General Construction Flashcards
Acre
A plot of land comprising 43,560 sq ft
Adhesive
A natural or synthetic material, generally in paste or liquid form, used to fasten or glue boards together, lay floor tile, fabricate plastic laminates, etc.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage loan in which the interest rate changes throughout the life of a loan as an index changes with the market.
Aggregate
A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete
Air-dried Lumber
Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for a length of time. The minimum moisture content of thoroughly air-dried lumber is usually 12-15%
Air Space
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1” air gap
Alcove
A recess opening off a wall of a larger room. Often used as a sitting area, coatroom, or a storage area
Allowance
A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items, which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those, provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individual with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportations, state and local government services and telecommunications
Amortize
The method of paying down the principal of a loan over a period of time. In a traditional 30 year loan the amount of the loan is repaid with payments that also include interest over 30 years.
Ampere (Amps)
The rate of flow of electrical charge. Current = voltage/resistanceA
Anchor
Any fastener (usually metal) used to attach parts, such as joists, trusses, posts, etc., to masonry or masonry materials.
Anchor Bolt
A threaded rod inserted in masonry construction to anchor the sill plate to the foundation
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items
Appraisal
An expert valuation of property
Apron
Trim used under the stool on interior windows
Arcade
A series of arches supported by columns or piers to provide an open passageway
Arch
A curved structure that will support itself and the weight above its curved opening by mutual pressure
Architect
One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans and sometimes supervises the construction of homes
Areaway
Recessed area below grade around the foundation to allow light and ventilation into basement window
Aromatic Red Cedar
Similar characteristics to Western Red Cedar. Primarily used in construction for chests and closet linings for its mothproof value.
Arris
A sharp edge formed when two planes or surfaces meet. Found on edges of moldings, doors, shelves, and in cabinet construction
Ash Pit
The area below the hearth of a fireplace, which collects the ashes
Asphalt Shingles
Composition roof shingles made from asphalt impregnated felt covered with mineral granules
Assessment
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property
Assessor
A public official responsible for the evaluation of property for the purposes of taxation
Assignee
A person to whom a transfer of interest is made in connection with a mortgage or contract for a home or piece of property
Assignor
A person who makes an assignment for a mortgage or contract for a home or piece of property
ASTM
American Society for Testing Materials
Atrium
A central hall or open court within a structure
Attachment
The legal seizure of property to require payment of a debt
Attic
The space between the roof and the ceiling
Attic Access
An opening that is placed in the dry walled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic
Attic Ventilator
In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. They are located in the soffit area as inlet ventilators and in the gable end or along the ridge as outlet ventilators. They can also consist of power-driven fans used as an exhaust system.
Awning Window
An out swinging window hinged at the top
Back Charge
Billings for work performed or costs incurred by one party that, in accordance with the agreement, should have been performed or incurred by the party to whom billed. Owners bill back charges to general contractors, and general contractors bill back charges to subcontractors.
Backfill
The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around and against a basement foundation
Baffles
Device to help achieve a ventilation space between insulation and roof sheathing. It helps assure airflow from the eave vents in attics and cathedral ceilings.
Balcony
A deck projecting from the wall of a building above ground level
Balloon Framing
A system of framing a building in which all vertical structural elements of the bearing walls and partitions consist of single pieces extending from the top of the foundation sill plate to the roof plate and to which all floor joists are fastened
Balloon Loan
A loan that comes due and must be paid off or refinanced because the final payment is much higher than the monthly payments
Balusters
Usually small vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and the stair treads or a bottom rail
Balustrade
A series of balusters connected by a rail; generally used for porches and balconies
Band Joist
Vertical member that forms the perimeter of a floor system in which the floor joists tie in. Also know as the rim joist
Banister
A handrail with supporting posts used alongside a stairway
Barrel Vault
A vaulted ceiling of semi-circular shape, creating a dome-like appearance.
Base Shoe
A molding used next to the floor in interior baseboards
Basement Foundation
A basement is a usable foundation that typically has ceiling heights of 8’ and is often finished off as a living or storage space
Batt
A roll or sheet of insulation designed to be installed between members of frame construction
Batten
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards
Batter Board
One of a pair of horizontal boards nailed to posts set as the corners of an excavation, used to indicate the desired level, also as a fastening for stretched strings to indicate outlines of foundation walls
Bay Window
Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, either square or polygonal in plan
Beam Ceiling
A ceiling in which the ceiling beams are exposed to view
Bearing Paritition
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight
Beech
A whitish to reddish brown hardwood used especially in construction for interior and exterior cabinet parts. Blends well with birch for stained kitchen cabinets and vanities
Bench Mark
A mark on some permanent object fixed to the ground from which land measurements and elevations are ataken
Birch
Hard and heavy light reddish brown hardwood. The most widely used hardwood veneer for flush doors, cabinetwork, and paneling. Mill products include interior trim, flooring, sash and trim
Blind Nailing
A method of nailing so that the nail is not visible
Board Foot
A method of lumber measurements using nominal dimensions of 1” thick, 12” wide, and 12” long or the equivalent
Bonus Room
A room with no specifically designated function, unlike a living room, bedroom or kitchen. Is not included in the initial square footage
Bottom Plate
The lowest horizontal member of a wall, which rests on the rough floor to which the studding is nailed
Brick
A solid masonry unit composed of clay or shale. Formed into a rectangular prism while soft and burned or fired in a kiln
Brick Veneer
A facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a frame wall or tile wall construction
Bridging
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists at mid span to act both as tension and compression members for the purpose of bracing the joists and spreading the action of loads
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
The amount of heat required to raise on pound of water one degree F
Building Code
A comprehensive set of laws that controls the construction or remodeling of a home or other structure
Built Up Roof
A roofing composed of 3-5 layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch or asphalt. The top is finished with crushed slag or gravel. Generally used on flat or low-pitched roofs.
Bundle
A package of shingles. Normally there are 3 bundles per square and 27 shingles per bundle
Bureau of Land Management
The branch of government in charge of surveying public lands
Cantilever
A projecting structure supported on one end, such as a balcony
Central Air Conditioning
A system which uses ducts to distribute cooling and/or dehumidified air to more than one room or uses pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room and which is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet
Carport
A garage not fully enclosed
Casement Window
A hinged window, usually metal, that opens out
Casing
Molding of various widths and thickness used to trim door and window openings at the jambs
Caulking
A waterproof material used to seal cracks
Central Heating
A system by which the heat from a single source is distributed with ducts
Chain
A unit of land measurement 66’ in length
Chamfer
A beveled edge on a board formed by removing the sharp corner. Generally used on moldings, edges of drawer fronts and cabinet doors
Chase
A slot or continuous groove built in a masonry or frame wall to accommodate ducts, pipes or conduits
Chimney
A vertical flue for passing smoke from a heating unit, fireplace or incinerator
Chipped Grain
Wood surface that has been roughened by the action of cutting tools. Considered a defect when surfaces are to be smoothly finished
Chord
The horizontal member of a truss connecting the lower corners
Circuit
Two or more wires through which electrical power flows from the distribution panel to one or more outlets or fixtures, then back
Circuit Breaker
A safety device that breaks the flow of electrical current whenever a circuit becomes overloaded
Clear Title
A title to property that is free of any defect
Cleat
A piece of wood, normally used in frame construction, fastened to another member to serve as a brace or support
Clerestory
An outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows
Coffered Ceiling
A ceiling with recessed square panels, bordered with trim for ornamental purposes
Collar Beam
Nominal 1 or 2 in thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Using the computer to perform drafting and design functions
Concrete
A mixture of cement, sand and gravel with water
Concrete Block
A hollow concrete brick often 8”x8”x16” in size. Often used in low rise commercial and some residential construction
Concrete Form
A temporary structure built to contain concrete during pouring and initial hardening
Conditions and Restrictions
The term used to designate any conditions to which the use of land may not be put and the penalties for failure to comply
Conduction
The flow of heat through an object by transferring heat from one molecule to another
Conduit
Piping made out of plastic or metal used to protect electrical wire
Construction Loan
A short-term loan taken for the expressed purpose of building. Installment payments are made and when the building is complete, the loan is usually replaced by a longer-term mortgage
Contract
An agreement between a seller and purchaser. The title is withheld from the purchaser until all required payments to the seller have been completed
Convection
Refers to the transfer of heat by moving fluid (liquids and gases)
Coping
A cap or top course of a masonry wall to protect lower areas from water penetration
Corbel
A ledge or shelf constructed by laying successive courses of masonry out from the face of the wall
Core
The inner layer or layers of plywood. The core may consist of veneer, solid lumber or composition board
Corner Bead
A lightweight strip of metal, angled to reinforce corners in drywall
Corner Braces
Diagonal braces at the corners of frame structure to stiffen and strengthen the wall
Cornice
The part of a roof that projects out from the wall
Cornice Return
That portion of the cornice that returns on the gable end of a house
Counter Flashing
A flashing used under the regular flashing
Cove
Molded trim of a concave shape used around cabinet construction and other built-ins
Crawl Space
The shallow space below the floor of a house built above the ground. Generally it is surrounded with the foundation wall.
Crawlspace Vent
An opening to allow the passage of air through the unexcavated area under a first floor. Ideally there should be at least two vents per crawlspace
Cricket
A device used at roof intersections to divert water
Cripple
A structural member that is cut less than full length, such as a studding piece above a window or door
Cross Bracing
Boards nailed diagonally across studs or other boards to make framework rigid
Crown Molding
A decorative molding used at the top of cabinets, at ceiling corners and under a roof overhang
Cul-de-Sac
A street or court with no outlet, which provides a circular turn around for vehicles
Cull
Building material (especially boards) that is rejected because of defects or below usable grade
Cupola
A small, decorative structure built on the roof of a house. It is often placed over an attached garage and may also be used for ventilating purposes
Current
Term used to describe electrical flow
Curtain Wall
An exterior or interior wall, which provides no structural support
Dado Joint
A groove cut across the face of a board to receive the end of another board. Often used in quality shelf and cabinet construction
Damper
A movable plate, which regulates the draft of a stove, fireplace, or furnace.
Dead Load
All the unmovable weight in a structure and the weight of the structure itself
Deed
Actually, any one of many conveyancing or financing instruments, but generally a conveyancing instrument, given to pass fee title to property upon sale
Dentil
One of a series of small projecting rectangular blocks forming a molding under an overhang, most common in colonial-style homes
Dimension Lumber
Framing lumber, which is 2 in thick and from 4-12” wide
Dome
A roof used over an entryway or a complete structure in the form of a hemisphere
Dome Structures
Structures incorporating design elements of the geodesic dome or triangular space frames
Door
A sliding or hinged structure, covering an opening to a cupboard, closet, room, building, etc. May be used as an entrance or exit. Usually constructed of wood, glass, or metal depending on its service
Doorjamb
Two vertical pieces held together by a head jamb forming the inside lining of a door opening
Doorstop
The strips on the doorjambs against which the door closes
Dormer
An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings
Double Glazing
Making a pane of two pieces of glass with air space between and sealed to provide insulation
Double Header
Two or more timbers or lumber joined for strength
Double Hung
Refers to a window having top and bottom sashes, each capable of movement up and down
Douglas Fir
A yellow to pale reddish soft wood. The leading veneer wood primarily converted into plywood and widely used in building and construction. Lumber used in general construction. Mill products used for sash, flooring, and doors
Downspout
A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater from roof gutters
Dressed Size
The actual size of lumber after jointing and surfacing
Drip Cap
A molding placed on the exterior topside of a door or window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside of a frame
Dry Wall
Interior covering material, such as gypsum board or plywood, which is applied in large sheets or panels
Dry Well
A pit located on porous ground, walled up with rock, which allows water to seep through; used for the disposal of rainwater or as the effluent from a septic tank
Ducts
In a house, usually round or rectangular metal pipes for distributing warm air from the heating plant to rooms, or air from a conditioning device or as cold air returns. Ducts are also made of composition materials
Duplex Outlet
Electrical wall outlet having two plug receptacle
Dwarf Wall
A low wall built to retain an excavation or embankment
Earnest Money
A partial payment made as part of the purchase price to bind a contract for property
Earth Sheltered Dwelling
A structure, which uses soil to reduce heat loss (or gain)
Easement
An area of a piece of property given rights to another for the purpose of placing power lines, drains, and other specified uses.
Eastern Fir
A softwood similar to spruce in its general characteristics. Used for siding, moldings, and general construction
Eave Vent
Vent opening located in the soffit under the eaves of a house to allow the passage of air through the attic and out the roof vents
Eaves
The lower portion of the roof that overhangs the wall
Egress
A means of exiting the home. An egress window is required in every bedroom and basement
Electrical Service Panel
Refers to the high-voltage electrical system’s first point of entry into a home beyond the meter
Elevations
The exterior view of a home design that shows the position of the house relative to the grade of the land
Ell
An extension or wing of a building at right angles to the main section
Energy Efficient
Method of construction or building practice by which less energy is used or consumed to produce the same level of energy service.
Materials, appliances, or other items designed to reduce consumption of energy while providing a specific energy output
Equity
The market value less any loans against a property
Escrow
An agreement in which the parties deposit money and/or legal documents with a third party who handles the transaction
Escutcheon
Door hardware, which accomidates the knob and keyhole
Excavation
A cavity or pit produced by digging the earth in preparation for construction
Expansion Joint
A bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or units of concrete to prevent cracking due to expansion as a result of temperature changes
Expansive Clay
A type of soil, which swells when wet and produces very high pressure against underground walls
Facade
The front elevation or face of a structure
Face Brick
Brick of better quality used on the face of a wall
Face Size
The exposed width of a modeled piece of lumber after installation
Face Veneer
Veneer selected for exposed surfaces in plywood. Especially selected for fancy paneling
Faced Insulation
Insulation with an attached vapor retarder (kraft paper or foil backed paper)
Facing
Any material attached to the outer portion of a wall used as a finished surface
Fascia
A horizontal board nailed onto the ends of the rafters
Fiberboard
A building board made with fibrous material and used as an insulating board
Fiber Glass Insulation
An energy efficient glass fiber product manufactured by Owens Corning to ensure the best thermal and noise control performance available
Fill
Sand, gravel, or loose earth used to bring a sub-grade up to a desired level around a house
Filled Insulation
A loose insulating material poured from bags or blown by machine into walls
Fire Cut
The angular cut at the end of a joist designed to rest on a brick wall
Fire Stop
A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space. In a frame wall, this will usually consist of 2x4 cross blocking between studs
Fire Wall
Any wall designed to resist the spread of fire between sections of a house. Firewalls are commonly used between the main structure and an attached garage. Fire resistant materials are designed specifically for this purpose.
Firebrick
A brick that is especially hard and heat-resistant; used in fireplaces
Fireclay
A refractory mortar used to lay firebrick in the bed and walls of a fireplace
Flagstone
Flat stone used for floors, steps, walks or walls
Flashing
Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage
Flat Ceiling
A ceiling with no change in elevation
Flue
The space or passage in a chimney through which smoke, gas or fumes ascend. Each passage is called a flue, which together with any others and the surrounding masonry make up the chimney
Flue Lining
Fireclay or terra cotta pipe, round or square, usually made in all ordinary flue sizes and in 2 ft lengths. Used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work around the outside. Flue lining in chimneys runs from about a foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney
Fly Rafters
End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts
Footing
A masonry section, usually concrete, in a rectangular form wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports
Forced Air Heating
A common form of heating with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the furnace and distributed through a set of metal ducts to various areas of the house
Foundation
The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction, or below grade including the footings
Framer
The carpenter contractor that installs the lumber and erects the frame, flooring system, interior walls, backing, trusses, rafters, decking, installs all beams, stairs, soffits, and all work related to the wood structure of the home. The framer builds the home according to the blueprints and must comply with local building codes and regulations
Framing
The studs, rafters, joists, sole plates, and roof plates that form the skeletal structure of a house
Frieze
In house construction, a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice
Frost Line
The depth of frost penetration in soil. This depth varies in different parts of the country. Footings should be placed below this depth to prevent movement
Furring
The use of wood strips (or other materials) as a method of finishing the interior face of masonry wall. Furring provides a space for insulation, helps prevent moisture transmission, and provides a level surface for paneling or other surface finishing treatment
Fuse
A device often found in older homes designed to prevent overloads in electrical lines
Gable
The portion of the roof above the eave line of a double-sloped roof
Gable Vent
A louver mounted in the top of the gable to allow the passage of air through the attic
Gain
A recess or notch into which a door hinge fits flush with the surface.
Refers to the way heat is extracted from solar radiation
Garrett
An attic or unfinished part of a house just under the roof
Girder
A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length
Glazing
Placing of glass in windows or doors
Grade
The surface of the ground around a building
Gravel Stop
A strip of metal with a vertical lip used to retain the gravel around the edge of a built-up roof
Green Building
A method of constructing a home or another structure using energy efficient or recycled materials and energy efficient construction practices to reduce consumption of energy, water and other resources, protect occupant health, reduce waste, and reduce the building’s impact on the environment
GFCI
A breaker or receptacle that detects excessive electrical current flow and stops electrical flow in the circuit. It is a required safety feature in many areas of the home where there is an increased risk of shock.
Grounding
The connection of an electrical system to the earth. It is used to prevent damage and minimize the danger of electrical shock
Grout
A plaster-like material used to seal between ceramic and other tile in kitchens, showers, and baths
Gusset
A plywood or metal plate used to strengthen the joints of a truss
Gutter
A channel along the fascia direct rainwater to a downspout
Hanger
A metal strap used to support piping or the ends of joists
Hardwood
Wood produced from broad-leaved trees or trees that lose their leaves.
Header
A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for chimney, stairway, or other opening
Hearth
The inner or outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile or stone
Heat Exchanger
A device for removing heat from water or air and transferring the heat to another medium
Heat Pump
A device, which uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool a house
Hickory
A hard and heavy brown to reddish brown hard wood. Used as face veneer for decorative interior plywood paneling and as solid lumber in special flooring applications.
Hip Rafter
The diagonal rafter that extends from the plate to the ridge to form the hip
Hip Roof
A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building
Hose Bib
A water faucet made for the threaded attachment of a hose
Hot Wire
The electrical wires (typically black or red) used to carry current as distinguished from the neutral wires (usually white)
House Drain
A horizontal sewer piping within a building, which receives waste from the soil stacks
House Sewer
The watertight soil pipe extending from the exterior of the foundation wall to the public sewer
Humidifier
A device, generally attached to a furnace, to supply or maintain humidity in a home
Humidistat
A controlling device to regulate or maintain the desired degree of humidity in a house
I-Beam
A steel beam with a cross section resembling the letter I. It is used for long spans as basement beams or over wide wall openings, such as a double garage door, when wall and roof loads are imposed on the opening.
Improvements
Any additions to property, which tends to increase its value, such as buildings, streets, sewers, etc.
Incandescent Lamp
A lamp in which a filament gives off light when sufficiently heated by an electric current
Insulated Concrete Form (ICF)
It is steel reinforced poured concrete that allows the form to stay in place and become a functional part of the house. The walls and floors will be concrete
Insulating Board
Any board suitable for insulating purposes
Insulation
Materials for obstructing the passage of sound, heat, or cold from one surface to another
Interior Trim
General term for all the finish molding, casing, baseboard, and cornice applied within the building by finish carpenters
Jack Rafter
A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip or from a valley to a ridge
Jalousie
A type of window consisting of a number of long, thin hinged panels
Jamb
The side and head lining of a doorway, window or other opening
Joist
A horizontal structural member, which supports the floor or ceiling system
Junction Box
An electrical box used for wire splicing
Keystone
The piece, usually wedge shaped, at the top on an arch
Kick Plate
A metal, wood or plastic strip placed at the lower edge of a door or on a riser of a step to protect it from damage by accidental kicking
Kiln-Dried-Lumber
Lumber that has been kiln-dried, generally to a moisture content of 6-12%
King Post
The central upright piece in a roof truss
Knee Wall
A low wall resulting from one and one-half story construction
Lally Column
A steel column used as a support for girders and beams
Laminated Beam
A beam made of superimposed layers of similar materials by uniting them with glue and pressure
Landing
A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs
Lap Siding
Slightly wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped pattern over the exterior sheathing. Varies in butt thickness from 1/2 - 3/4” and in widths up to 12”
Lath
A building material of wood, metal, gypsum or insulating board that is fastener to the frame of a building to act as a plaster base
Lattice
A framework of crossed wood or metal strips
Leader
A vertical pipe or downspout that carries rainwater from the gutter to the ground or storm sewer
Lease
A contract for the use of land for a period of years with a designated payment of a monthly or annual rental
Ledger Strip
A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom of the side of a girder on which the joists rest
Legal Description
A written indication of the location and boundaries of a parcel of land. Reference is generally made to a recorded plat of survey
Lien
A legal right or claim that one party has against a property as a security for a payment obligation
Lintel
A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening such as a door or window
Live Load
A load that is not derived from the actual structure but from furniture, snow, people, or other weight placed on surfaces
Load
The amount of power or watts on a circuit or distribution panel
Load-Bearing Wall
Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall that is aligned above a support beam or girder. Normally, any wall that has a double horizontal top plate
Lookout
A short wooden framing member used to support an overhanging portion of a roof. It extends from the wall to the underside surfacing of the overhang
Lot
A measured amount of property having fixed boundaries
Lot Line
The line forming the legal boundary of a piece of property
Louver
An opening with a series of horizontal slats so arranges as to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, sunlight, or vision
Main
The principle water pipe from which other pipes branch
Mantel
The shelf above a fireplace, also used in referring or the decorative trim around a fireplace opening
Maple
Both hard and soft maple are generally light tan and used in construction where hardness is a major factor
Masonry
Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, gypsum block, or other similar building units or materials or a combination of the same, bonded together with mortar to form a wall, pier, buttress or similar mass
Mastic
A flexible adhesive for adhering building materials
Mechanic’s Lien
The right given to a contractor or material supplier over a property for material supplied or work performed and not yet paid
Metal Wall Ties
Strips of corrugated metal used to tie a brick veneer wall to a framework
Millwork
Lumber that is shaped to a given pattern or molded form. It includes dressing, matching, and machining.
Miter Joint
A joint made with the ends or edges of two pieces of lumber cut at a 45 degree angle and fitted together
Modular Construction
Construction in which the size of all the building materials is based on a common unit of measure
Moisture Barrier
A material such as specially treated paper that retards the passage of vapor or moisture into walls, and prevents condensation with the walls
Monolithic Slab
A slab foundation that is part of the footings
Mortar
A mixture of cement, sand and water, used by the mason as a bonding agent for bricks and stone
Mortgage
A document used to hold property as security for a debt
Mullion
A vertical bar or divider in the frame between windows, doors or other openings
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
A real estate brokerage service organized by local brokers to share real estate listed for sale
Muntin
A small member, which divides the glass or openings of sash or doors
Neutral
The wire in an electrical system (usually white) that carries current when there is unbalance load
Niche
A recess in a wall, usually designed to contain ornamental statues or other decorations
Nominal Size
The size of lumber before dressing, rather than its actual size
Nonbearing Wall
A wall supporting no load other than its own weight
Nosing
The rounded edge of a stair treads
On Center
The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, joists, and other framing members from the center of one member to the center of the next
Outlet
Any type of electrical box allowing current to be drawn from the electrical system for lighting or appliances
Overhang
The projecting area of a roof or upper story beyond the wall of the lower part
Pallet
An inexpensive wood skid used to stack and ship construction materials such as a brick or concrete block
Panel
In house construction, a thin flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material, framed by stiles and rails as in a door or fitted into grooves of thicker material with molded edges for decorative wall treatment
Paper, Building
A general term for papers, felts, and similar sheet materials used in building without reference to their properties or uses
Parapet
A low wall or railing around the edge of a roof
Particle Board
A composition board made of wood chips or particles bonded together with an adhesive under high pressure
Partition
A wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building
Passive Solar Heating
Involves capturing, storing, and using solar radiation to heat a dwelling without the use of fans or pumps to circulate the heat
Periphery
A boundary or complete outside edge of a parcel of land or an object on a drawing
Phase Change Material
A material capable of storing large amounts of heat as they change from solid to liquid. They are slow to release the stored heat and are, therefore, interesting as possible thermal mass materials.
Pier
A masonry pillar usually below a building to support the floor framing
Pilaster
A portion of a square column usually set within or against a wall for the purpose of strengthening the wall, also a decorative column attached to a wall
Ponderosa Pine
Light reddish colored softwood used especially for a sash, doors, and screens in the softer grades
White Pine
Softwood of light tan color used for door, sash, interior and exterior trim, siding and panels
Yellow Pine
Softwood of medium texture, moderately hard and a yellow to reddish brown color
Pitch
The slope of a roof usually expressed as a ratio
Plant Shelf
A decorative feature approximately 8’ above the floor, normally associated with volume ceilings that add high spaces/shelves to use for decorative purposes
Plaster
A mortar-like composition used for covering walls and ceilings, usually made of portland cement mixed with sand and water
Plat
A drawing of surveyed land indicating the location, boundaries, and dimensions of the parcel. The recorded plat, usually sent to an appropriate governmental office or the county recorders office, also contains information as to easements, restrictions and lot number
Plate
Sill plate is a horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall. Sole plate is bottom horizontal member of a frame wall. Top plate is top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters or other members
Platform Framing
A system of framing a building in which floor joists of each story rest on the top plates of the story below or on the foundation sill for the first story, and the bearing walls and partitions rest on the sub-floor of each
Plenum System
A system of heating or air condition in which the air is forced through a chamber connected to distributing ducts
Plot Plan
An overhead view plan that shows the location of the home on the lot. Includes all easements, property lines, set backs, and legal descriptions of the home. Provided by the surveyor
Plumb
Perfectly vertical, a term often used for the placement of doors and windows
Plumbing Fixture
A receptacle or device from which water is dispensed and/or drained such as a bath, toilet, or faucet
Plywood
A piece of wood made of three or more layers of veneer joined with glue, and usually laid with the grain of adjoining plies at right angles. Almost always an odd number of plies are used to provide balanced construction
Polyethylene Vapor Barrier
Plastic film used to prevent moisture from passing through unfaced insulation. Both 4 and 6 mil polyethylene are preferred because they are less likely to be damaged during construction.
Porte-cochere
A carriage entrance leading through a building or wall into an inner courtyard. Also a roofed structure covering a driveway at the entrance of a building to provide shelter while entering or leaving a vehicle
Portico
A covered entryway attached to house, usually open on three sides and supported by posts or columns
Post and Beam Construction
Wall construction consisting of post rather than studs
Precast
Concrete shapes which are made before being placed into structure
Prefabricated Houses
Houses that are built in sections or component parts in a plant and then assembled at the site
Preframed Panels
Fabricated panels consisting of precut lumber and plywood manufactured to standard dimensions ready for structural use.
Preservative
Any substance that for a reasonable length of time, will prevent the action of wood destroying fungi, borers of various kinds, and similar destructive agents when the wood has been properly coated or impregnated with it.
Punch List
A list of discrepancies that need to be corrected by the contractor
Purlins
Horizontal roof members laid over trusses to support rafters
Quarry Tile
A man made or machine made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally 6”x6”x1/4”
Quarter Round
A small molding that has the cross section of a quarter circle
Quoins
Stone or other building materials set in the corners of masonry sections of a house fore appearance
R-value
A measurement used to describe the resistance to temperature changes in insulation
Rabbet
A groove cut along the edge of a board producing an L shaped strip. Used as trim and in joint work in cabinet construction
Radiant Heating
A method of heating usually consisting of a forced hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling; or with electrically heated panels
Radiation
The flow of heat from a warm source through space in waves of infrared or visible light energy
Rafter
One of a series of structural members of a roof designed to support roof loads. The rafters of a flat roof are sometimes called roof joists
Rail
The horizontal framing pieces of a panel door
Rake
Refers to the slope of the roof at the end of a gable, where the outside part of the overhang forms an upside down V
Random Rubble
Stonework having irregular shaped units and no indication of systematic course work
Rebar
Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen concrete.
Red Cedar
A reddish to dull brown softwood. Mainly used in shingles because of durability
Red Oak
Hard and tough hardwood used for flooring, interior trim, stair treads and railing
Redwood
Light to deep reddish brown softwood.
Register
The open end of a duct for warm or cool air; usually covered with screening
Reinforced Concrete
Concrete with steel bars or webbing embedded for strength
Retaining Wall
A wall that holds back an earth embankment
Reveal
The side of an opening for a window or door, between the frame and the outer surface of the wall
Rheostat
An instrument used for regulating electric current
Ridge
The top edge of the roof where two slopes meet
Ridge Board
The board placed on edge at the ridge of the roof into which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened
Ridge Vent
A vent mounted along the entire ridge line of the roof to allow the passage of air through the attic or cathedral ceiling
Riprap
A wall or foundation of random stone to prevent erosion on an embankment
Rise
In stairs, the vertical height of a step or flight of steps
Riser
Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads of stairways
Riser Wall
A short wall
Rough In
The installation of all parts of the plumbing system that can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures, including drainage, water supply, vent piping, and the necessary fixture supports
Roof Sheathing
The boards or sheet material fastened to the roof rafters on which the shingles or other roof covering is laid
Roof Vent
A louver or small dome mounted near the ridge of the roof to allow the passage of air through the attic
Rough Opening
A framed opening in a structure into which doors, windows and other finished trim are set
Run
In stairs, the net width of a step or the horizontal distance covered by a flight of stairs
Saddle
Two sloping surfaces meeting in a horizontal ridge, used between the backside of a chimney or other vertical surface and a sloping roof. Also called a cricket
Salt Box Roof
A side gable with one side long and extending down to the first floor and the other side short covering the second floor
Sash
A single light frame containing one or more lights of glass
Screw Pile
A pile, often made of steel, with a spiral or helical blade fixed to the lower end by which the pile is screwed or twisted into the ground taking a firm hold and acting as a support column or foundation
Scuttle
A small opening in a ceiling which provides access to an attic or roof
Section
A rectangular area of land used in the survey system which is approximately one mile square bounded by section lines. The section system may then be divided into halves, quarters or smaller units. One square mile comprises 640 acres
Septic Tank
A concrete or steel tank where sewage is partially reduced by bacterial action
Setback
A zoning restriction, which applies to the location of the home on a lot
Setback lines
Lines that indicate the required distances for the location of a structure in relation to the boundaries of the property
Shakes
Roofing or siding shingles made from split wood
Sheathing
The structural covering, usually wood boards or plywood, used over studs or rafters of a structure. Structural building board is normally used only as wall sheathing
Shed Roof
A flat roof slanting in one direction
Shim
Small thin pieces of wood or other material used to fill in gaps or level surfaces
Shoe Mold
The small mold against the baseboard at the floor
Short Circuit
An improper connection of a hot wire with another hot wire or neutral
Sidelight
A vertical window beside a door or another window
Siding
The finished covering of the outside wall of a frame building, whether made of horizontal weather boards, vertical boards with battens, shingles, or other material.
Sill
The lowest member of the frame of a structure, resting on the foundation and supporting the floor joists or the uprights of the wall. The member forming the lower side of an opening, as a doorsill
Skylight
An opening in a roof covered by glass or plastic material to admit natural light
Slab Foundation
For a slab foundation, the site is leveled off, and a trench is dug around the perimeter of the home site. Gravel is then spread across the site, and concrete is poured approximately four inches thick over wire mesh and a moisture barrier. In areas of load bearing walls, trenches need to be dug to allow for additional thickness at this location. Slab foundations have no piers or floor joists, and the concrete slab is the floor system.
Sleeper
Usually a wood member embedded in concrete, as in a floor, that serves to support and to fasten sub-floor or flooring
Smoke Chamber
The portion of chimney flue located directly over the fireplace
Soffit
Usually the underside of an overhanging cornice
Softwood
Wood produced from coniferous trees or trees that bear cones. Most commonly used at the pines, but also includes such trees as fir, spruce, redwood and cedar. The term has no reference to the actual hardness or softness of the wood
Soil Stack
The main vertical pipe, which receives wastewater from fixtures in a building
Solar Collectors
Devices for trapping the sun’s energy
Solar Radiation
The sun’s energy
Solid Bridging
A solid member placed between adjacent floor joists near the center of the span to prevent joists from twisting
Span
The distance between the structural supports of beams and girders
Spruce
Pale yellowish softwood used for general building purposes as planks, dimension stock and joists. Millwork products include floors, casing and trim
Square
A unit of measure, 100 square feet, usually applied to roofing material. Sidewalk coverings are sometimes packed to cover 100 sq ft and are sold on that basis
Square Footage Living
The square footage in a home that is heated and/or cooled. The space occupied by two-story rooms and stairwells is counted once in the lower floor’s square footage. Living square footage does not include garages, bonus room, or porches unless otherwise noted
Stile
The vertical sidepieces of a panel door
Stool
The horizontal ledge or strip as part of the frame below an interior window
Stretcher Course
A row of masonry in a wall with the long side of the units exposed to the exterior
Stringer
A long, horizontal member, which connects uprights in a frame or supports a floor or the like. One of the enclosed sides of a stair supporting the treads and risers
Stucco
Most commonly refers to an outside plaster made with portland cement as its base
Studs
The vertical framing members of a wall
Sub-Floor
Any material, usually plywood, nailed directly to floor joists. The finish floor is attached over the sub-floor
Sump
A pit in a basement floor which collects water and into which a sump pump is placed to remove the water
Survey
A description of the measure and marking of land, including maps and field notes, which describe the property
Suspended Ceiling
A ceiling system supported by hanging from the overhead structural framing
Tail Beam
A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other
Take Off
The list of materials necessary to complete a job
Taping
The process of covering drywall joints with strips of paper or mesh and coating with joint compound to produce a smooth, seamless surface
Termite Shield
A shield, usually of non-corrodible metal, placed in or on a foundation wall or other mass of masonry or around pipes to prevent passage of termites
Term
The length of a loan
Terrazzo Flooring
Wear-resistant flooring made of marble chips or small stones embedded in cement and polished smooth
Thermal Mass
Materials, which can store large amounts of heat such as stone, masonry or concrete
Thermo Siphoning
Is the result of a fluid expanding and rising
Thermostat
Automatic device for controlling temperature
Threshold
A strip of wood or metal with beveled edges used over the finished floor and the sill of exterior doors
Title
Evidence indicating the rights a person has to the ownership and possession of land
Topography
Usually refers to site characteristics such as contour of the land, trees, or other natural features
Top Plate
The horizontal member nailed to the top of the studding of a wall
Tract
A specified area of land
Transom
A window placed above a door or permanent window, which is hinged for ventilation
Trap
A u-shaped pipe below plumbing fixtures designed to create a water seal and prevent sewer odors and gases from being released in the habitable areas
Tray Ceiling
A decorative ceiling treatment used to add volume and/or height to a room.
Tread
The horizontal board in a stairway on which the foot is placed
Trim
The finish materials in a building, such as moldings, applied around openings or at the floor and ceiling of rooms
Trimmer
The longer floor framing member around a rectangular opening into which a header is joined
Troweling
The finishing operation, which produces a smooth, hard surface on concrete slab
Truss
Structural member arranged and fastened in triangular units to form a ridge framework for support of loads over a long span
Underlayment
A material placed under finish coverings, such as flooring or shingles, to provide a smooth, even surface for applying the finish
Unfaced Insulation
Insulation with no attached vapor retarder
Utility Room
A room used for laundry, heating equipment, or janitorial purposes
Valley
The internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides of a roof
Valley Rafter
The diagonal rafter at the intersection of two intersecting sloping roofs
Vapor Barrier
A waterproof membrane or plastic sheet used in insulation. The sheathing faces the heated area to control dampness
Vaulted Ceiling
A ceiling that angles upward on one or both sides to create volume in the room
Veneer
Extremely thin sheets of wood produced by slicing or rotary-cutting a log
Veneered Construction
Type of wall construction in which frame or masonry walls are faced with other exterior surfacing materials
Ventilation
Creates a positive flow of air that allows the house to “breathe” and helps prevent moisture build-up year-round
Vent Stack
A vertical soil pipe connected to the drainage system to allow ventilation and pressure equalization
Veranda
An open porch alongside a building. Usually covered by a roof for protection from the sun or rain
Volt
A unit of electrical force. Volts = Current (amps) x Resistance (OHMs)
Wainscot
Surfacing on the lower part of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall
Walk Through
A final inspection of a home before “closing” to look for and document problems that need to be corrected
Wall Tie
A small metal strip or steel wire used to bind tiers of masonry in cavity-wall construction. Or to bind brick veneer to the wood-frame wall in veneer construction
Water Conditioner
A device used to remove dissolved minerals from water to make it soft. Generally used in houses supplied by well water, which contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, to remove hardness that causes scale buildup in plumbing
Weather Strip
Strip of metal or fabric fastened along the edges of windows and doors to reduce drafts and heat loss
Weep Hole
An opening at the bottom of a wall, which allows the drainage of water.
Window
An opening in a wall or roof of a building to provide light, air , view, etc, but containing glass to keep out the weather
Wood Grade
A designation given to the quality of manufactured lumber
Working Drawing
Drawing used by workman in construction. Shows all structural detail such as electric, plumbing, partitions, etc.
X-Bracing
Crossbracing forming the letter X. Used in floors and partitions
Yard
A tract of ground adjacent to a building
Yard of Concrete
One cubic yard of concrete is 3’x3’x3’ in volume or 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet of 3.5” sidewalk or basement/garage floor
Yard Lumber
Lumber generally found in a lumber yard, that is lumber graded for general building purposes
Z-Bar Flashing
Bent, galvanized metal flashing that is installed above a horizontal trim board of an exterior window, door, or brick run. It prevents water from getting behind the trim/brick and into the home
Zero Lot Line
The construction of a building on any of the boundary lines of a lot. Usually built on the front line, such as a store built to the sidewalk.
Zero Side Yard
The building of a subdivision with each house built on a side boundary line. This gives more usable yard space on narrow lots. An easement for maintenance is given over a portion of the lot adjoining each house
Zoning
The division of a city or county by legislative regulation into areas specifying the uses allowable for the real property in these areas
Zoning Ordinance
A law controlling the use of land and construction of improvements in a given area
Current
Current is the flow of electrons, how many electrons per second flow through a wire. 20mA = .02 amps.
Voltage
Voltage is a measure of the force that makes electrons want to move from one place to another. It is also known as “potential”, but is not the same as capacity. Measured in units called volts (V) or (E)
Resistance
A resistor resists the flow of current and is measured in Ohms (R). The larger the resister the fewer electrons can flow
Ohm’s Law
Demonstrates the relationship between current, voltage and resistance. Current is directly proportional to voltage. Current is inversely proportional to resistance.
Voltage (E)
Current (I)
Resistance (R)
I=E/R
E=IxR
R=E/I
