Chapter 7.A: Construction Issues

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Blueprint

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Specifications

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Septic System

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Percolation Rate

Question 5

• Drainage
• Landscaping
• Appurtenances
• Shading
• Walkways
• Zoning

Answer 5

Site Use

Question 6

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.

Answer 6

Slab-on-Grade Construction

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Crawl Space

Question 8

The bottom member of wood frame stud wall.

Answer 8

Sill Plate

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Beam

Question 10

Horizontal timbers, beams or bars supporting a floor.

Answer 10

Joists

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Studs

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Girder

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

Rafter

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Pitch

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Sheathing

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Flashing

Question 17

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.

Answer 17

Fascia

Question 18

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

Answer 18

Eave

Question 19

The underside of a roof overhang.

Answer 19

Soffit

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Bearing Walls

Question 21

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

Answer 21

Headers

Question 22

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.

Answer 22

R-Value

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Building Envelope

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Fuse

Question 26

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.

Answer 26

Circuit Breaker

Question 27

A unit measure of electricity.

Answer 27

Amperage

Question 28

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

Answer 28

Basement

Question 29

Concrete set in the soil (foundation bed) that support the foundation of the house.

Answer 29

Footing

Question 30

The part of the structure, typically below grade, upon which all other construction is built.

Answer 30

Foundation Walls

Question 31

Rounded columns that serve as a structural post. Typically found in basements and are made of steel or iron.

Answer 31

Lally Columns

Question 32

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.

Answer 32

Plaster Board / Wall Board

Question 33

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

Answer 33

Platform Construction

Question 34

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.

Answer 34

Post and Beam Construction

Question 35

Electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts.

Answer 35

Voltage