Chapter 7.A. Flashcards
Beam
A horizontal structural member that supports a floor. Beams are typically wood, cold formed metal framing or steel.
Bearing Walls
Structural walls that transfer building loads down to the foundation. Joists, beams, and roofs are typically supported by bearing walls.
Blueprint
Architectural drawings that describe the layout and construction of a house
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
The amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree F. This is the standard measurement used to state the amount of energy that a fuel has as well as the amount of output of any heat generating device.
Building Envelope
Refers to the massing or bulk of a building. Typically defined by the exterior walls of a building.
Circuit Breaker
The safety valves for electrical systems. It interrupts an electric circuit when an unusual condition arises such as lightning and malfunctioning appliances. Unlike a fuse, it can be reset.
Crawl Space
Shallow space between the underside of the first floor of a house and the ground.
Eave
The section of the roof that overhangs the walls of a house.
Fascia
Architectural term for a band running horizontally and situated vertically under a roof edge, or which forms the outer surface of a cornice, visible to an observer. Typically consisting of a wooden board or sheet metal.
Flashing
Sheet metal used at wall and roof junctions and around chimneys to prevent water entry.
Footing
Concrete set in the soil (foundation bed) that support the foundation of the house.
Foundation Walls
The part of the structure, typically below grade, upon which all other construction is built.
Fuse
A device used in electrical systems to protect against excessive current.
Girder
A primary horizontal structural element. Typically a deep beam in which smaller joists or beams frame into.
Headers
Local horizontal structural elements used in wood framing to span doors and windows.
Joists
Horizontal timbers, beams or bars supporting a floor
Lally Columns
Rounded columns that serve as a structural post. Typically found in basements and are made of steel or iron.
Percolation Rate
The rate, usually expressed as inches per hour or inches per day, at which water moves through soil.
Pitch
Also known as the slope. Typically used in describing the slope of a roof, driveway, sidewalk, etc
Plaster Board / Wall Board
Gypsum board panels that are typically used in interior wall construction. Wall board usually has a painted finish and are supported by wood or metal studs behind.
Platform Construction
Wood frame construction commonly found in residential construction in which floors are supported by joists, beams, and bearing walls.
Post and Beam Construction
A type of construction in which the beams and joists are larger, allowing the floor to span longer than the typical 16” or 24” found in residential construction.
Rafter
The structural member or beam that supports the roof. It spans from the exterior wall to the ridge board of the peak of the roof.
R-Value
A measurement of the ability of insulation to slow the transfer of heat or cold. The higher the R value, the greater the insulation power.
Septic System
A small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.
Sheathing
Panels that cover the exterior wall. Typically made of plywood or exterior grade gypsum board.
Siding
A veneer cover found on the side of residential construction. Typically made of wood boards (horizontal), vinyl, or aluminum.
Sill Plates
The bottom member of wood frame stud wall.
Slab-on-Grade Construction
A structure which does not include a basement. The first floor is made up of a concrete slab, which lays on the ground and supported by foundation walls.
Soffit
The underside of a roof overhang.
