Chapter 7A

Question 1

Blueprint

Answer 1

Architectural drawings that describe the layout and construction of a house.

Question 2

Specifications

Answer 2

A document provided by Architects that describe the quality of construction.

Question 3

Slab-on-Grade Construction

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Crawl Space

Answer 4

Shallow space between the underside of the first floor of a house and the ground.

Question 5

Sill Plate

Answer 5

The bottom member of wood frame stud wall.

Question 6

Beam

Answer 6

A horizontal structural member that supports a floor. Beams are typically wood, cold formed metal framing or steel.

Question 7

Joists

Answer 7

Horizontal timbers, beams or bars supporting a floor.

Question 8

Studs

Answer 8

Vertical framing members found in wall construction. Typically placed 12”, 16” or 24” on center.

Question 9

Girder

Answer 9

A primary horizontal structural element. Typically a deep beam in which smaller joists or beams frame into.

Question 10

Rafter

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Pitch

Answer 11

Also known as the slope. Typically used in describing the slope of a roof, driveway, sidewalk, etc.

Question 12

Sheathing

Answer 12

Panels that cover the exterior wall. Typically made of plywood or exterior grade gypsum board.

Question 13

Flashing

Answer 13

Sheet metal used at wall and roof junctions and around chimneys to prevent water entry.

Question 14

Fascia

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Eave

Answer 15

The section of the roof that overhangs the walls of a house.

Question 16

Soffit

Answer 16

The underside of a roof overhang.

Question 17

Bearing Walls

Answer 17

Structural walls that transfer building loads down to the foundation. Joists, beams, and roofs are typically supported by bearing walls.

Question 18

Headers

Answer 18

Local horizontal structural elements used in wood framing to span doors and windows.

Question 19

R-Value

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Building Envelope

Answer 20

Refers to the massing or bulk of a building. Typically defined by the exterior walls of a building.

Question 21

Fuse

Answer 21

A device used in electrical systems to protect against excessive current.

Question 22

Circuit Breaker

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Amperage

Answer 23

A unit measure of electricity.

Question 24

Basement

Answer 24

One or more floors of a building that are either completely or partially below the ground floor.

Question 25

Beam

Answer 25

A horizontal structural member that supports a floor. Beams are typically wood, cold formed metal framing or steel.

Question 26

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Percolation Rate

Answer 27

The rate, usually expressed as inches per hour or inches per day, at which water moves through soil.

Question 28

Platform Construction

Answer 28

Wood frame construction commonly found in residential construction in which floors are supported by joists, beams, and bearing walls.

Question 29

Post and Beam Construction

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Septic System

Answer 30

A small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.

Question 31

Voltage

Answer 31

Electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts.