Chapter 9 - Construction Basics

Question 1

Amperage/Voltage

Answer 1

Voltage is the measure of force pushing electricity through wires, while amperage is the amount of electricity going through the wire

Question 2

Balloon Construction

Answer 2

Framing with long studies going the whole height of the house - no longer used, largely because it’s dangerous for fires

Question 3

Basement

Answer 3

Part of house that is partially or entirely below grade (ground)

Question 4

Beam

Answer 4

Long piece of wood, metal, or concrete

Question 5

Bearing Walls

Answer 5

Carries the weight of roof/ceiling

Question 6

Blueprint

Answer 6

Diagram of house

Question 7

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

Answer 7

Rates heat and air conditioning systems. Measurement of heat compacity - amount of heat need to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Farenheit.

Question 8

Building Codes

Answer 8

Protect public with standards for construction.

Question 9

Building Envelope

Answer 9

Exterior elements that enclose the interior

Question 10

Building Inspection

Answer 10

Process of ensuring compliance with building codes - issues Certificate of Occupancy for new construction and Certificate of Compliance for renovations.

Question 11

Circuit Breaker

Answer 11

Device designed to break its electrical connection when an overload occurs - prevents electrical fires.

Question 12

Concrete Slab

Answer 12

Foundation made from concrete reinforced with rebar

Question 13

Crawl Space

Answer 13

Space under home (not full floor) that allows access

Question 14

Drywall / Plasterboard / Sheetrock / Wallboard

Answer 14

Gypsum powder between two layers of coarse paper - fills out the walls

Question 15

Eave

Answer 15

Lowest section of roof projecting beyond exterior walls

Question 16

Fascia

Answer 16

Panel or board that faces the outer edge of the soffit - where the gutter attaches

Question 17

Flashing

Answer 17

Metal covering joints to prevent water entry

Question 18

Footer

Answer 18

Underground concrete base that supports foundation

Question 19

Foundation Walls

Answer 19

Side walls that support the structure

Question 20

Fuse

Answer 20

Reduces risk of electric overload and fires

Question 21

Girder

Answer 21

Horizontal beam that supports vertical loads

Question 22

Headers

Answer 22

Strengths walls for door and window placement

Question 23

Joists

Answer 23

Horizontal beam supporting floor or ceiling

Question 24

Lally Column

Answer 24

Steel support columns for interior use

Question 25

Percolation Rate

Answer 25

Rate at which water moves through soil.

Question 26

Pitch

Answer 26

Roof’s rise in inches over horizontal span in feet

Question 27

Platform Framing

Answer 27

Building constructed one level at a time

Question 28

Post and Beam Framing

Answer 28

Floors supported by beams on resting on top of posts and the exterior walls - allows for larger rooms

Question 29

Rafter

Answer 29

Diagonal beam used for roof framing

Question 30

R Factor

Answer 30

Measures the strength of insulation

Question 31

Septic System

Answer 31

Private sewage disposal system in areas without public sewers.

Question 32

Sheathing

Answer 32

Placed over exterior studs and rafters

Question 33

Siding

Answer 33

Outer covering of exterior walls (what you see)

Question 34

Sill Plate

Answer 34

Anchors framing to the foundation, nailing surface for floors and walls

Question 35

Slab on Grade Construction

Answer 35

Concrete slab on ground

Question 36

Soffit

Answer 36

Underside of the eave

Question 37

Studs

Answer 37

Vertical beams used for framing