Construction Glossary

Question 1

Anchor Bolts

Answer 1

Bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to a concrete or masonry floor or wall

Question 2

Architect

Answer 2

One who has completed a course of study in building design, and is licensed by the state as an architect; one who draws up plans.

Question 3

Backfill

Answer 3

Replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement/crawl space foundation wall.

Question 4

Balloon Framed Wall

Answer 4

Framed wall (generally over 10 ft. tall) that run the entire vertical length form the floor sill plate to the roof; this is done to eliminant the need for a gable end truss

Question 5

Beam

Answer 5

A structural member transversely supporting a load; a structural member carrying building loads from one support to another.

Question 6

Bearing Point

Answer 6

A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation

Question 7

Bearing Wall

Answer 7

A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight

Question 8

Bearing Header

Answer 8

A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joist are nailed in framing for chimney, stairway or other opening; a wood lintel; horizontal structural member over an opening (door/window)

Question 9

Blocking

Answer 9

Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling