A
[Back to Top]
|
A/C
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.
|
A/C Circuit
Alternating Current. The flow of current through a conductor
first in one direction, then in reverse. It is used
exclusively in residential and commercial wiring because it
provides greater flexibility in voltage selection and
simplicity of equipment design.
|
A/C Condenser
The outside fan unit of the air conditioning system. It
removes the heat from the Freon gas and turns the gas back
into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the
furnace.
|
A/C Disconnect
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C condenser.
|
ABS
(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Rigid black plastic pipe
used only for drain lines.
|
Absolute Humidity
Amount of moisture in the air, indicated in grains per cubic
foot
|
Accelerator
Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds
up the natural set.
|
Access Panel
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that
allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system.
|
Accessible
Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely,
without difficulty, fear or danger.
|
Acre
43,560 square feet.
|
Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic material that is vacuum-formed to
cast and mold shapes that form the surface of fiberglass
bathtubs, whirlpools, shower bases, and shower stalls.
|
Activate
To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or
devices to become active by normal operating controls.
Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves
to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical
breakers or fuses.
|
Actual Dimension (Lumber)
The exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried
and milled.
|
Adaptor
A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g.
ABS to cast iron pipe.
|
Adhesion
The property of a coating or sealant to bond to the surface
to which it is applied.
|
Adhesive Failure
Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to
which it is applied.
|
Adversely Affect
Constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or
destructive impact.
|
Aerator
An apparatus that mixes air into flowing water. It is
screwed onto the end of a faucet spout to help reduce
splashing.
|
Aggregate
Crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that comes in a
wide range of sizes which is used to surface built-up roofs.
|
Air Chamber
A vertical, air-filled pipe that prevents water hammer by
absorbing pressure when water is shut off at a faucet or
valve.
|
Air Duct
Ducts, usually made of sheet metal, that carry cooled or
heated air to all rooms.
|
Air Filters
Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are
coated with an adhesive liquid to which particles of lint
and dust adhere. These filters will remove as much as 90% of
the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common
filters are of the throwaway or disposable type.
|
Air Infiltration
The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through
cracks in walls, windows and doors.
|
Air Space
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior
wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.
|
Air-Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for any length
of time. For the United States as a whole, the minimum
moisture content of thoroughly air dried lumber is 12 to 15
percent and the average is somewhat higher. In the South,
air dried lumber may be no lower than 19 percent.
|
Airway
A space between roof insulation and roof boards provided for
movement of air.
|
Algae
Microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp
environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor
shingles. Often described as "fungus."
|
Alligatoring
A condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the
loss of volatile oils and the oxidation caused by solar
radiation. Causes a coarse checking pattern characterized by
a slipping of the new paint coating over the old coating to
the extent that the old coating can be seen through the
fissures. "Alligatoring" produces a pattern of cracks
resembling an alligator hide and is ultimately the result of
the limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal
expansion or contraction.
|
Allowable Span
The distance between two supporting points for load bearing
lumber such as joists, rafters or a girder.
|
Allowance(s)
A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for
items which have not been selected and specified in the
construction contract. Best kept to a minimum number and
used for items whose choice will not impact earlier stages
of the construction. For example, selection of tile because
flooring may require an alternative framing or underlayment
material. (Also, money that your parents give you as a
child.)
|
Aluminum Wire
A conductor made of aluminum for carrying electricity.
Aluminum is generally limited to the larger wire sizes. Due
to its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12
is not made. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than
copper, but does not conduct as well. It also breaks easily.
|
Amortization
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly
payments of principal and interest.
|
Ampacity
Refers to the how much current a wire can safely carry. For
example, a 12 gauge electrical copper wire can safely carry
up to 20 amps.
|
Amperage
The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in
terms of amperes.
|
Amps (AMPERES)
The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.
|
Anchor Bolts
In residential construction, bolts used to secure a wooden
sill plate to a concrete or masonry floor or wall. In
commercial construction, bolts which fasten columns, girders
or other members to concrete or masonry such as bolts used
to anchor sills to masonry foundation.
|
Angle Iron
A piece of iron that forms a right angle and is used to span
openings and support masonry at the openings. In brick
veneer, they are used to secure the veneer to the
foundation. Also known as shelf angle.
|
Angle Stop
A shutoff valve in which the inlet connects to the water
supply pipe in the wall and the outlet angles 90 degrees
upward toward the faucet or toilet.
|
Annealing
In the manufacturing of float glass, the process of
controlled cooling done in a Lahr to prevent residual
stresses in the glass. Re-annealing is the process of
removing objectionable stresses in glass by re-heating to a
suitable temperature followed by controlled cooling.
|
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.
|
Anti-Scald
A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn
injuries. See Pressure Balancing Valve and Thermostatic
Valve. In some areas, plumbing codes require anti-scald
valves. Speak to a professional in your area for more
information and help with code requirements.
|
Anti-Siphon
A device that prevents waste water from being drawn back
into supply lines and possibly contaminating the water
supply.
|
Anti-Walk Blocks
Elastomeric blocks that limit lateral glass movement in the
glazing channel which may result from thermal, seismic, wind
load effects, building movement, and other forces that may
apply.
|
Antiquated
No longer in use, useful or functioning, as in most home
inspection associations. Obsolete.
|
APA Plywood
(APA=American Plywood Association) Plywood that has been
rated by the American Plywood Association. For example,
number one APA rated exterior plywood contains no voids
between laminate layers.
|
Aperature
The opening in pipes.
|
Appliance
A household device operated by use of electricity or gas.
Not included in this definition are components covered under
central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
|
Appraisal
An expert valuation of property.
|
Approach
The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a
driveway or the transition from the street as you approach a
driveway.
|
Apron
A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.
|
Arbitration Service
A service to resolve complaints, as in NACHI's Arbitration
Service.
|
Architect
A tradesman who designs and produces plans for buildings,
often overseeing the building process.
|
Architects Rule (Ruler)
Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also
referred to as a "scale."
|
Architectural Service
Any practice involving the art and science of building
design for construction of any structure or grouping of
structures and the use of space within and surrounding the
structures or the design, design development, preparation of
construction contract documents, and administration of the
construction contract
|
Area Wells
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around
a basement window to hold back the earth.
|
Areaway
An open subsurface space adjacent to a building used to
admit light/air or as a means of access to a basement.
|
Asbestos
A common form of magnesium silicate which was used in
various construction products due to its stability and
resistance to fire. Asbestos exposure (caused by inhaling
loose asbestos fibers) is associated with various forms of
lung disease. The name given to certain inorganic minerals
when they occur in fibrous form. Though fire-resistant, its
extremely fine fibers are easily inhaled, and exposure to
them over a period of years has been linked to cancers of
the lung or lung-cavity lining and to asbestosis a severe
lung impairment. A naturally occurring mineral fiber
sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to your
health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable
fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable (readily
crumbled, brittle) asbestos and always seek professional
advice in dealing with it.
|
Asphalt
A dark brown to black highly viscous hydrocarbon produced
from the residue left after the distillation of petroleum.
Asphalt is used on roofs and highways as a waterproofing
agent.
|
Asphalt Plastic Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials.
|
Assessment
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth
of a property.
|
Associate Member
An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection
association membership. Slave. See Candidate.
|
Astragal
A molding which is attached to one of a pair of swinging
doors against which the other door strikes.
|
Attic Access
An opening that is placed in the dry-walled ceiling of a
home providing access to the attic.
|
Attic Ventilators
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.
|
Auger
In carpentry, a wood-boring tool used by a carpenter to bore
holes.
|
Awning Window
A window with hinges at the top allowing it to open out and
up.
|
B
[Back to Top]
|
Back Nailing
The practice of nailing roofing felts to the deck under the
overlap, in addition to hot mopping, to prevent slippage of
felts.
|
Backer Rod
In glazing, a polyethylene or polyurethane foam material
installed under compression and used to control sealant
joint depth, provide a surface for sealant tooling, serve as
a bond breaker to prevent three-sided adhesion, and provide
an hour-glass contour of the finished bead.
|
Backfill
The slope of the ground adjacent to the house. In any
previously excavated area, i.e., the replacement of
excavated earth into a trench around and against a basement
foundation. In carpentry, the process of fastening together
two pieces of board by gluing blocks of wood in the interior
angle.
|
Backflow
Movement of water (or other liquid) in any direction other
than that intended.
|
Backflow Preventer
A device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water
supply.
|
Backhand
A simple molding sometimes used around the outer edge of
plain rectangular casing as a decorative feature.
|
Backhoe
Self-powered excavation equipment that digs by pulling a
boom mounted bucket towards itself. It is used to dig
basements and/or footings and to install drainage or sewer
systems.
|
Backout
Work the framing contractor does after the mechanical
subcontractors (Heating-Plumbing-Electrical) finish their
phase of work at the rough (before insulation) stage to get
the home ready for a municipal frame inspection. Generally,
the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed by others
and completes all framing necessary to pass a rough Frame
Inspection.
|
Backsplash
A raised integral portion of a wall mount sink or lavatory
located at the rear to protect the wall.
|
Balancing Damper
Baffle or plate used to control the volume of flowing air in
a confined area.
|
Balloon Framing
In carpentry, the lightest and most economical form of
construction in which the studding and corner plates are set
up in continuous lengths from the first floor line or sill
to the roof plate to which all floor joists are fastened.
|
Balusters
Usually small vertical members in a railing used between a
top rail and the stair treads or a bottom rail.
|
Balustrade
A railing made up of balusters, top rail, and sometimes
bottom rail, used on the edge of stairs, teal conies, and
porches.
|
Barge
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
|
Barge Board
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly
rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a
facie board.
|
Barometer
Instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.
|
Barrel Roof
A roof design which in a cross section is arched.
|
Base Flashing
The upturned edge of a watertight membrane formed at a roof
termination point by the extension of the felts vertically
over the cant strip and up the wall for a varying distance
where they are secured with mechanical fasteners.
|
Base Molding
Molding used to trim the upper edge of interior baseboard.
|
Base Ply
An asphalt-saturated and/or coated felt installed as the
first ply with 4 inch laps in a built-up roof system under
the following felts which can be installed in a shingle-like
fashion.
|
Base Shoe
Molding used next to the floor on interior base board.
Sometimes called a carpet strip.
|
Baseboard
Usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a
room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet. A
board placed against the wall around a room next to the
floor to properly finish between the floor and the plaster.
|
Baseboard Heat
A heating system with the heating unit located along the
perimeter of the wall where the baseboard would normally be
located. It can be either an electric or hot water system.
|
Basement Window Inserts
The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the
window buck.
|
Basket Strainer
Basket shaped strainer with holes allowing water to drain
while catching food or other solids. Can also be closed to
fill the sink with water.
|
Batt Insulation
Strips of insulation, usually fiberglass, that fit between
studs or other framing.
|
Batten
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative
vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
|
Batten Plate
A formed piece of metal designed to cover the joint between
two lengths of metal edge.
|
Batter Board
One of a pair of horizontal boards nailed to posts set at
the corners of an excavation, used to indicate the desired
level, also used as a fastening for stretched strings to
indicate outlines of foundation walls.
|
Batter Boards
Temporary structures that hold strings used to locate and
square the corners of a building.
|
Bay Window
Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a
building, either square or polygonal in plan.
|
Bead
In glazing, an applied sealant in a joint irrespective of
the method of application, such as caulking bead, glazing
bead, etc. Also a molding or stop used to hold glass or
panels in position.
|
Beam
A supporting member either of wood or steel. Structural
support member (steel, concrete, lumber) transversely
supporting a load that transfers weight from one location to
another.
|
Bearing Header
(a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which
joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or
other opening. (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal
structural member over an opening (for example over a door
or window).
|
Bearing Partition
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to
its own weight.
|
Bearing Point
A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated
and transferred to the foundation.
|
Bearing Wall
A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its
own weight.
|
Bed Molding
A molding in an angle, as between the over hanging cornice
or eaves of a building and the side walls.
|
Bed or Bedding
In glazing, the bead compound or sealant applied between a
light of glass or panel and the stationary stop or sight bar
of the sash or frame. It is usually the first bead of
compound or sealant to be applied when setting glass or
panels.
|
Bedrock
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a
structure.
|
Bell Reducer
In plumbing, a fitting shaped like a bell which has one
opening of a smaller diameter used to reduce the size of the
pipe in the line, and the opposite opening of larger
diameter.
|
Below Grade
The portion of a building that is below ground level.
|
Bent Glass
Flat glass that has been shaped while hot into curved
shapes.
|
Bevel
The angle of the front edge of a door usually from 1/8" to
2."
|
Bevel Siding (or Lap Siding)
Wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped
pattern. This siding varies in butt thickness from ½ to ¾
inch and in widths up to 12 inches. Normally used over some
type of sheathing.
|
Bid
A formal offer by a contractor, in accordance with
specifications for a project, to do all or a phase of the
work at a certain price in accordance with the terms and
conditions stated in the offer.
|
Bid Bond
A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that
provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor's bid
that, if the bid is accepted, the contractor will execute a
contract and provide a performance bond. Under the bond, the
surety is obligated to pay the recipient of the bid the
difference between the contractor's bid and the bid of the
next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and
the contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a
performance bond.
|
Bid Documents
Drawings, details, and specifications for a particular
project.
|
Bid Security
Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee to
the recipient of the bid that the contractor, if awarded the
contract, will execute the contract in accordance with the
bidding requirements of the contract documents.
|
Bid Shopping
A practice by which contractors, both before and after their
bids are submitted, attempt to obtain prices from potential
subcontractors and material suppliers that are lower than
the contractors' original estimates on which their bids are
based, or after a contract is awarded, seek to induce
subcontractors to reduce the subcontract price included in
the bid.
|
Bidding Requirements
The procedures and conditions for the submission of bids.
The requirements are included on documents, such as the
notice to bidders, advertisements for bids, instructions to
bidders, invitations to bid, and sample bid forms.
|
Bifold Door
Doors that are hinged in the middle to allow them to open in
a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for
closet doors.
|
Binder
A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a
home at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller.
|
Bipass Doors
Doors that slide by each other. Commonly used as closet
doors.
|
Bird's-Mouth Cut
A cutout in a rafter where it crosses the top plate of the
wall providing a bearing surface for nailing. Also called a
heel cut.
|
Bite
The dimension by which the framing system overlaps the edge
of the glazing infill.
|
Bitumen
Any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons occurring naturally
or obtained through the distillation of coal or petroleum.
(See Coat Tar Pitch and Asphalt).
|
Blankets
Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls
15 or 23 inches wide.
|
Bleeding
The migration of a liquid to the surface of a component or
into/onto an adjacent material.
|
Blind Nailing
Nailing in such a way that the nail heads are not visible on
the face of the work—usually at the tongue of matched
boards.
|
Blind Stop
A rectangular molding, usually ¾ by 1-3/8 inches or more in
width, used in the assembly of a window frame. Serves as a
stop for storm and screen or combination windows and to
resist air infiltration.
|
Blister
An enclosed raised spot evident on the surface of a
building. They are mainly caused by the expansion of trapped
air, water vapor, moisture or other gases.
|
Block Out
To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to
prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example,
foundation walls are sometimes "blocked" in order for
mechanical pipes to pass through the wall, to install a
crawl space door, or to depress the concrete at a garage
door location.
|
Blocked (Door Blocking)
Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical
structural wall framing members.
|
Blocked (Rafters)
Short 2x4s used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed
at the ends and at mid-span.
|
Blocking
In carpentry, the process of fastening together two pieces
of board by gluing blocks of wood in the interior angle.
|
Blow Insulation
Fiber insulation in loose form used to insulate attics and
existing walls where framing members are not exposed.
|
Blue Prints
Architectural plans for a building or construction project,
which likely include floor plans, footing and foundation
plans, elevations, plot plans, and various schedules and or
details.
|
Blue Stain
A bluish or grayish discoloration of the sapwood caused the
growth of certain mold like fungi on the surface and in the
interior of a piece, made possible by the same conditions
that favor the growth of other fungi.
|
Blue Stake
Also Utility Notification. When a utility company
(telephone, gas, electric, cable TV, sewer and water, etc)
comes to the job site and locates and spray paints the
ground and/or installs small flags to show where their
service is located underground.
|
Board and Batten
A method of siding in which the joints between vertically
placed boards or plywood are covered by narrow strips of
wood.
|
Board Foot
The volume of a piece of wood measuring 12 inches square and
in inch thick. A piece of lumber 1/2" thick and 6 inches
wide and 24 inches long is equal to one board foot.
|
Boards
Yard lumber less than 2 inches thick and 2 or more inches
wide.
|
Bodied Linseed Oil
Linseed oil that has been thickened in viscosity by suitable
processing with heat or chemicals. Bodied oils are
obtainable in a great range in viscosity from a little
greater than that of raw oil to just short of a jellied
condition.
|
Boiled Linseed Oil
Linseed oil in which enough lead, manganese or cobalt salts
have been incorporated to make the oil harden more rapidly
when spread in thin coatings.
|
Bolster
A short horizontal timber or steel beam on top of a column
to support and decrease the span of beams or girders.
|
Bond Breaker
A substance or a tape applied between two adjoining
materials to prevent adhesion between them.
|
Bond or Bonding
An amount of money (usually $5,000-$10,000) which must be on
deposit with a governmental agency in order to secure a
contractor's license. The bond may be used to pay for the
unpaid bills or disputed work of the contractor. Not to be
confused with a performance bond. They are an insurance
policy which guarantees proper completion of a project. Such
bonds are rarely used in residential construction.
|
Bond Plaster
In addition to gypsum, bond plaster contains 2-5% lime by
weight and chemical additives which improve the bond with
dense non-porous surfaces such as concrete. It is used as a
base coat.
|
Bonding Strip (Electrical)
A thin strip of metal inside armored or BX cable. This strip
is meant to back up the primary ground.
|
Boom
A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place, to
put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.
|
Boston Ridge
A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge
or at the hips of a roof as a finish.
|
Bottom Chord
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.
|
Bottom Plate
The 2x4s or 6s that lay on the subfloor upon which the
vertical studs are installed. Also called the sole plate.
|
Bow
A curve, bend, warping or other deviation from flatness in
glass or wood.
|
Box Cornice
A cornice completely closed with trim work.
|
Brace
An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor
to stifled the structure. Often used on walls as temporary
bracing until framing has been completed.
|
Bracing
Ties and rods used for supporting and strengthening various
parts of a building used for lateral stability for columns
and beams.
|
Brake Metal
Sheet metal that has been bent to the desired configuration.
|
Branch Circuit (Electrical)
Wiring that runs from a service panel or sub-panel to
outlets. Branch circuits are protected by fuses or breakers
at the panel.
|
Breaker Box
A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that
control the electrical current in a home.
|
Breaker Panel
The electrical box that distributes electric power entering
the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and
composed of circuit breakers.
|
Breeze Way
A roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two structures,
such as a house and a garage.
|
Brick Ledge
Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest.
|
Brick Lintel
The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a
window, door, or other opening.
|
Brick Mold
Trim used around an exterior door jamb onto which siding
butts.
|
Brick Tie
A small, corrugated metal strip (1"x6"- 8" long) nailed to
wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout
mortar joint of the veneer brick, and hold the veneer wall
to the sheeted wall behind it.
|
Brick Veneer
A facing of brick laid against and fastened to the 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 midspan to act as both
tension and compression members for the purpose of bracing
the joists a spreading the action of loads.
|
Broker
One that acts as an agent for others, as in negotiating
contracts, purchases, or sales in return for a fee or
commission.
|
Browncoat
The coat of plaster directly beneath the finish coat. In
three-coat work, the brown is the second coat.
|
BTU
A measure of the capacity of a heating or cooling system.
Abbreviation of British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat
energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of
water through a change of one degree Fahrenheit.
|
Bubbling
In glazing, open or closed pockets in a sealant caused by
release, production or expansion of gasses.
|
Buck
Often used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door
bucks used in reference to metal door frame.
|
Buckling
The bending of a building material as a result of wear and
tear or contact with a substance such as water.
|
Builder's Risk Insurance
Insurance coverage on a construction project during
construction, including extended coverage that may be added
for the contract for the customer's protections.
|
Building Brick
Brick for building purposes not especially treated for
texture or color, formerly called "common brick." It is
stronger than face brick.
|
Building Code
Minimum local or state regulations established to protect
health and safety. They apply to building design,
construction, rehabilitation, repair, materials, occupancy
and use. Community ordinances governing the manner in which
a home may be constructed or modified.
|
Building Paper
A general term for papers, felts and similar sheet materials
used in buildings without reference to their properties or
uses. Generally comes in long rolls.
|
Building Permit
Written authorization from the city, county or other
governing regulatory body giving permission to construct or
renovate a building. A building permit is specific to the
building project described in the application.
|
Built-Up Beam (or Girder)
Beam (or girder) created by sistering or "scabbing" two or
more pieces of lumber together.
|
Built-Up Roof
A roofing composed of three to five 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.
|
Bull Nose (Drywall)
Rounded drywall corners.
|
Bullfloat
A tool used to finish and flatten a slab. After screeding,
the first stage in the final finish of concrete, smoothes
and levels hills and voids left after screeding. Sometimes
substituted for darbying. A large flat or tool usually of
wood, aluminum or magnesium with a handle.
|
Bundle
A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5 bundles per
square.
|
Bushing
A pipe fitting for joining pipes with different diameters. A
bushing is threaded on the inside and outside.
|
Butt Glazing
The installation of glass products where the vertical glass
edges are without structural supporting mullions.
|
Butt Joint
The junction where the ends of two timbers or other members
meet in a square-cut joint.
|
Butterfly Roof
A roof assembly, which pitches sharply from either side
toward the center.
|
Buttering
In glazing, application of sealant or compound to the flat
surface of some member before placing the member in
position, such as the buttering of a removable stop before
fastening the stop in place.
|
Butyl
Type of non-curing and non-skinning sealant made from
butylene. Usually used for internal applications.
|
Buy Down
A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce
monthly payments on a mortgage.
|
BX Cable
Armored electrical cable wrapped in galvanized steel outer
covering. A factory assembly of insulated conductors inside
a flexible metallic covering. It can be run anywhere except
where exposed to excessive moisture. It should not be run
below grade. It must always be grounded and uses its armor
as an equipment ground. It is difficult to pull out old
wires or insert new ones.
|
C
[Back to Top]
|
Caisson
A 10" or 12" diameter hole drilled into the earth and
embedded into bedrock 3 - 4 feet. The structural support for
a type of foundation wall, porch, patio, monopost, or other
structure. Two or more "sticks" of reinforcing bars (rebar)
are inserted into and run the full length of the hole and
concrete is poured into the caisson hole.
|
Calcium Chloride
A chemical used to speed up curing of concrete in damp
conditions.
|
Calibration
The act or process of calibrating or the state of being
calibrated.
|
Camber
A slightly arched surface, as of a road, a ship's deck, an
airfoil, or a snow ski.
|
Camber Arch
An arch whose intrados, though apparently straight, has a
slightly concave curve upward.
|
Camber Beam
A beam whose under side has a concave curve upward.
|
Camber Windows
Casement windows with a curved top.
|
Candidate
An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection
association membership. Slave. See Associate Member.
|
Canopy
An overhanging roof.
|
Cant Strip
A beveled support used at the junction of a flat surface and
a vertical surface to prevent bends and/or cracking of the
roofing membrane at the intersection of the roof deck and
wall. Used with a base flashing to minimize breaking of the
roofing felts.
|
Cantilever
A projecting beam or other structure supported only at one
end. Any part of a structure that projects beyond its main
support and is balanced on it.
|
Cantilevered Void
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soil
conditions. This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical
sides of 6" and 4" respectively.
|
Cap
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice,
molding, and the like.
|
Cap Flashing
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface
to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
|
Cap Sheet
A top layer in built-up roofing.
|
Cap Sheets
In roofing, one to four plies of felt bonded and top-coated
with bitumen that is laid over an existing roof as a
treatment for defective roofs.
|
Cape Chisel
Tool used to clean out mortar joints on brick.
|
Capital
The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount
borrowed.
|
Capital and Interest
A repayment loan and the most conventional form of home
loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the
amount borrowed (capital or principal) plus the interest
charged on capital.
|
Capped Rate
The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value
during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up
and down below that level.
|
Carbon Monoxide
CO. A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas formed by
the incomplete combustion of carbon.
|
Casement Frames and Sash
Frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of the sash,
which may be opened by means of hinges affixed to the
vertical edges.
|
Casement Window
A sidehinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side
of the window frame.
|
Casing
Molding of various widths and thicknesses used to trim door
and window openings at the jambs.
|
Cast Iron
Heavy metal formed by casting on molds. The metal is covered
with a porcelain enamel coating to make fixtures such as the
cast iron tubs.
|
Cast-Iron Pipe (Plumbing)
Drain and vent lines. Most older drain-waste venting systems
are made of cast-iron pipes. Now increasingly supplanted by
ABS and PVC. Pipes were originally joined with molten lead,
but most plumbers now join them with no-hub couplers.
|
Cat's Paw
A variation of a pry bar used to pry up deep set (counter
sunk) nails.
|
Catch Basin
A drain for a low or wet spot, with pipe exiting the side
and a pit at the bottom to collect sediment.
|
Caulk
The application of sealant to a joint, crack or crevice. A
compound used for sealing that has minimum joint movement
capability; sometimes called low performance sealant.
|
Caulking
Material used to seal exterior cracks and openings such as
windows or foundations.
|
CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)
A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to
protect it from termites, other wood boring insects, and
decay caused by fungus.
|
Ceiling Joist
One of a series of parallel framing members used to support
ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders
or bearing walls. Also called roof joists.
|
Cells (Masonry)
The hollow spaces in concrete blocks.
|
Cellulose Insulation
Ground-up newspaper that is treated with a fire retardant.
Celotex ™
Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.
|
Cement
The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland
cement. Also, any adhesive.
|
Cement Mixtures
Rich - 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts coarse
aggregate. Used for concrete roads and waterproof
structures. Standard - 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4
parts coarse aggregate. Used for reinforced work floors,
roofs, columns, arches, tanks, sewers, conduits, etc.
Medium - 1 part cement, 2 1/2 parts sand, 5 parts coarse
aggregate. Used for foundations, walls, abutments,
piers, etc. Lean - 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, 6 parts
coarse aggregate. Used for all mass concrete work, large
foundations, backing for stone masonry, etc. Mixtures
are always listed Cement to Sand to Aggregate.
|
Centerset
A style of faucet that is installed on a lavatory with
4" center-to-center faucet holes and that has the spout
and handle(s) combined into a single part.
|
Ceramic Disk Valve
A type of valve that relies on two-part revolving disks
in a sealed cylinder. Each disk has a port in it that,
when aligned with the other, will allow water to pass
through.
|
Ceramic Tile
A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a
floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower
enclosures and on counter tops.
|
Certificate of Occupancy
A document stating that a building is approved for
occupancy. The Building Authority issues the Certificate
of Occupancy.
|
Certified
Having a formal document testifying to qualification or
completion of requirements.
|
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
Measure of volume of air. When testing systems, find the
CFM by multiplying the face velocity (amount of air
passing through the face of an outlet or return) times
the free area (the total area of the openings in the
outlet or inlet through which air can pass) in square
feet.
|
Chair Rail
A molding that runs horizontally along the wall at about
3 feet from the ground. In storefront, window wall, or
curtain wall systems, a chair rail is an aluminum
extrusion applied horizontally to the inside of the
system 3 feet from the floor to create a barrier in
floor-to-ceiling glazing applications.
|
Chalk Line
A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or
cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
|
Change Order
A written document which modifies the plans and
specifications and/or the price of the Construction
Contract.
|
Channel Glazing
The installation of glass products into U-shaped glazing
channels. The channels may have fixed stops; however, at
least one glazing stop on one edge must be removable.
|
Chapter
A local group of members of a larger association, as in
a local NACHI Chapter. A local branch.
|
Chase
A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel
in a wall or through a ceiling for something to lie in
or pass through.
|
Checking
Fissures that appear with age in many exterior paint
coatings. At first superficial, but in time may
penetrate entirely through the coating. It produces a
pattern of surface cracks running in irregular lines.
When found in the top pour of an asphalt built-up roof,
checking is the preliminary stage of alligatoring.
|
Checkrails
Meeting rails sufficiently thicker than a window to fill
the opening between the top and bottom sash made by the
parting stop in the frame of double-hung windows. They
are usually beveled.
|
Chemical Injection Grouting
Leak repair technique usually used below grade in cracks
and joints in concrete walls and floors that involves
the injection of sealant (usually urethane) that reacts
with water to form a seal.
|
Chink
To install fiberglass insulation around all exterior
door and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in
the exterior wall.
|
Chip Board
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips
and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the
exterior wall and roof sheathing. Also called OSB
(Oriented Strand Board) or Wafer Board.
|
Circuit
A network of wiring that typically commences at a panel
box, feeds electricity to outlets and ultimately returns
to the panel box.
|
Circuit Breaker
A protective device which automatically opens an
electrical circuit when it is overloaded.
|
Cistern
Reservoir for water. Common in houses built prior to the
fifties in the Midwest.
|
Class "A" Fire Resistance
The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing per ASTM
E-108. Indicates that roofing is able to withstand
severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside
the building.
|
Class "B" Fire Resistance
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material
is able to withstand moderate exposure to fire
originating from sources outside the building.
|
Class "C" Fire Resistance
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material
is able to withstand light exposure to fire originating
from sources outside the building.
|
Class B Door
A fire resistant rating applied by the Underwriters
Laboratories Classification for a door having a 1 to 1
1/2 hour rating.
|
Cleanout
A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for
the purpose of clearing an obstruction.
|
Cleanout (Plumbing)
A drain fitting, usually a wye or a tee, with a
removable plug to permit inspection and access for an
auger or snake.
|
Cleat
A wedge-shaped piece (usually of metal) which serves as
a support or check. A strip fastened across something to
give strength or hold something in position.
|
Clip Ties
Sharp cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete
foundation wall that at one time held the foundation
form panels in place.
|
Closed Cut Valley
A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one
side of the valley extend across the valley, while
shingles from the other side are trimmed 2 inches from
the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not
exposed.
|
Closet Auger
A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the
toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.
|
Closet Bend
A curved fitting that connects the closet flange to the
toilet drain.
|
Closet Bolts
Bolt whose head is fitted to a closet flange and
protrudes up through a toilet base. A nut is tightened
around it on the toilet base. Two (or four) bolts serve
one toilet.
|
Closet Flange
An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The base of the
toilet is secured to this ring with bolts.
|
CO
An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy."
|
Coal Tar
A viscous liquid mixture of hydrocarbon compounds,
derived, along with coke, from the destructive
distillation of coal.
|
Coal Tar Pitch
A bituminous material, which is a by-product from the
coking of coal. It is used as the waterproofing material
for tar and gravel built-up roofing.
|
Code of Ethics
Ethical standards of conduct for home inspectors.
|
Cohesive Failure
Internal splitting of a compound resulting from
over-stressing of the compound.
|
Cold Air Return
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air
back to the furnace for re-heating.
|
Cold Applied
Products that can be applied without heating. These are
in contrast to products which need to be heated to be
applied.
|
Cold Patch
In roofing, a roof repair done with cold-applied
material.
|
Cold Process Adhesive
Mastic prepared with SBS modifiers to adhere laps,
flashing and joints of built-up or low-slope roofing
without hot-mopping or torching equipment.
|
Cold-Method or Lap Cement
Special multipurpose adhesive for low-sloped,
cold-applied roof construction. Bonds 19" selvedge,
mineral surface and cap sheets to the underlayment.
Doubles as an adhesive on 2" selvedge lap of mineral-,
granule- or smooth-surfaced roofing. Available in both
summer and winter grades.
|
Collar
In roofing, a conical metal cap flashing used in
conjunction with vent pipes or stacks usually located
several inches above the plane of the roof for the
purpose of shedding water away from the base of the
vent.
|
Collar Beam
In carpentry, a tie that keeps the roof from spreading.
They serve to stiffen the roof structure. Connects
similar rafters on opposite sides of roof.
|
Collar Tie
A horizontal board attached perpendicular to rafters.
|
Combination Doors or Windows
Combination doors or windows are used over regular
openings. They provide winter insulation and summer
protection and often have self storing or removable
glass and screen inserts. This eliminates the need for
handling a different unit each season.
|
Combustion Chamber
The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the
burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or
sprayed insulation.
|
Common Rafter
Rafter that extends from the top plate to the ridge.
Generally set 12, 16, or 24 inches apart.
|
Compatible
Two or more substances, which can be mixed or blended
without separating, reacting, or affecting either
material adversely.
|
Component
A permanently installed or attached fixture, element or
part of a system.
|
Composite Board
An insulation board which has two different insulation
types laminated together in 2 or 3 layers.
|
Compression Fitting
Used to join or connect pipes and conduit by causing a
ring to compress against the connecting tube when
tightening with a wrench.
|
Compression Gasket
A gasket designed to function under compression.
|
Compression Set
The permanent deformation of a material after removal of
the compressive stress.
|
Compression Valve
A type of valve that works by raising or lowering a
stem. Water passes through the valve by turning the
faucet handle, which causes the stem to drop or rise.
|
| |
