Construction And Materials Flashcards
Located underneath rebars to maintain a space for concrete pouring
“Sapatos”/ Spacer
Refers to the sound or defect itself in a wall where plaster were not applied properly or has not bonded well
“Kapak”/ Hollow sound
Appears on the surface of the concrete due to wrong application, poor cement to water ratio, inefficient means of vibration, and improper rebar placement
“Ampaw”/ concrete honeycomb
When a wall is vertically aligned with respect to a plumb bob
“Hulog”
Serves as a temporary mold for structural components, usually made of phenolic board.
“Porma”/ formwork
Building material waste such as tiles, stone, and other architectural finishes.
“Retaso”/ scrap
Application of plaster to the walls. Used to hide surface imperfections and smooth out uneven façade.
“Palitada”/ plastering
Used to ensure that the wall and finishes are aligned and installed properly.
“Tansi”/ nylon string
Put everhthing in place/ in order. Workers usually do this before the turnover or before they pack up and go home after work.
“Kamada”
Used to cover imperfections and to hide plumbing, mechanical, and electrical pipes on the soffit.
“Tambol” / Board up
A tool used in driving the head of a nail below.
“Punsol”/ nail setter
A rail which can be held, such as on the side of a staircase, ramp or other walkway, and serving as a support or guard.
“Gabay”/Railing
This directs the water to run straight to the drain.
“Clebe”/ slope of the drain
The closed loop reinforcement bar which holds the main reinforcement bars together. It is provided to keep the bars in their required position.
“Anilyo”/ Stirrups or ties
A corner or kanto is formed by joining two pieces of material ( ex.wood) at an angle of 90°, such that the line of junction bisects this angle.
“Kanto Mesa”- Miter joint
A tool used to spread evenly building materials such as cement or plaster.
“Rodelang bakal”/ Metal Trowel
Used for filling holes, and minor cracks to achieve smooth, and levelled surface.
“Masilya”/ Putty
To arrange things parallel ro each other or positioned in a straight line.
“Asintada”/ alignment
The projecting helical rib of a screw/ pipe/ bolt.
“Roskas”/ Thread
The excess from the main piece that has been cut. Usually found at the termination and can still be re-used.
“Cerrujo”/ Offcut
A design concept that was developed in the 1990s by Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, William McDonough and the scientists of EPEA in Hamburg. A term used to describe a material or
product that is recycled into a new or similar product at the end of
its intended life
Cradle-to-Cradle
A term used to describe a material or
product that is disposed (landfill, incineration, etc.) of at the end
of its intended life
Cradle-to-grave
Refers to a paper or foil face on one side of a
blanket/batt insulation; function is to increase R-value in the
case of foil and provide a vapor barrier in the case of either a
paper or foil face. The faced side always goes on the conditioned
side of the construction
Faced
Typically ½” diameter galvanized steel grouted in
to CMU or embedded into poured-in-place concrete. Connects sill
plate to foundation wall
Anchor bolt
Rafter, Framing, Angle, Hurricane
Clip
Anchor/ Bracket Types
A natural or synthetically
derived chemical additive incorporated into or onto product
surfaces to prevent microbial growth, odors, and stains.
Antimicrobial Preservative
Solid surface, Shims, sleds, or router
repairs, and tight knots to 1 inch across grain permitted. Wood
or synthetic repairs permitted. Some minor splits permitted
B Grade Plywood
The side opposite the face; or the poorer side of a plywood
panel
Back
Supports handrail, prevents people from failing.
Commercial applications must pass the 4” ball test
Balusters
Thick layer of dead cells
Bark
Fiberglass (may be pink or yellow); comes in
rolls, can be difficult or impossible to install post construction;
also used for sound separation
Batts/Blankets
A structural member transversely supporting a load
Beam
A product (other than food or feed) that is produced from renewable agricultural (plan, animal and marine) or forestry materials
Bio-Based Product
Capable of decomposing in nature within a
reasonably short period of time
Biodegradable
Agents derived from living
organisms (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mammal and bird
antigens) that can be inhaled and can exacerbate many types of
health effects including allergic reactions, respiratory disorders,
hypersensitivity diseases and infectious diseases. Also referred to
as “microbiologicals” or “microbials”
Biological Contaminants
Wood-based materials, agricultural crops, landfill
gas, animal and other organic waste. When used as an energy
source, biomass is considered to be a source of renewable energy
Biomass
The study of nature and imitation of nature’s
forms. The process of learning from and then emulating life’s
genius
Biomimicry
Arranged like the pages of a book - veneer leafs
are flipped creating a mirrored effect; typically consistent size
panels; somewhat low in efficiency; moderate cost; higher on the
aesthetic scale
Book Match
Non- structural, hollow insides; intended to give
aesthetic effect of a heavier structural member.
Box Beam
Diagnosable illness with
symptoms that can be identified and with a cause that can be
directly attributed to airborne building pollutants (e.g.
Legionnaire’s Disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis)
Building Related Illness (BRI)
Several pieces of dimensional lumber,
often 2x’s oriented vertically, adhered or fastened together
Built-up Wood Beam
Tight knots 1-½ inch if total width of knots
and knotholes is within specified limits. Synthetic or wood
repairs. Discoloration and sanding defects that do not impair
strength permitted. Limited splits allows. Stitching permitted.
C Grade Plywood
Single layer of cells where all growth occurs
Cambium
A colorless, odorless gas, formed
naturally by decomposition, combustion, breathing, etc. CO2
contributes to global warming.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Provides lateral bracing for roof, and attachment
for ceiling finish
Ceiling Joist
The principle constituent of wood which forms the
framework of the wood cells
Cellulose
Class of volatile, non-reactive,
non-corrosive, non-flammable, and easily liquefied gases,
typically used in refrigeration and believed to be responsible for
the deterioration of the stratospheric ozone
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC):
See “Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Climate Change
The process of recycling in such a way
that eh components of the original product are reclaimed or
utilized into similar products without the process of downcycling
Closed Loop Recycling
aka concrete block;
standard size 8”x8”x16’’
Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU)
A building’s outside corners or more
susceptible to wind loads than the middle of walls. Additional
strength is necessary—note that a tighter nail spacing is required
at the corners compared to intermediate studs
Corner Bracing
Short studs above the header, or below sill
Cripples
Moderate efficiency, moderate price, cathedral
forms in grain pattern, some challenges in matching
Crown Slice
Studs remain straight, but a curved sole plate is
needed
Curved Walls
Knots and knotholes to 2-½ inch with
across grain and ½ inch larger within specified limits. Limited
splits allowed. Stitching permitted. Limited to Interior, Exposure
1 and Exposure 2 panels.
D Grade Plywood
A concept or
philosophy applied to the design process that advocates the
reduction of environmental and human health impacts through
material selection and design strategies
Design for the Environment (DIE)
Tops out the wall construction to strengthen
the transition to the roof (or the next floor)
Double (top) plate
The process of recycling in such a way that new
products are of lesser economic value. An example would be
turning nylon face fiber into park benches
Downcycling
The term is a misnomer since all fungi require
considerable moisture; however, it is loosely applied to many
types of decay which when discovered in the advanced stage,
permit wood to be easily crushed to a dry powder
Dry Rot
An eco-friendly a zero-emissions drywall “that takes
90 percent less energy to produce.” The creation of drywall is an
“energy-intensive process, accounting for about one percent of
U.S. energy consumption and 25 billion pounds of CO in the air
each year.”
EcoRock
The interaction of organisms from the natural
community with one another and their environment to sustain
one another.
Ecosystem
Is a combination of the energy required for
the process to make a product and the molecular energy inherent
in the product’s material content
Embodied Energy
The release of any gas, particle or vapor into the
environment
Emission
Caps the end of the joist cavity
End Blocking
Used multiple rows of panels; leafs are book
matched in both the horizontal and the vertical direction; low
efficiency, high cost, very high on the aesthetic scale
End Match
The monetary impact from the negative
environmental effects resulting from the choices we make. Also
see “Ecological Footprint”
Environmental Cost
Series of
activities to monitor and manage the environmental impacts of
manufacturing activities
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
An independent
executive agency of the federal government, established in 1970,
responsible for the formulation and enforcement of regulation
governing the release of pollutants, to protect public health and
the environment
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A generic statement often used to
designate product or process that has a reduced ecological
footprint when compared to other products/processes
Environmentally Friendly
Products, services, or systems
that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the
environment when compared with competing products, services
or systems that serve the same purpose
Environmentally Preferable
sprayed application between studs and in
small cavities; extremely effective, but special respirators
required.
Expanding Foam
Fiberglass product, very inexpensive, ready to
paint
Fiberboard
The wood components exposed to view on
the interior of a building, such as window and door casings,
baseboards, bookshelves, and the like.
Finish Carpentry
Approximate location of soil in relation to
foundation wall. Important that sill plate is at least 8” above
grade around entire perimeter of building
Finished Grade
specialty horizontal wood piece fastened inside the
stud cavity to prevent fire from traveling quickly to upper stories
Fire-stop
Made up of multiple veneer leafs that are bundled
together in the exact sequence of slicing from a log
Flitch
Multiple pieces of dimensional
lumber joined by a steel plate and through bolt connections with
washers and nuts. Ratios typically work like this—2 pieces of
lumber with one steel plate, 3 pieces of lumber with 2 steel plates,
etc.
Flitch Plate Wood Beam
Nonflammable, heat-stable hydrocarbon liquid
or gas, in which some or all hydrogen atoms have been replaced
by fluorine atoms. As with CFCs, fluorocarbons, traditionally
used as propellants (spray cans), are classified as ozonedepleting
substances
Fluorocarbon
Fine, noncombustible particulate primarily resulting
form the combustion of coal in furnaces and kilns. Often used as
a filler material in concrete to displace virgin raw materials
Fly Ash
Poured in place concrete
Footing
(FSC) non-profit organization
devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the
world’s forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is
practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial,
and economically viable way.
Forest Stewardship Council
Any petroleum based fuel source (gasoline, natural
gas, fuel oil, etc.)
Fossil Fuel
Poured in place or CMU
Foundation Wall
Typically filamentous, eukaryotic, non-chlorophyllic
microorganisms. Fungi grow on dead or dying organic matter
and may also grow on some building materials where excess
moisture is present. Fungi can cause pungent odors, unsightly
stains, and premature bio-deterioration of interior furnishings.
Fungi
Supports joists
Girder
This is the impact of
greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to the ‘greenhouse
effect.; Elevated concentrations of greenhouse gases contribute to
global warming and increased climate variability. Also referred
to as Climate Change.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Several pieces of dimensional
lumber or plywood (can be of varying dimensions, adhered
together under pressure
Glue Laminated Wood Beam
The designation of the quality of a manufactured piece of
wood
Grade
Smooth, paintable. Not more than 18 nearly
made repairs, boat, sled, or router type, and parallel to grain,
permitted. Wood or synthetic repairs permitted. May be used for
natural finish in less demanding applications.
A Grade Plywood
The direction, side, arrangement, appearance or quality of
the fibers in wood.
Grain
Freshly sawed lumber or lumber that has
received no intentional drying, containing a moisture content in
excess of 30%; also called unseasoned, wet
Green Lumber
A green tag, or Renewable Energy Certificate
(REC), represents the environmental attributes created when
electrivity is generated using renewable resources instead of
fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. RECs can be sold
separately from their associated electricity and enable customers
to ‘green’ the electricity they consume from their retail power
supplier(s)
Green Tag
Gases which contribute to the
greenhouse effect. These include carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrous oxide, etc.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
aka plasterboard; drywall, sheetrock
Gypsum Board
Supported by balusters and posts. Code limits size to
1 ½ “ diameter in commercial applications
Handrail
Beams and Joists
Hanger
The botanical group of trees that are broad-leaved
and deciduous. The term has no reference to the actual hardness
of the wood. Types include Chestnut, Poplar, Cherry, Maple,
Oak, Pecan, Walnut, Birch, etc. Uses are furniture veneers,
panelings, and flooring
Hardwood
A heavy beam extended across the top of the rough
opening of a window or door, which rests on the jack studs to
support the weight of the wall above the header. Often doubled
2x6, 2x10, 2x12s (with a plywood layer between to equal the
depth of the wall unit)
Header
Caps end of floor joists at exterior face of exterior
wall
Header Joist
The wood extending from the pith to the sapwood,
the cells of which no longer participate in the growth process of
the tree. Heartwood may be impregnated with gums, resins, and
other materials, which usually make it darker and more decayresistant
than sapwood
Heartwood
Acceptable IAQ is air in which
there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations as
determined by cognizant authorities and with which a
substantial majority (80% or more) of the people exposed do not
express dissatisfaction.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
An approach to the design of industrial
products and processes that evaluates such activities through the
dual perspectives of product competitiveness and environmental
interactions
Industrial Ecology
Double studs to the side
Jamb
One in a series of parallel beams used to support floor and
ceiling loads, supported in turn by bigger beams, girders or
bearing walls typically 2x10 or 2x12
Joist
That portion of a branch or limb, which has been
surrounded by subsequent growth of wood. A loose knot is
considered a wood defect
Knot
A piece of wood built up of laminations that
have been joined either with glue or mechanical fastenings.
Laminated Wood
Intermediate platform in a staircase that allows the
stair to change direction, and allows a person to rest. Long
stairways are required to have landings by code for safety and
ADA concerns
Landing
Soil - places horizontal pressure on
foundations and footings. Wind - places horizontal pressure on
exterior walls.
Lateral Loads
A single sliced sheet of veneer within a flitch; depending
on the slicing method, each leaf will vary in width
Leaf
A series of building rating products developed by the
U.S. Green Builiding Council to provide a standard for what
constitutes a “green building” or “high performance” building.
The various LEED products are used to design guidelines and
third-party certification tools, aiming to improve occupant wellbeing,
environmental performance and economic returns of
buildings used to establish and innovative practices, standards
and technologies. The collection of LEED New Construction
(NC) for newly constructed buildings, LEED Commericial
Interiors (CI) for tenant build-outs, LEED Existing Buildings
(EB) for existing buildings, and LEED Core and Shell (CS). An
effort is also underway to develop LEED for Homes.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design)
A compilation and evaluation of the
inputs, outputs, and the potential environmental impacts of a
product or system throughout its life cycle.
Life Cycle Assessment
aka “blown in” insulation; made of pieces of
cellulose (ground newspaper or fabric)
Loose Fill
The product of the saw and planning mill not further
manufactured than by sawing, re-sawing, and passing
lengthwise through a standard planning machine, cross-cut to
length and worked
Lumber
A compilation of information
required under the OSHA hazard communication standard,
including a listing of hazardous chemicals, health and physical
hazards, exposure limits and handling precautions.
Material Safety Data Sheet
Medium Density Fiberboard, primed and ready to paint or
with wood veneer
MDF
Lumber that is shaped to a pattern or to a molded
form in addition to being dressed, matched, or shiplapped, or any
combination of these.
Millwork
aka “house wrap” or “Tyvek”; blocks
moisture vapor migration from the exterior to the interior of a
building
Moisture Barrier
A method of gluing in which the nails hold the
wood members together until the glue sets
Nail- Glued
Sources of energy that cannot be
replaced in a reasonable period of time. Fossil Fuels are
examples of nonrenewable energy sources.
Nonrenewable Energy
Leading edge or corner of stair tread; overhang not
required
Nosing
Greenhouse gas reduction activities undertaken to
compensate for emissions elsewhere
Offsets
Oriented Stand Board; wood chips and adhesive
directionally oriented and layered like plywood in perpendicular
layers; better moisture resistance than particle board.
OSB
A composition board consisting of distinct
particles of wood bonded together with a synthetic resin or other
binder
Particle Board
Fine solid particles of dust, spores, pollens,
dander, skin flakes, mire allergens, cell debris, mold, mildew,
mineral fibers or solids escaping from combustion processes that
are small enough to become suspended in the air, and in some
cases small enough to be inhaled.
Particulate
Solid-state devices (typically made from
silicon) that directly convert sunlight to electricity
Photovoltaic Cells
Wet application by skilled trades that results in
monolithic appearance without seams; very smooth, high-end.
finish; expensive labor.
Plaster
A crossbanded assembly made of layers of veneer or
with veneer in combination with a lumber core, particleboard
core, or other types of composition core, all joined with an
adhesive
Plywood
Primary vertical support, transition between horizontal
and angle portions of the stair handrail
Post
Material that has been
recovered after its intended use as a consumer product. Examples
include reclaimed carpet tiles (for new title backing)
Post-Consumer Recycled Content
Material that has been
recovered from the manufacturing waste stream before it has
served its intended purpose
Post-Industrial Recycled Content
Any substance that will prevent, for a reasonable
length of time, the action of wood-destroying fungi, insets of
various kinds and similar destructive life when the wood has
been properly coated or impregnated with it.
Preservative
Pressure treated wood sill place. Supports floor joists,
separates standard wood lumber from potentially wet portions of
the wall (foundation wall)
PT Sill
“Pressure Treated Wood”. Chemical treatment
applied to wood that has been kiln dried; guards against WDO
and dry rot
PT Wood
Less efficient, more expensive, tighter linear
grain pattern, easier to match
Quarter Slice
a number indicating the ability to insulate. Everything
has an R-value. The higher the number, the greater that object’s
ability to insulate
R-Value
Widely spaced large roof member
Rafter
Most efficient, least expensive, typically least
attractive, varies in size
Random Match
A designation for products or materials that are
capable of being recovered from, or other wise diverted from
waste streams for recycling
Recyclable
Refers to the percentage of the total weight
of recycled materials in a products
Recycled Content
the series of activities, including collection,
separation, and processing, by which materials are recovered
from the waste stream for use as raw materials in the
manufacture of new products
Recycling
Energy derived from sources which are
regenerative or recurring. Examples- wind energy, hydro-,
geothermal, or wave action
Renewable Energy
A resource that can be replenished at
a rate equal to, or greater than its rate of depletion. Examplescorn,
trees, soy-based products, etc.
Renewable Resources
Allows a flooring product to be cleaned or
refurbished and then reused in its current form, thereby
extending its useful life. Interface currently repurposed carpet by
offering it to nonprofit organizations.
Repurposing
made of polystyrene; available in 4’x8’ sheets; typically
un-faced; higher R-value per inch thickness than batt; often
installed in a continuous, uninterrupted, behind siding and
vapor barrier
Rigid
Vertical dimension of one stair riser plus tread thickness
Rise
Vertical portion of each “step”
Riser
Very efficient (uses nearly entire log), least expensive, heavy figuring of the grain, difficult to match
Rotary Slice
Framing carpentry, as distinguished from
finish carpentry
Rough Carpentry
Provides a place for finish material
attachment.
Rough Opening
Horizontal dimension of one stair tread.
Run
Most recently formed layers, carried nutrients, shows
growth rings.
Sapwood
Removal of moisture from green wood in order to
improve its serviceability
Seasoning
The rough covering applied to the outside of the
roof, wall, or floor framing of a light frame structure
Sheathing
“roof tile” many material options
Shingle
A term used to describe
situations in which building occupants experience acute health
and/or comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a
particular building, but where no specific illness or cause can be
identified. Symptoms typically appear upon entering the building
and disappear upon leaving the building in affected occupants.
These buildings are also often defined as “problem buildings”
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Base horizontal member, which supports the “studs”
Sill
Efficient, creates a grain rhythm, typically low on
the aesthetic scale
Slip Match
A botanical group of trees that have needle-like
leaves and are generally evergreen. Types include Cypress, Red
Cedar, White Fir, Pine, Redwood Spruce, etc. Uses are
construction framing, sheathing, moldings, window and
doorframes, shingles
Softwood
Supports wood studs. Anchored through sub floor to
joints and end blocking
Sole Plate
The bottom horizontal member in a frame wall. It is
nailed to the deck or rough floor and the studs are nailed into it
Sole Plate
Continuous piece of wood lumber milled
from one tree
Solid Wood Beam
Side, or intermediate, supports for the risers and
treads
Stringer
“are prefabricated wall
and roof sections made from rigid foam insulation sandwiched
between oriented strandboard, a wood product similar to
plywood.” The manufacturers note that after “the panels arrive at
a job site,” only “slight modifications are needed before the walls
and roof can go up, leading to significantly shorter building
times.” According to the website of the Structural Insulated Panel
Association, the “tight seal of the panels” allows for “the amount
of energy needed to control the indoor temperature of an SIP
home” to “be cut by up to half.” Meanwhile, waste is also reduced
“at standard construction sites because of the prefabricated
nature of the panels.”
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
One of a series of small, closely spaced wall framing
members typically 2x4 or 2x6
Stud
5/8” or ¾” sheathing
Sub-floor
All below grade, or partially below grade,
construction (footing, slab, foundation wall, column, pilaster
Sub-structure
All above grade construction (walls,
subfloors, siding materials, roof)
Superstructure
“Humanity has the ability to make
development sustainable—to ensure that it meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.” “Leave the world better than you found it,
take no more than you need, try not to harm life or the
environment, make amends if you do.”
Sustainability
(SFI) comprehensive system
of principles, objectives and performance measures developed by
professional foresters, conservationists and scientists, among
other that combines the perpetual growing and harvesting of
trees with the long-term protection of wildlife, plants, soil, and
water quality. There are currently over 150 million acres of
forestland in North America enrolled in the SFI program,
making it among the world’s largest sustainable forestry
programs.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
“Truss Joint I-Beam” Top and bottom flange of custom or
typical sized lumber with plywood web (middle piece)
TJI
Vertical dimension of distance traveled; generally
equal to floor-to-floor height
Total Rise
Horizontal dimension of distance traveled
Total Run
Horizontal portion of each “step”
Tread
The process of recycling in such a way that new
products are of higher economic value. Example- using waste
PET to create terratex panel fabric
Upcycling
Wind - places horizontal and uplift
loads. During extreme weather (hurricanes, tornadoes) negative
pressure is created on the exterior of building that can lead to
extra stress as well.
Uplift + Racking Loads
A thin sheet of wood
Veneer
Provides air circulation through the attic to prevent mold
growth; required at the overhang; ideally continuous the entire
length of the overhang
Vent
Weight of the structure, snow, water,
etc. Applies directly to floors and roofs and indirectly to anything
supporting them.
Vertical Dead Loads
People, furniture, equipment, anything
that changes/moves. Applies to directly to floors and indirectly to
anything supporting them.
Vertical Live Loads
Compounds that
evaporate from many housekeeping, maintenance and building
products made with organic chemicals. These compounds may
be released from the products made with organic chemicals.
These compounds may be released from the products both in use,
and in storage. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause irritation
and some are carcinogenic and are suspected of causing or
exacerbating acute and chronic diseases. The health effects of
VOCs at levels found typically in commercial indoor
environments are still not completely known and continue to be a
point for further study
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
A building panel made by bonding together large,
flat flakes of wood. Also called strandboard.
Waferboard
Studs doubled up for extra strength and so
the intersecting walls can be nailed together
Wall Intersections
Burning of waste to generate steam, heat,
or electricity
Waste-to-Energy
“Wood Destroying Organisms”, most commonly termites.
WDO
A structural member transversely supporting a load
beam
The principal constituent of wood which forms the
framework of the wood cells
cellulose
The term is a misnomer since all fungi require
considerable moisture; however, it is loosely applied to many
types of decay which, when discovered in the advanced stage,
permit wood to be easily crushed to a dry powder
dry rot
The wood components exposed to view on the
interior of a building, such as window and door casings,
baseboards, bookshelves, and the bike
finish carpentry
The designation of the quality of a manufactured piece of
wood
Grade
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance or quality of
the fibers in wood
grain
Freshly sawed lumber or lumber that has received
no intentional drying, containing a moisture content in excess of
30%; also called unseasoned, wet
green lumber
- broad leaved
- deciduous
- more expensive
- take longer to grow
- thicker wood
hardwood
Chestnut, Poplar, Elm, Ash, Cherry, Maple,
Oak, Pecan, Sycamore, Walnut, Birch, Hickory
Hardwood Types
A heavy beam extended across the top of the rough
opening of a window or door, which rests on the jack studs to
support the weight of the wall above the header. Often doubled
2x6, 2x10, or 2x12s (with a plywood layer between to equal the
depth of the wall unit)
header
the wood extending from the pith to the sapwood,
to the cells of which no longer participate in the growth process
of the tree. Heartwood may be impregnated with gums, resins
and other materials which usually make it darker and more
decay-resistant than sapwood.
heartwood
HORIZONTAL. one of a series of parallel beams used to
support floor and ceiling loads, supported in turn by bigger
beams, girders or bearing walls.
joist
that portion of a branch or limb which has been
surrounded by subsequent growth of wood. A loose knot is
considered a wood defect.
knot
A piece of wood built up of laminations that
have been joined either with glue or mechanical fastenings.
laminated wood
The product of the saw and planing mill not further
manufactured than by sawing, resawing and passing lengthwise
through a standard planing machine, cross-cut to length and
worked.
lumber
Lumber that is shaped to a pattern or to a molded form
in addition to being dressed, matched or shiplapped, or any
combination of these.
millwork
A method of gluing in which the nails hold the wood
members together until the glue sets.
nail-glued
A composition board consisting of distinct
particles of wood bonded together with a synthetic resin or other
binder.
particle board
A crossband assembly made of layers of veneer or with
veneer in combination with a lumber core, particle board core, or
other type of composition core, all joined with an adhesive
plywood
Any substance that will prevent, for a reasonable
length of time, the action of wood-destroying fungi, insets of
various kinds and similar destructive life when the wood has
been properly coated or impregnated with it.
preservative
Fraiming carpentry, as distinguished from
finish carpentry
Rough carpentry
Removal of moisture from green wood in order to
improve its serviceability
Seasoning
The rough covering applied to the outside of the roof,
wall, or floor framing of a light frame structure
sheathing
- needlike leaves
- grows in warmer climates
- cheaper
- grows faster
- coniferous
softwood
Cypress, Red Cedar, White Fir, Redwood,
Spruce, Douglas Fir, Southern, Yellow Pine
Softwood Types
the bottom horizontal member in a frame wall. it is
nailed to the deck or rough floor and the studs are nailed into it
sole plate
VERTICAL. supports the wall. one of a series of small,
closely spaced wall framing members
stud
Below ground
Substructure
Above ground
Superstructure
A thin sheet of wood
veneer
A building panel made by bonding together large,
flat flakes of wood. also called STRANDBOARD
waferboard
A natural or synthetically derived
chemical additive incorporated into or onto product surfaces to
prevent microbial growth, odors and stains
antimicrobial preservative
A product (other than food or feed) that is produced from renewable agricultural (plan, animal and marine) or forestry materials
bio-based product
Capable of decomposing in nature within a
resonably short period of time.
biodegradeable
Agents derived from living
organisms that can be inhaled and can exacerbate many types of
health effects including allergic reactions, respiratory disorders,
hypersensitivity dieseases and infectious diseases. Also referred
to as “microbiologicals” or “microbials”
Biological contaminants
Wood-based materials, agricultural crops, landfill gas,
animal and other organic
Biomass
The study of nature and imitation of nature’s forms.
the process of learning from and then emulating life’s genius
Biomimicry
Dianosable illness with symptoms
that can be identified and with a cause that can be directly
attributed to airborne building pollutants
Building related illness
Colorless, odorless gas, formed naturally by
decomposition, combustion, breathing, etc. contributes to global
warming
carbon dioxide
Class of volatile, non-reactive, noncorrosive,
non-flammable and easily liquefied gases, typically
used in refridgeration and believed to be responsible for the
deterioration of the stratospheric ozone
Chlorofluorocarbon
A concept or philosophy applied
to the design process that advocates the reduction of
environmental and human health impacts through materials
selection and design strategies
Desing for the environment
The resulting impacts on the environment
based on the choices we make (i.e. raw materials selection,
energy selection, transportation, etc)
Ecological footprint
The interaction of organisms from the natural
community with one another and their environment to sustain
one another
Ecosystem
A combination of the energy required for the
process to make a product and the molecular energy inherent in
the product’s material content
embodied energy
The release of any gas, particle or vapor into the
environment
emission
Series of activities to
monitor and manage the environmental impacts of
manufacturing activities.
environmental management systems
a generic statement often used to
designate product or process that has a reduced ecological
footprint when compared to other products/processes
environmentally friendly
products, services or systems
that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the
environment when compared with competing producrs, services
or systems that serve the same purpose
environmentally preferable
Nonflammable, heat-stable hydrocarbon liquid
or gas, in which some or all hydrogen atoms have been replaced
by fluorine atoms. as with CFCs, fluorocarbons, traditionally
used as proppellants (spray cans), are classified as ozonedepleting
substances
fluorocarbon
Fine, noncombustible particulate primarily resulting
form the combustion of coal in furnaces and kilns. often used as
a filler material in concrete to displace virgin raw materials
fly ash
Any petroleum based fuel source (gasoline, natural
gas, fuel oil, etc)
fossil fuel
Typically filamentous, eukaryotic, non-chlorophyllic
microorganisms. Grow on dead or dying organic matter nad may
also grow on some building materials where excess moisture is
present.
fungi
This is the impact of greenhouse
gas emissions which contribute to the ‘greenhouse effect.’
elevated concentrations of greenhouse gases contribute to global
warming and increased climate variability.
global warming potential
Renewable energy certificate,
represents the environmental attributes created when electricity
is generated using renewable resources instead of fossil fuels
such as coal, oil and natural gas. RECs can be sold separately
from their associated electricity and enable customers to ‘green’
the electricity they consume from their retail power supplier(s)
green tag
Gases which contribute to the greenhouse
effect.
greenhouse cases
Greenhouse gases trap heat inside the
atmosphere, warming the earth’s surface
greenhouse effect
Acceptable IAQ is air in which there are no
known contaminants at harmful concentrations as determined
by cognizant authorities and with a substantial majority (80
percent or more) of the people exposed do not express
dissatisfaction
indoor air quality
An approach to the design of industrial
products and processes that evaluates such activities through the
dual perspectives of product competitiveness and environmental
interactions
industrial ecology
A compilation and evaluation of the
inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a
product or system throughout its life cycle
life cycle assessment
A compilation of information
required under the OSHA hazard communication standard,
including a listing of hazardous chemicals, health and physical
hazards, exposure limits and handling precautions
material safety data sheet
Sources of energy that cannot be replaced in a reasonable period of time.
nonrenewable energy
Greenhouse gas reduction activities undertaken to compensate for emissions elsewhere
offsets
Fine solid particles of dust, spores, pollens, dander, skin flakes, mite allergens, cell debirs, mold, mildew, mineral fibers or
solids escaping from combustion processes that are small enough to become suspended in the air, and in some cases, small enough to be
inhaled.
particulate
Solid-state devices (typically made from silicon) that directly convert sunlight to electricity
photovoltaic cells
Material that has be recovered from the manufacturing waste stream before it has served its intended
purpose.
post-concumer recycled content
Material that has been recovered after its intended use as a consumer product.
post-industral recycled content
The series of activities, including collection, separation, and processing, by which materials are recovered from the waste stream
for use as raw materials in the manufacture of new products
recycling
Energy derived from sources which are regenerative of recurring.
renewable energy
A resource that can be replenished at a rate equal to, or greater than its rate of depletion
renewable resources
Inside flat trim member which, hinged at the top,
opening up and out like an awning
Apron
A projecting window, hinged at the top,
opening up and out like an awning
awning window
Composed of three or more individual windows,
generally with the side or flanker units at 45 or 30 angles to the
wall. a bay projects from the wall of the structure
bay window
Composed of three or more individual windows in
a gently curved contour. bow windows also project from the wall
of a structure
bow window
A projecting window hinged at the sides and
usually opening outward like a door
casement window
Inside casing is a flat, decorative molding which covers
the inside edge of the jambs and the rough opening between the
window unit and the wall. outside casing (or brick mold) serves
the same purpose, while it also is an installation device through
which nails are driven to install the window unit into the wall
casing
A waterlight wall or frame used to raise slope glazing above
the surface of the roof as a preventive measure against water
leakage from melting snow or rain run-off
curb
Two vertically sliding sash which bypass
each other in a single frame. sash may be counter-balanced
by weights or springs
double-hung window
Outside member of a window unit which encloses the
sash. composed of side jams, head jam, and sill
frame
The glass panes or lights in the sash of a window. also
the act of installing lights of glass in a window sash
glazing
A pilable substance applied between the
window sash and the lights of glass to seal against the elements
and sometimes to adhere the glass to the sash.
glazing compound
A single glazed sash with an additional glass
panel installed on the sash to provide an air apce between the
two lights of glass. the second glass can either be movable or
fixed and can ne installed on either the insdie or outside of the
sash.
glazing, double
A single sheet of glass installed in a window
sash
glazing, single
Ornamental or simulated muntins and bars which don’t
actually divide the lights of glass. Generally made of plastic or
wood and fit on the inside of the sash against the glass surface or
easy removal
grilles
Side jambs are the vertical members of a window frame
and head jamb is the horizontal member across the top
jambs
Refers to glass which has low emissivity due to a
film or metallic coating on the glass or a metallic coating on a
film suspended between the two lights of glass to restrict the
passage of radiant heat.
low-e glass
The inside horizontal trim member at the bottom of the
window frame which rests on the sill. the shelf-like part that
projects into the room
stool
The process of providing a net heat gain within a
structure, over and above the normal heat loss, by passive
collection of the sun’s heat through windows and other glazed
areas
solar gain
Any glazed opening in a roof or a wall which is
installed at an angle between vertical and horizontal. slope
glazing ranges between a single stationary skylight to a fully
operable roof window.
slope glazing
A window with two or more sash that slide
past each other within the frame. they may slide horizontally or
vertically as in a double-hung window
sliding window
The row of bricks, cement blocks or stones laid
across the bottom of a masonry opening which lie under the
outside edge of the window sill
sill course
The horizontal member that forms the bottom of a window
frame. its generally slanted down to the outside to shed standing
water
sill
Tall, narrow, fixed or operating sash on either both
sides of a door to light an entryway or vestibule
side lights
Wood wedges (often soft wood shingles) used to secure the window or door unit in the rough or masonry opening in a square, level and plumb position during and after installation
shims
The framework holding the glass in a window unit.
composed of stiles (sides) and rails (top and bottom)
sash
The horizontal rough framing member, usually a 2x4,
which forms the bottom of the rough opening. it is toe-nailed
into the jack studs and is supported by cripples
rough sill
The opening left in a frame wall to receive a
window or door unit. it is formed by the jack studs on each side
which supports the header across the top. the rough sill at the
bottom is supported by cripples. the rough opening generally
allows 1/2” or more in each dimension in excess of the window
or door unit dimension
rough opening
The horizontal top and bottom members of a window sash
or door panel
rails
A large stationary (non-ventilating) window
which is designed for a maximum view without obstruction
picture window
The vertical or horizontal divisions or joints between
single windows in a multiple window unit
mullion
The opening in a masonry wall to accept a
window or door unit, the same as a rough opening in a frame
wall. the header (or lintel) in a masonry opening is usually a
steal beam, the masonry opening should allow for 1/2” or more
in addition to the unit dimension of the window so that caulking
may be added on all four sides
masonry openings
A wood trim member nailed to the window frame to stop the sash of a projecting window when closed to prevent it from swinging
throigh the opening. it also covers the perimeter crack between the sash and the window frame. the stop is often molded into the jamb liners
on sliding windows
stop
Generally refers to an operating or stationary sash above a door which serves the same purpose as a side light.
transform
hard, inert materials mixed with portland cement and water to form concrete.
aggregate
A binding agent capable of uniting dissimilar materials into a composite whole
cement
A composite material made of portland cement, water and aggregates and, perhaps, special admixutres
concrete
A joint placed in concrete to form a plane of weaknesses to prevent random cracks from forming due to drying
shrinkage
construction joint
Numerous fine hair cracks in the surface of a newly hardened slab
crazing
Process of keeping concrete moist for an extended period after placement to insure proper hydration and subsequent strength and
quality
curing
The sand, gravel or compacted earht used to bring a subgrade up to a desired level
Fill
Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening
form
A mixture of portland cement, water and sand
mortar
Concrete components which are cast and cured offsite or in a factory before being placed into thier position in a
structure
Precast concrete
Concrete subjected to compressive forces by the pre-stretching (or stressing) or reinforcing bars or cables within,
which develops greater strength and stiffness
prestressed concrete
Steel placed in concrete to take tensile stresses
reinforcing
Partial cutting of concrete flat work for the control of shrinkage cracking. also used to denote the roughening of a slab to develop
mechanical bond
scoring
structural – a suspended, self-supporting, reinforced concrete floor or roof slab
slab
A suspended, ground-supported concrete slab
slab-on grade
Slab rests atop the perimeter foundation wall
edge supported
Slab terminates at the inside face of the perimeter foundation wall and is said to “float” independent of the foundation wall
“floating”
Slab and foundation wall formed into one integral mass of concrete. also called “slab-thickened edge.”
monolithic
The actual measured dimension of a masonry
unit.
actual dimension
Large clay brick of varying size, roughly molded
and sun dried
adobe brick
A piece or assemblage, usually metal, used to attach
parts (e.g. plates, joists, trusses, or other masonry) to masonry or
masonry materials
anchor
A curved compressive structural member used to span over
wall openings; also built flat
arch
Custom-made, hard-burned, glazed
or unglazed clay building units, plain or ornamental, that are
machine extruded or hand molded
architectural terra cotta
ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials
The lowest course of masonry in a wall or pier
base course
A wall that supports a vertical load in addition to
its own weight
bearing wall
horizontal layer of mortar in which a masonry unit is
laid
bed joint
A horizontal reinforced masonry or reinforced
concrete beam designed to strengthen a masonry wall. In
concrete masonry it may be used to reduce the probability of
cracks developing in the wall
bond beam
Solid masonry unit of clay of shale, formed into a
rectangular prism while plastic and burned or fired in a kiln
brick
Solid concrete masonry unit, approximately a
rectangular prism, usually not larger that 4” x 4” x 12”
brick; concrete
Brick for building purposes, not
especially treated for texture or color. formerly called common
brick
building (common) brick
a groove or continuous recess built in a masonry wall to
accommodate pipes, ducts, or conduits
chase
Masonry units forming a finished cap on top of an
exposed pier, wall, pilaster, chimney, etc., to protect the masonry
below from penetration of water from above
coping
One of the continuous horizontal layers of masonry
units, bonded with mortar. one course is equal to the thickness of
the masonry unit plus the thickness of one mortar joint
course
The weight of all permanent and stationary
construction or equipment included in a building
dead load
A projection shaped to throw off water and prevent its
running down the face of the masonry surface
drip
Deposit of soluble salts, usually white in color,
appearing upon the exposed surface of masonry
efflorescene
Brick made especially for facing purposes, often
with finished surface texture. they are made of selected clays or
treated to produce desired color
facing brick
Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will
resist high temperatures
fire brick
any wall which subdivides a building to resist the
spread of fire and which extends continuously from the
foundation through the roof
fire wall
Sheet metal or other suitable material bult into the wall
for the purpose of (1) collecting any water that may penetrate the
wall, and (2) to divert such moisture to the exterior
flashing
Smooth, dense brick highly resistant to abrasion,
used as finished floor surface
floor brick
A load-bearing wall below the floor nearest to
exterior grade serving as a support for a wall, pier, column, floor
or other structural part of a building
foundation wall
A method of finishing the interior face of a masonry
wall to provide space for insulation, prevent moisture
transmittance, or to provide a level surface for finishing
furring
Masonry unit having a core greater than
25% of the total cross-sectional area of the unit
hollow masonry unit
Steel wir, bar or fabricated reinforcement
which is placed in horizontal mortar joints
joint reinforcement
A furnace oven or heated enclosure used for burning or
firing brick or other clay material
kiln
A structural member to carry the load over an opening in a
wall
lintel
The total of all moving and variable loads that may be
placed upon or in a building (see dead load)
live load
A wall which supports any vertical load in
addition to its own weight
loadbearing wall
Brick, stone, concrete, etc. or masonry combinations
thereof, bonded with mortar
masonry
Natural or manufatured building units of burned
clay, concrete, stone, glass, gypsum, etc
masonry unit
Compressing and shaping the
face of a mortar joint with a special concave or v-shaped tool
mortar joints (tooled joint)
Mortar joint which has been
finished with a trowel to form a struck joint or a weathered joint.
mortar joints (trowled joint)
The dimension greater than the actual
masonry dimension by the thickness of a mortar joint, but not
more than 1/2”
nominal dimension
A wall which supports no vertical load
other than its own weight
Non-load-bearing-wall
Any material which will neither ignite nor
actively support combustion in air at a temperature of 1200
degrees F when exposed to fire
noncombustible
That part of any wall entirely above the roof line
parapet wall
an interior wall, one story or less in height
partition
A wall used for joint sevice by adjoining buildings
party wall
vitrified brick especially suitable for use in
pavements where resistance to abrasion is important
paving brick
An isolated column of masonry
pier
A thickened wall section of column built as an integral
part of a wall
Pilaster
Troweling mortar into a joint after the masonry unit is laid
Pointing
Masonry containing embeddened steel so that the two materials act together in resisting forces
Reinforced masonry
Any wall sunjected to lateral pressure other than wind pressure, or a wall built to support a bank of earth
Retaining wall
A brick unit laid on its face edge. usually laid on its face edge. usually laid in the wall with its long dimension perpendicular to the
wall face.
Rowlock
Masonry unit set vertically on end with face showing on the masonry surface
soldier
Masonry units having a core area less than 25% of the total cross-sectional area of the unit
solid masonry unit
Masonry unit laid with its length horizontal and parallel with face of the masonry
stretcher
A single-facing wythe of masonry units or similar materials securely attached to a wall for the purpose of providing ornamentation,
protection or insulation, bot not bonded or attached to intentionally exert common action under load
veneer
The condition resulting when kiln temperatures are sufficient to fuse grains and close pores of a clay product, making the
mass impervious
verification
A header (bonder) or metal anchor that connects wythes of masonry to each other
wall tie
Prevention of moisture flow through masonry due to water pressure
waterproofing
The ability of a material to absorb rather than reflect
sound waves striking it by converting sound energy to heat
energy within the material
absorption
The science of sound, including its production,
transmission and effects
acoustics
