A
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A/C
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air
conditioning.
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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.
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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.
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A/C
Disconnect
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C
condenser.
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ABS
(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) Rigid black
plastic pipe used only for drain lines.
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Absolute
Humidity
Amount of moisture in the air, indicated in
grains per cubic foot
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Accelerator
Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar
which speeds up the natural set.
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Access Panel
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the
fixture that allows access for servicing the
plumbing/electrical system.
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Accessible
Can be approached or entered by the inspector
safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.
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Acre
43,560 square feet.
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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.
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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.
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Actual
Dimension (Lumber)
The exact measurement of lumber after it has
been cut, dried and milled.
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Adaptor
A fitting that unites different types of pipe
together, e.g. ABS to cast iron pipe.
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Adhesion
The property of a coating or sealant to bond to
the surface to which it is applied.
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Adhesive
Failure
Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the
surface to which it is applied.
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Adversely
Affect
Constitute, or potentially constitute, a
negative or destructive impact.
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Aerator
An apparatus that mixes air into flowing water.
It is screwed onto the end of a faucet spout to
help reduce splashing.
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Aggregate
Crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that
comes in a wide range of sizes which is used to
surface built-up roofs.
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Air Chamber
A vertical, air-filled pipe that prevents water
hammer by absorbing pressure when water is shut
off at a faucet or valve.
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Air Duct
Ducts, usually made of sheet metal, that carry
cooled or heated air to all rooms.
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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.
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Air
Infiltration
The amount of air leaking in and out of a
building through cracks in walls, windows and
doors.
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Air Space
The area between insulation facing and interior
of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air
gap.
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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.
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Airway
A space between roof insulation and roof boards
provided for movement of air.
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Algae
Microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp
environments, including certain rooftops. They
can discolor shingles. Often described as
"fungus."
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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.
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Allowable
Span
The distance between two supporting points for
load bearing lumber such as joists, rafters or a
girder.
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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.)
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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.
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Amortization
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced
through monthly payments of principal and
interest.
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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.
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Amperage
The rate of flow of electricity through wire -
measured in terms of amperes.
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Amps
(AMPERES)
The rate at which electricity flows through a
conductor.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Anti-Siphon
A device that prevents waste water from being
drawn back into supply lines and possibly
contaminating the water supply.
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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.
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Antiquated
No longer in use, useful or functioning, as in
most home inspection associations. Obsolete.
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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.
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Aperature
The opening in pipes.
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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.
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Appraisal
An expert valuation of property.
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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.
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Apron
A trim board that is installed beneath a window
sill.
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Arbitration
Service
A service to resolve complaints, as in NACHI's
Arbitration Service.
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Architect
A tradesman who designs and produces plans for
buildings, often overseeing the building
process.
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Architects
Rule (Ruler)
Three sided ruler with different scales on each
side. Also referred to as a "scale."
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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
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Area Wells
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls
installed around a basement window to hold back
the earth.
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Areaway
An open subsurface space adjacent to a building
used to admit light/air or as a means of access
to a basement.
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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.
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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.
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Asphalt
Plastic Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing
materials.
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Assessment
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on
the worth of a property.
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Associate
Member
An indentured servant. Beginning level of
inspection association membership. Slave. See
Candidate.
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Astragal
A molding which is attached to one of a pair of
swinging doors against which the other door
strikes.
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Attic Access
An opening that is placed in the dry-walled
ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.
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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.
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Auger
In carpentry, a wood-boring tool used by a
carpenter to bore holes.
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Awning
Window
A window with hinges at the top allowing it to
open out and up.
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B
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Back Nailing
The practice of nailing roofing felts to the
deck under the overlap, in addition to hot
mopping, to prevent slippage of felts.
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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.
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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.
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Backflow
Movement of water (or other liquid) in any
direction other than that intended.
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Backflow
Preventer
A device or means to prevent backflow into the
potable water supply.
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Backhand
A simple molding sometimes used around the outer
edge of plain rectangular casing as a decorative
feature.
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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.
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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.
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Backsplash
A raised integral portion of a wall mount sink
or lavatory located at the rear to protect the
wall.
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Balancing
Damper
Baffle or plate used to control the volume of
flowing air in a confined area.
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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.
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Balusters
Usually small vertical members in a railing used
between a top rail and the stair treads or a
bottom rail.
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Balustrade
A railing made up of balusters, top rail, and
sometimes bottom rail, used on the edge of
stairs, teal conies, and porches.
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Barge
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter
rafters.
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Barge Board
A decorative board covering the projecting
rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the
cornice, this member is a facie board.
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Barometer
Instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.
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Barrel Roof
A roof design which in a cross section is
arched.
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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.
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Base Molding
Molding used to trim the upper edge of interior
baseboard.
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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.
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Base Shoe
Molding used next to the floor on interior base
board. Sometimes called a carpet strip.
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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.
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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.
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Basement
Window Inserts
The window frame and glass unit that is
installed in the window buck.
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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.
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Batt
Insulation
Strips of insulation, usually fiberglass, that
fit between studs or other framing.
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Batten
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as
decorative vertical members over plywood or wide
boards.
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Batten Plate
A formed piece of metal designed to cover the
joint between two lengths of metal edge.
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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.
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Batter
Boards
Temporary structures that hold strings used to
locate and square the corners of a building.
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Bay Window
Any window space projecting outward from the
walls of a building, either square or polygonal
in plan.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Bearing
Partition
A partition that supports any vertical load in
addition to its own weight.
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Bearing
Point
A point where a bearing or structural weight is
concentrated and transferred to the foundation.
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Bearing Wall
A wall that supports any vertical load in
addition to its own weight.
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Bed Molding
A molding in an angle, as between the over
hanging cornice or eaves of a building and the
side walls.
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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.
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Bedrock
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to
support a structure.
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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.
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Below Grade
The portion of a building that is below ground
level.
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Bent Glass
Flat glass that has been shaped while hot into
curved shapes.
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Bevel
The angle of the front edge of a door usually
from 1/8" to 2."
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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 Ύ inch and in widths up to
12 inches. Normally used over some type of
sheathing.
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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.
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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.
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Bid
Documents
Drawings, details, and specifications for a
particular project.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Binder
A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to
purchase a home at an agreed terms by a buyer
and seller.
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Bipass Doors
Doors that slide by each other. Commonly used as
closet doors.
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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.
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Bite
The dimension by which the framing system
overlaps the edge of the glazing infill.
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Bitumen
Any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons
occurring naturally or obtained through the
distillation of coal or petroleum. (See Coat Tar
Pitch and Asphalt).
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Blankets
Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes
in long rolls 15 or 23 inches wide.
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Bleeding
The migration of a liquid to the surface of a
component or into/onto an adjacent material.
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Blind
Nailing
Nailing in such a way that the nail heads are
not visible on the face of the workusually at
the tongue of matched boards.
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Blind Stop
A rectangular molding, usually Ύ 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.
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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.
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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.
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Blocked
(Door Blocking)
Wood shims used between the door frame and the
vertical structural wall framing members.
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Blocked
(Rafters)
Short 2x4s used to keep rafters from twisting,
and installed at the ends and at mid-span.
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Blocking
In carpentry, the process of fastening together
two pieces of board by gluing blocks of wood in
the interior angle.
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Blow
Insulation
Fiber insulation in loose form used to insulate
attics and existing walls where framing members
are not exposed.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Board and
Batten
A method of siding in which the joints between
vertically placed boards or plywood are covered
by narrow strips of wood.
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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.
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Boards
Yard lumber less than 2 inches thick and 2 or
more inches wide.
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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.
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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.
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Bolster
A short horizontal timber or steel beam on top
of a column to support and decrease the span of
beams or girders.
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Bond Breaker
A substance or a tape applied between two
adjoining materials to prevent adhesion between
them.
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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.
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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.
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Bonding
Strip (Electrical)
A thin strip of metal inside armored or BX
cable. This strip is meant to back up the
primary ground.
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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.
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Boston Ridge
A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at
the ridge or at the hips of a roof as a finish.
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Bottom Chord
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a
truss.
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Bottom Plate
The 2x4s or 6s that lay on the subfloor upon
which the vertical studs are installed. Also
called the sole plate.
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Bow
A curve, bend, warping or other deviation from
flatness in glass or wood.
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Box Cornice
A cornice completely closed with trim work.
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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.
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Bracing
Ties and rods used for supporting and
strengthening various parts of a building used
for lateral stability for columns and beams.
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Brake Metal
Sheet metal that has been bent to the desired
configuration.
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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.
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Breaker Box
A metal box that contains circuit breakers or
fuses that control the electrical current in a
home.
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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.
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Breeze Way
A roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two
structures, such as a house and a garage.
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Brick Ledge
Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer)
will rest.
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Brick Lintel
The metal angle iron that brick rests on,
especially above a window, door, or other
opening.
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Brick Mold
Trim used around an exterior door jamb onto
which siding butts.
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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.
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Brick Veneer
A facing of brick laid against and fastened to
the sheathing of a frame wall or tile wall
construction.
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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.
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Broker
One that acts as an agent for others, as in
negotiating contracts, purchases, or sales in
return for a fee or commission.
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Browncoat
The coat of plaster directly beneath the finish
coat. In three-coat work, the brown is the
second coat.
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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.
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Bubbling
In glazing, open or closed pockets in a sealant
caused by release, production or expansion of
gasses.
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Buck
Often used in reference to rough frame opening
members. Door bucks used in reference to metal
door frame.
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Buckling
The bending of a building material as a result
of wear and tear or contact with a substance
such as water.
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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.
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Building
Brick
Brick for building purposes not especially
treated for texture or color, formerly called
"common brick." It is stronger than face brick.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Built-Up
Beam (or Girder)
Beam (or girder) created by sistering or
"scabbing" two or more pieces of lumber
together.
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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.
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Bull Nose
(Drywall)
Rounded drywall corners.
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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.
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Bundle
A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5
bundles per square.
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Bushing
A pipe fitting for joining pipes with different
diameters. A bushing is threaded on the inside
and outside.
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Butt Glazing
The installation of glass products where the
vertical glass edges are without structural
supporting mullions.
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Butt Joint
The junction where the ends of two timbers or
other members meet in a square-cut joint.
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Butterfly
Roof
A roof assembly, which pitches sharply from
either side toward the center.
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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.
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Butyl
Type of non-curing and non-skinning sealant made
from butylene. Usually used for internal
applications.
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Buy Down
A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or
developer) to reduce monthly payments on a
mortgage.
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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.
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C
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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.
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Calcium
Chloride
A chemical used to speed up curing of concrete
in damp conditions.
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Calibration
The act or process of calibrating or the state
of being calibrated.
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Camber
A slightly arched surface, as of a road, a
ship's deck, an airfoil, or a snow ski.
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Camber Arch
An arch whose intrados, though apparently
straight, has a slightly concave curve upward.
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Camber Beam
A beam whose under side has a concave curve
upward.
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Camber
Windows
Casement windows with a curved top.
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Candidate
An indentured servant. Beginning level of
inspection association membership. Slave. See
Associate Member.
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Canopy
An overhanging roof.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cap
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door
cornice, molding, and the like.
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Cap Flashing
The portion of the flashing attached to a
vertical surface to prevent water from migrating
behind the base flashing.
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Cap Sheet
A top layer in built-up roofing.
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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.
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Cape Chisel
Tool used to clean out mortar joints on brick.
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Capital
The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original
amount borrowed.
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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.
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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.
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Carbon
Monoxide
CO. A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas
formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon.
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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.
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Casement
Window
A sidehinged window that opens on hinges secured
to the side of the window frame.
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Casing
Molding of various widths and thicknesses used
to trim door and window openings at the jambs.
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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.
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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.
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Cat's Paw
A variation of a pry bar used to pry up deep set
(counter sunk) nails.
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Catch Basin
A drain for a low or wet spot, with pipe exiting
the side and a pit at the bottom to collect
sediment.
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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.
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Caulking
Material used to seal exterior cracks and
openings such as windows or foundations.
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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.
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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.
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Cells
(Masonry)
The hollow spaces in concrete blocks.
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Cellulose
Insulation
Ground-up newspaper that is treated with a fire
retardant.
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Celotex
Black fibrous board that is used as exterior
sheething.
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Cement
The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete.
Portland cement. Also, any adhesive.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Certificate
of Occupancy
A document stating that a building is approved
for occupancy. The Building Authority issues the
Certificate of Occupancy.
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Certified
Having a formal document testifying to
qualification or completion of requirements.
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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.
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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.
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Chalk Line
A line made on the roof by snapping a taut
string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for
alignment purposes.
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Change Order
A written document which modifies the plans and
specifications and/or the price of the
Construction Contract.
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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.
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Chapter
A local group of members of a larger
association, as in a local NACHI Chapter. A
local branch.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chink
To install fiberglass insulation around all
exterior door and window frames, wall corners,
and small gaps in the exterior wall.
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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.
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Circuit
A network of wiring that typically commences at
a panel box, feeds electricity to outlets and
ultimately returns to the panel box.
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Circuit
Breaker
A protective device which automatically opens an
electrical circuit when it is overloaded.
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Cistern
Reservoir for water. Common in houses built
prior to the fifties in the Midwest.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cleanout
A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides
access for the purpose of clearing an
obstruction.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Closet Auger
A flexible rod with a curved end used to access
the toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.
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Closet Bend
A curved fitting that connects the closet flange
to the toilet drain.
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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.
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Closet
Flange
An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The base
of the toilet is secured to this ring with
bolts.
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CO
An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy."
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Coal Tar
A viscous liquid mixture of hydrocarbon
compounds, derived, along with coke, from the
destructive distillation of coal.
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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.
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Code of
Ethics
Ethical standards of conduct for home
inspectors.
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Cohesive
Failure
Internal splitting of a compound resulting from
over-stressing of the compound.
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Cold Air
Return
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries
room air back to the furnace for re-heating.
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Cold Applied
Products that can be applied without heating.
These are in contrast to products which need to
be heated to be applied.
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Cold Patch
In roofing, a roof repair done with cold-applied
material.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Collar Tie
A horizontal board attached perpendicular to
rafters.
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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.
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Combustion
Chamber
The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where
the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick
or molded or sprayed insulation.
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Common
Rafter
Rafter that extends from the top plate to the
ridge. Generally set 12, 16, or 24 inches apart.
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Compatible
Two or more substances, which can be mixed or
blended without separating, reacting, or
affecting either material adversely.
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Component
A permanently installed or attached fixture,
element or part of a system.
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Composite
Board
An insulation board which has two different
insulation types laminated together in 2 or 3
layers.
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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.
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Compression
Gasket
A gasket designed to function under compression.
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Compression
Set
The permanent deformation of a material after
removal of the compressive stress.
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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.
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Compression
Web
A member of a truss system which connects the
bottom and top chords and which provides
downward support.
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Compressor
A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in
order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing
heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the
main component of conventional heat pumps and
air conditioners. In an air conditioning system,
the compressor normally sits outside and has a
large fan (t |
