Use this A–Z home inspection glossary to find clear, practical definitions for terminology related to roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, structural components, building materials, property maintenance, and residential construction. Search for a specific term or browse the glossary by letter.
ABS is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a rigid black plastic commonly used for drain, waste, and vent piping.
Absolute Humidity is a measurement of water vapor in a given volume of air, often expressed as mass per unit volume.
Accelerator is any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar that speeds up the natural set.
Access Panel is a removable door or cover that provides service access to concealed plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other building components.
Accessible is a condition in which an inspector can safely approach, enter, or reach an area or component without unusual difficulty or danger.
Acre is an area equal to 43,560 square feet.
Acrylic is a durable thermoplastic commonly formed into bathtub, shower, and other plumbing-fixture surfaces.
Activate means to turn on or operate a system or component using its normal controls.
Actual Dimension (Lumber) is the exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried and milled.
Adaptor is a fitting that unites different types or materials of pipe, such as ABS to cast-iron pipe.
Adhesion is the ability of a coating, sealant, or adhesive to remain bonded to the surface beneath it.
Adhesive Failure is loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to which it was applied.
Adversely Affect means to constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.
Aerator is an apparatus that mixes air into flowing water.
Aggregate is crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that comes in a wide range of sizes and is designed to surface built-up roofs.
Air Chamber is a vertical, air-filled pipe that helps prevent water hammer by absorbing pressure when the water is shut off at a faucet or valve.
Air Duct is a sheet-metal or flexible passage that carries heated, cooled, supply, or return air through a building.
Air Filters are replaceable or washable media that remove dust and other airborne particles as air passes through an HVAC system.
Air Infiltration is a measurement of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows and doors.
Air Space is a 1-inch air gap left between insulation facing and the interior of exterior wall coverings.
Air-Dried Lumber is lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for any length of time.
Airway is a space between roof insulation and roof boards that is provided to facilitate air movement.
Alarm System is an installed or freestanding system that warns occupants of fire, carbon monoxide, security, or other hazardous conditions.
Algae is a growth of simple organisms that can form green, black, or dark streaks on damp roofing, siding, masonry, and other surfaces.
Alligatoring is an oxidized condition of paint or aged asphalt that has lost its volatile oils due to exposure to sun and solar radiation.
Allowable Span is the distance between two supporting points for load-bearing lumber, such as joists, rafters or a girder.
Allowance(s) is a budget amount reserved in a construction contract for materials or work not yet finally selected or specified.
Aluminum Wire is a conductor made of aluminum that carries electricity.
Amortization is a repayment plan by which a loan is reduced through regular (usually monthly) payments of principal and interest.
Ampacity is how much current a wire can safely carry.
Amperage is the rate of flow of electricity through wire measured in terms of amperes.
Amps (AMPERES) is the rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.
Anchor Bolts are the bolts designed to secure a wooden sill plate to a concrete or masonry floor or wall.
Angle Iron is also known as a shelf angle, a piece of iron that forms a right angle and is designed to span openings and support masonry at the openings.
Angle Stop is a shutoff valve in which the inlet connects to the water supply pipe in the wall, and the outlet angles 90 degrees upward toward the faucet or toilet.
Annealing is the process of controlled cooling done in a lehr to prevent residual stresses in the glass.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is annual cost of credit over the life of a loan.
Anti-Scald is a valve that restricts water flow or fluctuations to help prevent burn injuries.
Anti-Siphon is a device that helps prevent wastewater from being drawn back into supply lines and possibly contaminating the water supply.
Anti-Walk Blocks are elastomeric blocks that limit glass movement in the glazing channel that may result from thermal, seismic or wind-load effects, or building movement or other forces.
Antiquated is obsolete; no longer in use, useful or functioning.
APA Plywood is plywood that has been rated by the American Plywood Association (APA).
Aperature is the diameter of the opening in pipes.
Appliance is a household device operated by use of electricity or gas.
Appraisal is an expert valuation of a property.
Approach is the areabetween the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway, or the transitional path from the street leading to the driveway.
Apron is a trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.
Arbitration Service is a service designed to resolve complaints, such as a professional inspection organization Arbitration Service.
Architect is a tradesman who designs and produces plans for buildings, often overseeing the building process.
Architects Rule (Ruler) is a triangular scale ruler designed to read and create architectural drawings at several standard scales.
Architectural Service is professional work involving building design, construction documents, code coordination, and administration of the construction contract.
Area Wells are corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back earth.
Areaway is an open sub-surface space adjacent to a building designed to admit light and/or air, or as a means of access to a basement.
Asbestos is a common form of magnesium silicate and naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used in various construction products and older homes because of its stability and resistance to fire.
Asphalt is a dark brown to black, highly viscous hydrocarbon produced from the residue left after the distillation of petroleum.
Asphalt Plastic Cement is an asphalt-based cement designed to bond roofing materials.
Assessment is a tax levied or value placed on a property.
Associate Member is beginning or probationary level of inspection association membership.
Astragal is a molding that is attached to one of a pair of swinging doors against which the other door strikes.
Attic Access is an opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.
Attic Ventilators are the screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space.
Auger is a tool used by carpenters to bore holes into wood.
Awning Window is a window with hinges at the top that allow it to open out and up.
Back Nailing is a roofing method in which felt is fastened beneath the overlap to help keep the layers from slipping.
Backer Rod is a polyethylene or polyurethane foam material installed under compression and designed to control sealant joint depth, provide a surface for sealant tooling, serve as a bond breaker to prevent three-sided adhesion, and provide an hour-glass contour of the finished bead.
Backfill is the slope of the ground adjacent to the house.
Backflow is movement of water (or other liquid) in any direction other than that intended.
Backflow Preventer is a device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water supply.
Backhand is a simple molding sometimes used around the outer edge of plain rectangular casing as a decorative feature.
Backhoe is self-powered excavation equipment that digs by pulling a boom mounted bucket towards itself.
Backout is follow-up framing work completed after rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installations so the structure is ready for framing inspection.
Backsplash is a protective finished surface behind a sink, countertop, or cooking area that helps shield the wall from water and stains.
Balancing Damper is an adjustable plate inside an HVAC duct that regulates airflow to a room or branch of the distribution system.
Balloon Framing is a wood-framing method in which wall studs run continuously from the sill or lower floor to the roof plate.
Balusters are usually small vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and the stair treads or a bottom rail.
Balustrade is a railing made up of balusters, top rail, and sometimes bottom rail, used on the edge of stairs, teal conies, and porches.
Barge is horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
Barge Board is a decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end.
Barometer is an instrument designed to measure atmospheric pressure.
Barrel Roof is a roof design which in a cross section is arched.
Base Flashing is the upturned edge of a watertight membrane formed at a roof termination point by the extension of the felts vertically over the cant strip and up the wall for a varying distance where they are secured with mechanical fasteners.
Base Molding is molding designed to trim the upper edge of interior baseboard.
Base Ply is the first membrane layer installed in a multi-ply built-up roofing system.
Base Shoe is molding used next to the floor on interior base board.
Baseboard is usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet.
Baseboard Heat is a heating system with the heating unit located along the perimeter of the wall where the baseboard would normally be located.
Basement Window Inserts are the window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window buck.
Basket Strainer is basket shaped strainer with holes allowing water to drain while catching food or other solids.
Batt Insulation is precut or rolled sections of insulation, commonly fiberglass or mineral wool, sized to fit between framing members.
Batten is narrow strips of wood designed to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
Batten Plate is a formed piece of metal designed to cover the joint between two lengths of metal edge.
Batter Board is one of a pair of horizontal boards nailed to posts set at the corners of an excavation, designed to indicate the desired level, also used as a fastening for stretched strings to indicate outlines of foundation walls.
Batter Boards are temporary structures that hold strings designed to locate and square the corners of a building.
Bay Window is any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, either square or polygonal in plan.
Bead is an applied sealant in a joint irrespective of the method of application, such as caulking bead, glazing bead, etc.
Beam is a supporting member either of wood or steel.
Bearing Header is (a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening.
Bearing Partition is a partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bearing Point is a point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation.
Bearing Wall is a wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bed Molding is a molding in an angle, as between the over hanging cornice or eaves of a building and the side walls.
Bed or Bedding is the bead compound or sealant applied between a light of glass or panel and the stationary stop or sight bar of the sash or frame.
Bedrock is a subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.
Bell Reducer is a fitting shaped like a bell which has one opening of a smaller diameter designed to reduce the size of the pipe in the line, and the opposite opening of larger diameter.
Below Grade is the portionof a building that is below ground level.
Bent Glass is flat glass that has been shaped while hot into curved shapes.
Bevel is the angle of the front edge of a door usually from 1/8″ to 2.
Bevel Siding (or Lap Siding) is wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped pattern.
Bid is 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 is 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.
Bid Documents are the drawings, specifications, instructions, and forms that describe a project and establish the requirements for contractor bids.
Bid Security is a deposit or bond that assures a selected bidder will enter the contract and provide any required performance guarantees.
Bid Shopping is the process of seeking lower subcontractor or supplier prices after using earlier quotes to prepare a construction bid.
Bidding Requirements are the procedures and conditions for the submission of bids.
Bifold Door is doors that are hinged in the middle to allow them to open in a smaller area than standard swing doors.
Binder is a receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller.
Bipass Doors are doors that slide by each other.
Bird's-Mouth Cut is a cutout in a rafter where it crosses the top plate of the wall providing a bearing surface for nailing.
Bite is the dimension by which the framing system overlaps the edge of the glazing infill.
Bitumen is any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons occurring naturally or obtained through the distillation of coal or petroleum.
Blankets are fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls 15 or 23 inches wide.
Bleeding is the migration of a liquid to the surface of a component or into/onto an adjacent material.
Blind Nailing is nailing in such a way that the nail heads are not visible on the face of the work—usually at the tongue of matched boards.
Blind Stop is a rectangular molding, usually ¾ by 1-3/8 inches or more in width, used in the assembly of a window frame.
Blister is an enclosed raised spot evident on the surface of a building.
Block Out means to install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area.
Blocked (Door Blocking) is wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural wall framing members.
Blocked (Rafters) is short framing pieces placed between rafters to keep them aligned and reduce twisting or lateral movement.
Blocking is short pieces of framing placed between studs, joists, or rafters to provide bracing, load transfer, or a secure fastening surface.
Blow Insulation is loose-fill insulation installed by blowing fibers into attics, wall cavities, or other spaces with specialized equipment.
Blue Prints are architectural and construction drawings that show a project's dimensions, layout, materials, structural details, and installation requirements.
Blue Stain is a blue-gray discoloration in wood caused by certain fungi; it usually affects appearance more than structural strength.
Blue Stake is a utility-location notification service used before excavation so buried lines can be identified and marked.
Board and Batten is a method of siding in which the joints between vertically placed boards or plywood are covered by narrow strips of wood.
Board Foot is the volume of a piece of wood measuring 12 inches square and in inch thick.
Boards are yard lumber less than 2 inches thick and 2 or more inches wide.
Bodied Linseed Oil is linseed oil that has been thickened in viscosity by suitable processing with heat or chemicals.
Boiled Linseed Oil is linseed oil in which enough lead, manganese or cobalt salts have been incorporated to make the oil harden more rapidly when spread in thin coatings.
Bolster is a short horizontal timber or steel beam on top of a column to support and decrease the span of beams or girders.
Bond Breaker is a substance or a tape applied between two adjoining materials to prevent adhesion between them.
Bond or Bonding is 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.
Bond plaster contains 2-5% lime by weight and chemical additives which improve the bond with dense non-porous surfaces such as concrete.
Bonding Strip (Electrical) is a thin strip of metal inside armored or BX cable.
Boom is a truck designed to hoist heavy material up and into place, to put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.
Boston Ridge is a method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge or at the hips of a roof as a finish.
Bottom Chord is the lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.
Bottom Plate is the 2x4s or 6s that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed.
Bow is a curve, bend, warping or other deviation from flatness in glass or wood.
Box Cornice is a cornice completely closed with trim work.
Brace is an inclined framing member designed to stiffen a wall, floor, roof, or temporary structure.
Bracing is the use of framing members, ties, or rods to strengthen a structure and resist lateral movement.
Brake Metal is sheet metal that has been bent to the desired configuration.
Branch Circuit (Electrical) is wiring that runs from a service panel or sub-panel to outlets.
Breaker Box is a metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that control the electrical current in a home.
Breaker Panel is the electrical distribution enclosure containing circuit breakers that supply and protect the building's branch circuits.
Breeze Way is a roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two structures, such as a house and a garage.
Brick Ledge is part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest.
Brick Lintel is the metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening.
Brick Mold is trim used around an exterior door jamb onto which siding butts.
Brick Tie is a small, corrugated metal strip (1″x6″- 8″ long) nailed to wall sheeting or studs.
Brick Veneer is a facing of brick laid against and fastened to the sheathing of a frame wall or tile wall construction.
Bridging is small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists at midspan to act as both tension and compression members for the purpose of bracing the joists a spreading the action of loads.
Broker is one that acts as an agent for others, as in negotiating contracts, purchases, or sales in return for a fee or commission.
Browncoat is the coat of plaster directly beneath the finish coat.
BTU is a measure of the capacity of a heating or cooling system.
Bubbling is open or closed pockets in a sealant caused by release, production or expansion of gasses.
Buck is often used in reference to rough frame opening members.
Buckling is the bending of a building material as a result of wear and tear or contact with a substance such as water.
Builder's Risk Insurance is insurance coverage on a construction project during construction.
Building Brick is common brick intended mainly for construction rather than appearance and not specially selected for color or surface texture.
Building Code is locally adopted minimum requirements governing building design, construction, alteration, occupancy, health, and safety.
Building Paper is sheet material installed behind exterior finishes as part of a wall's protection against air and moisture intrusion.
Building Permit is written authorization from the city, county or other governing regulatory body giving permission to construct or renovate a building.
Built-Up Beam (or Girder) is beam (or girder) created by sistering or "scabbing" two or more pieces of lumber together.
Built-Up Roof is a roofing composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt.
Bull Nose (Drywall) is a rounded outside drywall corner formed with curved corner bead and joint compound.
Bullfloat is a tool designed to finish and flatten a slab.
Bundle is a packaged group of shingles; the number of bundles needed per roofing square varies by product.
Bushing is a pipe fitting for joining pipes with different diameters.
Butt Glazing is the installation of glass products where the vertical glass edges are without structural supporting mullions.
Butt Joint is the junction where the ends of two timbers or other members meet in a square-cut joint.
Butterfly Roof is a roof assembly, which pitches sharply from either side toward the center.
Buttering is applying sealant or glazing compound to a surface before the adjoining piece is placed and fastened.
Butyl is type of non-curing and non-skinning sealant made from butylene.
Buy Down is a subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce monthly payments on a mortgage.
BX Cable is an older term for armored electrical cable containing insulated conductors inside a flexible metal sheath.
Caisson is a 10- or 12-inch-diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded into bedrock 3 to 4 feet.
Calcium Chloride is a chemical designed to speed up the curing process of concrete in damp conditions.
Calibrate means to check, adjust or determine by comparison with a standard (the graduations of a quantitative measuring instrument), such as to calibrate a thermometer.
Calibration is the act or process of calibrating, or the state of being calibrated.
Camber is a slight intentional upward curve in a beam, slab, or other structural member.
Camber Arch is an arch whose intrados, though apparently straight, has a slightly concave curve upward.
Camber Beam is a beam whose underside has a concave curve upward.
Camber Windows are casement-style windows with curved or arched tops.
Candidate is beginning level of inspection association membership.
Canopy is a projecting roof or overhead covering that shelters an entrance, walkway, window, or outdoor area.
Cant Strip is a beveled support used at the junction of a flat surface and a vertical surface to prevent bends and/or cracking of the roofing membrane at the intersection of the roof deck and wall.
Cantilever is a projecting beam or other structure supported at only one end.
Cantilevered Void is foundation void material used in unusually expansive soil conditions.
Cap is the upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding, and similar components.
Cap Flashing is the portionof the flashing attached to a vertical surface designed to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
Cap Sheet is a top layer in built-up roofing.
Cap Sheets are one to four plies of felt bonded and top-coated with bitumen that is laid over an existing roof as a treatment for defective roofs.
Cape Chisel is a tool designed to clean out mortar joints on brick.
Capital is the principal part of a loan; the original amount borrowed.
Capital and Interest is a repayment loan structure and the most conventional form of home loan.
Capped Rate is a mortgage whose interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon.
Casement Frames and Sash is frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of the sash.
Casement Window is a side-hinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side of the window frame.
Casing is molding of various widths and thicknesses designed to trim door and window openings at the jambs.
Cast Iron is heavy metal formed by casting on molds.
Cast-Iron Pipe (Plumbing) is drain and vent lines.
Cat's Paw is a variation of a pry bar designed to pry up deep-set or counter-sunk nails.
Catch Basin is a drain for a low or wet spot, with pipe exiting the side and a pit at the bottom to collect sediment.
Caulk is the application of sealant to a joint, crack or crevice.
Caulking is material designed to seal exterior cracks and openings, such as at windows or foundations.
CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) is a pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to protect it from termites and other wood-boring insects, as well as decay caused by fungus.
Ceiling Joist is one of a series of parallel framing members designed to support ceiling loads and supported, in turn, by larger beams, girders or bearing walls.
Cells (Masonry) is the hollow spaces in concrete blocks.
Cellulose Insulation is ground-up newspaper that is treated with fire-retardant.
Celotex is uK-based brand of black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheeting.
Cement is the gray powder that serves as the glue in concrete; Portland cement; also, any adhesive.
Cement mixtures are labeled with their ratios of cement to sand to aggregate.
Centerset is a compact faucet configuration in which the spout and handles fit closely together on a common base, often for four-inch openings.
Ceramic Disk Valve is a type of valve that relies on two-part revolving disks in a sealed cylinder.
Ceramic Tile is a man-made or machine-made clay tile designed to finish a floor or wall.
Certificate of Occupancy is a document stating that a building is approved for occupancy.
Certified is having a formal document testifying to the qualification or completion of requirements.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is measure of a volume of air.
Chair Rail is a molding that runs horizontally along the wall at about 3 feet from the ground.
Chalk Line is a line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk and commonly used for alignment purposes.
Change Order is a written document that modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of a construction contract.
Channel Glazing is the installation of glass products into U-shaped glazing channels.
Chapter is a local group of members of a larger association, as in a local a professional inspection organization chapter; a local branch.
Chase is 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.
Checking is fissures that appear with age in many exterior paint coatings.
Checkrails are the horizontal meeting rails of a double-hung window sash, shaped to overlap or meet when the window is closed.
Chemical Injection Grouting is leak-repair technique usually used below grade in cracks and joints in concrete walls and floors; involves the injection of sealant (usually urethane) that reacts with water to form a seal.
Chink means to install fiberglass insulation around all exterior door and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in the exterior wall.
Chip Board is a manufactured wood panel made out of 1- to 2-inch wood chips and glue, often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing.
Circuit is a network of wiring that usually starts at a panel box, feeds electricity to receptacles/outlets, and ultimately returns to the panel box.
Circuit Breaker is a protective device that automatically opens an electrical circuit when it is overloaded.
Cistern is a reservoir or storage tank commonly used for a household's water supply.
Class "A" Fire Resistance is the highest fire-resistance rating for roofing, per the ASTM E-108, and indicates that roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
Class "B" Fire Resistance is fire-resistance rating that indicates that roofing material is able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
Class "C" Fire Resistance is fire-resistance rating that indicates that roofing material is able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
Class B Door is a fire-resistance rating applied by the Underwriters Laboratories for a door having a one to 1-1/2 hour rating.
Cleanout is a plug in a trap or drainpipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction.
Cleanout (Plumbing) is a wye or tee drain fitting with a removable plug that permits inspection and access for an auger or snake.
Cleat is a wedge-shaped piece of metal that serves as a support or check; a strip fastened across something to give it strength or hold it in position.
Clip Ties are sharp, cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete foundation wall that formerly held the foundation form panels in place.
Closed Cut Valley is a method of valley treatment by which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley.
Closet Auger is a flexible rod with a curved end designed to access a toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.
Closet Bend is a curved fitting that connects a closet flange to a toilet drain.
Closet Bolts are bolts with heads that engage a toilet flange and threaded ends that secure the toilet base.
Closet Flange is an anchoring ring secured to the floor to which the base of a toilet is secured using bolts.
CO is the chemical formula for carbon monoxide, and the acronym for Certificate of Occupancy.
Coal Tar is a viscous, liquid mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, derived (along with coke) from the destructive distillation of coal.
Coal Tar Pitch is a bituminous material that is a byproduct of the coking of coal and used as the waterproofing material for tar and gravel built-up roofing.
Code of Ethics are ethical standards of conduct for home inspectors.
Cohesive Failure is internal splitting of a compound resulting from over-stressing of the compound.
Cold Air Return is the ductwork and related grilles that carry room air back to the furnace for re-heating.
Cold Applied is products that can be applied without heating.
Cold Patch is a roof repair done with cold-applied material.
Cold Process Adhesive is mastic prepared with SBS modifiers to adhere laps, flashing and joints of built-up or low-slope roofing without hot-mopping or torching equipment.
Cold-Method or Lap Cement is special multipurpose adhesive for low-sloped, cold-applied roof construction.
Collar is a conical metal cap flashing used in conjunction with vent pipes or stacks, usually located several inches above the plane of the roof, for the purpose of shedding water away from the base of the vent.
Collar Beam is a tie that keeps the roof from spreading.
Collar Tie is a horizontal board attached perpendicular to rafters.
Column is a perpendicular supporting member, circular or rectangular in section, usually consisting of a base, shaft and capital.
Combination doors or windows are used over regular openings to provide winter insulation and summer protection.
Combustion Air is the ductwork installed to bring fresh outside air to the furnace and/or hot water heater.
Combustion Chamber is the part of a boiler, furnace or wood stove where the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation.
Common Rafter is rafter that extends from the top plate to the ridge.
Compatible is two or more substances that can be mixed or blended without separating, reacting or affecting either material adversely.
Component is a permanently installed or attached fixture, element or part of a system.
Composite Board is an insulation board that has two different insulation types laminated together in two or three layers.
Compression Fitting is designed to join or connect pipes and conduit by causing a ring to compress against the connecting tube when tightened with a wrench.
Compression Gasket is a gasket designed to function under compression.
Compression Set is the permanent deformation of a material after removal of the compressive stress.
Compression Valve is a type of valve that works by raising or lowering a stem.
Compression Web is a member of a truss system that connects the bottom and top chords, providing downward support.
Compressor is a mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added.
Concealed Nail Method is application of roll roofing by which all nails are driven into the underlying course of roofing and covered by a cemented, overlapping course.
Concrete Block is a hollow concrete brick that is usually 8x8x16 inches in size and often used in low-rise commercial and some residential construction.
Concrete Board is a cement-based panel commonly used as a durable, moisture-resistant backing for tile and other finishes.
Concrete Board or Wonderboard (TM) is a panel made of concrete and fiberglass that is usually used as tile-backing material.
Concrete Grout is a mixture of 3/8-inch pea gravel, sand, cement and water that is poured into the cells of concrete-block walls to reinforce them.
Concrete Plain is concrete without reinforcement or reinforced only for shrinkage or temperature changes.
Condensate Line is the copper pipe that runs from the outside air-conditioning condenser to the inside furnace.
Condensation is water accumulation or sweat on walls, ceiling and pipes.
Condensing Unit is the component of a cooling system located outdoors.
Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions (CC and Rs) is recorded private rules—more commonly called covenants, conditions, and restrictions—that govern the use and appearance of property in a development.
Conduction is the flow of heat from one part of a substance to another part.
Conductivity is the rate at which heat (energy) is transmitted through a material.
Conductor is a pipe for conveying rainwater from the roof gutter to a drain, or from a roof drain to the storm drain; also called a leader, downspout or downpipe.
Conductor (Electrical) is anything that conducts or carries electricity.
Conduit is tubing or hollow pipe casing through which electrical lines run.
Conduit (Electrical) is a metal or plastic raceway that protects and routes electrical conductors through a building.
Console Lavatory is a table-like lavatory whose basin is attached to a wall at the back and by table or piano legs at the front.
Construction Adhesive is thick-bodied adhesive suited to a wide range of repair and construction tasks and packaged in convenient cartridges for use in caulking guns.
Construction Contract is a legal document that specifies the details of a construction project.
Construction Drywall is an interior finishing method that uses factory-made gypsum panels instead of wet plaster.
Construction Loan is a loan provided by a lending institution specifically to construct or renovate a building.
Construction, Frame is a building method in which wood or light-gauge metal framing carries the structural loads.
Continuing Education is ongoing training and education, often recognized and accredited by state and other governmental agencies, and usually a requirement for membership in a home inspection association, such as a professional inspection organization Continuing Education policy and requirements.
Continuity Tester is an electrical tool designed to identify and diagnose a circuit as either open or closed.
Contractor is an individual licensed to perform certain types of construction activities.
Control Joint is a control joint controls or accommodates movement in the surface component of a roof.
Convection is a method of transferring heat by the actual movement of heated molecules, usually by a freestanding unit, such as a furnace.
Conventional Loan is a mortgage loan that is not insured by a government agency, such as the FHA or VA.
Convertibility is the ability to change a loan from an adjustable-rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule.
Cooling Load is a measurement of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer, usually 78° F, regardless of outside temperature.
Cooling Tower is a large device mounted on a roof and consisting of several baffles over which water is pumped in order to reduce its temperature.
Coped is removing the top and bottom flange of the end(s) of a metal I-beam to permit it to fit within and become bolted to the web of another I-beam in a "T" arrangement.
Coped Joint is cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
Coping is a construction unit placed at the top of a parapet wall to serve as a cover for the wall.
Coping Joint is the intersection of a roof slope and an exterior vertical wall.
Copper Pipe Types are type K is identified by a green stripe and has the heaviest or thickest wall and is generally used underground.
Corbel is the triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.
Corbel Out means to build out one or more courses of brick or stone from the face of a wall to form a support for timbers.
Core is a small section cut from any material to show its internal composition.
Corner Bead is a strip of formed sheet metal, sometimes combined with a strip of metal lath, placed on corners before plastering to reinforce them.
Corner Boards are vertical trim boards installed at exterior wall corners to finish and protect the ends of siding.
Corner Braces are diagonal braces at the corners of frame structure to stiffen and strengthen the wall.
Cornerite is metal mesh lath cut into strips and bent to a right angle used in interior corners of walls and ceilings on lath to prevent cracks in plastering.
Cornice is a horizontal projecting course on the exterior of a building, usually at the base of a parapet.
Cornice Return is the portionof the cornice that returns on the gable end of a house.
Corrosion is the deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals or other agents or media.
Corrugated is folded or shaped into parallel ridges or furrows so as to form a symmetrically wavy surface.
Cost Breakdown is a breakdown of all the anticipated costs on a construction or renovation project.
Cost Plus Contract is another term for time and materials contract.
Counter Flashing is the formed metal secured to a wall, curb or rooftop unit designed to cover and protect the upper edge of a base flashing and its associated fasteners.
Counterfort is a foundation wall section that strengthens (and is generally perpendicular to) a long section of foundation wall.
Coupling is a fitting that joins two sections of pipe, conduit, or tubing in a straight line.
Course is a single layer of brick, stone or other building material.
Cove Molding is a molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners.
Covenants are rules usually developed by a builder or developer regarding the physical appearance of buildings in a particular geographic area.
Coverage is a measurement of weather protection provided by the roofing material that depends on the number of layers of material between the exposed surface of the roofing and the deck (single coverage, double coverage, etc.
CPVC is chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipe commonly used for hot- and cold-water distribution where permitted.
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is rigid plastic pipe used in plumbing and water supply systems.
Crater is pit in the surface of concrete resulting from cracking of the mortar due to expansive forces associated with a particle of unsound aggregate or a contaminating material, such as wood or glass.
Crawl Space is a shallow, open area enclosed within the foundation and located between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor's structural component.
Crawlspace is a shallow, open area enclosed within the foundation and located between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor's structural component.
Crazing is a series of hairline cracks in the surface of weathered materials having a web-like appearance.
Credit Rating is a report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to determine a borrower's credit habits.
Cricket is a peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice and to deflect water around the chimney.
Cripple Stud is short stud used as support in wall openings that replaces a normal 93-inch or 96-inch stud.
Cripple Walls are the section of wall under the house between the concrete foundation and the floor joists; also called crawlspace walls.
Crockery or cement or other container used in the ground to hold water for pumping sump pumps.
Cross Tee is a short transverse member that connects main runners in a suspended-ceiling grid and supports ceiling panels.
Cross-Bridging is diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists placed near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting.
Crosscutting is cutting across the wood grain; to cross-cut a board is to cut across its width.
Crown Molding is a molding used on a cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered.
Culvert is a round, corrugated drainpipe, normally 15 or 18 inches in diameter.
Cupola is a small dome at the peak of a pitched roof.
Cupping is a type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their edges.
Curb is a short wall of masonry built above the level of the roof that provides a means of flashing the deck equipment.
Curb Roof is a roof with an upper and lower set of rafters on each side whose under-set is less inclined to the horizon than the upper; a mansard roof.
Curing is the controlled hardening process that allows concrete, mortar, coatings, or sealants to develop their intended properties.
Curing (Paint) is the process by which paint bonds to a surface.
Curing Agent is one part of a multi-part sealant that.
Curtain Drain is a ditch, sometimes filled with gravel, and a drain tile that diverts storm and rainwater away from a structure.
Curtain Wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall system attached to a building's structural frame, often made with metal framing and glass or panels.
Cut Off is a narrow strip of roofing membrane designed to seal the exposed edge of insulation or roofing work.
Cut-In Brace is a diagonal framing brace fitted between wall studs to improve lateral stability.
Cutback is asphalt or tar thinned with solvents or oils so it can be applied in a fluid state.
Cutoff Valves are valves that isolate water flow to an individual fixture or section of plumbing without shutting off the entire building supply.
Dado is a flat-bottomed groove cut across the grain of wood to receive another board or panel.
Damper is an air valve that regulates the flow of air inside the flue of a furnace or fireplace.
Dampproofing is a process used on concrete, masonry or stone surfaces to repel water, the main purpose of which is to prevent the coated surface from absorbing rain water while still permitting moisture vapor to escape from the structure.
Darby is a flat tool designed to smooth concrete flatwork immediately after screeding.
De-Humidistat is a control mechanism designed to operate a mechanical ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.
Dead Load is the constant, design-weight (of the roof) and any permanent fixtures attached above or below.
Decay is disintegration of wood or other substance through the action of fungi.
Deck is an elevated floor-like platform, usually attached to a building and intended for outdoor use.
Deck Paint is an enamel with a high degree of resistance to mechanical wear designed for use on such surfaces as porch floors.
Decorative is ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems and components of a home.
Deflect means to bend or deform under weight.
Deflection is a measurement of bending movement of any part of a structural member perpendicular to the axis of the member under an applied load.
Density is the mass of substance in a unit volume.
Describe means to identify and document a system or component by its type, material, location, or other observed characteristics.
Design Pressure is specified pressure a product is designed to withstand.
Designer is one who designs houses, interiors, landscaping or other objects.
Determine means to arrive at an opinion or conclusion pursuant to examination.
Dew Point is temperature at which vapor condenses from the atmosphere and forms water.
Dimension Lumber is yard lumber from 2 inches to, but not including, 5 inches thick and 2 or more inches wide.
Direct Gain System is passive solar heating system in which sunlight penetrates and warms the house interior directly.
Direct Nailing means to nail perpendicular to the initial surface or to the junction of the pieces joined.
Dismantle means to take apart or remove a component that an ordinary occupant would not normally open during regular use.
Disposer is a motorized kitchen-sink appliance that grinds food waste into particles small enough to pass through the drain system.
Distortion is visible warping of images viewed through glass, often caused by variations in flatness or heat treatment.
Diverter is a valve that directs incoming water toward one of two outlets, such as a tub spout or showerhead.
Diverter Valve is a device that changes the direction of water flow from one faucet to another.
Dolly Varden Siding is beveled wood siding which is rabbeted on the bottom edge.
Doorjamb (Interior) is the surrounding case into which and out of which a door closes and opens.
Dormer is a converted attic with windows projecting through a sloping roof.
Double Coverage is application of asphalt roofing so that the lapped portion is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed portion.
Double Hung Window is a window with sashes that slide vertically and allow opening from the top and bottom.
Double Plate refers to when two layers of 2x4s are placed on top of studs in framing a wall.
Double Strength is a traditional glazing term for flat glass approximately 1/8 inch, or 3 millimeters, thick.
Double Tree is refers usually to a precast roof deck panel poured with two fins in its underside to impart flexural rigidity.
Double-Glazing is any use of two lights of glass, separated by an air space within an opening to improve insulation against heat transfer and/or sound transmission.
Downspout is the pipe that carries water down from the gutter or scupper.
Draw is a measurement of progress billings on a contract that is currently available to a contractor under a contract with a fixed payment schedule.
Drawing Detail is a top view drawing of a building or roof showing the roof perimeter and indicating the projections and roof mounted equipment, drawn to scale.
Drawing Outline is a top view drawing of a building or roof showing only the perimeter drawn to scale.
Dressed and Matched (Tongued & Grooved) is an interlocking board profile with a tongue on one edge and a matching groove on the other.
Dressed Size Lumber is the dimension of lumber after shrinking from green dimension and after machining to size or pattern.
Drier Paint is usually oil-soluble soaps of such metals as lead manganese or cobalt which, in small proportions, hasten the oxidation and hardening (drying) of the drying oils in paints.
Drip is (a) A member of a cornice or other horizontal exterior finish course that has a projection beyond the other parts for throwing off water.
Drip Cap is a projecting molding or flashing above a door or window that directs water away from the frame.
Drip Edge is a device designed to prevent water from running back or under an overhang.
Drippage is bitumen material that drips through roof deck joints, or over the edge of a roof deck.
Drop Siding is usually ¾ inch thick and 6 and 8 inches wide with tongued-and-grooved or shiplap edges.
"dropping" a stringer refers to cutting short on the bottom of a stairs to allow for thickness of the first tread.
Dry Glazing is also called compression glazing, a term designed to describe various means of sealing monolithic and insulating glass in the supporting framing system with synthetic rubber and other elastomeric gasket materials.
Dry Rot is another term for Fungal Wood Rot.
Dry Seal is accomplishment of weather seal between glass and sash by use of strips or gaskets of Neoprene, EPDM, silicone or other flexible material.
Dry Sheet is a roofing ply mechanically fastened to a deck to keep hot asphalt or pitch from penetrating into the building.
Dry-In is the construction stage at which the roof, openings, and weather barriers make the building reasonably protected from precipitation.
Drywall is factory-made gypsum panels fastened to framing to form interior walls and ceilings.
Drywall Construction is an interior finishing system that uses gypsum panels, joint tape, and compound instead of traditional wet plaster.
Drywall Hammer is a specialized hammer with a crowned face designed to set drywall nails without tearing the panel paper.
Drywall Nail is a nail with a broad, slightly cupped head designed to fasten drywall without cutting through its paper facing.
Duct is a cylindrical or rectangular "tube" designed to move air either from exhaust or intake, and for distributing warm air from the heating plant to rooms, or air from a conditioning device or as cold air returns.
Ductwork is a system of distribution channels designed to transmit heated or cooled air from a central system (HVAC) throughout a home.
Due-On-Sale is a clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.
Dumbwaiter is an elevator with a maximum footage of not more than 9 sq.
Dura Board, Dura Rock is a panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a ceramic tile backing material.
Durometer is a gauge to measure the hardness of an elastomeric material.
DWV (Drainage, Waste & Vent) is the plumbing piping that carries wastewater away and admits air so the drainage system flows properly.
E&O Insurance is professional liability coverage for claims arising from alleged errors, omissions, or negligent inspection services.
Earnest Money is a sum paid to a seller in good faith to demonstrate that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.
Earthquake Strap is a metal strap designed to secure gas-fired 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 cause a gas leak.
Easement is a formal contract that allows a party to use a limited portion of another party's property for a specific purpose.
Eave is the part of a roof that extends beyond the side wall.
Eaves Flashing is an additional layer of roofing material applied at the eaves to help prevent damage from water backup.
Edge Clearance is nominal spacing between the edge of a glass product (such as a window) and the bottom of the glazing pocket or channel.
Edge Grain (Vertical) is edge-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately at right angles to the growth rings (the rings form an angle of 45 degrees or more with the surface of the piece).
Edge Metal is a term related to brake or extruded metal around the perimeter of a roof.
Edging Strips are boards nailed along eaves and rakes to provide secure edges for re-roofing with asphalt shingles after cutting back the existing wood shingles.
EER is energy Efficiency Ratio, a measure of cooling output divided by the electrical power used under specified conditions.
Efflorescence is a white powder that forms on the surface of concrete/masonry walls as a result of water evaporation.
Egress means to exit or a means of exiting a building.
EIFS is exterior insulation and finish system, a multilayer wall cladding made with insulation board, a reinforced base coat, and a finish coat.
Elastomer is an elastic, rubber-like substance, such as natural or synthetic rubber.
Elastomeric is of or pertaining to any of the numerous flexible membranes that contain rubber or plastic.
Elbow is an angled fitting that alters the direction of a water line.
Electric Lateral is the trench or area in a home's yard where the electrical service line from a transformer or pedestal is located, or the work of installing the electrical service to a home.
Electric Resistance Coils are metal wires that heat up when electrical current passes through them; used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters.
Electrical Entrance Package is the entry point of the electrical power.
Electrical Rough is the work performed by the electrical contractor after the plumbing and heating contractors have completed their phases of work.
Electrical Trim is the work performed by the electrical contractor when a new-construction house is nearing completion.
Electrolytic Coupling is a fitting required to join copper to galvanized pipe.
Elevation is a side of a building.
Elevation Sheet is the page of blueprints that depicts the house or room as if a vertical plane were passed through the structure.
Ell is an elbow-shaped plumbing fitting that changes the direction of a pipe run.
Emissivity is the measure of a surface's ability to emit long-wave infrared radiation; important factor in infrared thermography and energy-saving windows.
EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) is electrical pipe, also called thin-wall conduit.
Emulsion is a coating consisting of asphalt and fillers suspended in water.
End Dams are internal flashing (or dam) that helps prevent water from moving laterally within a curtain wall or window wall system.
End Lap is the amount or location of overlap at the end of a roll of roofing felts in the application.
Energy Efficiency Ratio is another term for EER.
Engineering Service is professional analysis, design, evaluation, or construction oversight that requires engineering education, experience, and judgment.
Enter means to go into an area.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a single-ply membrane consisting of synthetic rubber, usually in 45 or 60 mils.
Equity is the value of a property less any outstanding mortgage loan.
Escrow is the handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of the buyer and/or seller.
Escutcheon is a trim piece or decorative flange that fits beneath a faucet handle to conceal the faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or wall.
Estimate is the anticipated cost of materials, labor and associated costs for a proposed construction, repair or remodeling project.
Estimating is the process of calculating the cost of a project.
Evaluate is pertaining to an inspection, to assess the structures, systems and components of a property.
Examine means to look at and evaluate.
Excavate means to dig the basement and/or all areas that will need footings/foundations below ground.
Exhaust Fan is a fan that extracts air or excess heat from the interior of a home.
Expansion Coefficient is the amount that a specific material will vary in any one dimension with a change of temperature.
Expansion Joint is a device designed to permit a structure to expand or contract without breakage.
Expansive Soils are earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water present.
Exposed Aggregate is a concrete finish in which the surface mortar is removed or treated so the coarse aggregate remains visible.
Exposed Aggregate Finish is a method of finishing concrete that washes the cement/sand mixture of the top layer of the aggregate (usually gravel).
Exposed Nail Method is application of roll roofing by which all nails are driven into the cemented, overlapping course of roofing.
Exposure is the portionof roofing exposed to the elements after installation.
Exposure I Grade Plywood is type of plywood approved for exterior use by the American Plywood Association.
Exterior Glazed is glazing infills set from the exterior of the building.
Exterior Stop is the exterior-side molding or bead that holds a window lite or panel in place.
Extras are additional work requested of a contractor that is not included in the original plan and is billed separately.
Extrusion is an item formed by forcing a base metal (usually, aluminum) or plastic at a malleable temperature through a die to achieve a desired shape.
Eyebrow is a flat concrete projection that protrudes horizontally from a building wall, generally located above a window.
Facade is the exterior face of a building, especially the principal or street-facing elevation.
Face Brick is brick made especially for exterior use with special consideration for color, texture and size, and used as a facing on a building.
Face Glazing is a system having a triangular bead of compound applied with a putty knife, after bedding, setting, and clipping the glazing infill in place on a rabetted sash.
Faced Concrete is the broom-finished front and vertical sides of a concrete porch, step(s) and/or patio.
Facing Brick is the brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall having a finished texture.
Factory Mutual (FM) is insurance agency that has established stringent guidelines for maximum construction integrity as it relates to fire and environmental hazards.
Fall/Flow is the slope or pitch provided in a drainage pipe so wastewater moves by gravity.
Fascia is a vertical finish board installed along a roof edge, commonly covering the ends of rafters and supporting gutters.
Fasteners are hardware such as nails, screws, bolts, anchors, and clips designed to join or secure building materials.
Faucet is a device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a reservoir, such as a pipe or drum.
Feathering Strips are tapered wood filler strips placed along the butt edges of old wood shingles to create a level surface when re-roofing over existing wood shingle roofs.
Felt is a general term designed to describe composition of roofing ply sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers, either unsaturated, impregnated with asphalt or coal tar pitch, or impregnated and coated with asphalt.
Female IPS are pipe connection where the threads are on the inside of the fitting.
Female Threads are internal screw threads formed inside a fitting to receive a matching male-threaded component.
Fenestration is any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall, or skylight unit on the exterior of a building.
Ferrous are objects completely or partially made of iron, such as ferrous pipe.
Ferrule is metal tubes designed to keep roof gutters open.
FHA Strap is metal straps that are designed to repair a bearing wall cut-out, and to tie together wall corners, splices, and bearing headers.
Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating is high-performance metallic reflective barrier commonly used for prepared roofing, metal surfaces and exterior masonry.
Fibered Roof and Foundation Coating is combined application for a special medium viscosity-grade fibered material and used as a roof and foundation coating.
Fibered Roof Coating is optimal protection for low-sloped roofs.
Fiberglass Mat is an asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers.
Field Measure means to take measurements (of cabinets, countertops, stairs, shower doors, etc.
Fillet Bead is caulking or sealant placed in a manner such that it forms an angle between the materials being caulked.
FindAnInspector.US is an online directory designed to help consumers search for home inspectors by location.
Finger Joint is a manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber or molding.
Finish is metal fastenings on cabinets that are usually exposed, such as hinges and locks.
Finish Carpentry is the hanging of all interior doors, installation of door molding, base molding, chair rail, built-in shelves, etc.
Finish Coat is the last coat applied in plastering, intended as a base for further decorating or as a final decorative surface.
Finish Grade is any surface that has been cut or built to the elevation indicated for that point.
FIP (Female Iron Pipe) is standard threads that are on the inside of a pipe fitting.
Fire Block is short horizontal members nailed between studs, usually about halfway up a wall.
Fire Brick is brick made of refractory ceramic material for use in fireplaces and boilers that resists high temperatures.
Fire Rated is descriptive of materials that have been tested for use in firewalls.
Fire Retardant Chemical is a chemical or preparation of chemicals designed to reduce flammability or retard the spread of flame.
Fire Stop is a solid, tight closure of a concealed space that is placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the space.
Fire Wall is any wall built for the purpose of restricting or preventing the spread of fire in a building.
Fire-Resistive is a material or assembly designed and rated to resist fire exposure for a specified period.
Fireplace Chase Flashing Pan is a large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe that is designed to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.
Fish Tape (Fish Wire) is a flexible steel or fiberglass tool designed to pull electrical conductors through conduit and enclosed spaces.
Fishplate is a wood or plywood piece designed to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts.
Fitting is a general term that usually refers to a faucet, shower valve, tub filler, and various piping parts, such as tees and elbows.
Fixed Price Contract is a contract with a set price for the work.
Fixture is a device that provides a supply of water and/or its disposal, such as a sink, tub and toilet.
Flagstone (Flagging or Flags) is flat stones from 1 to 4 inches thick commonly used for rustic walks, steps, floors, etc.
Flake is a small, thin, scale-like particle that separates from a coating or material surface.
Flakeboard is a manufactured wood panel made of 1- to 2-inch wood chips and glue and used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing.
Flame Retention Burner is an oil burner designed to hold the flame near the nozzle surface.
Flapper Valve (Plumbing) is a hinged rubber seal in a toilet tank that lifts during flushing and closes to let the tank refill.
Flash Point is the lowest temperature at which a material releases enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an ignition source.
Flashing is a material (usually, metal) that is shaped or molded for the location and used at an angle in a roof or wall to prevent rainwater/moisture leakage into the structure.
Flat Glass is a general term that describes float glass, sheet glass, plate glass, and rolled glass.
Flat Grain is lumber that has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings, i.
Flat Mold is thin wood strips installed over the butt seam of cabinet skins.
Flat Paint is an interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and dries to a flat or lusterless finish.
Flat Seam is the seam at the junction of sheet metal roof components that has been bent at the plane of the roof.
Flatwork is common term describing concrete floors, driveways, basements and sidewalks.
Fleet Averaging is by using a point system, builders can show compliance with energy building requirements by using average figures for all air-conditioning units in the same subdivision.
Flex Hose is a flexible pipe or tube made of braided stainless steel and commonly used with widespread or Roman tub faucets to provide variable centers.
Flexible Metal Conduit is conduit similar to armored cable in appearance but without the pre-inserted conductors.
Float Glass is glass formed on a bath of molten tin.
Floating is the next-to-last stage in concrete work.
Floating Wall is a non-bearing wall built on a concrete floor constructed so that the bottom two horizontal plates can compress or pull apart if the concrete floor moves up or down, and normally built on basements and garage slabs.
Floor Plan is the basic layout of building or addition.
Floor Plate is another term for floor plan.
Flow Rate is the rate at which water is discharged from an outlet.
Flue is a pipe designed to exhaust smoke, gas or air.
Flue Collar is a round metal ring that fits around the heat flue pipe after the pipe passes out through the roof.
Flue Damper is an automatic door located in the flue that closes it off when the burner turns off; its purpose is to reduce heat loss up the flue from the still-warm furnace or boiler.
Flue Lining is a round or square fire clay or terracotta pipe, usually made in all ordinary flue sizes and in 2-foot lengths, and used as the inner lining of a chimney, with the brick or masonry work around the outside.
Fluorescent Lighting is a fluorescent lamp is a gas-filled glass tube with a phosphor coating on the inside, normally with two pins that extend from each end.
Flush Glazing (Pocket Glazing) is a glazing method in which glass is set into a channel or pocket with little projection beyond the frame surface.
Flush Valve is the valve separating the water in the toilet tank from the bowl.
Flux is a material applied to the surface of copper pipes and fittings to assist in the cleaning and bonding process.
Fly Rafters are end rafters of a gable overhang that is supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.
Folded Seam is a joint created between the sheets of metal when the edges are crimped together and folded flat.
Foot Print is another term for floor plan.
Footing is the underground support for a foundation or support post.
Footings are wide pours of cement reinforced with rebar (reinforcing bar) that support foundation walls, pillars and posts.
Forced Air Heating is a common form of heating using natural gas, propane, oil or electricity as the fuel.
Form is a temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
Foundation is the supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction, below grade or partially below grade.
Foundation Coating is high-quality, below-grade moisture protection commonly used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion.
Frame Inspection is an inspection of the home's structural integrity and its compliance with local municipal codes.
Framer is the carpenter contractor who installs the lumber and erects the frame, flooring system, interior walls, backing, trusses, rafters and decking, and installs all beams, stairs, soffits and other work related to the wood structure of the home.
Framing is the structural wood and/or metal elements of most homes.
Free-Tab Shingles are shingles that do not contain factory-applied strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive.
Frieze is a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.
Frostline is the depth of frost penetration in local soil.
Fully Tempered Glass is flat or bent glass that has been heat-treated to a high surface and/or edge compression to meet the requirements of ASTM-C-1048 type FT.
Fully-Adhered is a completely attached (adhered) roof membrane.
Fungal Wood Rot is a common wood-destroying organism that develops when a wood-containing material is exposed to moisture and poor air circulation for six months or more.
Fungi (Wood) is organisms that can stain or decay wood when adequate moisture, temperature, oxygen, and food are present.
Fungicide is a chemical that is poisonous to fungi.
Furnace is a heating system that uses the principle of thermal convection.
Furring is wood or metal strips attached to a surface to create a level plane, fastening base, or service cavity for finish materials.
Gable is the triangular upper section of an exterior wall between the slopes of a pitched roof.
Gable End is an end wall having a gable.
Gable Roof is a type of roof with sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge; having a gable at each end.
Galvanize means to coat a metal with zinc by dipping it in molten zinc after cleaning.
Gambrel Roof is a type of roof whose slope is broken by an obtuse angle so that the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope; a double-sloped roof having two pitches.
Gang Nail Plate is a steel plate attached to both sides at each joint of a truss.
Gas Lateral is the trench or area in the yard where the gas line service is located, or the work of installing the gas service to a home.
Gaskets are pre-formed shapes, such as strips, grommets, etc.
Gate Valve is a valve that allows the complete stopping of flow of liquid within a pipe without the ability to modulate the flow.
Gauge is the thickness of sheet metal, wire, etc.
Gauge Board (Spot Board) is a flat board or tray used by plasterers or masons to hold a small working supply of mortar or plaster.
General Contractor is a contractor responsible for all facets of construction of a building or renovation project.
General Contractor (Prime Contractor) is the contractor responsible for coordinating the overall project, supervising work, and managing subcontractors and suppliers.
GFI or GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) is a safety device that quickly interrupts electrical power when it detects current leaking from the intended circuit path.
GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) is a thin, cementitious material that is laminated to plywood or other lightweight backing for use in wall systems that resembles concrete but generally does not perform as well.
Girder is a main horizontal beam made of steel, reinforced steel or wood upon which floor joists rest and designed to support other structural members or concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.
Girdle is a horizontal band or structural member that wraps around or ties together part of a building.
Glass is a hard, brittle and usually transparent substance made by fusing silicates under high temperatures with soda, lime, etc.
Glass-Base is a roll-roofing product built on a fiberglass base sheet, constructed with a heavyweight TAMKO.
Glass-Seal is a product name associated with self-sealing three-tab asphalt roofing shingles.
Glaze Coat is a light, uniform mopping of bitumen on exposed felts to protect them from the weather, pending completion of the job.
Glazing is (1) A generic term designed to describe an infill material, such as glass, panels, etc.
Glazing Bead is a strip surrounding the edge of the glass in a window or door that holds the glass in place.
Glazing Channel is a three-sided, U-shaped sash detail into which a glass product is installed and held in place.
Globe Valve is a valve in a pipe that allows the adjustment of the flow of liquid to any rate between fully on and fully off.
Gloss (Paint or Enamel) is a high-sheen paint finish that reflects more light and is generally easier to clean than flatter finishes.
Gloss Enamel is a finishing material made of varnish and pigments sufficient to provide opacity and color.
Glued Laminated Beam (Glulam) is an engineered structural member made by bonding layers of dimensional lumber with their grain running in the same direction.
GPF (Gallons Per Flush) is the unit of measurement by which the flow rate of toilets is measured and regulated.
GPM (Gallons Per Minute) is the unit of measurement by which the flow rate of faucets and showerheads is measured and regulated.
Grade Beam is a foundation wall that is poured level with or just below the grade of the earth.
Grade MW is a moderate-weather brick grade intended for conditions with limited freezing exposure.
Grade NW is no-weather grade of brick intended for use as a back-up or for interior masonry.
Grade SW is severe-weather grade of brick intended for use where high resistance to freezing is desired.
Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM) is a fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan.
Grain is the direction, size, arrangement, appearance or quality of the fibers in wood.
Granules are mineral particles of a graded size that are embedded in the asphalt coating of shingles and roofing.
Gravel is loose fragments of rock in sizes varying from 1/8-inch to 1-3/4 inches commonly used for surfacing built-up roofs.
Grid is the completed assembly of main and cross tees in a suspended ceiling system before the ceiling panels are installed.
Ground is electricity's habit of seeking the shortest route to earth.
Ground Iron is the plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath the basement floor.
Ground System is the connection of current-carrying neutral wire to the grounding terminal in the main switch which in turn is connected to a water pipe.
Grounding Rod is a conductive rod designed to ground an electrical panel.
Grounds are guides consisting of narrow strips of wood or of wide sub-jambs at interior doorways used around openings and at the floor line to strike off plaster.
Groundwater is water from an aquifer or sub-surface water source.
Grout is a fluid cementitious mixture designed to fill joints, masonry cells, gaps, or voids and sometimes to embed reinforcing steel.
Grout or Grouting is a hydrous, cement mortar whose consistency allows it to be placed or pumped into small joints and cavities between pieces of ceramic clay, slate, tile, etc.
Gun Consistency is sealant formulated in a degree of viscosity suitable for application through the nozzle of a caulking gun.
Gunite is a construction material composed of cement, sand and/or crushed slag and water mixed together and forced through a cement gun by pneumatic pressure, used in the construction of swimming pools.
Gusset is a flat wood, plywood or similar type of member that is fastened by nails, screws, bolts or adhesive to provide a connection at the intersection of wood members, commonly at the joints of wood trusses.
Gutter is a trough made of metal, wood or other material installed at the eaves of a roof that is designed to carry rainwater from the roof to the downspout.
Gutter Strap is a metal band designed to support the gutter.
Guy Wire is a strong steel wire or cable strung from an anchor on the roof to any tall, slender projection for the purpose of support.
Gypsum Board is drywall or wallboard used at the interior.
Gypsum Keene Cement is material designed to obtain a smooth finish coat of plaster, for use over gypsum plastic base coats only in areas not subject to moisture.
Gypsum Plaster is gypsum formulated with the addition of sand and water for use as a base coat plaster.
H Clip is a small metal clip in the shape of the letter H that fits at the joint of two plywood or waferboard sheets designed to stiffen the joint at roof sheeting.
Hardware is metal accessories, such as hinges, door knobs, drawer pulls, towel bars, toilet paper holders, etc.
Hatch is an opening in a deck, floor or roof whose purpose is to provide access from inside the home or building.
Haunch is a knee-like protrusion or extension of a foundation wall upon which a concrete porch or patio rests for support.
Hawk is a flat wood or metal tool that is 10 inches to 14 inches square and having a handle that is used by workers to carry plaster, mortar or mud.
Hazard Insurance is insurance for a building designed to cover losses while it is under construction.
Header is the framing members over windows, doors and other openings.
Hearth is the inner and outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile or stone.
Heartwood is the wood extending from the pith to the sapwood, the cells of which no longer participate in the life processes of the tree.
Heat Meter is a device that measures the temperature at a domestic heat panel and commonly used for estimating the heat energy being consumed by more than two households served by the same central heater.
Heat Pump is a device that uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool a house.
Heat Rough is the work performed by the heating or HVAC contractor after the stairs and interior walls are built, and includes installing all ductwork and flue pipes.
Heat Strengthened Glass is flat or bent glass that has been heat-treated to a specific surface and/or edge-compression range to meet the requirements of ASTM C 1048, Type HS.
Heat Trim is the work performed by the heating or HVAC contractor to prepare a new-construction home for the final municipal heat inspection.
Heating Load is a measurement of heating required to keep a home or building at a specified temperature during the winter (usually, 65° F), regardless of the outside temperature.
Heel Cut is a notch cut into the end of a rafter that permits it to fit flat on a wall and on the top doubled exterior wall plate.
Hermetic Seal is a vacuum seal between the panes of a double-paned window or insulated glass unit (IGU).
High-Early Cement is a Portland cement sold as Type III that sets up to its full strength faster than other types.
Highlights are lighter spots, streaks, or areas that stand out from the surrounding painted surface.
Hinge is a jointed or flexible component that allows the turning or pivoting of a part, such as a door or lid, on a stationary frame.
Hip is the external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof.
Hip Rafter is a rafter that forms the intersection of an external angle at a roof.
Hip Roof is a roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of the building.
Hip Shingles are shingles designed to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Hoistway is a shaft commonly used for the travel of one or more elevators.
Home Run (Electrical) is the electrical cable that carries power from the main circuit breaker panel or panelboard to the first electrical box, plug or switch in the circuit.
Honeycomb is voids or rough pockets in concrete where aggregate is exposed because the mix did not consolidate fully.
Horizontal is parallel to or in the plane of the horizon.
Hose Bib is an outdoor faucet with hose threads on its spout for the attachment of a garden hose, lawn sprinkler device, etc.
Hot Wire is the usually black wire that carries electrical energy to a receptacle or other device.
Hub is the enlarged end of a pipe that is made to provide a connection into which the end of a joining pipe will fit.
Humidifier is a device designed to increase the humidity within a room or a house by means of the discharge of water vapor.
Hurricane Clip is a metal connector that ties roof framing to the wall structure to improve resistance to wind uplift.
Hurricane Ties are metal fasteners that are designed to secure rafters in structures that are subject to hurricane winds.
HVAC is heating, ventilation and air conditioning; refers to the system, work, and type of contractor.
Hydro-Electric Elevator is an elevator where liquid is pumped under pressure directly into a cylinder by a pump driven by an electric motor without an accumulator between the pump and cylinder.
I-Beam is a steel structural member with a cross-section shaped like the letter I, commonly designed to carry loads across longer spans.
I-Joist is a manufactured structural building component resembling the letter I, it is used as a floor joist and rafter.
ID (Inside Diameter) is the diameter measurement taken from the inside of a pipe, and a common method for sizing pipe.
IIC is a system of criteria recommended by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for rating the effectiveness of impact sound isolation.
Incandescent Lamp is a lamp employing an electrically-charged metal filament that glows at white heat; a typical light bulb.
Incompatibility is descriptive of two or more materials that are not suitable for use together.
Indemnification Clause is a provision in a contract in which one party agrees to be financially responsible for specified types of damages, claims and/or losses.
Index is the interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.
Infiltration is the process by which air leaks into a building.
Inlet is an opening that provides a means of entrance or intake.
INR (Impact Noise Rating) is a single-figure rating that provides an estimate of the impact sound-insulating performance of a floor-ceiling assembly.
Inside Corner is the pointat which two walls form an internal angle, as in the corner of a room.
Inside Drain is a drain positioned on a roof at some location other than the perimeter.
Insulating Glass is window or door in which two panes or lites of glass are used with a sealed air space between; also known as double glass.
Insulating Glass Unit is two or more lites of glass spaced apart with an air space between them and hermetically sealed to form a single glazed unit.
Insulation is generally, any material that slows down or retards the flow or transfer of heat.
Insulation Board is a rigid structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fiber in 1/2-inch and 25/32-inch thickness.
Insulation Fasteners are any of several specialized mechanical fasteners designed to hold insulation down to a steel or a nailable deck.
Interest is the cost paid to a lender for borrowed money.
Interior Finish is material designed to cover the interior framed areas, or materials of walls and ceilings.
Interior Glazed is glazing infills set from the interior of the building.
Interlayer is any material designed to bond two lites of glass and/or plastic together to form a laminate.
Interlocking Shingles are individual shingles that mechanically fasten to each other to provide wind resistance.
Interply is between two layers of roofing felts that have been laminated together.
IPS (Iron Pipe Size) is a pipe thread sizing system; also, a measurement of the outside diameter of a pipe.
IRMA [Insulated (or Inverted) Roof Membrane Assembly] is a roof system whose membrane is laid directly on the roof deck, covered with extruded foam insulation, and ballasted with stone at a minimum of 1,000 pounds per square.
Irrigation is a system that supplies water to landscaping, commonly through underground piping and sprinkler heads.
J Channel is metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a better finished appearance when the wall is not wrapped.
Jack Post is a type of metal structural support used as a replacement for an old/defective supporting member that can be raised or lowered through a series of pins and a screw to meet the height required.
Jack Rafter is a rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.
Jamb is the side and head lining of a doorway, window or other opening.
Joint is the space between the adjacent surfaces of two members or components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.
Joint Cement is a powder that is usually mixed with water and commonly used for joint treatment in gypsum-wallboard finish.
Joint Compound is a material applied to threaded connections to help prevent leaks in plumbing.
Joint Tenancy is a form of property ownership in which multiple tenants own a property equally.
Joint Trench is a trench that is shared by the electric company and telephone company; one trench dug that the electric and phone utilities drop both of their service lines in.
Joist Hanger is a metal U-shaped item designed to support the end of a floor joist and attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or beam.
Jumpers are water pipe installed in a water meter pit (before the water meter is installed), or electrical wire that is installed in the electrical house panel meter socket before the meter is installed.
Keene's Cement is a white finish plaster that produces an extremely durable wall.
Keeper is the metal latch plate in a door frame into which a doorknob plunger latches.
Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale used in building science and to describe the color temperature of lighting.
Keyless is a plastic or porcelain light fixture that operates by a pull string, usually found in a basement, crawlspace and attic.
Keyway is a slot formed and poured on a footer or in a foundation wall when another wall will be installed at the slot location, giving additional strength to the joint/meeting point.
Kick Hole is a defect frequently found in perimeter flashings caused by being stepped on or kicked; a small fracture of the base flashing in the area of the cant.
Kiln Dried Lumber is lumber that has been kiln-dried to a moisture content of 6 to 12%.
Kilowatt (KW) is a unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts.
King Stud is the vertical 2x4 frame lumber (left and right) of a window or door opening running continuously from the bottom sole plate to the top plate.
Knife Consistency is a sealant or compound firmness suitable for application and tooling with a putty knife.
Knot is the portionof a branch or limb of a tree that appears on the edge or face of the piece.
Kraft is strong brown paper often used as the facing and vapor-retarding layer on fiberglass insulation.
Kynar Coating is a resin-based architectural coating that is UV-stable and suitable for exterior use on aluminum and other metal surfaces.
Labor Hour is a standard in which one person's labor is performed in one hour.
Ladder, Fixed is a permanently attached ladder intended to provide access between levels or to equipment.
Laminated Glass is two or more lites of glass permanently bonded together with one or more inter-layers.
Laminated Shingles are shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving them a shake-like appearance.
Laminating is bonding together two or more layers of materials.
Landing is a platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs.
Lap means to extend one material partially over another; also, the distance so extended.
Lap Cement is an asphalt-based cement designed to adhere overlapping plies of roll roofing.
Lateral (Electric, Gas, Telephone, Sewer and Water) is a service line that connects a building to a utility main, transformer, meter, or distribution point.
Lath is a building material of wood, metal, gypsum or insulating board that is fastened to the frame of a building that acts as a plaster base.
Lath and Plaster is the most common wall finish prior to the introduction of drywall.
Lattice is a framework of crossed wooden or metal strips.
Lavatory is a bathroom washbasin or sink.
Leach field is a septic drainfield; a method by which sewage is permitted to be filtered and discharged into the ground near a home, typical in rural areas not accessible to a municipal sewer system.
Lead is a malleable metal once extensively commonly used for flashings.
Lead Based Paint is paint containing lead pigments or compounds, commonly found in older buildings and recognized as a health hazard when it deteriorates or creates dust.
Leader is another name for a downspout that carries roof runoff from a gutter toward the ground or drainage system.
Lean-To Roof is the sloping roof of a building addition having its rafters or supports pitched against and supported by the adjoining wall of a building.
Ledger Strip is a narrow lumber strip fastened along a beam or girder to support the ends of joists.
Let-In Brace is nominal 1 inch-thick boards applied diagonally into notched studs.
Level is (1) Term designed to describe any horizontal surface whereby all sides are at the same elevation.
Level (Carpenter's Level) is a measuring tool with bubble vials designed to determine whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or properly sloped.
Level Payment Mortgage is a mortgage with identical monthly payments over the life of the loan.
Leveling Rod is a rod with graduated marks for measuring heights or vertical distances between given points and the line of sight of a leveling instrument.
Lien is an encumbrance secured by real or personal property for repayment of a debt or discharge of an obligation.
Light is (1) A source of light, especially a lamp, lantern, or an electric lighting fixture, either permanently installed or portable; the illumination emitted by a source of light.
Limit Switch is a safety control that automatically shuts off a furnace if it gets too hot; must also control blower cycles.
Lineal Foot is a length measurement of one foot along a material, regardless of its width or thickness; also called a linear foot.
Lintel is a horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening, such as a door or window.
Liquated Damages is a misspelling of liquidated damages, meaning a contractually agreed amount payable when specified obligations are not met.
Liquid-Applied Membrane is generally applied to cast-in-place concrete surfaces in one or more coats to provide fully-adhered, waterproof membranes that conform to all contours.
Lite is a pane of window glass (variation of light).
Live Load is a variable structural load created by occupants, furniture, stored items, vehicles, or other movable uses of a building.
Load Bearing Wall is a wall that supports its own weight and some other structural elements of a house or building, such as the roof and ceiling structures.
Loan is a sum of money lent at interest.
Loan to Value Ratio is the ratio of a loan amount to the property valuation expressed as a percentage.
Lookout is a short wooden bracket or cantilever, usually concealed from view.
Loose Laid is a membrane laid loosely and not adhered over a roof deck or berm.
Lot is a parcel of ground with boundaries determined by the county.
Louver is an angled slat in an opening that permits airflow while helping limit rain, debris, or direct views.
Low-Slope Application is a method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 2 and 4 inches per foot.
Lumber is the product of a sawmill and planing mill not further manufactured other than by sawing, re-sawing, and passing lengthwise through a standard planing machine, cross-cutting to length, and matching.
Lumens are unit of measure for total light output; the amount of light falling on a surface of 1 square foot.
Main Vent (or Stack) is the primary vertical plumbing vent that carries sewer gases outdoors and balances pressure in the drainage system.
Male IPS are pipe connection whose threads are on the outside of the fitting.
Male Threads are standard threads that are on the outside of a pipe or fitting.
Mansard Roof is a roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building.
Mantel is the shelf above a fireplace; also refers to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.
Manufactured Wood is a building component, such as a truss, beam or joist.
Manufacturers Specifications are the product maker's written requirements for installation, operation, maintenance, and acceptable use.
Mason's Hammer (Bricklayer's Hammer) is a hand tool with a striking face and chisel-like edge designed to cut, shape, and set masonry units.
Masonry is stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, gypsum block, and other similar building units and materials, or a combination of the same, bonded together with mortar to form a wall, pier, buttress or similar mass.
Masonry Primer is an asphalt-based primer designed to prepare masonry surfaces for bonding with other asphalt products.
Mastic is a heavy-consistency, waterproof compound that is applied to exterior walls and roof surfaces that may remain adhesive and pliable with age.
Matched Lumber is lumber that is dressed and shaped in a grooved pattern on one edge and in a tongued pattern on the other.
Maximum Occupancy Load is the maximum number of people permitted in a room measured per foot for each width of exit door.
Mechanics Lien is a legal claim against property for unpaid labor, services, or materials provided for construction or improvement work.
Melt Point is the temperature at which solid asphalt becomes a liquid.
Membrane is a generic term relating to a variety of sheet goods commonly used for certain built-up roofing repairs and applications.
Metal Edge is brake metal or a metal extrusion that is secured at the perimeter of a roof to form a weathertight seal.
Metal Lath is sheets of metal that are slit and drawn out to form openings and used as a plaster base for walls and ceilings, and as reinforcement over other forms of plaster base.
Microlam is a common reference to laminated veneer lumber, an engineered structural product made by bonding thin wood veneers together.
Migration is spreading or creeping of a constituent of a compound onto or into adjacent surfaces.
Mil Thickness is measurement designed to determine the thickness of a coating; 1 mil = 0.
Milar (Mylar) is a durable polyester film used in some insulation facings, membranes, electrical products, and reflective building materials.
Millwork is includes building materials made of finished wood and manufactured in millwork plants and planing mills; examples include interior and exterior doors, doorframes, windows, blinds, porchwork, mantels, panelwork, stairways, moldings, and interior trim.
Mineral Spirits is a petroleum-based solvent commonly designed to thin compatible coatings and clean tools or surfaces.
Mineral Stabilizers are finely-ground limestone, slate, traprock and/or other inert material(s) added to asphalt coatings for durability and increased resistance to fire and weathering.
Mineral-Surfaced Roofing is asphalt shingles and roll roofing that are covered with granules.
Minispread is a smaller variation of a widespread faucet with separate spout and handles designed small enough to fit 4-inch center-to-center faucet holes.
MIP (Male Iron Pipe) is standard threads that are on the outside of a pipe or fitting.
Miter Joint is a joint formed by cutting two members at matching angles, commonly 45 degrees, so they meet neatly at a corner.
Mixing Valve is a valve that mixes hot and cold water in the valve to obtain a set temperature prior to delivery.
Mobile Home Aluminum Roof Coating is a durable one-coat application that prolongs the life of mobile home roofs while reflecting the sun's rays and providing a decorative surface; also reduces energy costs.
Mock-Up Testing is controlled air, water and structural performance testing of existing or new glazing systems.
Modified Bitumen Roof is a low-slope roofing system made from asphalt modified with rubber or plastic polymers and reinforced in factory-produced sheets.
Modulus are the stress at a given strain; also, tensile strength at a given elongation.
Moisture Content of Wood is weight of the water contained in wood, usually expressed as a percentage of the weight of the oven-dried wood.
Molding is a shaped strip of wood, plaster, plastic, or other material designed to finish, protect, or decorate an edge or joint.
Monitor is a large structure rising above the surrounding roof planes, designed to give light and/or ventilation to the building's interior.
Monopost is an adjustable metal column designed to support a beam or bearing point, normally made of 11-gauge or Schedule 40 metal, as determined by the structural engineer.
Mopping is a layer of hot bitumen that is mopped between plies of roofing felt.
Mortar Types are type M, the strongest type, is suitable for general use and is recommended specifically for masonry below grade and in contact with earth, such as foundations, retaining walls and walks.
Mortgage is a loan secured by real property/real estate.
Mortgage Broker is a person who represents numerous lenders and helps consumers find affordable mortgages; the broker charges a fee only if the consumer qualifies for a suitable loan.
Mortgage Company is a company that borrows money from a bank, lends it to consumers to buy homes, then sells the loans to investors.
Mortgage Deed is a legal document establishing a loan for property.
Mortgage Origination Fee is a charge for work involved in preparing and servicing a mortgage application (usually, 1% of the loan amount).
Mortgagee is the lender who makes the mortgage loan.
Mortise is an edgewise slot cut into a board, plank or timber to receive the tenon of another board, plank or timber in order to form a joint.
Mud Cracks are cracks that develop from the normal shrinkage of an emulsion coating that has been applied too heavily.
Mudsill is a pressure-treated wood member anchored to a foundation and used as the base for the framed structure above.
Mullion is a vertical bar or divider in the frame between windows, doors and other openings that supports and holds items such as panels, glass, sashes, and sections of a curtain wall.
Muntins are horizontal or vertical bars that divide a sash frame into smaller lites of glass.
Muriatic Acid is commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry work is completed.
Mushroom is an unacceptable occurrence when the top of a caisson concrete pier spreads out and hardens to become wider than the foundation wall's thickness.
NACHI Foundation is a charitable organization associated with the home-inspection profession and focused on education and public safety initiatives.
Nailer is a piece of lumber secured to non-nailable decks and walls by bolts or other means, providing a suitable backing onto which roof components may be mechanically fastened.
Natural Finish is a transparent finish that does not significantly alter the original color or grain of the natural wood.
Neat Plaster is a base coat plaster that does not contain aggregates and is used where the addition of aggregates on the job is desired.
NEC (National Electrical Code) is a set of rules governing safe wiring methods.
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber having physical properties that closely resemble those of natural rubber, and used in weather-resistant products, such as paints, adhesives, gaskets, etc.
Nesting is a method of re-roofing with new asphalt shingles over old shingles in which the top edge of the new shingles is butted against the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.
Neutral Wire is carries electricity from an outlet back to the service panel; usually color-coded white.
Newel is any post to which the end of a stair railing or balustrade is fastened.
Nipple is a short pipe coupling that is threaded on both ends and installed between fittings.
NM is nonmetallic-sheathed cable containing insulated electrical conductors within a flexible nonmetallic outer jacket.
NMC (Non Metallic Conduit) is a type of Romex® cable.
No-Cutout Shingles are shingles consisting of a single solid tab with no cutouts.
Nominal Size is size commonly used for identification only; not literal dimensions.
Non-Bearing Wall is a wall supporting no load other than its own weight.
Non-Destructive is a method of examining the interior of a component whereby no damage is done to the component itself.
Non-Drying (Non-Curing) is a sealant or compound designed to remain soft and flexible rather than hardening through a curing reaction.
Non-fibered Aluminum Roof Coating is thin but efficient barrier that reflects the sun's harmful rays and prolongs a roof surface's service life.
Non-Sag is a sealant formulation having a consistency that permits application in vertical joints without appreciable sagging or slumping.
Non-Skinning is descriptive of a product that does not form a surface skin.
Non-Staining is characteristic of a compound that will not stain a surface.
Non-Veneer Panel is any wood-based panel that does not contain veneer and carries an APA span rating, such as waferboard and oriented strand board.
Nonfibered Roof and Foundation Coating is a fluid asphalt-based coating without reinforcing fibers, designed to protect compatible roof or foundation surfaces from moisture.
Normal Slope Application is method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
Nosing is the projecting edge of a molding or drip usually applied to the projecting molding on the edge of a stair tread.
Notch is a crosswise rabbet at the end of a board.
Note is a formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating the terms of repayment.
Nozzle is the tubular tip of a caulking gun through which the compound is extruded.
Nuclear Meter is a device designed to detect moisture by measuring slowed, deflected neutrons.
O-Ring is a circular rubber gasket compressed between parts to create an air- or watertight seal.
O. G. (or Ogee) is an S-shaped molding profile formed by adjoining concave and convex curves.
Oakum is loose hemp or jute fiber that is impregnated with tar or pitch and designed to caulk large seams and for packing plumbing pipe joints.
OD (Outside Diameter) is a measurement of the diameter of a pipe as taken from the outside edge.
Offset is a tubular component that permits the offsetting of a drainage run in the same direction.
Ohm's Law is states that, in a given electrical circuit, the amount of current in amps is equal to the pressure in volts divided by the resistance in ohms.
Ohmmeter is an electrical instrument that measures resistance in ohms.
Oil-Canning is a term that describes the distortion of thin-gauge metal panels that are fastened in a manner that restricts normal thermal movement.
On Center (O.C.) is a spacing measurement taken from the centerline of one repeated framing member or fastener to the centerline of the next.
Open Hole Inspection is an inspection performed by an engineer or municipal inspector to evaluate an open excavation and examine the earth to determine the type of foundation that should be installed in the hole (caisson, footer, wall on ground, etc.
Open Valley is method of construction by which shingles on both sides of a valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley.
Organic is a designation for any chemical compound that contains carbon and hydrogen.
Organic Felt is an asphalt roofing base material manufactured from cellulose fibers.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB, Chip Board, Wafer Board) is an engineered wood panel made from compressed wood strands bonded with resin and commonly used for wall, floor, and roof sheathing.
Outrigger is an extension of a rafter beyond the wall line.
Overhang is the part of a roof structure that extends horizontally beyond the vertical plane of the building's exterior walls.
Oxidize is the process of something combining with or being exposed to oxygen in the air; rust.
P Trap is a P-shaped drain fitting that holds water to block sewer gases from entering the building.
Pad Out, Pack Out means to add shims or furring strips so a wall, ceiling, frame, or finish aligns with the required plane.
Padding is material installed under carpeting to add depth and plushness, minimize sound, and prolong the carpet's life.
Paint is a combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to provide a decorative and protective coating.
Pallets are portable platforms designed to store, stack, and move bundled construction materials above the floor or ground.
Panel is a thin, flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material framed by stiles and rails, as in a door, or fitted into grooves of thicker material with molded edges for a decorative wall treatment.
Parapet Wall is a low wall around the perimeter of a roof deck.
Parge Coat is a thin coat of cementitious or polymeric mortar applied to concrete for refinement of the surface.
Parking Strip is the areain front of a building between the sidewalk and the street, usually landscaped with grass.
Parting Stop or Strip is a narrow strip in a double-hung window frame that separates and guides the upper and lower sash.
Partition is a wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building.
Patterned Glass is a type of rolled glass having a pattern impressed on one or both sides and commonly used for light control, bath enclosures, and decorative glazing.
Paver Stones are pre-cast concrete slabs designed to create a traffic surface.
Payment Schedule is an agreed-upon schedule of incremental payments to a contractor based upon the amount of work completed.
Pedestal Lavatory is a sink whose washbasin is supported by a single pedestal leg.
Penalty Clause is a clause in a contract that provides for a reduction in the amount otherwise payable under the contract to a contractor as a penalty for his/her failure to meet deadlines or the project's contracted specifications.
Penny is as applied to nails, it originally indicated the price per hundred.
Penthouse is a relatively small structure built above the plane of the roof; the topmost residential unit of a high-rise building.
Percolation Test (Perc Test) is a test that a soil engineer performs on soil to determine the feasibility of installing a leach field-type sewer system on a proposed building lot, evaluating whether the soil is capable of absorbing the liquid effluent from a septic system.
Performance and Payment Bond is guaranty of a project's completion by a surety company if the contractor fails to perform under the contract.
Performance Bond is an amount of money (usually 10% of the total price of a project) that a contractor must put on deposit with a governmental agency as an insurance policy that guarantees his proper and timely completion of the project.
Perimeter Drain is perforated plastic pipe (3 to 4 inches) that goes around the inside or outside perimeter of a foundation wall before backfilling, and collects and diverts groundwater away from the foundation.
Perlite is a natural volcanic glass with a high water content that is heated-expanded to create a lightweight aggregate used in fire-resistant insulation.
Perm is a measure of water vapor movement through a material in grains per square foot per hour per inch of mercury difference in vapor pressure.
Permanent Set is the amount by which a material fails to return to its original dimensions after being deformed by an applied force or load.
Permit is a governmental authorization to perform a building process.
Photo-Oxidation is oxidation caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Pier is a column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross-section, designed to support other structural members.
Pier Block is a concrete block designed to support foundation members, such as posts, beams, girders and joists.
Pigment is a powdered solid in suitable degree of subdivision for use in paint or enamel.
Pigtails, Electrical is the electric cord that the electrician provides and installs on an appliance, such as a garbage disposal, dishwasher, or range hood.
Pilot Hole is a small-diameter, pre-drilled hole that guides a nail or screw.
Pilot Light is a small, continuous flame in a hot water heater, boiler or furnace that ignites gas or oil burners when needed.
Pitch is (1) The incline slope of a roof, or the ratio of the total rise to the total width of a house.
Pitch Pan or Pitch Pocket is a metal enclosure around a roof penetration that is filled with sealant to reduce water entry.
Pitch Pocket is an opening in a tree's interior that extends parallel to the annual rings of growth that usually contains (or has contained) either solid or liquid pitch.
Pith is the small, soft core at the original center of a tree around which wood formation takes place.
PITI is an abbreviation for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance—the common components of a monthly mortgage payment.
Plan Submittal is submission of construction plans to the city or county in order to obtain a building permit.
Plans are construction drawings that communicate a project's layout, dimensions, materials, and installation details.
Plaster Grounds are strips of wood used as guides or strike-off edges around window and door openings and at the base of walls.
Plastic Roof Cement is used as a waterproofing medium to quickly stop roof and other leaks in new construction and for general-purpose exterior repair and maintenance.
Plat is a map of a geographical area as recorded by the county.
Plate is sill plate: a horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall.
Plate Line is the top horizontal line of a building wall upon which the roof rests.
Platform Framing (Platform Construction) is a wood-framing method in which each floor is built as a platform supporting one-story wall studs above it.
Plenum (or Plenum Chamber) is an enclosed HVAC chamber designed to collect, mix, or distribute supply or return air.
Plot Plan is a bird's-eye view showing the positioning of a building on a lot, along with the setbacks (how far the building must sit from the road), easements, rights of way, and drainage.
Plough means to cut a lengthwise groove in a board or plank.
Plumb is exactly vertical, or aligned with the direction of gravity.
Plumb Bob is a conical lead weight attached to a string used in determining plumb and elevations.
Plumbing Boots are metal saddles designed to strengthen a bearing wall/vertical stud(s) where a plumbing drain line has been cut through and installed.
Plumbing Ground is the plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a basement floor.
Plumbing Jacks are sleeves that fit around drain and waste vent pipes and nailed to the roof sheeting.
Plumbing Rough is work performed by the plumbing contractor after the rough heat is installed.
Plumbing Stack is a plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
Plumbing Trim is work performed by the plumbing contractor to get the home ready for the final plumbing inspection.
Plumbing Waste Line is plastic pipe designed to collect and drain sewage waste.
Ply is denotes the number of thicknesses or layers of roofing felt, veneer in plywood, and any finished piece of similar materials.
Ply Sheet is a layer in built-up roofing.
Plywood is a piece of wood made of three or more layers of veneer joined with glue, and usually laid with the grain of adjoining plies at right angles.
Pocket (Channel) is a recessed groove in a frame designed to receive and support glass, panels, or another building component.
Point Load is a point where a bearing/structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation.
Pointing is the process of filling joints between masonry units, bricks, etc.
Polished Wired Glass is wired glass that has been ground and polished on both surfaces.
Polymer is natural and synthetic compounds consisting of large molecules that have been formed from smaller molecules of similar make-up and used in the manufacture of plastics, concrete, glass and rubber.
Polysulfide Sealant is a type of polymer sealant which is mercaptan-terminated, having long-chain aliphatic polymers containing disulfide linkages.
Polyurethane Sealant is an organic compound formed by the reaction of a glycol with an isocyanate and used as an adhesive and for sealing and waterproofing decks, wood flooring, trim, etc.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a polymer formed by the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (sometimes called vinyl) and widely used in residential and commercial construction because of its versatility, high strength and low cost.
Ponding is standing water that remains on a roof or other surface because drainage is inadequate.
Pop Rivets are fasteners designed to join pieces of metal that are installed by either compressed-air-assisted or hand-operated guns; unique in that they are installed from one side of the work.
Pop-Out is a raised stucco or foam-trim detail that projects beyond the surrounding wall surface.
Pores are the openings of the vessels on the surface of a piece of wood; wood cells of comparatively large diameter that have open ends and are set one above the other to form continuous tubes.
Porosity is the density of a substance and its capacity to pass liquids, such as membranes, housewrap, vapor retarders, etc.
Portland Cement is a mixture of certain minerals which.
Post is a vertical member of wood, steel, concrete or other material that transfers weight from the top of the post to whatever it is resting on.
Post & Beam Construction is the most common type of wall framing; a building method that uses posts that carry horizontal beams on which joists are supported.
Post-and-Beam is a structural system that uses widely spaced vertical posts and horizontal beams to carry loads.
Pot-Life is the time interval following the addition of an accelerator before a chemically curing material will become too viscous to apply satisfactorily.
Potable is water that is safe to drink.
Powder Coat is a technique for applying paint to metal surfaces.
Power is the energy rate, usually measured in watts.
Power Vent is a vent that includes a fan to speed up air flow, often installed on roofs.
Pre-Shimed Tape Sealant is a sealant having a pre-formed shape containing solids or discrete particles that limit its deformation under compression.
Precast is concrete or another building component formed and cured before being transported to its final installation location.
Premium is the amount payable on a loan.
Preservative is any substance that, for a reasonable length of time, will prevent the action of wood-destroying fungi, borers of various kinds, and similar destructive agents when the wood has been properly coated or impregnated with it.
Pressure Tank is a tank used in conjunction with a well in order to maintain pressure.
Pressure-Reducing Valve is a valve installed in the water service line where it enters the building to reduce the pressure to an acceptable, desirable rate (40-55 psi).
Pressure-Relief Valve is a valve that relieves excess pressure in water storage tanks.
Pressure-Treated Lumber is lumber that is treated in such a way that sealer is forced into the pores of the wood to add strength and durability.
Primer is a material of relatively thin consistency that is applied to a surface for the purpose of creating a more secure bonding surface and to form a barrier to prevent the migration of components.
Priming is sealing of a porous surface so that compounds will not stain, lose elasticity, shrink excessively, etc.
Principal is the original amount of a loan; the capital.
Projection is any object or equipment that pierces the roof membrane.
Property Survey is a survey conducted to determine the boundaries of a property.
Protection Board is heavy asphalt-impregnated boards that are laid over bituminous coatings to protect against mechanical damage.
Pump Mix is a special concrete mix that has smaller rock aggregate than regular concrete mix and is used in a concrete pump.
Punch List is a list of discrepancies in a construction project that need to be corrected by the contractor, usually at the end of the project.
Punch Out means to inspect and make a discrepancy or punch list.
Purlins are horizontal structural members spanning between rafters, trusses, or frames to support roof decking or covering.
Push Stick is a tool used while cutting a short board on a table saw.
Putty is a type of cement made of whiting and boiled linseed oil that is beaten or kneaded into the consistency of dough and used in sealing window glass in sashes, filling small holes and crevices in wood, and similar purposes.
PVC or CPVC (PolyVinyl Choride) is plastic piping materials used in drainage or water-distribution systems, with CPVC formulated for higher temperatures than standard PVC.
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a durable titanium or zirconium coating used on brass-finish faucets that resists tarnish, scratches and corrosion.
PVDF is polyvinylidene fluoride, a durable resin used in high-performance architectural metal coatings.
R-Value is the thermal resistance of insulation or a glazing system.
Rabbet is a rectangular, longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.
Radial Saw is a circular saw that hangs from a horizontal arm or beam and slides back and forth.
Radiant Heating is a method of heating that is made up of a forced hot-water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall or ceiling, or using electrically heated panels.
Radiation is one method of heating by which a heated surface loses heat to cooler surrounding space or surfaces.
Radiator is a heating unit that is supplied heat through a hot water system.
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas found in soil that is heavier than air.
Radon System is an assembly that reduces radon entry, usually by drawing soil gas from beneath the building and venting it outdoors.
Rafter is a sloping roof member that supports the roof covering which extends from the ridge or the hip of the roof to the eaves.
Rafter Tail is the portionof a rafter that extends past the building to form the eaves.
Rafter, Hip is a rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof angle.
Rafter, Valley is a rafter that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle.
Raggle Block is a specially-designed masonry block having a slot or opening into which the top edge of the roof flashing is inserted and anchored.
Rail is cross-members of panel doors or a sash.
Railroad Tie is black-tar and preservative-impregnated wooden timbers that are 6x8 inches and 6 to 8 feet long that are designed to hold railroad track in place.
Rake is a trim member that runs parallel to the roof slope and forms the finish between the wall and a gable roof extension.
Rake Edge is the overhang of an inclined roof plane beyond the vertical wall below it.
Rake Fascia is the vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave.
Rake Siding is the process of installing lap siding diagonally.
Ranch is a single-story, one-level home style of home.
Random-Tab Shingles are shingles whose tabs vary in size and exposure.
Rankin is a thermodynamic (absolute) temperature scale whose degree is defined as equal to one degree Fahrenheit.
Raw Linseed Oil is a drying oil processed from flaxseed that polymerizes into a solid form and used in resins, solvents, varnish in wood finishing, pigment binder in oil paints, and plasticizer and hardener in putty and in the manufacture of linoleum.
Ready Mixed Concrete is concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en route to a job and delivered ready for placement.
Rebar is nickname for reinforcing bar that is designed to increase the tensile strength of concrete.
Receptacle is a contact device, commonly called an electrical outlet.
Recording Fee is a fee charged for recording the transfer of a property and paid to a city, county, or appropriate branch of government.
Redline, Red Lined Prints are blueprints that reflect changes that are marked with red pencil; to indicate changes on blueprints using red pencil.
Reducer is a fitting that connects pipes, ducts, or openings of different sizes.
Reflective Glass is glass with a metallic coating that reduces solar heat gain.
Reflective Insulation is sheet material with one or both faces having comparatively low heat emissivity, such as aluminum foil.
Refrigerant is a substance that remains a gas at low temperatures and pressure and can be designed to transfer heat.
Register is a fixture through which conditioned air flows.
Reglaze means to replace or renew the glass, glazing compound, gaskets, or seals in a window or frame.
Reglet is a horizontal slot, formed or cut in a parapet or other masonry wall, into which the top edge of counter-flashing is inserted and anchored.
Reinforced Concrete is a combination of steel and concrete using the best properties of both.
Reinforced Masonry is masonry units, reinforcing steel, grout and/or mortar combined to act together to strengthen a masonry structure.
Reinforcing is steel bars, wire mesh, fibers, or other materials embedded in concrete or masonry to improve strength and crack resistance.
Relative Heat Gain is a measurement of heat gain through a glass product, taking into consideration the effects of solar heat gain (shading coefficient) and conductive heat gain (U-value).
Relative Humidity is a measurement of water vapor in the atmosphere expressed as a percentage of the maximum quantity that could be present at a given temperature.
Release Tape is a plastic or paper strip that is applied to the back of self-sealing shingles designed to prevent them from sticking together in the bundles; need not be removed for application.
Remote digital readouts that are installed near the front of a house that allow utility companies (electrical, gas, water) to easily read the homeowner's usage of the service.
Resilient Flooring is a durable floor covering that has the ability to resume its original shape.
Resistance is the internal structure of wires in conductors opposes the flow of electric current and converts some current into heat.
Resorcinol Glue is a glue that is high in both wet and dry strength and resistant to high temperatures, and commonly used for gluing lumber and assembly joints that must withstand severe service conditions.
Retaining Wall is a structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.
Retentions are amounts withheld from progress billings until final and satisfactory project completion.
Return is an HVAC opening or duct that carries indoor air back to the heating or cooling equipment.
Ribbon (or Girt) is a horizontal framing member that supports or ties joists, studs, columns, or exterior wall materials.
Ridge is the horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping roof surfaces.
Ridge Board is a board at the roof peak that aligns opposing rafters and provides a nailing surface; it is not normally a structural beam.
Ridge Cut is the end cut on a rafter that fits to the ridgeboard.
Ridgeboards are boards installed along a roof ridge to align opposing rafters and provide a common fastening surface.
Rigid Metal Conduit is conduit that resembles plumbing pipe and encloses wires to protect them from exposure, weather and damage.
Rise is the vertical height of a step or flight of stairs.
Riser is each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads of stairways.
Road Base is an aggregate mixture of sand and stone.
Rock 1, 2, 3 is referring to drywall, this means to install drywall to the walls and ceilings (with nails and screws), and before taping is performed.
Roll Roofing is asphalt roofing material composed of an organic felt or fiberglass mat, saturated with asphalt, and faced with stone aggregate, and supplied in 36-inch wide rolls with 108 square feet of material.
Roll, Rolling means to install the floor joists or trusses in their correct place.
Romex is brand name for a cable consisting of two or more insulated conductors having an outer sheath of moisture resistant, non-metallic material.
Roof Deck is the structural roof surface—usually boards or panels—fastened over framing and supporting the roof covering.
Roof Sheathing is the structural layer of boards or panels fastened over roof framing to support the roof covering.
Roof System is general term that refers collectively to the waterproof covering, roof insulation, vapor barrier (if used) and roof deck.
Roofing Tape is an asphalt-saturated tape used with asphalt cements for flashing and patching asphalt roofing.
Root Cellar is historically, a food storage area located within a basement or by itself beneath a home, possibly with a dirt floor and separate exterior exit.
Rough is metal fastenings on cabinets that are usually concealed, such as staples.
Rough Flooring is floor sheathing; materials designed to form an unfinished floor.
Rough Opening is the opening in a wall into which a door or window is to be installed.
Rough Plumbing is all plumbing that is done before the finish trades (sheetrock, painting, etc.
RPM is revolutions per minute, a measurement of rotational speed.
Rubber Emulsion Paint is paint having a latex binder.
Rubber-Tired Roller is a roller with rubber tires commonly used for compacting trimmed subgrade, aggregate base and clay-type soils.
Run (Roofing) is the horizontal distance between the eaves and the ridge of the roof, being half the span for a symmetrical gable roof.
Saber Saw is a saw that cuts on the upstroke, with the good side of the wood facing down.
Sack Mix is a measurement of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete mix.
Saddle is two sloping surfaces meeting in a horizontal ridge, used between the backside of a chimney or other vertical surface, and a sloping roof.
Sales Contract is a written agreement between a buyer and seller stating the property, price, included items, conditions, deadlines, and closing obligations.
Sand Float Finish is a textured plaster or stucco finish produced by working a sand-containing surface coat with a float.
Sanitary Sewer is a sewer system designed for the collection of wastewater from the bathroom, kitchen and laundry drains; usually not designed to handle stormwater.
Sanitary T is a T-shaped drainage fitting with a curved inlet that directs wastewater into a vertical drain while reducing turbulence.
Sapwood is the outer zone of wood that is next to the bark.
Sash is a single light frame containing one or more lites of glass.
Sash Balance is a device operated by a spring or tensioned weatherstripping that is designed to counterbalance a double-hung window sash.
Saturant is asphalt designed to impregnate a felt-based material.
Saturated Felt is a felt that is impregnated with tar or asphalt.
SBS-Modified is asphalt roofing modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber to improve flexibility and weather resistance.
Scale is the relationship between the measurements on a page of plans or blueprints and the actual measurements of the building represented by the plans or blueprints.
Schedule (Window, Door, Mirror) is a table included on blueprints that lists the sizes, quantities and locations of the windows, doors and mirrors.
Scrap Out is the removal of all drywall material and debris after the home is hung out (or installed) with drywall.
Scratch Coat is the first coat of plaster.
Screed or Screeding is the wood or metal straightedge designed to strike off or level newly-placed concrete.
Scribing is fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
Scrim is a woven or mat-type fabric that is used as a membrane sandwich between other material to provide reinforcement and stretch resistance.
Scupper is an outlet in the wall of a building or a parapet wall for drainage of water from a flat roof.
Scutch is a bricklayer's cutting tool that resembles a small pick that is commonly used for dressing and trimming brick to a special shape.
Sealant is an elastomeric material with adhesive qualities that is applied between components of a similar or dissimilar nature to provide an effective barrier against the passage of snow, rainwater, wind, etc.
Sealer is a clear or pigmented finishing material that is usually applied directly over uncoated wood for the purpose of sealing the surface.
Seasoning is removing moisture from green wood in order to improve its serviceability.
Seat is the fixed part of a valve.
Self Rimming is a style of bathroom lavatory or kitchen sink with a finished lip or rim that installs on top of a counter without requiring a metal sink rim.
Self-Healing is a material that can soften with heat and reseal minor surface cracks.
Self-Leveling is a term designed to describe a viscous material that is applied by pouring.
Selvage is the unsurfaced strip along a sheet of roll roofing that forms the under-portion at the lap in the application of the roof covering.
Semigloss (Paint or Enamel) is a paint finish with moderate sheen, offering greater washability and moisture resistance than flat paint.
Separation is the unintended segregation of concrete ingredients during placement.
Service Conductor is the supply conductors that extend from the street main or transformer to the service equipment.
Service Drop is the overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and including the splices, if any, connecting to the service-entrance conductors at the building.
Setback Thermostat is a thermostat with a clock that can be programmed to various temperatures at different times of the day or week, and usually used as the heating or cooling system thermostat.
Setting Blocks are small resilient supports placed beneath glass to position it correctly and keep its edge from contacting the frame.
Settlement is shifting of a structure, usually caused by freeze-thaw cycles underground.
Sewage Ejector is a pump installed in a basement or other location situated below the level of the side sewer and designed to lift wastewater to a gravity sanitary sewer line.
Sewer Lateral is the portionof the sanitary sewer that connects the interior wastewater lines to the main sewer lines.
Sewer Stub is the junction at the municipal sewer system where the home's sewer line is connected.
Sewer Tap is the physical connection point where the home's sewer line connects to the main municipal sewer line.
Shading is slight differences in shingle color that may occur as a result of normal manufacturing operations.
Shading Coefficient is the ratio of the solar heat gain through a specific glass product to the solar heat gain through a lite of 1/8-inch of clear glass.
Shake is a thick, hand-split shingle, re-sawed to form two shakes; usually edge-grained.
Sheathing is the structural covering, usually wood boards, plywood, gypsum or wood fiber, used over studs or rafters of framed buildings as the first layer of the outer wall covering nailed to the studs or rafters.
Sheathing Paper is a paper or felt building material used in wall and roof construction as protection against the passage of air and sometimes moisture.
Shed Roof is a style of roof having only one slope or pitch, with only one set of rafters that fall from a higher to a lower wall.
Sheet Metal Duct Work is round or rectangular metal ducts that distribute supply air and carry return air in an HVAC system.
Sheet Metal Work is all components of a house employing sheet metal, such as flashing, gutters and downspouts.
Sheetrock is the brand name for panels made primarily from gypsum and installed over a structure's framing to form the interior walls and ceilings.
Shelf-Life is used by manufacturers of glazing and sealants to refer to the length of time their product may be stored before beginning to lose its effectiveness.
Shellac is a transparent coating made by dissolving the resinous secretion of the lac bug in alcohol.
Shingles are overlapping roof-covering units made from asphalt, wood, slate, tile, or other materials and installed in successive courses.
Shiplap Lumber is lumber that is edge-dressed to make a close rabbeted or lapped joint.
Shore "A" Hardness is a measure of firmness of a compound using a durometer hardness gauge.
Shoring is temporary bracing or support designed to stabilize a structure, trench, or excavation during construction or repair.
Short Circuit is a situation that occurs when hot and neutral wires come in contact with each other.
Shutoff Valve is the valve that allows the water supply to be cut off to one fixture without affecting the water supply to the entire house or building.
Shutter is a lightweight louvered, flush-wood or non-wood frame in the form of doors located at each side of a window.
Side Sewer is the portionof the sanitary sewer that connects the interior wastewater lines to the main sewer lines.
Siding is the exterior wall covering that protects a building from weather and provides its finished appearance.
Sight Line is the line along the perimeter of glazing infills corresponding to the top edge of stationary and removable stops.
Silicone Sealant is a multi-purpose sealant that usually does not shrink or crack and offers flexibility and adhesion, and a weatherproof, watertight seal.
Sill is the lowest member of the frame of a structure that rests on the foundation and supports the floor joists or uprights of the wall; the member forming the lower side of an opening, as in a door sill, window sill, etc.
Sill Cock is an exterior water faucet designed for attaching a hose; it is also called a hose bibb.
Sill Plate is the framing member anchored to the foundation wall upon which studs and other framing members are attached; the bottom plate of exterior walls.
Sill Seal is fiberglass or foam insulation installed between the foundation wall and sill (wood) plate, designed to seal any cracks and gaps.
Sill Sealer is a foam strip placed between the top of the foundation wall and the sill plate to facilitate a better fit and eliminate water problems.
Sill Step is the first step coming directly off a building at a door opening.
Single Coverage is asphalt roofing that provides one layer of roofing material over the deck.
Single Family Dwelling (SFD) is a house built for a single family as opposed to multiple families, such as a duplex or apartment complex.
Single Ply is a descriptive term signifying a roof membrane composed of only one layer of material, such as EPDM, Hypalon or PVC.
Single Tee is the name given to a type of precast concrete deck that has one stiffening rib integrally cast into slab.
Skip Sheathing is the normal base for shake, shingle and some tile roofs; 1x4-inch or similar sized boards are nailed at 90-degree angles to the rafters.
Sky Dome is a type of skylight exhibiting a characteristic translucent, plastic domed top.
Skylight is a structure on a roof that is designed to admit light and is slightly above the plane of the roof surface to allow it to shed rainwater.
Slab on Grade is a type of construction in which footings are needed but little or no foundation wall is poured.
Slab, Concrete is a flat, horizontal concrete element commonly used for floors, patios, driveways, or other paved surfaces.
Slab, Door is a rectangular door without hinges or a frame.
Slag is a byproduct of smelting ore, such as iron, lead or copper.
Slate is a dark gray, stratified stone cut relatively thin and installed on pitched roofs in a shingle-like fashion.
Sleeper is a wood member embedded in concrete, as in a floor.
Sleeve(s) is protective tubes or openings placed through walls, floors, or foundations so pipes, ducts, or cables can pass safely.
Slope is the incline or pitch of a roof surface, drainage plane, etc.
Sloped Glazing is any installation of glass that is at a slope of 15 degrees or more from vertical.
Sludge is a term for the waste material found in sump pump pits, septic systems and gutters.
Slump is a field measurement of fresh concrete consistency and workability, determined by how far a molded sample settles.
Slump-Test is a test that measures, in inches, the consistency or stiffness of a concrete mix.
Smooth-Surfaced Roofing is roll roofing that is covered with ground talc or mica instead of aggregate or granules.
Soffit is the underside of an overhanging cornice of a building extending out from the plane of the building walls.
Softening Point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a hard material to a softer and more viscous material.
Soil Cover (Ground Cover) is a vapor-retarding membrane installed over exposed crawlspace soil to limit ground moisture entering the building.
Soil Stack is a general term for the vertical main of a system of soil, waste, or vent piping.
Sole Plate is the bottom horizontal member of a frame wall.
Solid Bridging is a solid member placed between adjacent floor joists near the center of the span to prevent the joists from twisting.
Sonotube is the brand name for a large round cardboard tube designed to hold wet concrete in place until it hardens.
Sound Attenuation is soundproofing a wall or subfloor using fiberglass insulation or other material.
Space Heat is heat supplied to the living space of a building.
Spacers (Shims) is small pieces designed to maintain a gap, level a component, or bring materials into proper alignment.
Spalling is the chipping or flaking of concrete, bricks or other masonry when improper drainage or venting and freeze-thaw cycling exist.
Span is the horizontal distance between structural supports, such as walls, columns, piers, beams, girders and trusses.
Spandrel is the wall area or panel between vertically stacked window openings, often concealing floor framing or structural elements.
Spec Home is a new-construction house that is built before it is sold, as the builder speculates that s/he can sell it at a profit.
Specialty Eaves Flashing Membrane is a self-adhering, waterproofing shingle underlayment designed to protect against water infiltration due to ice damage and wind-driven rain.
Specification is detailed, written instructions which, when clear and concise, explain each phase of work to be done.
Splash Block is a small masonry block laid with the top close to the ground surface to receive roof drainage from downspouts and carry it away from the building.
Splitting is the formation of long cracks completely through a membrane.
Spud is the removal of gravel or heavy accumulations of bitumen from roof membranes by means of chipping or scraping.
Square is a unit of measure applied to roofing material (such as 100 square feet).
Square Foot is coverage measured by multiplying width by length.
Squeegie is a regional construction term for fine pea gravel used as a leveling or drainage layer beneath concrete.
Stack is the vertical pipe of a system of soil, waste or vent piping.
Stack Vent is the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to the stack.
Stain is a type of thin-consistency oil paint designed to color wood that has a rough surface (such as shingles) without forming a coating of significant thickness or gloss.
Stair Carriage is a supporting member for stair treads; a 2-inch plank notched to receive the treads.
Standard Practices of the Trade(s) is one of the more common, basic and minimum construction standards; another way of saying that the work should be done in the way it is normally done by the average professional in the field.
Standing Seam is a type of joint often used on metal roofs.
Static Load is the total amount of permanent, non-moving weight that is applied to a given surface area.
Static Vent is a vent that does not include a fan.
STC (Sound Transmission Class) is a single-number rating derived from individual transmission sound losses at specified test frequencies.
Steel Inspection is a review of installed reinforcing steel and related foundation details before concrete is placed, usually for plan and code compliance.
Steel Trowel is a flat steel tool designed to spread and smooth plaster, mortar and concrete for a non-porous, smooth finish.
Stem is a small shaft or rod that projects through a faucet valve to which the handle is installed.
Stem Assembly is the moving part of a valve that controls the amount and temperature of water released by moving up and down against the seat to open and close the valve.
Step Croack is a misspelling of step crack, a stair-step-shaped crack that follows mortar joints in masonry.
Step Flashing is small, individual pieces of metal flashing material designed to flash around chimneys, dormers, and similar projections along the slope of a roof.
Stick Built is a house built without prefabricated parts.
Stile is an upright framing member in a panel door.
STL (Sound Transmission Loss) is the reduction of the amount of sound energy passing through a wall, floor, roof, etc.
Stool is a flat molding fitted over a window sill between jambs and contacting the bottom rail of the lower sash.
Stop is a molding or projecting part that limits the movement of a door, window sash, or other movable component.
Stop Box is a cast-iron pipe with a lid 5 inches in diameter that is placed vertically into the ground and situated near the water tap in the yard, and where a water cut-off valve to the home is located underground.
Stop Order is 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.
Storm Door is a panel or sash door placed on the outside of an existing door to provide additional protection from the elements.
Storm Sash or Storm Window is a secondary window assembly installed over an existing window to reduce air leakage, water entry, and heat transfer.
Storm Sewer is a sewer system designed to collect storm water and separated from the wastewater system.
Storm Window is a glazed panel or sash placed on the inside or outside of an existing sash or window as additional protection against the elements.
Story is that part of a building between any floor and the floor or roof immediately above.
Straight Stop is a shutoff valve that is installed on a supply line between the floor and the faucet or toilet.
Strain is the percentage of elongation or compression of a material or portion of a material caused by an applied force.
Striking Off is smoothing off excess compound or sealant at the sight line when applying it around lites or panels.
String (or Stringer) is an inclined structural member that supports the treads and risers of a stairway.
String Line is a nylon line strung tautly between supports to indicate both direction and elevation and used in checking grades or deviations in slopes or rises, and in landscaping to level the ground.
Strip Flooring is wood flooring consisting of narrow matched strips.
Structural Floor is a framed lumber floor that is installed as a basement floor instead of concrete on very expansive soils.
Structural Silicone Glazing is silicone sealant commonly used for the structural transfer of loads from glass to its perimeter support system and retention of the glass in the opening.
Stub is a short unfinished section of pipe, conduit, or framing left in place for a later connection.
Stucco is a type of exterior finish plaster made with Portland cement as its base.
Stud is one of a series of wood or metal vertical structural members placed as supporting elements in walls and partitions.
Stud Framing is a building method that distributes structural loads to each of a series of relatively lightweight studs.
Stud Shoe is a metal structural bracket that reinforces a vertical stud and used on an outside bearing wall where holes are drilled to accommodate a plumbing waste line.
Sub-Rough is the part of a building's plumbing system that is done before the cement is poured.
Subcontractor is a contractor who specializes in a particular trade, such as waterproofing.
Subfloor is structural boards or panels fastened over joists to support the finished floor above.
Substrate is a part or substance that lies beneath and supports another.
Sump is a pit or large plastic bucket or barrel inside the home designed to collect groundwater from a perimeter drain system.
Sump Pump is a submersible pump in a sump pit that pumps any excess groundwater to the outside of the home.
Suspended Ceiling is a ceiling system supported by hanging it from the overhead structural framing.
Sway Brace is metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally on the inside of a wall from bottom to top plate that prevent the wall from twisting, racking or falling over in a domino fashion.
Switch is a device that completes and/or disconnects an electrical circuit.
T Bar is a T-shaped steel post commonly driven into the ground to support chain-link or wire fencing.
Tab is the exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.
Tail Beam is a relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other.
Tailpiece is the tubular part of a lavatory drain that runs from the drain flange to the trap.
Take Off is a quantity survey listing the materials and amounts required to complete a construction project.
Taping is applying joint tape over embedding compound in the process of joint treatment of drywall.
Tear-Off is a term designed to describe the complete removal of a built-up roof membrane and insulation, down to the exposed roof deck.
Teco is a trade name commonly associated with metal framing connectors and hangers designed to join wood structural members.
Tee is a T-shaped pipe fitting that joins or divides flow through three connected openings.
Tempered is glass or metal strengthened by controlled heating and cooling; tempered safety glass breaks into relatively small pieces.
Termite Shield is a shield made of non-corroding metal that is placed in or on a foundation wall or other mass of masonry or around pipes to prevent the passage of termites.
Termites are insects that superficially resemble ants in size, general appearance, and habit of living in colonies.
Terneplate is sheet iron or steel plated with an alloy of lead and tin and used as a roofing material.
Terracotta is a ceramic material molded into masonry units and commonly used for roofing tiles and flooring.
Texture Paint is paint that may be manipulated by a brush, trowel or other tool to produce various patterns.
Thermal Insulation is any material high in resistance to heat transmission that.
Thermal Movement is the measured amount of dimensional change that a material exhibits as it is warmed or cooled.
Thermal Shock is the stress built up by sudden and measurable temperature changes that results in damage of a structural component or in different parts of the same component due to a thermal gradient.
Thermopane Window is a window composed of a double layer of glass positioned side by side with a thin strip of foam material that bonds the two layers of window glass together to form a storm-window design.
Thermoplastic Material is solid material that becomes softened by increasing temperatures and hardened by decreasing temperatures.
Thermoply is exterior laminated sheathing nailed to the exterior side of exterior walls; measures 1/4-inch thick and comes in 4x8 and 4x10 sheets with an aluminumized surface.
Thermostat is a device that relegates the temperature of a room or building by switching heating or cooling equipment on or off.
Thermostatic Valve is a mixing valve that automatically maintains the temperature setting by regulating fluctuations in water temperature at the water inlets and immediately adjusts the ratio of hot and cold water that is discharged by the valve.
Three-Dimensional Shingles are shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving them a shake-like appearance.
Three-Phase is a wiring system consisting of four wires and used in industrial and commercial applications.
Threshold is a strip of wood or metal with beveled edges used over the finish floor and the sill of exterior doors.
Thru-Wall Flashing is flashing that extends completely through a masonry wall, designed and applied in combination with counter-flashings to prevent water that may enter the wall above from proceeding downward into the wall, the roof deck and the roofing system.
THW is a flame-retardant thermoplastic conductor that is moisture- and heat-resistant and can be used in wet and dry locations.
Tie-In is a term designed to describe the joining of a new roof with the old.
Tilt-Up Wall is pre-formed cast-concrete units that, when cured, are tilted to their vertical position and secured by mechanical fasteners to an erected structural steel.
Timbers are yard lumber (including beams, stringers, posts, caps, sills girders and purlins) that is 5 inches or more in its least dimension.
Time and Materials Contract is a contract that specifies prices for different elements of a building project, such as the cost of hourly labor, overhead, profit, etc.
Tinner is a nickname for the heating/HVAC contractor.
Tinted Glass is glass that has colorants added during manufacturing that give it color, as well as light- and heat-reducing capabilities.
Tip Up is the downspout extension that directs water from the home's gutter system away from the foundation.
Title is an instrument, such as a deed.
Title 24 is a set of California building standards that includes requirements for energy efficiency and other aspects of construction.
TJI or TJ is a common trade reference for an engineered wood I-joist used in floor and roof framing.
Toe Bead is sealant applied at the intersection of the outboard glazing stop and the bottom of the glazing channel of a window.
Toe-Nailing means to drive a nail at a slant to the initial surface in order to permit it to penetrate into a second member.
Tongue and Groove is an interlocking edge profile in which a projecting tongue on one board fits into a groove on the next.
Tooling is pressing in and striking a sealant in a joint to press the sealant against the sides of a joint and secure total adhesion; the finishing off of the surface of a sealant in a joint so that it is flush with the surface.
Top Chord is the upper or top member of a truss.
Top Mopping is the finished mopping of hot bitumen on a built-up roof.
Top Mount Faucet is a faucet that is held in place by nuts located underneath the sink.
Top Plate is the top horizontal member of a frame wall.
Torch Down Roof (Single Ply or Modified Bitumen) is a modified-bitumen roofing membrane installed by heating its underside with a torch so it bonds to the substrate.
Torching is applying direct flame to a membrane for the purpose of melting, heating and/or adhering.
Transit is a surveyor's instrument used by builders to establish points and elevations both vertically and horizontally.
Transmitter (Garage Door) is the small push-button device that causes the garage door to open and close.
Trap is a plumbing fitting that holds water and prevents air and gas from backing up into a fixture.
Tread is the horizontal surface of a stair step where a person places a foot.
Treated Lumber is a wood product that has been impregnated with chemicals that reduce damage from wood rot and/or insects.
Tremie is a tube with removable sections and a funnel at the top used in concrete application.
Trim is (1) Interior trim: The finish materials inside a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim), and at the floors and ceilings of rooms (baseboard, cornice, and other moldings).
Trim (Exterior) is finish material installed around exterior openings, corners, roof edges, and transitions to cover joints and protect exposed edges.
Trim (Interior) is finish material such as casing, baseboard, or molding designed to cover joints and complete interior surfaces.
Trim (Plumbing, Heating, Electrical) is the final installation stage for visible fixtures, devices, registers, controls, and finish components after wall surfaces are complete.
Trim Kit is the visible decorative and operating parts designed to finish a faucet, shower valve, or similar concealed rough-in assembly.
Trimmer is a beam or joist to which a header is nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway or other opening.
Triple-Glazed Window is the most energy-efficient type of window.
Truss is a frame or jointed structure designed to act as a beam of long span.
Tub Trap is a curved, U-shaped section of a bathtub drainpipe that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gases from entering the home through the tub's water drain.
Tube and Knob Wiring is an older wiring method in which separate conductors are supported on porcelain knobs and protected by tubes where they pass through framing.
Tuck-Pointing is the re-grouting of defective mortar joints in a masonry or brick wall.
Turnkey is a term used when the subcontractor provides all materials and labor for a job.
Turpentine is a volatile oil used as a thinner in paints and as a solvent in varnishes.
TW is thermoplastic wire or conductor that can be used in dry or wet locations, has no outer covering, and is not heat-resistant but is moisture-resistant.
Two-Part Sealant is a product composed of a base and curing agent or accelerator, necessarily packaged in two separate containers that are uniformly mixed just prior to use.
U-Value is a measure of how readily heat passes through a building assembly; lower values indicate better insulating performance.
U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) is a private research firm located in the United States that tests, classifies and determines the safety of household products, especially electrical appliances and electronic devices.
Ultraviolet is a portion of sunlight outside the visible spectrum that can fade and degrade roofing, sealants, plastics, finishes, and other materials.
Ultraviolet Degradation is a reduction in certain performance limits caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.
Undercoat is a coating applied prior to the finishing or top coats of a paint job.
Undercounter is a style of lavatory that is positioned under the cutout of the countertop.
Underground Plumbing is the plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a basement floor.
Underlayment is a material placed under finish coverings, such as flooring or shingles.
Union is a plumbing fitting that joins pipes end-to-end so that they can be dismantled.
Union Nut is a fitting that joins two sections of pipe.
Uprights are vertical members that support the sides of a trench to prevent its collapse.
Utility Easement is the areaof the earth that holds electrical, gas or telephone lines.
UV Rays are ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Vacuum Breaker is an anti-siphon plumbing device that admits air to prevent contaminated water from being drawn backward into the potable supply.
Valley is the internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides of a roof.
Valley Rafter is a rafter of double 2-inch-thick members that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle.
Valley Shield is a quality underlayment installed for added protection in the areas of a roof that experience heavy water flow.
Valuation is an inspection carried out for the benefit of a mortgage lender to determine whether a property is adequate security for a loan.
Valuation Fee is the fee paid by a prospective borrower for the lender's required inspection of a property.
Valve is a device to stop, start or regulate the flow of liquid or gas through or from piping.
Vapor is the gaseous form of a substance.
Vapor Barrier is a a plastic or foil membrane that is placed between the insulation and the roof deck, as well as the ceiling, wall and floor assemblies.
Vapor Retarder is a material designed to slow water-vapor diffusion through walls, ceilings, floors, or crawlspace soil.
Variable Rate is an interest rate that varies over the term of a loan.
Varnish is a thickened preparation of drying oil, with or without resin.
Vehicle is the liquid portion of a finishing material that is made up of the non-volatile binder and volatile thinners.
Veining is the characteristic lines that develop during the aging process of soft bitumens.
Veneer is a thin surface layer of wood or decorative brick facing that is overlaid and adhered as a façade to a base of inferior materials.
Vent is a pipe or duct that permits the flow of air as an inlet or outlet; to create a vent or system of venting.
Vent Pipe is a vertical pipe of relatively small dimensions that protrudes through a roof to provide for the ventilation of gases or exhaust from various combustion systems or appliances.
Vent Stack is a vertical vent pipe installed for the purpose of providing circulation of air to and from any part of a drainage system.
Vent System is a system that provides air flow to or from a drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, or the circulation of air within such a system to protect traps and seals from siphonage and back-pressure.
Ventilator is a device installed on a roof for the purpose of ventilating the interior of the building.
Venting is the process of installing roof vents in a roof assembly to relieve vapor pressure.
Vermiculite is an aggregate similar to perlite that is formed from mica, a hydrous silicate, with the ability to expand upon heating to form a lightweight material with insulative qualities.
Vertical is upright; being or situated at a right angle to the horizon.
Veterans Administration (VA) is a former name commonly used for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Viscosity is the extent to which a fluid resists a tendency to flow.
Visible Light Transmittance is the percentage of visible light within the solar spectrum (390 to 770 nanometers) that is transmitted through glass.
Visqueen is a common trade name for polyethylene plastic sheeting used as a vapor retarder, temporary cover, or moisture barrier.
Visual Mock-Up is a small-scale model of a finished construction product or project.
Vitreous China is a non-porous ceramic that is coated with a ceramic glaze to form toilets and lavatories.
Void is a rectangular cardboard box that is installed between the earth (between caissons) and a concrete foundation wall in the presence of expansive soils.
Volatile Thinner is a liquid that evaporates readily and is designed to thin or reduce the consistency of finishes without altering the relative volumes of pigment and non-volatile vehicles.
Voltage is the driving force behind the flow of electricity, similar to the pressure in a water pipe.
Voltmeter is a device that measures the voltage flowing through a circuit.
Wafer Board is an engineered wood panel made from compressed wood flakes or strands bonded with resin, similar to early oriented strand board.
Walk-Through is a final visual review of a property shortly before closing to confirm its condition and any agreed-upon work.
Walkways are exterior paths or paved areas intended for pedestrian travel.
Wall Out means to spray-paint the interior of a home.
Wane is the defective edge of a wood board caused by remaining bark or a beveled end.
Warping is a distortion that causes wood or another material to bow, cup, twist, or lose its intended shape.
Warrantee is a person or party receiving the benefit of a warranty; the spelling is sometimes confused with warranty.
Waste and Overflow is a bathtub drain assembly that has an outlet near or at the top to remove overflow water when filling the tub and an outlet at the bottom to remove wastewater when the tub is drained.
Waste Pipe and Vent is plastic plumbing pipe that carries wastewater to the municipal sewage system.
Water Board is drywall with an outer layer of water-resistant paper, usually green or blue.
Water Closet is a plumbing fixture commonly called a toilet.
Water Meter Pit (or Vault) is an underground enclosure that houses a water meter and associated shutoff or service connections.
Water Repellant Coating is a transparent coating or sealer applied to the surface of concrete and masonry surfaces to repel water.
Water Repellent Preservative is a liquid designed to penetrate into wood to repel water and provide a moderate level of protection.
Water Table is the location of naturally occurring underground water, and the vertical distance from the surface of the earth to this underground water.
Water Tap is the pointat which the home water line connects to the main municipal water system.
Water Vapor is moisture in its gas state in air.
Water-Cement Ratio is the ratio of cement to water in a concrete mixture.
Waterproofing is a membrane, coating, or assembly intended to prevent liquid water from passing through a building surface.
Wattage is a measurement of electrical power expressed in watts.
Wax Ring Job is the removal of a toilet from the floor so that a blockage can be manually removed; also, the replacement of a degraded wax ring to create a new seal.
WC is an abbreviation for water closet, meaning a toilet.
Weatherization is the work on a building's exterior features with the goal of reducing its energy consumption (heating and/or cooling), and usually involving adding insulation, installing storm windows and doors, caulking cracks, and adding weatherstripping.
Weatherstrip is a flexible seal installed around an operable door or window to reduce air leakage and water entry.
Weep Hole is a hole located near the base of a masonry or glazing structure that allows for the drainage of entrapped water.
Weep Screed is a type of flashing material installed along the base and at roof-wall transitions of exterior stucco or stone that drains excess moisture.
Weld is the joining of components by fusing; also, the resulting joint.
Well Casing is a steel or plastic pipe that serves as the lining of a well, preventing it from caving in, and protecting groundwater from contamination by surface water.
Well Casing Head is a heavy, flanged steel fitting connected to the first string of a casing.
Well House is a structure that encloses a private well.
Wet or Dry Surface Plastic Roof Cement is a general-purpose exterior repair and maintenance material that can be used on both damp and dry surfaces, and usually designed to stop roof leaks.
Wet Seal is an elastomeric sealant between window glass and its sash to form a weathertight seal.
Whole House Fan is a large exhaust fan that draws outdoor air through open windows and pushes warm indoor air into the attic for discharge outside.
Widespread is a style of lavatory faucet whose spout and handles are separate.
Wind Bracing is metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally on the inside of a wall from bottom to top plate that prevent the wall from twisting, racking or falling over in a domino fashion.
Wind Uplift is the upward force exerted by wind traveling across a roof.
Window Buck is a square or rectangular box (buck) that is installed within a concrete foundation or block wall for a window that will eventually be installed during the siding stage of construction.
Window Frame is the stationary part of a window unit; the window sash fits into the window frame.
Window Sash is the operating or movable part of a window; the sash is made of window panes and their borders.
Wire Nut is a plastic cap designed to cover and connect bare wires together.
Wire Size is a system designed to determine the resistance of electrical wire.
Wonderboard is a panel made of concrete and fiberglass used as a ceramic-tile backing material, usually on bathtub decks.
Wood Filler is a heavily pigmented preparation commonly used for fining and leveling off the pores in open-pored woods.
Wood Rays are strips of wood cells that extend radially within a tree, varying in height from a few cells in some species to 4 inches or more in oak.
Wood-Fiber Plaster is a plaster consisting of calcified gypsum that is integrally mixed with selected coarse cellulose to provide bulk and coverage.
Work-Life is the time during which a curing sealant remains suitable for use after being mixed with a catalyst.
Woven Valley is a method of valley construction by which shingles from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied.
Wrapped Drywall is drywall installed continuously around an opening or framed feature to create a finished surface without separate casing.
Y is a Y-shaped plumbing fitting designed to attach branch lines or to redirect flow.
Yard Lumber is lumber of grades, sizes and patterns that are generally intended for ordinary construction, such as framework and rough coverage of houses.
Yard of Concrete is one cubic yard of concrete that is 3x3x3-feet in volume, or 27 cubic feet.
Yoke is a plumbing fitting or support assembly that holds a water meter between the incoming service line and the building supply.
Z-bar Flashing is metal flashing with a Z-shaped profile installed above horizontal trim, windows, doors, or masonry to direct water away from the wall assembly.
Zone is an area of a building served and controlled as a separate heating or cooling section.
Zone Valve is a control valve that regulates hot-water or steam flow to a separate heating zone in response to its thermostat.
Zoning is local land-use rules that control how property may be used and what types of development are permitted.
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