NHIE Terms Flashcards
(453 cards)
1
Q
A
2
Q
Abatement
A
Asbestos control beyond a special operations and maintenance program.
3
Q
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
A
Rigid black plastic pipe used only for drain lines.
4
Q
Abutment
A
A masonry mass (or the like) which receives the thrust of an arch, vault, or strut.
5
Q
Accessible
A
An area, in the inspector's opinion, that can be entered or approached without difficulty and safely.
6
Q
Addendum
A
A supplement to bidding documents, issued prior to the submission of bids, for the purpose of clarifying, correcting, or adding to the specifications previously issued.
7
Q
Additional Inspection Services
A
Inspection services offered in addition to these Standards of Practice beyond a general home inspection such as inspection for radon, mold, wood destroying insects, environmental hazards and other specialty inspections.
8
Q
Air-dried lumber
A
Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for any length of time.
9
Q
Air Dry
A
Process of drying or seasoning lumber naturally by exposure to air.
10
Q
Air Duct
A
Pipes that carry warm and cold air to rooms and back to the climate control system.
11
Q
Airway
A
A space between roof insulation and roof boards to allow movement of air.
12
Q
Alarm System
A
A system designed to warn of danger.
13
Q
Alcove
A
A small recessed space opening directly into a larger room.
14
Q
Alligatoring
A
Coarse checking pattern characterized by a slipping of the new paint coating over the old coat- ing to the extent that the old coating can be seen through the fissures.
15
Q
Alternating Current
A
AC is the standard form of electrical current supplied by the utility grid and by most fuel-powered generators. The polarity (and therefore the direction of current) alternates.
16
Q
Ambulatory
A
A passageway around the apse of a church.
17
Q
Anchor Bolts
A
Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete or masonry floor or wall.
18
Q
Anchor Span
A
Located at the outermost end, it counterbalances the arm of span extending in the opposite di- rection from a major point of support; often attached to an abutment.
19
Q
Approved Equal
A
Material, equipment, or method proposed by the contractor and approved by the architect for incorporation in or use in the work as equivalent in essential attributes to the material, equipment, or meth- od specified in the contract document.
20
Q
Arbor
A
A light open structure of trees or shrubs closely planted either twined together or self- supporting on a light lattice.
21
Q
Arcade
A
A line of counter thrusting arches raised on columns or piers.
22
Q
Arch Barrel
A
The inner surface of an arch extending the full width of the structure.
23
Q
Arch Ring
A
An outer course of stone forming the arch; made of a series of voussoirs; an archivolt is an arch ring with decorating moldings.
24
Q
Architrave
A
A horizontal beam or lintel, that rests on columns or piers; or the lowest portion of an entablature; or a decorative molding around a door, a window, or an arch.
25
Archivolt
One of several parallel curved, and often decorated, moldings on the inside of an arched opening; a curved architrave.
26
Ashler
Stone that has been cut square and dressed.
27
Areaway
An open subsurface space adjacent to a building used to admit light or air or as a means of access to a basement.
28
Asphalt
Most native asphalt is a residue from evaporated petroleum. It is insoluble in water but soluble when heated. Used widely in building for waterproofing roof coverings of many types, exterior wall coverings, floor- ing tile, and the like.
29
Astragal
A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging doors, against which the other door strikes.
30
Attic Ventilators
In houses, screened opening 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.
31
Atrium
In classical architecture, an interior courtyard that is open to the weather; in contemporary architec- ture, a significant interior space, often sky lighted, used for circulation.
32
Ball Valve
The ball valve is similar in concept to the plug valve but uses a rotating ball with a hole through it that allows straight-through flow in the open position and shuts off flow when the ball is rotated 90 degrees to block the flow passage. It is used for on-off and throttling services.
33
Baluster
On of a number of short vertical members often circular in section used to support a stair handrail or a coping.
34
Balustrade
An entire railing system including top rail, its balusters, and sometimes a bottom rail.
35
Barge Board
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a facie board.
36
Base or Baseboard
A board placed against the wall around a room next to the floor to finish properly be- tween floor and plaster.
37
Base Molding
Molding used to trim the upper edge of interior baseboard.
38
Base Shoe
Molding used next to the floor on interior base board, sometimes called a carpet strip.
39
Batt
Insulation in the form of a blanket, rather than loose balusters. Usually small vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and the stair threads or a bottom rail.
40
Batten
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
41
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 as a fastening for stretched strings to indicate outlines of foundation walls.
42
Beam
A structural member transversely supporting a load.
43
Bearing Partition
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
44
Bed Molding
A molding in an angle, as between the overhanging cornice, or eaves, of a building and the side walls.
45
Beveled
Clapboards that are tapered rather than cut perfectly rectangular.
46
Bid
An offer to perform the work described in a contract at a specified cost.
47
Blind-nailing
Nailing in such a way that the nail heads are not visible or the face of the work – usually at the tongue of matched boards.
48
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.
49
Blisters
A defect in metal on or near the surface, resulting from the expansion of gas in the subsurface zone. Very small blisters may be called "pinheads" or "pepper blisters".
50
Bitumen
A category of organic liquids which are highly viscous, black, sticky and wholly soluble in carbon disulfide. Asphalt and tar are the most common forms of bitumen.
51
Blue Stain
A bluish or grayish discoloration of the sapwood causing 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.
52
Board and Batten
Vertical siding where wood strips (battens) hide the seams where other boards are joined.
53
Board Feet
A unit of measurement based on volume. 144 cubic inches of wood equals one board foot.
54
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.
55
Bolster
A short horizontal timber or steel beam on top of a column to support and decrease the span of beams or girders.
56
Boston Ridge
A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge or at the hips of a roof as a finish.
57
Bottom Plate
The 2-inch thick wooden members that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed, also called the "sole plate".
58
Brace
An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to stifle the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing has been completed.
59
Breezeway
A covered passageway, open to the outdoors, connecting either two parts of a building or two buildings.
60
Brick Veneer
A facing of brick that is laid against and fastened to sheathing of a frame wall or tile wall construction.
61
Bridging
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists at mid-span to act both as tension and compression members for the purpose of bracing the joists and spreading the action of loads.
62
Buck
Used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door bucks used in reference to metal door frame.
63
Building Codes
Regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements of a government unit relating to building construction and occupancy, generally adopted and administered for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
64
Building Paper
Heavy paper used to damp-proof walls or roofs.
65
Built-Up Roof
Roofing composed of three to five layers or asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or as- phalt. The top is finished with crushed slag or gravel (ballast), generally used on flat or low- pitched roofs.
66
Busbar (bus)
A low impedance conductor to which several circuits/conductors can be separately connected.
67
Butt Joint
The junction where the ends of two timbers or other members meet in a square-cut joint.
68
Butterfly Valve
The butterfly valve controls flow by using a circular disc or vane with its pivot axis at right angles to the direction of flow in the pipe. The butterfly valve is used both for on- off and throttling services.
69
C-S Shape or Channel
Structural steel shape which has a cross-section resembling. Similar to W-Shapes with half-width flanges on one side, used in trusses and built-up girders.
70
Camber
A slight convex curvature built into a truss or beam to compensate for any anticipated deflection so that it will have no sag when under load.
71
Cant Strip
A triangular shaped piece of lumber used at the junction of a flat deck and a wall to prevent crack- ing of the roofing which is applied over it.
72
Cantilever
A structural member, which projects beyond its supporting wall or column.
73
Canton
A corner or a building decorated with a projecting masonry course, a pilaster or similar feature.
74
Cap
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding and the like.
75
Caryatid
A decorative detail within an interior around a fireplace.
76
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.
77
Casing
Molding of various widths and thicknesses used to trim door and window openings at the jambs.
78
Cavetto
A hollow member or round concave molding containing at least the quadrant or a circle used in cornices
79
Ceiling Joist
A joist that carries the ceiling beneath it but not the floor over it; normally the ceiling is carried on the underside of the floor joist, but to improve the noise insulation between floors, the ceiling joists may be separate.
80
Cement, Keene's
a white finish plaster that produces an extremely durable wall. Because of its density, It excels for use in bathrooms and kitchens and is also used extensively for the finish coat in auditoriums, public buildings, and other places where walls may be subjected to unusually hard wear or abuse.
81
Certification
A declaration in writing that a particular product or service complies with a specification or stated criterion.
82
Chair Rail
Wooden molding on a wall at the height of a chair back.
83
Chase
An enclosed opening through a floor and/or ceiling to install pipes, ductwork or electrical lines.
84
Check Valve
The check valve is designed to prevent backflow. Fluid flow in the desired direction opens the valve, while backflow forces the valve closed.
85
Checking
Small cracks appearing with age in many exterior paint coatings, at first superficial, but which in time may penetrate entirely through the coating.
86
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.
87
Chimney Cap
Concrete or metal covering over and above the chimney opening to prevent rain from entering the chimney.
88
Circuit-breaker
A switching device, capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time and breaking currents under specified abnormal con- ditions such as those of short circuit.
89
Circuit-breaker Control Selector Switch
A control switch provided within each circuit-breaker operating mechanism cabinet to enable the circuit-breaker to be closed and opened at the circuit- breaker during mainte- nance and test work, and sometimes to completely disable the circuit- breaker.
90
Circuit-breaker Disconnector
The functional term for a disconnector that provides a point-of- isolation for a circuit-breaker.
91
Circuit-breaker Lockout
The status of a circuit-breaker deliberately prevented from operating due to the ac- tion of a monitoring or protection device.
92
Cladding
The lightweight outer skin of a building that does not carry any weight or support the building, but does keep wind and rain out. A term used to describe the siding or materials covering the exterior of a building.
93
Clapboard
A long, thin board, thicker on one edge, used for overlapping exterior siding.
94
Clerestory
An upper zone of wall pierced with windows that admit light to the center of a lofty room.
95
Closet Bend
A curved fitting that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain.
96
Coefficient of Heat Transmission (U-value)
A value that describes the ability of a material to conduct heat; the number of BTU that flow through one square foot of material in one hour. It is the reciprocal of the R-value (i.e. U-valve = 1/R-value). The lower the number, the greater the heat transfer resistance (insulating) characteristics of the material.
97
Collar Beam
Nominal 1 or 2-inch thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure.
98
Collar Tie
Horizontal member tying a pair of rafters together.
99
Component
A permanently installed feature of a system.
100
Compound Pier
A pier composed of a group of cluster or members, especially characteristic of Gothic architecture.
101
Concrete Plain
Concrete either without reinforcement, or reinforced only for shrinkage or temperature changes.
102
Condensation
In a building: beads or drops of water (and frequently frost in extremely cold weather) that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a building when warm, moisture-laden air from the interior reaches a point where the temperature no longer permits the air to sustain the moisture it holds. Use of louvers or attic ventilators will reduce moisture condensation in attics. A vapor barrier under the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls will reduce condensation in them.
103
Conduction
Direct transmission of energy by a medium that does not involve movement of the medium itself (contact).
104
Conduit, Electrical
A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed.
105
Construction Budget
The sum established by the owner as available for construction of the project, including contingencies for bidding to contractors and for changes during construction.
106
Construction Documents
Drawings and specifications created by an architect that set forth in detail require- ments for the construction of the project.
107
Construction, dry-wall
A type of construction in which the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of sheet materials or wood paneling as contrasted to plaster.
108
Construction, Frame
A type of construction in which the structural parts are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support; in codes, if masonry veneer is applied to the exterior walls, the classification of this type of construction is usually unchanged.
109
Corbel
A horizontal projection from a wall, or one in a series of projections each stepped progressively far- ther forward with height, forming a ledge or supporting the structure above it, usually built with masonry.
110
Corbel-out
To build out one or more courses of brick or stone from the face of a wall, to form a support for timbers.
111
Corner Bead
A strip of formed sheet metal, sometimes combined with a strip of metal lath, placed on corners before plastering to reinforce them; also, a strip of wood finish three-quarters- round or angular placed over a plastered corner for protection.
112
Corner-braces
Diagonal braces at the corners of a frame structure to stiffen and strengthen the wall.
113
Cornerite
Metal-mesh lath cut into strips and bent to a right angle, used in interior corners of walls and ceil- ings on lath to prevent cracks in plastering.
114
Cornice
Overhang of a pitched roof at the cave line, usually consisting of a facie board, or soffit for a closed cornice, and appropriate moldings; crowns or finishes the part to which it is affixed.
115
Cornice Return
Is the portion of the cornice that returns on the gable end of a house.
116
Cosmetic Defect
An abnormality or flaw in something, which could be fixed, but is not required to be.
117
Counter-flashing
A flashing usually used on chimneys and/or roof to wall junctions at the roofline to cover step flashing and to prevent moisture entry.
118
Cove Molding
A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners.
119
Cowls - There are many types of cowls and they serve several functions.
To keep the rain out of the chimneyTo keep birds out of the chimneyTests have shown that the effectiveness of cowls to increase the up-draught and to eliminate downdraft is very limited and unless the cause of the problem is known, the appropriate cowl cannot be selected.
120
Crawl Space
A shallow, unfinished space beneath the floor of a house that has no basement, used to visually inspect and to access pipes and ducts.
121
Creosote
a) a yellowish to greenish-brown oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained from coal tar and used as a wood preservative and disinfectant; b) black, shiny deposits found in fireplaces and at flue liners.
122
Cricket
A small drainage-diverting roof structure of single or double slope placed at the junction of larger surfaces that meet at an angle, such as above a chimney.
123
Cripple
In a building frame, a structural element that is shorter than usual, as a stud above a door opening or below a windowsill.
124
Cross-bridging
Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the center of the joist span to pre- vent joists from twisting.
125
Cross Slope
The slope that is perpendicular to the direction of travel.
126
Crown Molding
A molding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered.
127
Curb Ramp
A short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it.
128
Cut-in Brace
Nominal 2-inch thick members, usually 2 by 4's, cut in between each stud diagonally.
129
Dado
A rectangular groove across the width of a board or plank; in interior decoration, a special type of wall treatment.
130
Dead Load
The weight of things and materials that is always present at the same place in a building.
131
Deadening Felt
A thin sheet of felt between the sub-floor and the finished floor.
132
Decay
Disintegration of wood or other substance through the action of fungi.
133
Deck Paint
Enamel with a high degree of resistance to mechanical wear, designed for use on such surfaces as porch floors.
134
Decorative
Ornamental; something for show. Not a required component of a home.
135
Delamination
Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture.
136
Density
The mass of substance in a unit volume; when expressed in the metric system, it is numerically equal to the specific gravity of the same substance.
137
Dentil
A band of small, square, tooth-like blocks utilized in an ornamental manner.
138
Depressions
An area that is sunk below its surroundings; a hollow.
139
Describe
To categorize, in writing, the type and distinguishing features of a system or component.
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Design/Build
A method of project delivery in which the owner contracts directly with a single entity that is responsible for both design and construction services for a construction project.
141
Design Development
The architect prepares more detailed drawings and finalizes the design plans, showing correct sized and shapes for rooms; also included is an outline of the construction specifications, listing the ma- jor materials to be used.
142
Dewpoint
The temperature at which a vapor begins to deposit as a liquid, applies especially to water in the atmosphere.
143
Diaphragm Valve
The diaphragm valve closes by means of a flexible diaphragm attached to a compressor. When the compressor is lowered, by the valve stem, onto a weir the diaphragm seals and cuts off flow. The diaphragm valve handles corrosive, erosive and dirty services.
144
Direct Current (DC)
Electric current flowing in on direction, often used for elevators.
145
Direct Gain
Occurs when sunlight entering directly through the windows is absorbed, converted to heat, and stored in the floors of walls.
146
Direct Nailing
To nail perpendicular to the initial surface or to the junction of the pieces joined, also termed "face nailing".
147
Door Buck
The rough frame of a door.
148
Doorjamb, Interior
The surrounding case into which and out of which a door closes and opens; it consists of two upright pieces, called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb.
149
Dormer
A structure projecting from a sloping roof usually housing a window or ventilating louver.
150
Dovetail
A splayed tenon, shaped like a dove's tail, broader at its end than at its base.
151
Downspout
A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater from roof gutters.
152
Dressed
Descriptive of brick, lumber or stone, which has been prepared, shaped or finished by cutting, plan- ning, rubbing or sanding, one or more surfaces.
153
Dressed and Matched (tongue and groove)
Boards or planks machined in such a matter that there is a groove on one edge and a corresponding tongue on the other.
154
Drip
(a) a member of a cornice or other horizontal exterior finish course that has a projection beyond the oth- er parts for throwing off water. (b) a groove in the underside of a sill or drip cap to cause water to drip off on the outer edge instead of drawing back and running down the face of the building.
155
Drip Cap
A molding placed on the exterior top side of a door or window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside of the frame.
156
Ducts
In a house, usually round or rectangular metal pipes for distributing warm air from the heating plant to rooms, or air from a conditioning device or as cold air returns. Ducts are also made of asbestos and composi- tion materials.
157
Dwelling Unit
A single unit which provides a kitchen or food preparation area, in addition to rooms and spac- es for living, bathing, sleeping and the like.
158
DWV
Abbreviation for drain, waste and vent.
159
Easement
A right of accommodation in land owned by another, such as right of way or free access to light or air.
160
Eaves
The overhanging extension of a roof beyond the walls of a house.
161
Efflorescence
Crystalline deposit appearing on cement or brick surfaces due to the evaporation of water con- taining soluble salts. The salts left behind on the wall surface have a crystal-like appearance.
162
Egress, Means of
A continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or facility to a public way. A means of egress comprises vertical and horizontal travel and may include intervening room spaces, doorways, hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, horizontal exits, courts and yards. An accessible means of egress is one that complies with these guidelines and does not include stairs, steps, or escalators. Areas of rescue assistance or evacuation elevators may be included as part of accessible means of egress.
163
Expansion Joint
A bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or units of concrete to prevent cracking due to expansion as a result of temperature changes, also used on concrete slabs.
164
Facia, Fascia
A flat board, band, or face used sometimes by itself but usually in combination with moldings; often located at the outer face of the cornice.
165
Fall/Flow
The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage.
166
Felt Paper
Tar paper, installed under roof shingles; usually 15 ob. or 30 lb.
167
Fenestration
The arrangement and design of windows in a building.
168
Filler (wood)
A heavily pigmented preparation used for fining and leveling off the pores in open-pored woods.
169
Fill-type Insulation
Loose insulating material that is applied by hand or blown into wall spaces mechanically.
170
Finish Carpenter
One who does finish carpentry; that is, cabinetry, furniture making, fine woodworking, model building, instrument making, parquetry, joinery, or other carpentry where exact joints and minimal mar- gins of error are important. Some large-scale construction may be of an exactitude and artistry that it is classed as finish carpentry.
171
Fire Cut
An angled cut on joist ends found in solid masonry wall construction designed to prevent wall col- lapse in case of fire.
172
Fire-resistive
In the absence of a specific ruling by the authority having jurisdiction, applies to materials for construction not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and that will withstand such fires without serious impairment of their usefulness for at least 1 hour.
173
Fire Retardant Chemical
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard spread of flame.
174
Fire Stop
A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space; in a frame wall, this will usually consist of 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs.
175
Fireplace Hearth
Typically extends 16" in the front and 8" on each side.
176
Fishplate
A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts; sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridge line.
177
Flagstone (flagging or flags)
Flat stones, from 1 to 4 inches thick, used for rustic walks, steps, floors, and the like.
178
Flashing
Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage.
179
Flat Paint
An interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and dries to a flat or lusterless finish.
180
Flaunching
The flaunching is the weatherproof top of a masonry chimney (often concrete) which sheds the rainwater off the top. It is also used to secure the chimney pots.
181
Floor Joists
Framing pieces that typically rest on outer foundation walls and interior beams or girders.
182
Flue
The space or passage in a chimney through which smoke, gas, or fumes ascend; each passage is called a flue, which together with any others and the surrounding masonry make up the chimney.
183
Flue Lining
Fire clay or terra-cotta pipe, round or square, usually made in all ordinary flue sizes and in 2-foot lengths, used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work around the outside. Flue lining in chimney runs from about a foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.
184
Flue Pipe
The pipe connecting a closed burning appliance to the flue; usually cast iron, stainless steel, or vit- reous enameled steel.
185
Flux
A related use of the term flux is to designate the material added to the contents of a smelting furnace or cupola for the purpose of purging the metal of impurities, and of rendering the slag more liquid. The flux most commonly used in iron and steel furnaces is limestone, which is charged in the proper proportions with the iron and fuel. The slag is a liquid mixture of ash, flux, and other impurities.
186
Flying Buttress
A detached pier supporting the weight of a wall.
187
Fly Rafters
End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.
188
Formwork
A temporary construction to contain web concrete in the required shape while it is cast and set- ting.
189
Foundation
The base a structure rests on.
190
Framer
Builds the skeletal structure or framework of buildings. Techniques include platform framing, balloon framing, or timber framing (which may be post-and-beam or mortise-and-tenon framing).
191
Frieze
In house construction a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cor- nice.
192
Frostline
The depth of frost penetration in soil. This depth varies in different parts of the country. Footings should be placed below this depth to prevent movement.
193
Furring
Strips of wood or metal applied to a wall or other surface to even it and normally to serve as a fas- tening base for finish material as well as providing the necessary air space between masonry and wood plaster.
194
Gable
An end wall of building housing a triangular-shaped upper portion formed by a sloping roof on either side of a ridge, the triangular part of a wall beneath the inverted "V" of the roof line.
195
Gate Valve
The gate valve is a general service valve used primarily for on-off non-throttling service. The valve is closed by a flat face, vertical disc, or gate that threads down through the valve to block the flow.
196
General Home Inspection
The process, under these Standards of Practice, in which an inspector visually observes readily accessible components and systems and describes their observations.
197
Girder
A large or principal beam of wood or steel in a framed floor supporting the joists which carry the flooring boards; it supports the weight of a floor or partition.
198
Girt (in systems-engineered metal buildings)
Means a "Z" or "C" shaped member formed from sheet steel spanning between primary framing and supporting wall material.
199
Glazing
The process of installing glass, which commonly is secured with glazier's points and glazing compound; transparent or translucent window glass, having three principal performance characteristics that effect energy
200
3 Principle performance characteristics of glazing that effect energy
U-Valve - determines conductive heat losses and gains Visible light transmission - determines relative amount of light that will enter the space Shading coefficient - determines the relative amount of solar gain
201
Globe Valve
The globe valve effects closure by a plug with a flat or convex bottom lowered onto a matching horizontal seat located in the center of the valve. Raising the plug opens the valve, allowing fluid flow. "The globe valve is used for on-off service and handles throttling applications.
202
Grade Line/Grading
The point at which the foundation wall rests against the ground.
203
Grain
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the fibers in wood.
204
Grain, Edge (vertical)
Edge-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately at right angles to the growth rings; i.e., the rings form an angle of 45° or more with the surface of the piece.
205
Grain, Flat
Flat-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings, i.e., the rings form an angle of less than 45° with the surface of the piece.
206
Grain, Quarersawn
Another term for edge grain.
207
Grounds
Guides used around openings and at the floor-line to strike off plaster; they can consist of narrow strips of wood or of wide sub-jambs at interior doorways. They provide a level plaster line for installation of casing and other trim.
208
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
An ultra sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current; used in bathrooms, kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas"; Has a small reset but- ton on the plug.
209
Grout
Mortar made of such consistency (by adding water) that it will just flow into the joints and cavities of the masonry work and fill them solid.
210
Gusset
A flat wood, plywood, or similar type member used to provide a connection at intersection of wood members; most commonly used at joints of wood trusses; they are fastened by nails, screws, bolts, or adhesives.
211
Gutter or Nave Trough
A shallow channel of conduit of metal or wood set below and along the eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from the roof.
212
Haunch
The middle part between the crown and springing of an arch.
213
Headers
Double wood pieces supporting joists in a floor, or double wood members placed on edge over win- dows and doors to transfer the weight of the roof and floor to studs.
214
Heartwood
The wood extending from the pith to the sapwood, the cells of which no longer participate in the life processes of the tree.
215
Heel
The end of a rafter that rests on a wall plate.
216
Hip
The external angle at the junction of two sloping roofs or sides of a roof. Hose-bib – an exterior water faucet.
217
Humidifier
A device designed to increase the humidity within a room or a house by means of the discharge of water vapor; they may consist of individual room size units or larger units attached to the heating plant to condition the entire house.
218
Hypothyrum
A frieze and cornice arranged and decorated in various ways for the lintel of a door.
219
I-beam
Common name for an S-shape steel beam.
220
INR (Impact Noise Rating)
A single figure rating which provides an estimate of the impact sound insulating performance of a floor-ceiling assembly.
221
Inspect
To observe readily accessible components and systems using normal operating controls in accord- ance to these Standards.
222
Inspection Report
A written documentation of the inspection containing any defects observed.
223
Inspector
A person, licensed where applicable, who was hired to conduct a general home inspection.
224
Installed
An attachment that would require tools to remove.
225
Insulation Board, Rigid
A structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fiber in ½ and 35/32 inch thickness; it can be obtained in various size sheets, in various densities, and with several treatments.
226
Insulation, Thermal
Any material high in resistance to heat transmission that, when placed in the walls, ceil- ing, or floors of a structure, will reduce the rate of heat flow.
227
Interior Finish
Material used to cover the interior framed areas, or materials of walls and ceilings.
228
Jack Rafter
A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.
229
Jack Stud
Studs that are used to support the heavier framing at both sides of a door, window or other open- ing.
230
Jalousie
A shutter or blind with fixed or adjustable slats which exclude rain and provide ventilation, shade, and visual privacy.
231
Jamb
The side and head lining of a doorway, window, or other opening.
232
Joint Cement
A powder that is usually mixed with water and used for joint treatment in gypsum-wallboard finish; often called "spackle".
233
Joist
One of a series of parallel beams, usually 2 inches in thickness, used to support floor and ceiling loads, and supported in turn by larger beams, girders, or bearing walls.
234
Kiln Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been kiln dried often to a moisture content of 6 to 12 percent; common varieties of softwood lumber, such as framing lumber, are dried to a somewhat higher moisture content.
235
Kiln Dry
Process of drying or seasoning lumber naturally by placing the lumber in a kiln and exposing the lumber to heat for a prescribed period of time.
236
King Post
The middle post of a truss.
237
Lag or Coach Screws
Large, heavy screws used where great strength is required, as in heavy framing, or when attaching ironwork to wood.
238
Lancet
A narrow window with a sharp pointed arch typically found in Gothic architecture. Landing – a platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs.
239
Latent Heat
The change in heat content that occurs with a change in phase and without change in tempera- ture.
240
Lath
A building material of wood, metal, gypsum, or insulating board that is fastened to the frame of a build- ing to act as a plaster base.
241
Ledger Strip
A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom of the side of a girder on which joists rest.
242
Let-in Brace
Nominal 1 inch thick boards applied into notched studs diagonally. Light – space in a window sash for a single pane of glass.
243
Lintel or Header
A horizontal beam used in the construction of buildings; it usually supports the masonry above a window or door opening; lintels may be made of wood, stone, steel or reinforced or pre tensioned concrete.
244
Louver
An opening with a series of horizontal slats so an arranged as to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, sunlight, or vision; See also "attic ventilators".
245
Lumber, Dimension
Yard lumber from 2 inches to, but not including, 5 inches thick and 2 or more inches wide; Includes joists, rafters, studs, plank, and small timbers.
246
Lumber, Dressed Size
The dimension of lumber after shrinking from green dimension and after machining to size or pattern.
247
Lumber, Matched
Lumber that is dressed and shaped on one edge in a grooved pattern and on the other in a tongued pattern.
248
Lumber, Shiplap
Lumber that is edge-dressed to make a close rabbeted or lapped joint.
249
Lunette
A crescent shaped or semicircular area on a wall or vaulted ceiling framed by an arch or vault.
250
Mantel
The shelf above a fireplace; also used in referring to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.
251
Mastic
A pasty material used as a cement (as for setting tile) or a protective coating (as for thermal insulation or waterproofing).
252
Material Defect
A definite concern of a system or component in a home that might substantially impact the value of a home in a negative manner. A material defect may also pose a threat to individual's safety or health.
253
Megalithic
Structure built of unusually large stones.
254
Metal Lath
Sheets of metal that are slit and drawn out to form openings; used as a plaster base for walls and ceilings and as reinforcing over other forms of plaster base.
255
Mezzanine
A low ceilinged story or extensive balcony, usually constructed above the ground floor.
256
Millwork
Generally all building materials made of finished wood and manufactured in millwork plants and planning mills are included under the term "millwork." It includes such items as inside and outside doors, window and doorframes, blinds, porch-work, mantels, panelwork, stairways, moldings, and interior trim. It normally does not include flooring, ceiling or siding.
257
Miter Joint
The joint of two pieces at an angle that bisects the joining angle; for example, the miter joint at the side and head casing at a door opening is made at a 45° angle.
258
Moisture Barrier
Treated paper or metal that retards or bars water vapor, used to keep moisture from passing into walls or floors.
259
Moisture Content of Wood
Weight of the water contained in the wood, usually expressed as a percentage of the weight of the kiln-dried wood.
260
Molding
A wood strip having a coned or projecting surface used for decorative purposes. Mortise – a hole, cavity, notch, slot, or recess cut into a timber or piece of another material usually receives a tenon of another board, plank, or timber to form a joint.
261
Mullion
A vertical bar or divider in the frame between windows, doors, or other openings.
262
Muntin
A small member which divides the glass or openings of sash or doors.
263
Natural Finish
A transparent finish which does not seriously alter the original color or grain of the natural wood; natural finishes are usually provided by sealers, oils, varnishes, water-repellent preservatives, and other similar materials.
264
Newel
A post to which the end of a stair railing or balustrade is fastened; also, any post to which a railing or balustrade is fastened.
265
Notch
A crosswise rabbet at the end of a board.
266
O.C. (on center)
The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, joists, and the like in a building from the cen- ter of one member to the center of the next.
267
O.G. (or ogee)
A molding with a profile in the form of a letter S; having the outline of a reversed curve.
268
Open Seams
A circuit which is energized by not allowing useful current to flow.
269
Operate
To cause a system to function as it is intended by using normal operating controls. Orthostyle – a colonnade in a straight line.
270
Outrigger
Extension of a rafter beyond the wall line; usually a smaller member nailed to a larger rafter to form a cornice or roof overhang.
271
Paint
A combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to provide decorative and protective coatings.
272
Panel In House Contruction
A thin flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material framed by stiles and rails as in a door or fitted into grooves or thicker material with molded edges for decorative wall treatment.
273
Paper, building
A general term for papers, felts, and similar sheet materials used in buildings without refer- ence to their properties or uses.
274
Paper, sheathing
A building material, generally paper or felt, used in wall and roof construction as a protection against the passage of air and sometimes moisture.
275
Parapet
A low guarding wall at any point of sudden drop, as at the edge of a terrace, roof, or balcony.
276
Parging
A rough coat of mortar applied over a masonry wall as protection or finish; it may also serve as a base for an asphalt waterproofing compound below grade.
277
Parting stop, Parting strip
A small wood piece used in the side and head jambs of double-hung windows to separate upper and lower sash.
278
Partition
A wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building.
279
Pediment
In classical architecture, the triangular gable end of the roof above the horizontal cornice.
280
Penny
As applied to nails, it originally indicated the price per hundred; the term now series as a measure of nail length and is abbreviated by the letter "d".
281
Pergola
A garden structure with an open wooden framed roof, often latticed, supported by regularly spaced post or columns.
282
Perimeter drainage tile
A drainage system that goes around the perimeter of a property and collects and diverts ground water away from the foundation
283
Peripteral
Surrounded by a single row of columns.
284
Perm
A measure of water vapor movement through a material (grains per square foot per hour per inch of mercury difference in vapor pressure).
285
Pier
A column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross section, used to support other structural members.
286
Pigment
A powdered solid in suitable degree of subdivision for use in paint or enamel.
287
Pilaster
A projection of the foundation wall used to support a floor girder or stiffen the wall.
288
Pinch Valve
The pinch valve is particularly suited for applications of slurries or liquids with the large amounts of suspended solids. It seals by means of one or more flexible elements, such as a rubber tube, that can be pinched to shut off flow.
289
Pitch
The incline slope of a roof or the ratio of the total rise to the total width of a house, i.e., an 8-foot rise and 24 foot width is a one-third pitch roof. Roof slope is expressed in the inches of rise per foot of run.
290
Pitch Pocket
An opening extending parallel to the annual rings of growth, that usually contains, or has con- tained, either solid or liquid pitch.
291
Plaster Grounds
Strips of wood used as guides or strike off edges around window and door openings and at base of walls.
292
Plasterboard (see dry wall)
Gypsum board, used in place of plaster.
293
Plat, sill
A horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall.
294
Plate, sole
Bottom horizontal member of a frame wall.
295
Plate, top
Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, or other members.
296
Plenum
A chamber that serves as an air distribution area for heating or cooling systems; generally placed be- tween a false ceiling and the actual ceiling.
297
Plough
To cut a lengthwise groove in a board or plank.
298
Plug Valve
The plug valve is used primarily for on-off service and some throttling services. It controls flow by means of a cylindrical or tapered plug with a hole in the center that lines up with the flow path of the valve to permit flow. A quarter turn is either direction blocks the flow path.
299
Plumb
Exactly perpendicular; vertical.
300
Ply
A term to denote the number of thicknesses or layers of roofing felt, veneer in plywood, or layers in built- up materials, in any finished piece of such material.
301
Power-assisted Door
A door used for human passage with a mechanism that helps to open the door, or relieves the opening resistance of a door, upon the activation of a switch or a continued force applied to the door itself.
302
Power Roof Vent
A vent that includes a fan to speed up air flow.
303
Prefabrication
Construction of components, such as walls, trusses or doors, before delivery to the building site.
304
Preservative
Any substance that, for a reasonable length of time, will prevent the action of wood-destroying fungi, borers of various kinds, and similar destructive agents when the wood has been properly coated or impregnated with it.
305
Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is designed to provide protection from over- pressure in steam, gas, air and liquid lines. The valve "lets off steam" when safe pressures are exceeded, then closed again when pressure drips to a preset level.
306
Primer
The first coat of paint in a paint job that consists of two or more coats; also the paint used for such a first coat.
307
Projecting Sign
Means a sign which is attached to and projects more than eighteen (18) inches from the face of a wall of a building.
308
Purlin (in systems-engineered metal buildings)
Means a "Z," "C," or "W" shaped member formed from sheet steel spanning between primary framing and supporting roof material.
309
Putty
A type of cement usually made of whiting and boiled linseed oil, beaten or kneaded to the consistency or dough, and used in sealing glass in sash, filling small holes and crevices in wood, and for similar purposes.
310
Pyrolysis
Decomposition or transformation of a compound caused by heat.
311
Quarter Round
A small molding that has the cross section of a quarter circle. Rabbet – a rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.
312
Radiant Heating
A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling; or with electrically heated panels.
313
Rafter
One of a series of structural members of a roof designed to support roof loads; the rafters of a flat roof are sometimes called roof joists.
314
Rafter, hip
A rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof angle.
315
Rafter, valley
A rafter that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle; the valley rafter is normally made of double 2-inch thick members
316
Rail
Cross members of panel doors or of a sash; also the upper and lower members of a balustrade or stair- case extending from one vertical support, such as a post to another.
317
Rake
Trim members that run parallel to the roof slope and form the finish between the wall and a gable roof extension.
318
Readily Accessible
A system or component that is, in the inspector's opinion, available for safe visual inspection without having to move personal property, detaching or dismantling anything.
319
Reflection
Involves a change in direction of waves when they bounce off a barrier.
320
Reflective Insulation
Sheet material with one or both sun faces of comparatively low heat emissivity, such as aluminum foil; when used in building construction the surfaces face air spaces, reducing the radiation across the air space.
321
Register Plate
Used where a stove or boiler is installed into a traditional chimney. It is the closing plate in- stalled at the base of the flue registering the position of the flue pipe. It prevents heat loss up the flue and air from the room being drawn up the flue, it should be gas tight.
322
Regulation
Any rule prescribing permitted or forbidden conduct, whether found in legislation or in the ac- tions of an administrative agency.
323
Reinforcing
Steel rods or metal fabric placed in concrete slabs, beams or columns to increase their strength.
324
Relative Humidity
The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, expressed as a percentage of the maximum quantity that could be present at a given temperature; (The actual amount of water vapor that can be held in space increases with the temperature).
325
Relief
Carving, chasing, or embossing raised above a background plane.
326
Report
To communicate findings in writing.
327
Resorcinol Glue
A glue that is high in both wet and dry strength and resistant to high temperatures; used for gluing lumber or assembly joints that must withstand severe service conditions.
328
Re-tempering
The addition of water and remixing of concrete or mortar which has started to stiffen.
329
Ribbon, Girt
Normally a 1 by 4 inch board let into the studs horizontally to support ceiling or second-floor joists.
330
Ridge
The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping roof surfaces.
331
Ridge Board
The board placed on edge at the ridge of the roof into which the upper ends of the rafters are fastened.
332
Rise
In stairs, the vertical height of a step or flight of stairs.
333
Riser
Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the threads of stairways.
334
Rockwool
An insulation made of volcanic rock and oxygen.
335
Rolled Roofing
Roofing material, composed of fiber and satin rated with asphalt, that is supplied in 36-inch wide rolls with 108 square feet of material; weights are generally 45 to 90 pounds per roll.
336
Roof Sheathing
The boards of sheet material fastened to the roof rafters on which the shingle or other roof covering is laid.
337
Roof Sign
Means a sign erected upon or above the room or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by the building.
338
Roofer
Specializes in roof construction, concentrating on rafters, beams, and trusses. Naturally, a roofer must be good with heights and have good balance as well as carpentry skills.
339
Riser
A vertical assembly of fittings and pipes that distributes water upward.
340
Rough Carpenter
One who does rough carpentry; that is framing, roofing, and other structural or other large- scale work that need not be finely joined or polished in appearance.
341
Rubber Emulsion Paint
Paint, the vehicle of which consists of rubber or synthetic rubber dispersed in fine droplets in water.
342
Run
In stairs, the net width of a step or the horizontal distance covered by a flight of stairs. Running Slope – the slope that is parallel to the direction of travel.
343
Sabin
A unit of acoustic absorption equivalent to the absorption by one square foot of a surface that absorbs all incident sound.
344
Sand Float Finish
Lime mixed with sand, resulting in a textured finish.
345
Sapwood
The outer zone of wood, next to the bark; in the living tree it contains some living cells (the heart- wood contains none), as well as dead and dying cells; in most species, it is lighter colored than the heartwood. In all species, it is lacking in decay resistance.
346
Sash
The movable part of a window. The frame into which panes of glass are set in a window or door.
347
Sash Balance
A device, usually operated by a spring or tensioned weather-stripping designed to counterbalance double-hung window sash.
348
Saturated Felt
A felt which is impregnated with tar or asphalt.
349
Scallop
One of a continuous series of curves resembling segments of a circle used as a decorative element.
350
Scratch Coat
The first coat of plaster, which is scratched to form a bond for the second coat.
351
Screed
A small strip of wood, usually the thickness of the plaster coat, used as a guide for plastering.
352
Scribing
Fitting woodwork to an irregular surface; in molding, cutting the end of one piece to fit the molded face of the other at an interior angle to replace a miter joint.
353
Scupper
An opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.
354
Scuttle Hole
A small opening either to the attic or to the crawl space.
355
Sealer
A finishing material, either clear or pigmented, that is usually applied directly over uncoated wood for the purpose of sealing the surface.
356
Seasoning
The removing moisture from green wood in order to improve its serviceability.
357
Service Connection
An electrical connector that attaches the utility company's conductors to the customer's wiring.
358
Service Drop
The portion of service conductors between the last pole of the utility supply and the junction with service entrance conductors of the building supplied.
359
Shake
A western red cedar roofing and sidewall product made by splitting blocks of cedar, as opposed to shingles that are manufactured by sawing; usually edge grained.
360
Sheathing
The structural covering, usually wood boards or plywood, used over studs or rafters of a structure. Structural building board is normally wed only as wall sheathing.
361
Shellac
A transparent coating made by dissolving lac, a resinous secretion of the lac bug ( a scale insect that thrives in tropical countries, especially India), in alcohol.
362
Shim
A thin tapered piece of wood used for leveling a building element.
363
Shingle
A flat covering element for a roof. Shingles can be made of wood, slate, ceramics, asphalt, asbestos, or bitumen fabric, cut to stock lengths, widths, and thickness, and are laid in overlapping rows, with half the shingle visible and half covered by the one above or by the roof ridge.
364
Shut Down
When a system or component is turned off, unplugged, inactive, non-operational and cannot be operated.
365
Singles, Siding
Various kinds of shingles, such as wood shingles or shakes and non-wood shingles, that are used over sheathing for exterior sidewall covering if a structure.
366
Shiplap
A style of milled plank, used in siding, that is laid close enough so as to appear to be butted.
367
Shutter
Usually lightweight louvered or flush wood or non-wood frames in the form of doors located at each side of a window; some are made to close over the window for protection; others are fastened to the wall as a decorative device.
368
Siding
The finish covering of the outside wall of a frame building, whether made of horizontal weather- boards, vertical boards with battens, shingles, or other material.
369
Siding, Bevel (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.
370
Siding, Dolly Varden
Beveled wood siding which is rabbeted on the bottom edge.
371
Siding, Drop
Usually ¾ inch thick and 6 and 8 inches wide with tongued-and-grooved or shiplap edges. Often used as siding without sheathing in secondary buildings.
372
Sill
The lowest member of the frame of a structure, resting on the foundation and supporting the floor joists or the uprights of the wall.
373
Slab
A concrete floor placed directly on an earth or gravel base usually approximately 4 inches thick.
374
Sleeper
A strip of wood laid over a concrete floor to which a finished wood floor is nailed or glued.
375
Smoke Shelf
The smoke shelf is located above the throat and is designed to prevent down moving cold air affecting the outlet from the fireplace.
376
Soffit
The area below the eaves and overhangs; the underside where the roof overhangs the walls. Usually the underside of an overhanging cornice.
377
Soil Cover (ground cover)
A light covering of plastic film, roll roofing, or similar material used over the soil in crawl spaces of buildings to minimize moisture permeation of the area.
378
Soil Stack
Largest vertical drain line to which all branch waste lines connect; carries waste to the sewer line.
379
Solar Aperture
Largest vertical drain line to which all branch waste lines connect; carries waste to the sewer line.
380
Soldering
Process of joining two metallic surfaces to make an electrical contact by melting solder (usually tin and lead) across them.
381
Solid Bridging
A solid member placed between adjacent floor joists near the center of the span to prevent joists from twisting.
382
SPF (spruce-pine-fir)
Canadian woods of similar characteristics that are grouped as one lumber type for production and marketing purposes. Kiln-dried SPF lumber is used as a structural framing material in all types of residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural building applications. SPF species range in color from white to pale yellow.
383
Spalling
Cracking or flaking that develops on a concrete surface.
384
Span
The distance between structural supports such as walls, columns, piers, beams, girders, and trusses.
385
Spark Arrester
Wire screen secured to the top of a flue to confine sparks and other products of burning.
386
Specifications
A part of the construction documents contained in the project manual consisting of written requirements for materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship.
387
Splash Block
A small masonry block laid with the top close to the ground surface to receive roof drainage from downspouts and to carry it away from the building.
388
Square
A unit of measure usually applied to roofing or siding material, typically 100 square feet.
389
Square Footage
Can be calculated as both gross and net square footage; no uniform standard for computing residential square footage yet exists; architects, inspectors, builders and realtors each measure square footage differently; square footage is not always an indication of the livable space available in a structure; buyers are encouraged to ask for an explanation for which spaces were included in the square footage calculation.
390
Stain, Shingle
A form of oil paint, very thin in consistency, intended for coloring wood with rough surfaces, such as shingles, without forming a coating of significant thickness or gloss.
391
Stair Carriage
Supporting member for stair treads; usually a 2-inch plank notched to receive the treads; sometimes called a "rough horse".
392
Stile
An upright framing member in a panel door.
393
Stool
A flat molding fitted over the window sill between jambs and contacting the bottom rail of the lower sash.
394
Storm Sash, Storm Window
An extra window usually placed outside of an existing one, as additional pro- tection against cold weather.
395
Story
The part of a building between any floor and the floor or roof next above.
396
String, Stringer
A timber or other support for cross members in floors or ceilings; in stairs, the support of which the stair treads rest; also stringboard.
397
Structural Component
A component that supports non-variable and variable forces of weight (dead loads and live loads)
398
Stucco
An exterior finish, usually textured composed of Portland cement, lime, and sand, which are mixed with water.
399
Stud
One of a series of slender wood or metal vertical structural members placed as supporting elements in walls and partitions, (Plural: studs or studding).
400
Sub-floor
Boards or plywood laid on joists over which a finish floor is to be laid.
401
Suspended Ceiling
A ceiling system supported by hanging it from the overhead structural framing.
402
System
Mixture of components that act together as a whole.
403
Tail Beam
A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other.
404
Technically Exhaustive
An inspection more detailed and specialized then a general home inspection which would require dismantling, testing and other further investigations.
405
Tenon
The projecting end of a piece of wood or other material, which is reduced in cross section, so that it may be inserted into a corresponding cavity, a mortise, to form a secure joint.
406
Termites
Insects that superficially resemble ants in size, general appearance, and habit of living in colonies; hence, they are frequently called "white ants"; subterranean termites establish themselves in buildings not by being carried in with lumber, but by entering from ground nests after the building has been constructed; if un- molested, they eat out the woodwork, leaving a shell of sound wood to conceal their activities, and damage may proceed so far as to cause collapse of parts of a structure before discovery.
407
Termite Shield
A shield, usually of non-corrosive metal, placed in or on a foundation wall or other mass of masonry or around pipes to prevent passage of termites.
408
Terneplate
Sheet iron or steel coated with an alloy of lead and tin.
409
Thinner
Chemical liquid used to thin, clean and remove paint.
410
Threshold
A strip of wood or metal with beveled edges used over the finish floor and the sill of exterior doors.
411
Throat
The throat is located immediately above the opening of fireplace. It is designed to restrict the heat loss up the flue. In sophisticated designs the throat can incorporate a damper mechanism to adjust the area to best suit the circumstances of that time (e.g. to close it completely when not in use).
412
Tile Field
Open-joint drain tiles laid to distribute septic tank effluent over an absorption area, or to provide subsoil drainage in wet areas.
413
Toe-Nailing
To drive a nail at a slant with the initial surface permitting it to penetrate into a second member.
414
T & G-tongue and groove
A connection system between components, like wood, in which the tab or tongue of one board is placed into the groove at the end of another board.
415
Top Plate
Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, or other members.
416
Torchere
An indirect floor lamp which sends all or nearly all of its light upward.
417
Tracery
The curvilinear openwork shapes of stone or wood creating a pattern within the upper part of a Gothic window.
418
Trap
A bend in a water pipe to hold water so gases will not escape from the plumbing system into the house.
419
Travertine
A variety of limestone deposited by springs, usually banded.
420
Tread
The horizontal board in a stairway on which the foot is placed.
421
Trellis
An open grating or latticework, of either metal or wood.
422
Triforium
In medieval church architecture, a shallow passage above the arches of the nave and choir and below the clerestory.
423
Trim
The finish materials in a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim) or at the floor and ceiling of rooms (baseboard, cornice, and other moldings).
424
Trimmer
A beam or joist to which a header is nailed in.
425
Turpentine
A volatile oil used as a thinner in paint and as a solvent in varnishes.
426
Undercoat
A coating applied prior to the finishing or tip coats of a paint job; it may be the first of two or the second of three coats; in some usage of the word it may become synonymous with priming coat.
427
Underlayment
A material placed under finish coverings, such as flooring, or shingles, to provide a smooth, even surface for applying the finish.
428
Union
Three-piece fitting that joins two sections of pipe, but allows them to be disconnected without cutting the pipe. Used primarily with steel pipes, but never in a DWV system.
429
Unsafe
A condition of an area in which the inspector feels there will be a risk of injury or damage.
430
Vapor Barrier
Material, such as paper, metal or paint which is used in the interior of a house to prevent va- por from passing into the outside walls.
431
Varnish
A thickened preparation of drying oil or drying oil and resin suitable for spreading on surfaces to form continuous, transparent coatings, or for mixing with pigments to make enamels.
432
Veneer
Veneer is one ply or one thickness of something; in siding there are brick and stone veneers, there are also veneers of one wood bonded to another.
433
Vermiculite
A mineral closely related to mica, with the faculty of expanding on heating to form lightweight material with insulation quality; used as bulk insulation and also as aggregate in insulating and acoustical plas- ter and in insulating concrete floors.
434
Vierendeel Truss
Has rigid, welded connections so it does not require the diagonals usually seen in trusses; if used, the reason might have been to provide more space for ducts within the truss by eliminating the diagonals; this truss has rigid upper and lower beams, connected by vertical beams, the joints are also rigid.
435
Volatile Thinner
A liquid that evaporates readily and is used to thin or reduce the consistency of finishes without altering the relative volumes of pigment and nonvolatile vehicles.
436
Wainscot
A decorative or protective facing applied to the lower portion of an interior partition or wall.
437
Wainscoting
The lower three or four feet of an interior wall, when lined with paneling, tile or other material different from the rest of the wall.
438
Wall Cladding/Covering
The outside protective covering of a building.
439
Wall Sheathing
Sheets of plywood, gypsum board or other material nailed to the outside face of studs as a base for exterior siding.
440
Wane
Bark, or lack of wood from any cause, on edge or corner of a piece of wood.
441
Water-repellent Preservative
A liquid designed to penetrate into wood and impart water repellency and a moderate preservative protection; used for millwork, such as sash an frames, and is usually applied by dipping.
442
Weather-strip
Narrower or jamb-width sections of thin metal or other material to prevent infiltration of air and moisture around windows and doors; compression weather stripping prevents air infiltration, provides ten- sion, and acts as a counter balance.
443
Web
On structural steel shapes, such as C-Shapes, S-Shapes, and W-Shapes, the flat portion which is perpen- dicular to and joining the flanges; also, the system of members connecting the top and bottom chords of a truss.
444
Weep Hole
A small opening in a wall or window member, through which accumulated condensation or water may drain to the building's exterior.
445
Window Muntin
A small member which divides the glass or openings of sash or doors.
446
Yard of Concrete
One cubic yard of concrete is 3' X 3' X 3' in volume, or 27 cubic feet; one cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet of 3 1/2" of sidewalk or basement/garage floor.
447
Yoke
The location where a home's water meter is sometimes installed between two dopper pipes, and located in the water meter pit in the yard; the horizontal piece forming the head of a window or door frame.
448
Z-bar Flashing
Bent, galvanized metal flashing that is installed above a horizontal trim board of an exterior window, door, or brick run; it prevents water from getting behind the trim/brick and into the home.
449
Zone
The section of a building that is served by one heating or cooling loop because it has noticeably distinct heating or cooling needs; also, the section of property that will be watered from a lawn sprinkler system.
450
Zone Valve
A device usually placed near the heater or cooler, which controls the flow of water or steam to parts of the building; it is controlled by a zone thermostat.
451
Zoning
A governmental process and specification that controls a municipality to limit the use of a property e.g. single family use, commercial, industrial use, etc; zoning laws may limit where one can locate a structure.
452
U-Valve (in glazing)
Determines conductive heat losses and gains
453
Visible light transmission (in glazing)
Determines relative amount of light that will enter the space
