overhead, profit, etc. A contract which may not have a maximum price, or
may state a 'price not to exceed'.
Tinner - Another name for the heating contractor.
Tip Up - The downspout extension that directs water (from the home's
gutter system) away from the home. They typically swing up when mowing the
lawn, etc.
Title - Evidence (usually in the form of a certificate or deed) of
a person's legal right to ownership of a property.
TJI or TJ - Manufactured structural building component resembling the
letter "I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two
key parts: flanges and webs. The flange or from of the
I joist may be made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber, usually
formed into a 1 ½" width. The web or center of the I-joist is
commonly made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Large holes can
be cut in the web to accommodate duct work and plumbing waste lines. I-joists
are available in lengths up to 60'' long.
Toe Nailing - To drive a nail in at a slant. Method used to secure floor
joists to the plate.
Top Chord - The upper or top member of a truss.
Top-Down - A feature where the blind/shade stacks at the bottom (bottom rail) rather than at the top (headrail).
Top-Down/Bottom-Up - A verstatile feature where the blind/shade stacks at both the bottom (bottom rail) and top (headrail). This system uses two sets of lifting cords.
Topography - Usually refers to site characteristics such as contour of the land, trees, or other natural features.
Top Plate - Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling
joists, rafters, or other members.
Tract - A specified area of land.
Transmitter (Garage Door) - The small, push button device that causes
the garage door to open or close.
Transom - A window placed above a door or permanent window which is hinged for ventilation.
Trap - A plumbing fitting that holds water to prevent air, gas, and
vermin from backing up into a fixture.
Tread - The walking surface board in a stairway on which the foot is
placed.
Treated Lumber - A wood product which has been impregnated with chemical
pesticides such as CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) to reduce damage from
wood rot or insects. Often used for the portions of a structure which are
likely to be in contact with soil and water. Wood may also be treated with
a fire retardant.
Trim (Plumbing, Heating, Electrical) - The work that the "mechanical"
contractors perform to finish their respective aspects of work, and when
the home is nearing completion and occupancy.
Trim - 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 physical work
of installing interior doors and interior woodwork, to include all handrails,
guardrails, stair way balustrades, mantles, light boxes, base, door casings,
cabinets, countertops, shelves, window sills and aprons, etc.
Exterior - The finish materials on the exterior a building, such as
moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim), siding, windows,
exterior doors, attic vents, crawl space vents, shutters, etc. Also, the
physical work of installing these materials
Trimmer - The vertical stud that supports a header at a door, window,
or other opening.
Trombe Wall - A popular passive solar design technique for trapping and storing the sun's energy.
Troweling - The finishing operation which produces a smooth, hard surface on concrete slab.
Truss - An engineered and manufactured roof support member with "zig-zag"
framing members. Does the same job as a rafter but is designed to have a
longer span than a rafter.
Tub Trap - Curved, "U" shaped section of a bath tub drain pipe
that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gasses from entering the home through
tubs water drain.
Turnkey - A term used when the subcontractor provides all materials
(and labor) for a job.
Turpentine - A petroleum, volatile oil used as a thinner in paints
and as a solvent in varnishes
UL (Underwriters' Laboratories) - An independent testing agency that
checks electrical devices and other components for possible safety hazards.
Undercoat - A coating applied prior to the finishing or top coats of
a paint job. It may be the first of two or the second of three coats. Sometimes
called the Prime coat.
Underground Plumbing - The plumbing drain and waste lines that are
installed beneath a basement floor.
Underlayment- 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 - A plumbing fitting that joins pipes end-to-end so they can
be dismantled.
Utility Easement - The area of the earth that has electric, gas, or
telephone lines. These areas may be owned by the homeowner, but the utility
company has the legal right to enter the area as necessary to repair or service
the lines.
Valance - Decorative appliances that can be added to the headrail to enhance the look and feel of the window covering. Valances can be made from fabric, wood, or plastic and are often color coordinated to match the finish of your blind.
Valley - The "
V" shaped area of a roof where two sloping roofs
meet. Water drains off the roof at the valleys.
Valley flashing - Sheet metal that lays in the "V" area of a roof valley.
Valley Rafter - The diagonal rafter at the intersection of two intersecting sloping roofs.
Valuation - An inspection carried out for the benefit of the mortgage
lender to ascertain if a property is a good security for a loan.
Valuation Fee - Th fee paid by the prospective borrower for the lender's
inspection of the property. Normally paid upon loan application.
Vanes - Similar to slats, vanes are used to describe the strips of material that comprise vertical blinds.
Vapor Barrier - A building product installed on exterior walls and
ceilings under the drywall and on the warm side of the insulation. It is
used to retard the movement of water vapor into walls and prevent condensation
within them. Normally, polyethylene plastic sheeting is used.
Variable Rate - An interest rate that will vary over the term of the
loan.
Veneer - Extremely thin sheets of wood. Also a thin slice of wood or
brick or stone covering a framed wall.
Vent - A pipe or duct which allows 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.
Vent Stack - A vertical soil pipe connected to the drainage system to allow ventilation and pressure equalization.
Vermiculite - A mineral used as bulk insulation and also as aggregate
in insulating and acoustical plaster and in insulating concrete floors.
Veterans Administration (VA) - A federal agency that insures mortgage
loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably discharged
veterans and their surviving spouses.
Vertical - Refers to the alignment of the slats. Vertical blinds are excellent for bay or french doors, sliding glass doors, or oversized windows. They provide excellent ranges of privacy and light control available in an impressively large number of colors.
Visqueen - A 4 mil or 6 mil plastic sheeting.
Void - Cardboard rectangular boxes that are installed between the earth
(between caissons) and the concrete foundation wall. Used when expansive
soils are present.
Voltage - 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 for the kitchen
range, hot water heater and
dryer.
Wafer Board - A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips
and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and
roof sheathing.
Wainscot - Surfacing on the lower part of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall.
Walk-Through - A final inspection of a home before "Closing" to look
for and document problems that need to be corrected.
Wall Out - When a painter pray paints the interior of a home.
Wand - Wands are used to tilt the angle of the blinds for light/privacy control. It's recommended for larger sized blinds to use a cord rather than a wand since it will take consiberable effort (with a wand) to move all the slats in the blind.
Warping - Any distortion in a material.
Warranty - In construction there are two general types of warranties.
One is provided by the manufacturer of a product such as roofing material
or an appliance. The second is a warranty for the labor. For example, a roofing
contract may include a 20 year material warranty and a 5 year labor warranty.
Many new homebuilders provide a one year warranty. Any major issue found
during the first year should be communicated to the builder immediately.
Small items can be saved up and presented to the builder for correction
periodically through the first year after closing.
Waste Pipe and Waste Vent - Plumbing plastic pipe that carries waste water
to the municipal sewage system.
Water Board - Water resistant drywall to be used in tub and shower
locations. Normally green or blue colored
Water Closet - Another name for toilet.
Water Conditioner - A device used to remove dissolved minerals from water to make it soft. Generally used in houses supplied by well water, which contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, to remove hardness that causes scale buildup in plumbing.
Water Meter Pit (or Vault) - The box /cast iron bonnet and concrete
rings that contains the water meter.
Water-Repellent Preservative - A liquid applied to wood to give the
wood water repellant properties
Water Table - The location of the underground water, and the vertical
distance from the surface of the earth to this underground water.
Water Tap - The connection point where the home water line connects
to the main municipal water system.
Watt - A measure of the electrical requirement of an appliance calculated
by multiplying the voltage times the amperage. For example: a 150 watt light
bulb which uses 110 volt power needs a little less than 1 amp (110 volts
X 1 amp= 110 watts).
W C - An abbreviation for water closet (toilet).
Weatherization - Work on a building exterior in order to reduce energy
consumption for heating or cooling. Work involving adding insulation,
installing storm windows and doors, caulking cracks and putting on
weather-stripping.
Weatherstrip - Narrow sections of thin metal or other material installed
to prevent the infiltration of air and moisture around windows and doors.
Weep Holes - Small holes in storm window frames that allow moisture
to escape.
Whole House Fan - A fan designed to move air through and out of a home
and normally installed in the ceiling.
Wind Bracing - 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 "domino" fashion.
Window Buck - Square or rectangular box that is installed within a
concrete foundation or block wall. A window will eventually be installed
in this "buck" during the siding stage of construction
Window Frame - The stationary part of a window unit; window sash fits
into the window frame.
Window Sash - The operating or movable part of a window; the sash is
made of window panes and their border.
Wire Nut - A plastic device used to connect bare wires together.
Wonderboard ™ - A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually
used as a ceramic tile backing material. Commonly used on bathtub decks.
Wood Blinds - Real wood slats made of the finest timbers and pines in the world. Wood blinds are available in a range of tones (both natural and white tones), lift options, enhanced lift systems, and cloth tapes to cover the cords running the lengths of the blind. Also available in a select group of manufacturers comes "no-holes" routing system, where string is tied around the slat rather than drilled through. A great and inexpensive way to increase your privacy and light penetration.
Woven Wood Shades - Small pieces of wood are carefully scultped, manicured, and tied together with cloth or other material to produce a wonderful "Natural" shade that will spice up any room. Available in a range of designs, woven wood shades are a true representation of geographical diversity and beauty.
Wrapped Drywall - Areas that get complete drywall covering, as in the
doorway openings of bifold and bipass closet
doors.
Wythe - Pertaining to a single-width masonry wall.
Y - A "Y" shaped plumbing fitting.
Yard of Concrete - One cubic yard of concrete is 3' X 3' X 3' in volume,
or 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet
of 3 1/2" sidewalk or basement/garage floor.
Yoke - 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.
Z-bar Flashing - Bent, galvanized metal flashing that's installed above
a horizontal trim board of an exterior window, door, or brick run. It prevents
water from getting behind the trim/brick and into the home.
Zone - The section of a building that is served by one heating or cooling
loop because it has noticeably distinct heating or cooling needs. Also, the
section of property that will be watered from a lawn sprinkler system.
Zone Valve - 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.
Zoning - A governmental process and specification which limits the
use of a property e.g. single family use, high rise residential use, industrial
use, etc. Zoning laws may limit where you can locate a structure. Also see
building codes.
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