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GLOSSARY OF CONSTRUCTION TERMS
ACCESS: A passageway into an area (crawl space, attic or building) ACOUSTICS: The science of sound. This is the study of materials for sound-transmission qualities. ADDITION: Expansion of a building, normally by the adding of a room or rooms. ADHESIVE: Material to bond parts together. ADOBE: Mixture of clay and aggregate used to make sun-dried bricks. A-FRAME: A method of construction with the main framing members forming the shape of an "A". AGGREGATE: Crushed stone, gravel, or sand, which is added to concrete or vermiculite, added to plaster or any granular material added to the cashable material for filler or bonding agent. AIR CONDITIONER: A mechanical device that can heat or cool the air in a house. AISLE: A passageway leading to a seating area. ALCOVE: A recessed area. ALLEY: An access route behind a row of buildings. ALTERATION: To change or remodel an existing building or house. ALTERNATING CURRENT: (AC) Electrical current that continually changes the direction of the flow of electrons. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: The temperature of the surrounding air. AMPERE: (amps) The measured rate of electrical flow. Amperes = watts ANCHOR BOLT: Bolts used to attach the mudsill to the foundation. The bolts are set in concrete at a given interval around the exterior of the foundation. ANGLE IRON: A steel bar shape at a 90-degree angle. This is also called a LENTAL which is commonly used over masonry openings for reinforcement. ARCH: A curved structural that will support itself by mutual pressure and the weight above. AREA: The square footage of a floor plan or part of a floor plan. The area of a floor plan is divided into livable and non-livable areas. These non-livable areas maybe garages or unfinished bonus rooms. Square footage is calculated by multiplying the outside stud line dimensions. AS-BUILT DRAWINGS: Drawings that reflect the final construction of any project. ASPHALT: A petroleum-based substance used in roofing and waterproofing foundations. ASPHALT SHINGLES: Roof shingles composed of asphalt-impregnated felt covered with aggregate (usually flint). ATTIC: Unfinished unheated space above the ceiling of the upper most floors and inside the roof framing. ATTIC VENTILATION: The movement of air through the attic area.
BALCONY: This is a projection from a wall face with railings on three sides. BALUSTER: Small upright posts or spindles that support the stair railing. BANCOS: curved shelf-like seating area around the fireplace in adobe homes. BARGE BOARD: Fascia board, a board that covers the gable rake. BARGE RAFTER: The gable end overhang rafter system. These rafters create the overhang at the roof gables. BARREL ARCH: An arch shaped like the inside of a barrel, or the top half of a tube. BASEBOARD: The trim board or boards that finish the bottom of the wall where it meets the finished floor. BASE COAT: Paint or stain applied to bare wood as the base or final finish. BASEMENT: A story of a building partially or wholly below the finish grade. BASEMENT PLAN: Plan view that shows the layout of the basement, including location of stairs, doors, concrete footers, plumbing fixtures, and support locations. BATT: BATT insulation is usually fiberglass woven together in blankets and cut to sizes. BATTEN: A strip of wood used to cover a joint between two panels or other boards. BAY WINDOW: A window and the framing required that projects from a wall of a house or building. BEAM: A structural member which runs horizontally, supported at each end that carries a load. BEAM POCKET: An opening left in a wall to provide support for a beam, in a foundation or framed wall. BEARING CAPACITY: The load carrying capability of soil or a structural member without significant movement. BEARING WALL: This is a wall that carries a load, a structural wall. BENCH MARK: (B.M.) A permanent survey marker giving the exact location and elevation above sea level. BENDING MOMENT: Force acting perpendicular to the length of a member. Equal to force times length. BERM: A soil bank or slope around a building, used to give added insulation. BIB: A hose bib is a water faucet through the outside wall of a structure onto which a hose may be fitted. BILL OF MATERIAL: List of the materials needed to complete a project. BIRDS MOUTH: The notch in a rafter that fits over the top plate of the exterior wall, providing lower support for the rafter. BLANKET INSULATION: (SEE BATT) BLUE PRINT: A copy of the original reproducible designer drawing. Also called blue lines, they show how to construct a project. BOARD MEASURE: A system for measuring lumber. A board foot is equal to 1" X 12" X 12". BOND BEAM: A masonry beam used to connect and form a continuous masonry structure. BARROW: Soil which is needed from another location to fill at construction site. BOW WINDOW: A bay window that forms a continuous curve. BOX BEAM: A built up beam using plywood or framing members around a framework of lumber. BOX SILL: The floor framing that rests on the sill plate at the foundation wall. BRACED FRAME: A diagonal brace to resist lateral forces on walls, usually applied at the exterior corners. BRICK: A masonry block shaped building unit. Bricks are hardened clay formed in a mold. Bricks are usually 2 ¼ x 3 ¾ x 8". BRICK BOND: The mortar joint between bricks. The style of the stager or finish of that mortar. BRICK VENEER: A single layer of brick applied to a wall frame. Brick veneer is mainly decorative and is not structural. BROOM FINISH: Used on concrete driveways and sidewalks to roughen the finish before the concrete cures. BUILDING CODE: The regulations adopted buy a governing body to control the construction of buildings to protect the safety and welfare of the occupants and surrounding area population. BUILDING INSPECTOR: An official who checks structures to insure they meet the minimum standard set forth in the building codes. BUILDING PERMIT: Authorizations given to construct, modify, or remodel a structure. BUILDING RESTRICTIONS: Restrictions by the controlling government against certain types of construction. BUILT?UP BEAM: A beam made by nailing or bolting dimensional lumber together to increase their load bearing capacity. BUILT-UP COLUMN: A column made by nailing or bolting dimensional lumber together to increase its load bearing capacity. BULKHEAD: A boxed area at the ceiling line, used to hide heat or plumbing runs also used to finish the area above kitchen cabinets. BULL-NOSE TRUSS: An engineered roof component that has one or both ends flattened to allow for special conditions.
CADD: An abbreviation for computer-aided design and drafting. CAMBER: The slight bend, up or down, in a joist or beam. CANT: To set at and angle. CANTILEVER: To jut out from a wall or to overhang a lower support. CANTILEVERED JOIST: Floor framing that extends past the structure below. CASED OPENING: Interior openings with finished jambs and casing. CASEMENT WINDOW: A window that hinges like a door and that swings outward. CAULKING: The material used to fill holes or cracks. Weather proofing. CEDAR SHAKES: Shingles made of kiln dried cedar for siding or roofing. CEILING HEIGHT: The height of a wall from the floor to the ceiling. The standard height is 8´-1 1/8" although 9´-1 1/8" height is gaining popularity. CEILING FAN: A paddle fan, which is mounted to a reinforced ceiling fixture that enhances the circulation of air in a room. CEMENT: Hydrated lime which is mixed with water and an aggregate that is castable and cures to a solid body (concrete). CENTER BEARING TRUSS: Truss with bearing at its mid-point as will as each end, also called a tri-bearing truss. CERAMIC TILE: Clay tile used for flooring or wall covering. CHAIR RAIL: Molding applied to the walls of a room at the chair back height. CHASE: A framed opening in walls or floors to receive pipes or ductwork. CHIMNEY: Brick or metal flue for furnace or fireplace. CHIMNEY CRICKET: A V-shaped flashing or roof to divert water around a chimney. CINDER BLOCK: (C.M.U.) Concrete masonry unit, a block make of cement and cinders. CIRCUIT BREAKER: Electrical device to open or close a circuit installed in the electrical panel. CLAPBOARD SIDING: A overlapping beveled board siding. CLEARSTORY: A break in a roof where two rakes meet at different height creating a vertical wall that often has windows. CODE: Regulations for the construction as in building code, also there are codes for plumbing, electrical, energy, and fire safety. COLD AIR DUCT: Sheet metal ductwork that returns air to the heat exchanger for heating or cooling. COLLAR TIE: Brace that runs horizontally in a rafter roof system to connect the rafters and supply resistance against the opposing force that would spread the rafters at the walls. COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE: Architectural style prior to the American Revolution. Two story with symmetrical front façade. COLUMN: Vertical member supplying structural support to a beam or other load. COMMON RAFTER: Rafter, which runs from the ridge of the roof to the top plate of the wall. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION: Detailed specifications for construction and materials to be used for a project. COMPONENT: A prefabricated part of a house or project. As in an engineered roof truss. COMPOSITE BEAM: A structural beam composed of different materials, such as a steel flitch beam, a glue lam beam. COMPOSITION ROOFING: Roll roofing made of felt, asphalt and aggregate. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH: The maximum compressive stress a material can withstand prior to its failure. CONCENTRATED LOAD: A load located at one location, loads from an entire area are brought together by the structure of the components to generalize the load in one location. CONCRETE: Cement, sand or aggregate, and water. CONCRETE BLOCK: (CMU) Concrete masonry unit, normal size 7 5/8" X 7 5/8" X 15 5/8" nominal size 8X8X16. CONCRETE SLAB: A flat layer of concrete usually 4" thick (residential construction) and reinforced with wire mesh or fiberglass fibers, for use as a floor or driveway or sidewalk. CONSTRUCTION: The erection of a structure. CONSTRUCTION JOINT: A joint in a concrete structure made between separate batches of concrete. CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE: Architectural style using modern materials, incorporating outdoor areas by use of glass walls for example. CONTINUOUS BEAM: Any beam which is supported at more than two locations. CONTOUR LINE: Continuous line denoting a specific elevation, as used on a plot or grading plan. CONTROL JOINT: Shallow grooves formed or cut into a concrete slab to control cracking. CORBEL: To set out a portion of a masonry wall, a band of brick maybe set out (corbelled) to create a design in the brick pattern. CORNER BRACE: Diagonal bracing or plywood or waferboard sheathing applied at the main corners of a wood frame structure to supply resistance against shear and twist. CORNICE: The trimming of the rafter or truss ends to enclose that area, usually with a soffit and fascia system. COURTYARD: A courtyard is found in the front of a house as a space you walk thru before entering the home. It is usually a place of serenity with flowering plants and fountains. CRAWL SPACE VENTILATION: Openings in the foundation wall, which allow for circulation of air. The ventilation prevents moisture build-up. CUPOLA: A box shaped vent that sits on the ridge of the roof. A classic barn vent.
DEFLECTION: The bending of a beam. DETAIL: A drawing showing a scaled up area of a project, showing all the parts of the area and their assembly. DEVELOPER: Someone who prepares the land for construction or one who builds. DIMENSION: A measurement indicated on a drawing. DIMENSIONAL LUMBER: Standard lumber sizes from 1X2 to 4X12. Example a 2X4 actual size is 1 ½" X 3 ½", a 4X4 is 3 ½" X 3 ½". DIRECT CURRENT (DC): Electrical current that supplies a continuous flow of electricity in one direction in a circuit. DOOR CASING: The finished trim on the facing wall around a door opening. DOOR FRAME: The framework that holds a door, the sill, jambs and head in which a door is installed. DOOR JAMB: The complete door frame. DOOR SECTION: A drawing that shows the internal parts of a door, the sill, jamb, and head. DORMER: An opening framed in a sloped roof. DOUBLE FRAMING: Framing members doubled together to give added strength. DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW: A window that has sliding upper and lower sashes. The sashes slide up and down. DOWN FLOW FURNACE: A furnace that´s airflow is downward and released at the bottom of the furnace. DRAIN-WASTE-VENT SYSTEM: A plumbing system that combines drains, waste pipes, and vents to maintain air flow. DROP CEILING: A ceiling that hang from wire hangers (a suspended ceiling). DRYWALL: Gypsum wallboard. DRYWALL CONSTRUCTION: Walls covered with drywall, taped and joint compound spread to finish out a room. DUCTS: Passages for forced air. Also is a metal assembly that encloses electrical cables. DUCTWORK: Round or rectangular piping that supplies warm air to rooms and returns cool air to the furnace. DUPLEX: Two living units either beside each other or above each other incorporated into the same building. DWV: This is an abbreviation for the drain, waste, and vent plumbing system.
EASEMENT: Access to property for the purpose of running electrical lines. EAVE: The end of the roof that extends past the side walls. EGRESS: A required exit from a room that has a minimum size. ELECTRICAL DRAWING: Drawings that detail the location of electrical receptacles, switches, and lights. ELEVATION: A drawing that shows an exterior view of a building. (Height) In surveying it is used to denote a level above or below sea level or an established benchmark. ELIZABETHAN CONSTRUCTION: A style of architecture from the Elizabethan period in END VIEW: A view looking straight at the end elevation of a building. ENGINEERING DRAWINGS: Design drawings in special and regular construction to show general structural layout and spacing of support members. ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE: Architectural styles that characterize periods in English history such as Elizabethan, Georgian, and Tudor. ESTIMATING: To determine the amount of materials or cost of construction before the project begins. EXCAVATING: The removal of earth from an area or building site. EXTERIOR FINISH: The final coverage of a building, such as: trim, siding, brick veneer, stucco, or even roof shingles.
FACE BRICK: A higher quality brick used on the outside face of a wall. FALSE CEILING: A dropped or suspended ceiling. FASCIA: The outside board on a cornice or gable end. FEDERAL: A multi-story, Colonial house with a flat roof. FHA: An abbreviation for Federal Housing Authority FILL: Earth and rocks that are replaced around a foundation at completion of construction. FINGER JOINT: Gluing the v-shaped teeth at the end of two pieces of lumber to join them together. FINISH CARPENTRY: The trim and finish installation. FINK TRUSS: The term is used to refer to a w-shaped steel truss in heavy construction. A "w" truss. FIREPLACE: A metal or masonry open box with a flue used to burn wood. FIREPLACE, PREFABRICATED: A standing metal firebox with a metal flue used to burn wood. FIRST FLOOR PLAN: A plan view of the first floor wall layout of a building, this plan also shows window and door locations, cabinet layout, and stair locations. FIXTURE: Electrical, heating, and plumbing units that are added to a building such as light outlets, sinks, furnace, and hot water heaters. FLASHING: Sheathing usually sheet metal or plastic placed at major roof breaks or where ever water might leak in to prevent leaks. FLAT ROOF: A roof that has a slight slope for water run off but, is almost flat. FLEXURAL STRENGTH: The strength to withstand a bending forces. FLIGHT OF STAIRS: A continuous, straight run of stairs without a break or landing to interrupt the run. FLITCH BEAM: Lumber pieces combined with steel plates, bolted together to form a stronger beam. FLOOR TRUSS: A manufactured flat truss used as a floor joist. FLUSH DOOR: A door that has a flat surface on each side and may have a hollow or solid core with a plywood face. FLYING BUTTRESS: A masonry wall support that arcs away from. FLY RAFTER: A rafter that is located at the gable end overhang. The rafter is supported by lookouts or a ladder and framed to the extended ridge board. FOLDING DOOR: This door has a section, which fold back against the other when it is open. FOLDING STAIR: This is a stair system that folds up into the ceiling to act as an access for the attic. FOOTING DRAINAGE: Drain tiles inside or outside the footing of a structure to move ground water away. FORCE: Stress that is put on the structural points of building. FORMS: A wall built to hold concrete until it has set. FOUNDATION: Walls constructed below the surface of the ground, which the rest of the building transfers all of the loads or forces to and what the building rests. FOUNDATION BOLT: A bolt set in the foundation to attach the sill plate to. FOUNDATION PLAN: Plan view that locates the foundation walls, and footings. FRAME CONSTRUCTION: A type of construction in which the structure calls upon a wood frame for support. FRAME WALL: Walls´ using wood or metal studs as individual support members. FRAMING ANCHOR: Especially formed metal fasteners that hold timber and/or lumber together. FRAMING PLAN: A plan that locates structural elements. FRENCH ARCHITECTURE: Styles and characteristics of architecture in French history. FRENCH DOOR: Two swinging doors side by side with large areas of glass in each one. FRENCH PROVINCIAL ARCHITECTURE: A tall hip roof on a story and a half to two and a half story brick house. FRONTAGE: An area of a structure or piece of property that borders along a public street, highway, waterway or other type of thoroughfare. FRONT OF FRONT VIEW: The front or main elevation of a structure. FURNACE: A heating unit that uses gas, electricity, or oil. FURRING: Wood or metal strips attached to a surface in order to make an even base to apply structural or finish material. FUSE BOX: An electrical box in which there are fuses for each circuit.
GABLE ROOF: Each side of a roof slope is equal. GAMBREL ROOF: This roof system combines two different slopes on each side, this would look like the roof of a barn. GAS VENT: A pipe used to expel fumes to the outside. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: This contractor oversees the entire construction project and coordinates the sub contractors to complete the building. GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE: A rectangular multi-story brick house design and developed during the reign of the four King Georges in GIRDER: A horizontal member that supports beams, a girder is usually constructed of reinforced concrete, a laminated beam, or steel. GLASS BLOCK: This block is made of glass that allows light in but is opaque, meaning that you wouldn´t be able to see through it. GLULAM: A structural member made by gluing pieces of lumber together with an adhesive. GRADE: At a job site it is the slope and height of the earth. GRADE BEAM: A reinforced concrete beam placed around the edge of a foundation on a series of piers spaced at regular intervals: GRADING: Leveling a building site for development. GRAVEL: Coarse aggregate, from pea to marble sized that is naturally formed. GROUND: An electrical connection to earth. An accidental connection of a wire and a conducting material not included in the electrical system. GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT BEAKER: Used to interrupt an electrical circuit when there is a weak loss of electricity or a ground. GROUNDING WIRE: A wire used to make a ground. GROUND WATER: Natural underground water. GUSSET: A thin piece of wood used to connect two pieces of wood for a joint. GUTTER: A channel used to divert rainwater; gutters are attached at the eave. GYPSUM WALLBOARD: This is another name for drywall, a gypsum core covered with paper on both sides.
HALF SECTION: A vertical crosscut view of a symmetrical piece. HALF STORY: Living area in which the sidewalls slant slightly to follow the slope of the roof. HAND OF DOOR: Indicates which way a door swings. HANDRAIL: Support used to help keep your balance along stairs or to keep you from falling at a ledge. HARDWOOD: A tree that loses its leaves when the weather turns cold. H BEAM: An h shaped steel beam. HEAD: The top horizontal member of a door or window frame. HEADER: Lumber fastened at a right angle to joists at an opening like a door or window. HEADROOM: The distance from a tread on a stair to the ceiling above, not to be less than 6´-8". HEAT DUCT: Ductwork that moves warm air throughout to building. HEAT EXCHANGER: A chamber that transfers heat from the furnace to air circulating to heat the building. HEAT LOSS: A loss of heat from inside to outside. HEEL: Where a rafter, truss, or joist sit on a wall plate. HIDDEN LINE: Used to show an object or line behind a surface. HINGE: A joint with two moving parts, used to hang a door so it will swing. HIP: Hip rafters joining the main roof to form a slope in the opposite direction of the main roof. HIP JACK RAFTER: Extends from the plate to the hip rafter. HIP RAFTER: Rafters that join the ridge to form a hip. HIP ROOF: All sides of the roof have a slope. HOLLOW-CORE DOOR: A door with criss-cross internal framework. HOOD: A canopy made of metal with a flared shape used to collect air and fumes. HOSE BIBB: A faucet located out side. HUMIDIFIER: A system that adds moisture to dry air. HVAC: An abbreviation for Heating, Ventilating, and Air conditioning.
I JOIST: A plywood web supporting a top and bottom flange. INSULATING BOARD: Pressed fiberboard nailed directly to the studs on the exterior of a building. INSULATING GLASS: Multiple panes of glass with air space sealed between them. INSULATION: Material that slows or stops the passage of heat in or out of a building. INTERIOR ELEVATION: A drawing to show interior view of a building, such as a set of cabinets or a fireplace. ISOMETRIC DRAWING: A drawing that places two horizontal lines of an object at 30 degrees, giving the object a three-dimensional look.
JACK RAFTER: Also known as a hip jack rafter. JACK STUD: The short studs that help frame in a header at the sides of a window or door. JAMB: Sides of a door or window that run vertically. JOB SITE: Location where you work on a building or project. JOINT COMPOUND: Joints cement used to cover and conceal joints and tape in drywall and cover nail or screw holes, to make the area smooth. JOIST: A support member that runs horizontally laid on edge at an even increment on center to form the floor of a building. JOIST HANGER: A metal slot to support and attach a joist member to a header or beam.
KEYSTONE: The stone at the top of a masonry arch that has a wedge-like shape. KING POST: The center support in a truss. The post runs vertically. KING POST TRUSS: This type of truss uses a vertical center support known as a king post. KIVA FIREPLACE: style of a curved corner fireplace found in Southwest style homes. KNEE BRACE: Used to stiffen and brace a structure against wind stress. KNEE WALL: Short walls running from the floor to a sloped ceiling, usually used to finish an attic space. KNOT: Areas where a tree limbs join the trunk of a tree forming a circular shape.
LAG SCREW: A large bolt threaded like a screw for fastening in areas that would be difficult to apply a nut. LAMINATED: To have chips or layers of wood glued and pressed together. LAMINATED BEAMS: Beams made from glued and pressed pieces of lumber. LANDSCAPING: Planning, installation, and placement of shrubs, flowers, plants, sod and trees. LAP JOINT: The ends of two pieces of wood cross or overlap at the ends. LAP SIDING: Siding used to finish the outside veneer of a house. LATH: Metal mesh attached to a wall to form a base to which plaster may be applied. LAVATORY: A plumbing fixture that is a basin used to wash hands and face in. LAZY SUSAN: A corner cabinet that contains revolving shelves. LEFT-HAND DOOR: A door that as you face it the hinges are on the left side. LET-IN BRACE: A brace that slide into notches cut into the studs so that the brace rests diagonally along the wall. LINTEL: A support member that spans over an opening such as a door or window horizontally. LIVE LOAD: The weight of a moving object that a building is subjected to. LOAD: Building weight. LOAD-BEARING WALL: A wall that supports the weight of a building and transfers it to the foundation. LOT LINE: The outline of a piece of property established by a survey. LUMBER: Cut pieces of wood used in construction. NOMINAL-SIZED, LUMBER: Lumber that has not yet been dressed or has not yet shrank. ACTUAL SIZE LUMBER: Lumber that has completely finished shrinking and all surfacing is complete. LUMBER GRADES: Hard and softwood are graded on structural soundness, quality and some grading is even based on physical appearance.
MANSARD ROOF: A four-sided roof that each side contains two slopes. MANTEL: A projection that serves as a shelf over a fireplace. MANUFACTURED BUILDING: This is a structure assembled in a factory. MASONRY: This term can be used with anything that has to do with things set in mortar, such as: glass block, stone, brick, tile, and concrete block. MASTIC: This product is used to install flooring; it is a thick waterproof adhesive: MATCH LINE: A match line is used when a large drawing needs to be separated onto two different sheets. MEMBER: A support unit used in construction. MEMBRANE WATERPROOFING: Made of a material that will not allow moisture to seep through it, it is used on roofs and different types of the product are used to waterproof foundations. METAL BRIDGING: A cross support used to strengthen joists made of metal. METAL STUDS: Steel studs used in housing or light construction. MEZZANINE: A floor positioned between the first and second floor. MILLWORK: Wood finishing material completed in a factory or mill such as a window or doorframe. MISSION ARCHITECTURE: An early style of church architecture mostly located in MITER: Two pieces cut at a 45-degree angle, joined together to form a corner. MODEL: A tool used by a building designer to show a client what the final product will look like, this is a smaller scale reproduction of building or product. MODEL HOME: Used by builders or developers to show a potential buyer or renter what the finished project would look like right down to the furniture. MODULAR CONSTRUCTION: Construction that uses modular units. The most common are based on 4" or 4´-0" modules. MODULAR DIMENSIONS: Dimensions that run in a multiple of 4". MOISTURE BARRIER: Also known as a vapor barrier, this barrier is used to prevent water passage in a wall. MOLDING: Located at the bottom or top of a wall for finish trim, made of plaster, wood, or metal strips. MORTAR: A mixture of water, sand, and lime cement; used for bonding masonry units together. MUD: Quick drying filler used to cover tape and fill holes in drywall. MUDSILL: A piece of lumber directly on top of a foundation. MULLION: A vertical framing member used to separate windows in a multiple window. MUNTIN: Wood bars used to divide the light or glass in a window or door.
NOMINAL LUMBER: A lumber size before shrinkage and dressing. NOSING: The part of a tread that extends past the riser of a stair. OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION: Manufacturing of house parts as separate units outside of the planned building site, (in a factory) with the purpose of delivering to the site for assembly. ON CENTER: Measurement from the center of one member to the center of a corresponding member. Commonly used in stud, joist, rafter, and truss layout. ONE-AND-A-HALF STORY CONSTRUCTION: House that features a full first story and a partial second story developed under the roof. ON GRADE: Located at the same height as the established ground level of a building. ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION: Building on the site with individual materials that are cut to fit at that location. OPEN STAIRWAY: Stairs with one or both sides exposed, usually with rails replacing walls. OPEN-STRING STAIRS: Stair open at the bottom so as to reveal the stringers, used as basement stairs. ORIENTATION: A relative positioning of a building face. OUTLET: A unit for receiving current from the electrical system. OUTRIGGERS: Part of a roof-framing member that extends past the gable roof end. OVERALL: The largest, total measurement. OVERHANG: The distance a roof rafter extends past the wall top plate. OVERHANGING EAVES: Extension of eaves in excess of two feet past the wall. OVERHEAD DOOR: Door that slides up and over on a track, commonly a garage door.
PANEL BUILDING SYSTEM: Assembling pre-cast panels to form a building on site. PANELIZED CONSTRUCTION: Construction of a building through assembling completed wall sections with windows and doors. PARAPET WALL: A low wall lining the perimeter of a flat roof. PARTICLEBOARD: Panels made through bonding wood particles with resin under heat and pressure. PARTITION: Dividing wall for separating interior areas of a building. PARTY WALL: A shared wall adjacent to two building units or parcels of land. PASS-THROUGH: Small opening in wall, usually between kitchen and dining room, for passing objects. PATIO: Paved area at ground level outside the living area, used for recreational purposes. PEDESTAL: A column-like support of shorter stature. PEDIMENT: A low gable-type area over the front of a structure common in classical architecture. PERCOLATION TEST: Measurement of the absorption rate of water into the ground. PERIMETER DRAIN TILE: Clay tile or plastic tubing laid around a structure next to the footing. PERIMETER WALL FOUNDATION: A structure-supporting wall that runs continuously along the perimeter. PERSPECTIVE DRAWING: A three-dimensional drawing presenting an object as it would appear from a relative viewpoint. PILASTER: Support column structurally attached to a wall. PILLAR: A skinny stone column. PITCH: Degree of incline, or ratio of span to rise. PLAN: In drafting, a drawing made with a straight-on viewpoint looking down. PLANK AND BEAM CONSTRUCTION: Assembling a rigid load-bearing framework by coupling heavy posts and beams with heavy planks. PLANS: A general term referring to a collection of drawings that contain construction information. PLAN VIEW: A view of a plan that is oriented from above and looking down. PLAT: A survey plan showing property lines, geographical features, and local bench marks. PLOT: A place for a building site or development site. PLOT PLAN: A plan view showing existing features of the site, and the proposed structure to be built. PLUMBER: A person who assembles, installs, and maintains water, gas, and waste systems. PLYWOOD: Building material made by gluing several layers (plies) of wood sheets together. POCKET DOOR: A door that recesses into a wall opening. POLE CONSTRUCTION: Heavy constructions that uses poles as the primary source of support. PORCH: Entryway to a house that is usually covered. PORTAL: patios that allow the home owners to extend their home out inot the yard. Portals are usually framed by large local wood corbels. PRE-CAST CONCRETE: Concrete parts that are cast off site, then delivered for assembly on site. PRECUT LUMBER: Framing members, such as studs and joists that are cut off site. PREFABRICATE: To manufacture building components off site for later assembly on site. PRE-FINISHED: Building components delivered to the site with all the finish in place. PRE-HUNG DOOR: A door that is assembled to a frame prior to standing. PRESSURE TREATMENT: Conditioning a material through exposure to preservatives under pressure. PRIMER COAT: A base finish painted on a material to preserve and fill pores. PROJECT: A complete construction job. PROPERTY: A building lot and all the structures existing on it. PROPERTY LINE: Surveyed lot line of a property. PSF: Pounds per square foot. PSI: Pounds per square inch. PURLIN: Horizontal supports connecting rafters or trusses at right angles. PVC: A type of plastic used for drainage and venting pipes.
QUARTER ROUND: A shape of molding, which is ¼ of a round.
RADIATOR HEATING: Using resistance-wiring coils or pipe coils in the floor, walls, or ceiling to heat rooms through radiation. RAFTER: The primary component of support in a roof system. RAIL: Horizontal guard at the top of a balustrade; the horizontal component of windows and doors. RAKE: Roof projection on the gable ends of a roof. RAMMED EARTH: is a mixture of slightly damp, sifted earth and a small amount of cement. This mixture is tamped under pressure into wooden or metal wall forms. RAZE: To demolish a building. READY-MIX CONCRETE: Concrete mixed at the plant and brought to the job site in a truck. REBAR: Bar used to reinforce concrete. RECEPTACLE: Electrical outlet or a plumbing fixture for water or waste drainage. RECORD DRAWINGS: Blueprints and specifications, which include all the changes, that went into the actual structure during building. REINFORCING BARS: Steel bars used to reinforce concrete. RELIEF: Projection of ornamentation out from the base surface; relievo. RENDERING: Producing a pictorial drawing with color and shading for presentation. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION: House construction; Building of single-unit dwellings. RETAINING WALL: Wall built to hold back earth; or a wall that receives a lateral load or pressure. RETURN AIR: Inside air channeled back to the heating/cooling unit. REVERSE DOOR: A door that swings open to the outside of a building/room. RIDGE: The highest point of the roof where the slopes meet. RIDGE BOARD: A horizontal connecting board that joins the ends of the rafters at the ridge. RIDGE VENTILATOR: Ventilator running atop the roof ridge. RIGHT-HAND DOOR: An inside-swinging door with hinges on the right side, and the observer standing outside. RIGID FRAME CONSTRUCTION: A structure consisting of a rigid skeleton made of reinforced concrete, reinforced pre-stressed concrete, and steel. RIM JOISTS: Joists that run along the perimeter of the floor platform; band joists, sill joists. RISE: Referring to an increment of height. RISER: Vertical board of support in a stair step; a component of vertical orientation. ROOF: The covering for a structure. ROOF FRAMING PLAN: A plan view showing the orientation of the rafters in the roof. ROOF PITCH: The angle of incline of the roof sides expressed as a ratio of span to rise. ROOF SLOPE: The angle of incline of the roof sides expressed as rise in inches per 12 inches of run. ROOF TRUSS: Roof support manufactured to span the roof. ROUGH FINISH: Completion of framing and readying of structure for finish. ROUGHING-IN: Preliminary installation of plumbing or electrical lines, to prepare for completion of facilities at a later date. ROUGH OPENING (R.O.): The preliminary-framed opening, as for a window or door. ROWLOCK: Multiple masonry units adjacently lay on their side. RUBBLE MASONRY: Wall constructed with rough, irregular-shaped stones. RUN: Horizontal increment of direction; in floor and floor construction, one-half the span.
SALT BOX: House with a roof extending from a two-story or one-and-a-half story height down to a one-story height on the other side.
SASH: Small interior framing of a window that holds the lights (panes). S BEAM: The standard designation for a steel beam; formerly known as an "I" beam. SCALE: A measuring tool that has different units of measure used to measure drawings set at different size ratios. SCALED DRAWINGS: Drawings that are drawn to a reduced size, this is to fit a detailed drawing used as a set of instructions on a certain size piece of paper. SCHEDULE: A table used to give type, size, location and number of building parts; commonly used on windows and doors. SCUPPER: An outlet at the edge of a roof, usually on flat roof construction that will allow for water runoff. SCUTTLE: An opening allow access to an attic area. SECTION: A drawing of a particular vertical crosscut view through a building. SECTION SYMBOLS: Symbols used to show certain types of materials in a section drawing. SEMICIRCULAR ARCH: An arch that forms a half-circle. SHAKES: Wooden shingles. SHEAR WALL: A wall designed to withstand wind, earthquake, explosions, and any other kind of lateral force. SHEATHING: 4´x8´ plywood and insulation board panels that are attached to the outside of the studs on a wall. SHED ROOF: A shallow pitched; single sloped roof that rides up on a larger roof of a structure. SHIM: A usually small wood wedge used to level or secure a part or a structure such as when a door or window is installed. SHINGLE: An individual roofing unit used to keep water from leaking through the roof. Different types of shingles include asphalt, shake, vinyl and sometimes-lightweight concrete. SHIPLAP: A joint made by cutting edges of two different pieces of wood to match and fit together to form an even surface. SHOWER ENCLOSURE: A shower module made of fiberglass that contains zero seams. SIDING: Coverage attached to the outside of the structure over the sheathing to finish and protect the outside from the elements. SILL: The base for a framing wall lay flat and attached to the top of a foundation wall. SILL JOISTS: Also called band joist it is the joist that wraps around the outside of the floor platform. SIMPLE BEAM: A beam supported openly at each end of the beam. SITE: The location of construction. SITE PLAN: A drawing of a site. SKYLIGHT: A window installed in and designed for a roof to allow extra light in a room. SLAB: A flat area of conc. SLAB FOUNDATION: A reinforced flat concrete slab resting on the ground to serve as the floor of a structure. SLEEPER: A piece of wood or timber laid down to support a super structure or finished floor. SLIDING DOORS: Doors that slide horizontally on tracks. SLIDING WINDOWS: Windows that slide horizontally on tracks in the window frame. SLOPE: The angle or slope of a roof. SLUMP: The consistency of concrete. SLUMP BLOCK: slump blocks are intentionally distorted during the manufacturing process to simulate the appearance of old adobe bricks. The rustic, rounded appearance of slump block is produced by utilizing a wetter than normal mixture that is subjected to an additional compression immediately upon ejection from the mold. SOFFIT: The underside of an overhang. SOFT WATER: Water that has been treated to be mostly free of magnesium and hard calcium. SOIL TEST: Testing soil to find strength, physical properties, and condition. SOLAR COLLECTORS: Panels used to collect solar heat to be circulated through out a building. SOLDIER: A brick set in a wall vertically. SOLDIER COURSE: A set of bricks laid vertically in a row. SOUNDPROOFING: The use of materials to deaden or prevent sound transmission from one area to another. SOUTHERN COLONIAL: A style of architecture developed in the south usually exhibiting two or three stories, a symmetrical facade, and tall columns. SPACKLE: A compound used to patch or fill drywall or plaster cracks or holes. SPAN: The clear distance between supports for a horizontal member such as a joist, beam, truss, or arch. SPIGOT: An unthreaded pipe end that fits into a socket or bell of another pipe. SPINDLE TURNING: Long cylindrical pieces of wood such as table legs, chair legs, or railing spindles, which have turned and cut on a lathe. SPLASH BLOCK: Small concrete or masonry trough used to catch rainwater runoff from downspouts and direct it away from a building. SPLIT LEVEL: A type of home construction where living areas of the house are set at different elevations but not separated by a full floor to ceiling height. SPEAD FOOTING: A footing that spreads out at the base and has one or more unusually wide supports. SQUARE: A bundle of shingles that covers 100 square feet or a right angle measuring tool used to check measurements and right angles. SQUARE MEASURE: An area measured in square feet, inches, or yards. STACK VENT: Part of the soil stack that extends vertically above the highest horizontal drain connection up through the roof. STAIRS: A run of treads and risers (steps) supported between two floors to allow access from one floor to another. STAIR HEADROOM: A distance from the top of a stair tread to the bottom of another stair system or floor, used to determine if there is enough room vertically to walk up or down the stairs without hitting your head. STAIR LANDING: The platform or area at the beginning or end of a flight of stairs. STAIR RISE: Height from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread. STAIR RUN: The horizontal distance from the face of the top riser to the face of the bottom riser. STAIR STRINGER: Support member for treads and risers. STARTER STRIP: Installed between the sheathing and siding to give an angle to the clapboard. STEEL BEAM: A beam forged of steel instead of wood and used as support load bearing points or walls. STONE MASONRY: Construction using cut or natural stone. STOOL: A flat molding that sits over a windowsill and runs between the two side jambs. STORM DOOR: An extra exterior door mounted outside the main front door to cut down air flow and heat loss. STORM WINDOW: An extra exterior window mounted outside the regular window to cut down on air flow and heat loss. STRAIGHT RUN: A straight flight of stairs unbroken by a landing. STRESS: The load or force on a member. STRINGER: Support for tread and riser or a stair or members used to tie other framing assemblies together. STRONG BACK: Stringer attached to ceiling joists or trusses to keep spacing and correct crookedness. STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS: Drawings that show structural details such as beam and column locations. STUCCO: An exterior coverage made of cement plaster. STUD: A vertical member used to build framed walls, usually 2"X4" or 2"X6". STYROFOAM: A type of extruded polystyrene used in sheets of insulation. SUBDIVISION: An area of land that has been divided into lots and blocks to be developed. SUBFLOOR: Rough flooring applied directly to the joists or concrete such as plywood. SUBGRADED: A base for the foundation. SUMP: A hole designed to collect water and then the water is pumped out with a sump pump when the water level reaches a certain height. SUMP PUMP: A pump used to automatically pump water from a sump when the water reaches a certain level. SURVEY: Measuring out an area of land.
TAKEOFF: A list of numbers and sizes of materials need to build a structure. TERMITE SHIELD: A metal shield placed around a foundation to prevent the invasion of termites. THERMOSTAT: An electrical temperature control for a heating and cooling system. THREE-PRONGED PLUG: A grounded 240-v plug. THREE-WAY SWITCH: Switches that connects to a fixture and then to another switch at different location so the fixture maybe controlled at both positions. THRESHOLD: A wood or metal plate that runs across the bottom of a door. TIE ROD: A steel rod that runs between concrete forms to hold them together until the concrete is placed. TITLE BLOCK: An area blocked off on a drawing usually on the right side used to identify the drawing. TONGUE AND GROOVE: A joint made with by inserting the tongued edge of a piece of wood into the groove of another piece of wood. TON OF REFRIGERATION: The removal of heat at a rate of 12,000 Btu´s per hour. TOP CHORD: Top support member of a truss. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY: A survey that determines the contours and elevations of an area. TOWNHOUSE: A multi-unit dwelling sharing a common wall. TRANSOM: A small window units over a door or another window. TRIM: Interior finish, such as moldings and wood casings. TRUSS: A roof support member that has been manufacture. TUDOR ARCHITECTURE: A two-and-a-half story brick and stone house developed in the late fifteenth century. TWENTIETH-CENTURY AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE: An architectural style developed during the early twentieth century.
UNDER-FLOOR PLENUM: A warm air diffusion system that uses a crawl space to move warm air to outlets along the perimeter of the crawl space. UNDERLAYMENT: A smooth support surface put down to apply the finished flooring to.
VALLEY: The area made when two slopes meet. VAPOR BARRIER: Usually a plastic sheet or some other impermeable material used to prevent the transfer of moisture into the walls. VIGAS: Long beams in a roof whose ends protrude through the outer facade. VENTILATION: The circulation of fresh air through out an area. VENTING: Removal of gases from a system such as HVAC or plumbing systems. VENT PIPE: A pipe that allows fumes to exit a system. VIEW: A side of a building that is shown such as the front view, rear view, and so on.
WAINSCOT: A wall covering at the base of an interior wall. WAINSCOTING: Covering the lower three to four feet of an interior wall with paneling or some other type of material different than the wall. WALL: Side of a building or interior walls form the side of rooms. WASTE: Unusable material that will be discarded. WASTE PIPE: A plumbing pipe used to move waste to the sewer system. WATER HEATER: An appliance that heats water. WATERPROOF CEMENT: Cement mixed with a waterproofing additive. WATER SOFTENER: An appliance that removes hard minerals from water. WATER TABLE: Allows water to flow away from a structure. WATT: Measurement of electrical voltage and amperes together to give the total electrical power. W BEAM: A wide flanged steel beam. WEATHER-STRIPPING: Seals used around doors and windows to prevent air passage. WEB: The cross support members of a truss that run from the bottom to top chords. WEEP HOLE: Holes left in brick veneer or masonry walls to allow moisture to drain. WELL: A hole bored into the earth to supply water. WESTERN ROW HOUSE: A series of houses sharing common walls. WIND BRACE: Diagonal bracing designed to resist lateral wind loads. WINDERS: Stairs steps that turn a curve. WINDOW: A glass opening in structure. WINDOW CASING: Trim around the window frame. WOOD SHINGLES: Roofing units made of wood such as shakes. WORKING DRAWINGS: The final drawings used to build a structure. W TRUSS: A common roof truss used in residential construction.
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