Glossary

B

Back draft damper is a movable plate that regulates the draft or air flow in a chimney or vent pipe with blades that are activated by gravity, permitting air to pass through them in one direction only.

Backer board or substrate is used as a base cabinet top upon which the surface finish material is installed.

Backer rod is a round open- or closed-cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam product used to fill joints between building materials.

Backfill is the earth or other material used in the process of backfilling, which closes the large space created by the excavation.

Backing material is a comparatively low-quality brick used behind face brick or other masonry.

Back pressure is a resistant force applied to liquid or gas against the desired direction or flow in a pipe.

Back-to-back double fireplace is used when it is desired to have a fireplace in two rooms or the home where the fireboxes are built into one structure.

Baffle is used to keep the insulation from plugging the screen vents.

Balloon framing uses continuous studs that rest on the mud sill at the foundation and run through each floor and to the top plate at the roof.

Baluster, also called a spindle or picket, is one of a series of vertical handrail supports placed equally spaced between newel posts.

Barbecue is an appliance such as a grill, a spit, or a fireplace for cooking food over an open fire or heat source.

Banister see handrail.

Bargeboard is attached to the ends of the lookout rafters and used trim the gable end overhang.

Barrier-free refers to the modification of buildings or facilities for use by people who are disabled or have physical impairments. The term is used primarily in non-English speaking countries, while in English-speaking countries, terms such as accessibility are common.

Base is the layer of compacted gravel, such as 3/4 minus, on top of the sub-base and directly under the concrete slab.

Baseboards are placed at the intersection of walls and floors and are generally used for appearance and to protect the wall from damage

Baseboard heaters are placed along the bottom of a wall and have an electric heating element, which causes a convection current as the air around the unit is heated.

Basement foundation uses a concrete footing and steel reinforced concrete or concrete block foundation wall that extends from the footing to the floor framing above, and a concrete slab that rests on the footing at the foundation wall.

Base metal sheet steel thickness excludes protective coatings.

Battens are strips of wood, plastic or metal installed on the roof to support and fasten the roofing tiles.

Batts are insulation strips that are 93 inches (2350 mm) long to fit in the wall space between studs of a typical 8 foot (2400 mm) wall. See blanket insulation.

Bay see bay windows.

Bay window is constructed by extending the exterior of a structure outward with short sides at a 45 or 30° angle and a wide outer wall where each side and the outer wall generally have windows.

Beam pocket is a recessed area to hold the end of a beam in a concrete or masonry wall, and is created by pouring concrete around a mold inserted in the concrete forms.

Beams are horizontal construction members that are used to support floor systems, wall or roof loads. Joist construction uses standard dimensional lumber or engineered wood products as joists that span between foundation walls and can be supported at mid span by post and beams or stem walls. Joists are dimensional lumber such as 2X8, 2X10, or 2X12, or engineered wood products, and spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches on center depending on the span and structural engineering. 

Bearing locations on the floor framing plan are where bearing walls above the floor being framed rest on the joists or beams.

Bearing partitions carry structural weight from above and distribute the weight to the ground.

Bearing pressure is normally the number of pounds per square foot of pressure the soil is engineered to support.

Bearing wall, see load-bearing wall.

Bedding is specific material such as sand used under pipe and other ground work for uniform grade, protection, and support. Specific bedding requirements can be specified on the plans.

Bench or benching is a fairly level step excavated into the earth material on which fill is placed.

Berm is a mound or built-up area.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are procedures that provide effective and practical means in achieving construction goals while making the best use of available resources.

Between pours means that it is often necessary to pour a portion of the slab either when the concrete truck is empty or at the end of the day, and then continue the slab with another truck at a later time.

Bevel siding is bevel-shaped wood, metal or plastic material applied with each horizontal row overlapping the previous row.

Bi-fold door has a hinge that holds two panels together so that one can swing relative to the other and provide a 100% opening in the doorway.

Biofiltration is a pollution control technique using living material to capture and biologically degrade process pollutants.

Biofuel is biomass used as fuel.

Biomass means natural material, such as trees, plants, agricultural waste, and other organic material.

Biomass energy see biopower.

Biopower, also referred to as biomass energy, uses biomass to generate electricity in a way that is cleaner and more efficient than most other electricity generation techniques. Biomass generating facilities typically use natural biofuels to produce steam, which drives a turbine that turns a generator to produce electricity.

Bi-pass doors are two or more door panels that slide horizontally past each other for access to a closet or other opening.

Birdsmouth is a  notch is cut out of the rafter at the location where the rafter meets the wall top plate.

Black pipe is steel pipe used for natural gas applications is protected with a coat of varnish, referred to as black pipe because of its color.

Blanket insulation is the most common and widely used type of insulation that comes in the form of batts or rolls.

Blocking see solid blocking.

Blocking (roof) is used between the ceiling joists at the top plate to stabilize the joists and enclose the space between rafters.

Blower-door system uses a fan to blow air into or out of the building, creating either a positive or negative pressure difference between the inside and outside.

Blue-line prints are made using the diazo process.

Blueprint is an old term sometimes used in the construction business when referring to prints.

Blueprinting is an old method that results in a print with a dark blue background and white lines.

Boiler is a fuel-burning container for heating water.

Bolt is a straight grained, knot free, section of log pre-cut to the desired length of the shingle or shake.

Bond beam is a horizontal reinforced concrete or concrete masonry beam used to strengthen and tie a masonry wall together at the top or in other locations where needed.

Bookshelves and display shelves can have simple construction with metal brackets and metal or wood shelving, or they can be built and detailed the same as fine furniture.

Borrow or borrow pit, also known as a sand box, is an area where material such as soil, gravel or sand has been dug for use at another location.

Borrow pit, see borrow.

Bottom rail is a short wall built up above a stringer to enclose the ends of the treads and risers and used to attach the balusters.

Bottom track used in steel wall framing replaces the sole plate used in wood framing.

Box nail is a small diameter nail typically used in making boxes.

Bow window is an arc-shaped bay window.

Box is equipped with clamps, used to terminate a conduit, also called an electrical box, outlet box, or junction box

Braced panel see shear panel.

Braced wall line see shear wall.

Bracing is used in floor framing to provide stiffness to a floor system, to resist lateral loads, to prevent joist rotation, to provide a nailing surface for the bottom plate of a partition framed above, or used to support plumbing and heating equipment. The two types of floor joist bracing commonly used in construction are solid blocking and cross bracing.

Breaker, also called a circuit breaker, is an electric safety switch that automatically opens a circuit when excessive amperage occurs.

Brick mold is part of the exterior door or window assembly and used to trim and fasten a door installation around the exterior top and sides, or all around a window.

Bridging see continuous steel wall frame bridging.

Broomed concrete has the surface textured with a broom while still wet. A broomed finish improves traction or to create a distinctive texture on the concrete surface.

Brownfields sites are parcels of land that have the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

Brush barriers are perimeter sediment control structures constructed of material such as small tree branches, root mats, stone, or other debris left over from site clearing.

BTU means British thermal unit, a measure of heat.

Buckling is bulging, bending, bowing, or kinking of the steel studs as a result of compression stress on the structure.

Builder Option Package (BOP) represents a set of construction specifications for a specific climate zone, based on performance levels for the thermal envelope, insulation, windows, orientation, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, and water heating efficiency for the climate zone.

Building bricks are typically used as backing material in nonstructural and structural applications where appearance is not a requirement.

Building codes are required laws that are intended to protect the public by establishing minimum design and construction standards.

Building envelope consists of the roof, exterior walls and floor of a structure, forming a barrier that separates the interior of the building from the outdoor environment.

Building life cycle refers to the observation and examination of a building over the course of its entire life.

Building Officials Code Administration (BOCA) codes developed for the east coast.

Building permit Permission granted by a jurisdiction to build a specific structure based on approved plans and specifications, and  required in most jurisdictions for new construction, or adding on to pre-existing structures, and in some cases for major renovations.

Building science is the collection of scientific knowledge that focuses on the analysis and control of a buildings physical environment.

Building section is a section that cuts through the entire house.

C

Cabinets are generally a storage or display system with drawers, and doors with shelves behind.

California corner see three-stud corner.

Camber is a slight arch in a beam that makes it better for supporting heavy loads.

Cantilever is a structure that is supported at one end and is self-supporting on the other end where it projects into space

Cap sheds weather off the chimney and keep moisture from entering the masonry.

Cabinet elevations are exterior views of the cabinets developed directly from the floor plan drawings.

Carbon dioxide has the chemical formula CO2, and is a colorless, odorless gas present in the atmosphere and formed when any fuel containing carbon is burned.

Carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activity has on the environment by producing greenhouse gases.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potentially fatal illness that occurs when people breathe in carbon monoxide.

Carbon neutral is a state in which the net amount of carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere is reduced to zero by carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are an abstract tool used to reduce the impact of carbon footprints  by lessening carbon emissions through the development of alternative projects such as solar or wind energy, or reforestation.

Carpet is a finish floor material made from woven fabric, such as nylon or wool.

Carpet pad is installed between the underlayment and the carpet to provide desired cushion, comfort, and prolong carpet life.

Carriage see stringers.

Casting is the resulting concrete structure when describing poured-in-place concrete.

Catalytic converter is a device that contains a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into less harmful emissions.

Catch basin is inlet structure for a drain or drain system and is designed to drain excess rain and ground water from the adjacent area. The grade is sloped toward the catch basin so that water naturally flows into the structure.

Cathedral ceiling has equal sloping sides that meet at a ridge, or stop at a flat ceiling part way to the ridge.

Casement windows can be 100 percent operable and open from the outside vertical edge, generally using a crank mechanism.

Casing is the trim around doors and windows.

Category IIasbestos containing material (ACM) is any material containing more than one percent asbestos as determined using the methods specified by the EPA.

Caulking is the use of a soft, waterproof product to reduce air infiltration by filling gaps, openings, seams, cracks, and voids to make the structure air and water tight.

Cavity refers to the blank area or void between construction members such as studs in walls or joists in ceilings where insulation is placed.

Ceiling joist the horizontal member of the roof system that is used to resist the outward spread of the rafters and to provide a surface on which to mount the finished ceiling.

Cement board, also called backer board, is a combination of cement and reinforcing fibers formed into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick 4X8 foot (1200X2400 mm) sheets, or 3X5 foot sheets 900X1500 mm), that are typically used as a tile backing board.

Centerline stakes represent the centerline of a construction feature such as a driveway, road, or pipe.

Central forced air systems provide heating and air-conditioning for a home that circulates the air from living spaces through or around heating or cooling devices. A fan forces the air into ducts, which connect to openings called diffusers, or air supply registers. Warm air or cold air passes through the ducts and registers to enter the rooms, heating or cooling as needed. Air then flows from the room through another opening into the return duct, or return air register.

Cesspool is a cistern that receives untreated sewage that goes through a process of liquefaction and decomposition by bacterial organisms.

CFM is cubic feet per minute, which is the rate of airflow.

Chair rail is traditionally placed horizontally on the wall at a height where chair backs would otherwise damage the wall.

Chairs rebar can be positioned with these prefabricated supports.

Chase is a continuous recessed area built to carry or conceal ducts, pipes, or other construction products.

Check dams used as runoff control are small, temporary structures constructed across a swale or channel.

Chemical stabilizers or soil binder provide temporary soil stabilization. These are typically vinyl, asphalt, or rubber sprayed on the ground to hold soil in place and minimize erosion from runoff and wind.

Chimney is a structure containing a passage through which smoke and gases escape from a fireplace, furnace, vent or other application.

Chimney cap see cap.

Chimney draft see draft.

Circuit breaker see breaker.

Circuits are the various conductors, connections, and devices found in the path of electrical flow from the source through the components and back to the source.

Circular stairs see spiral stairs.

Circulator is a pump used in a hot water systems.

Clay tile is made by baking molded clay shapes in a kiln.

Cleanout is a fitting with a removable plug that is placed in plumbing drainage pipe lines to allow access for cleaning out the pipe.

Clerestory windows can be used to provide light and direct solar gain to a second-floor living area and increase the total solar heating capacity of a home. Clerestory windows are a row of windows set along the upper part of a wall.

Climate zones are divisions of the Earth's climates into general areas according to average temperatures and rainfall.

Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) is the common term for formed by cold processes of rolling, pressing, and stamping thin gauges of sheet steel into products.

Cold rolled refers to a steel forming process when the cold metal is rolled into sheets or other shapes such as steel framing members.

Cold rolled channel system that uses a continuous cold rolled steel channel as bridging that runs continuously through aligned knockouts in the studs.

Collar ties are used depending on structural engineering requirements to help tie the rafters together and support the ridge.

Combustion air is outside air supplied in sufficient quantity for fuel combustion.

Comfort zone is the range of temperatures, humidity and air velocities at which people generally feel comfortable.

Common areas are not part of individual private properties and are used by all property owners.

Common nail has a smooth uncoated shank less than one third the diameter of the nail head and is most commonly used framing.

Common plumbing wall is a wall between rooms where plumbing fixtures are placed back-to-back.

Common rafters are typically dimensional lumber such as 2X6 or 2X8 spaced 16 or 24 inches (400-600 mm) on center that run at the desired roof pitch from the wall top plate at the bottom to the ridge at the top.

Compaction refers to increasing the soil density.

Composition roofing is a durable long-lasting roofing product made from a variety of materials such as asphalt, fiberglass, and natural materials depending on the manufacturer.

Compost blankets are a layer of compost material placed on the soil in disturbed areas to reduce storm water runoff and erosion.

Compost filter berm is a long raised bed of compost placed along the site contours to slow runoff and control erosion.

Compost filter sock is compost in a round or oval-shaped mesh tube. Compost filter socks are placed along the site contours to slow runoff and control erosion.

Compressive strength is the force applied by weight.

Compressor (HVAC) maintains adequate pressure to cause refrigerant to condense and flow in sufficient quantities to meet the cooling requirements of the system.

Concrete is a construction material made from cement, sand, gravel, and water mixed together and set in a form to make a solid structure when cured.

Concrete blocks are prefabricated construction blocks made from concrete. Standard size concrete blocks are 4X8X16 and 8X8X16 inches. A concrete block is also called a concrete masonry unit (CMU), cement block or foundation block.

Concrete board is concrete pressed into sheets.

Concrete forms are temporary or permanent structures or moulds into which concrete is poured.

Concrete masonry unit (CMU) see concrete block.

Concrete piers are placed below the slab within the perimeter at locations where needed to support structural loads distributed to the ground below.

Concrete slab foundation system uses 3 1/2" (90 mm) reinforced concrete that is referred to as a slab that is a flat concrete pad poured directly on the ground.

Concrete tiles are made using Portland cement, sand and water that is mixed and extruded in molds under high pressure.

Condensation is water that collects when humid air comes in contact with a cold surface.

Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of the product.

Condenser (HVAC) is the portion of a refrigeration system where the compression and condensation of refrigerant is accomplished.

Conditioned air refers to a heated or cooled space within the home.

Conduit is a metal or fiber pipe or tube used to enclose one or more electrical conductors.

Conductor is material that permits the free motion of electricity. Copper is a common conductor in architectural wiring.

Coniferous trees are cone bearing trees that are normally evergreen.

Construction documents are drawings and written specifications prepared and assembled by architects and engineers for communicating the design of the project and administering the construction contract.

Construction entrance stabilization provides gravel on the entrance driveway and road to stabilize the ground and keep mud and dirt off vehicle tires.

Construction fabric, see geotextiles.

Construction loan is commonly used to fund the building of a new home.

Construction sequencing is a specified work schedule that coordinates the coordination and timing of construction activities and stages from the start of land development to final occupancy.

Contemporary architecture is the modern architecture of today.

Continuous lateral bracing allows the trusses to be accurately spaced and stabilizes the roof system.

Continuous steel wall frame bridging is used in bearing walls to provide lateral bracing  called bridging.

Contour interval the vertical distance between contour lines.

Contour lines, also called contours, are lines that join points of equal elevation (height) above a given level, such as mean sea level, and they help demonstrate the general lay of the land.

Control joints (concrete block) allow the concrete masonry wall structures to shrink independently between joints, and to transfer lateral wind loads from one side of the joint to the other.

Control joints (concrete slab) placed periodically across the concrete slab to help restrict the cracking to the locations where the control joints are placed. Control joints can be a cut made in the slab, or a prefabricated joint that separates the slab at specific locations.

Convection air is the movement of heated air that rises and is replaced by cooler air causing air circulation.

Convection current is a natural condition where warm air rises and cool air falls. The heated air rises into the room and is replaced by cooler air that falls to the floor.

Conventional construction used in this textbook is the typical wood-frame construction practices used in most residential construction.

Copper waterstop is a pre-manufactured copper product that fits into a masonry joint to control expansion, keep out moisture, and keep mortar or debris from entering the joint.

Corbel is a projection of stone, brick, timber or metal projecting out from a wall to support a structure above.

Cork underlayment, also referred to as acoustic underlayment, is used under wood and laminate floors when noise reduction is desired between floors.

Corner blocks are square decorative pre-fabricated blocks that are traditionally used at the top corners of doors for ornamental appearance, and to simplify casing installation.

Corner fireplace is a single fireplace built at the intersection of two walls.

Corner staking is placing survey stakes at each corner of the house.

Cornice is generally any horizontal decorative molding that is commonly found over a door or window, or along the corner where a wall meets the ceiling, and is a projection out from the building to protect the home from weather, and generally has decorative moldings used in the finish construction.

Cornice see eave.

Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is also used for natural gas piping.

Cost estimate developed by the architect or the general contractor, or both based on materials and labor costs necessary to complete the project.

Counterbore is a flat-bottomed cylindrical enlargement of the mouth of a hole with enough depth to hide the bolt head or washer and nut below the surface.

Course is a row of bricks

Cove see cornice.

Craftsman style architecture is influenced by the use of natural materials and colors, heavy posts and wood beams, trim boards, masonry veneer accents, and wide porches.

Crawl space refers to a space that is at least 18" (450 mm) between the bottom of the wood structure and the ground that provides access to install and service plumbing, and heating and cooling systems.

Crawl space refers to a space that is at least 18" (450 mm) between the bottom of the wood structure and the ground that provides access to install and service plumbing, and heating and cooling systems where appropriate.

Crawl space system has a perimeter footing and foundation wall with interior piers and stem walls to support the mid span structure above. There are two basic types of crawl space construction, which are the post and beam and joist construction.

Crawlspace ventilation is used to prevent moisture build-up and possible moisture damage to floor construction materials and other structural elements exposed to the crawlspace.

Cricket is generally a small sloped surface or roof built to divert water over an area where water would otherwise collect, such as behind a chimney or a place where a slope roof meets a vertical wall.

Cripple is a short stud framed above a door rough opening, or above and below a window rough opening between the header and a top plate, or between the sill and sole plate.

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe provides a flexible and durable plumbing system that can withstand high pressures and temperatures.

Cross section see section.

Crown see cornice.

Cul-de-sac is a street that is closed at one end and usually has a large radius turning area.

Curb, used in road and street construction, is a raised concrete edging to a road, street or path.

Curb, used in skylight construction, is a 2X4 or 2X6 frame built on the roof, or a pre-manufactured curb provided by the supplier, upon which a skylight is mounted.

Custom cabinets are usually designed by the architect, architectural designer, or custom cabinet shop, and are generally built at a local cabinet shop and delivered to the project for installation.

Custom home is a home designed specifically for a client who wants to have a new home built.

Cut and fill is the excavation process involving the removal of earth, which is the cut, and moving earth to another location, which is the fill.

Cutout template is a paper outline of the exact substrate cutout required for the specific fixture.

Cut stakes indicate a lowering of the ground or elevation.

Cutting-plane line is commonly used to correlate the section drawing to the location where the cut is made through the building.

D

d in a nail specification refers to penny, which is an old term still used to specify nail sizes today. The nail size gets larger as the number gets larger. For example, the 8d nail is 2-1/2 inches long and the 16d nail is 3-1/2 inches long.

Daylighting is the use of various design techniques to enhance the use of natural light in a building.

Deadbolt is a locking mechanism that adds extra security to an entry door in addition to the regular lockset, and has a solid cylinder that engaged by turning a knob or key, rather than by spring action.

Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter.

Deed is a written document used to transfer land or other real property from one person to another.

Deflection is the movement of a structure as a result of stress applied to the structure.

Deflection track is the top track in a steel frame wall designed and installed to allow vertical movement of the structure without damage to the wall system and wall finish material.

Deformed reinforcing bars have raised ridges to hold better in concrete.

Dense-pack is installing higher-than-normal density of loose-fill insulation to reduce settling.

Description of materials includes specific information about construction and finish materials, products, appliances, and equipment.

Design for all (dfa) is used to describe a design philosophy targeting the use of products, services and systems by as many people as possible without the need for adaptation.

Details are enlarged sections used to show exact construction requirements at a specific location, such as a footing, connection, or building application, and range in scale from 3/4" = 1'-0", 1" = 1'-0", 1-1/2" = 1'-0", or 3" = 1'-0".

Detention basins are created to temporarily detain storm water and release it slowly; and prevent sediment-laden water from leaving the site, or both.

Design notes are notes that relate to the design characteristics of the plan where they are located.

Diazo (See blue-line prints) process uses a chemically coated sheet placed under an original drawing and both exposed to light that removes the chemical except under images. The sheet is then exposed to ammonia vapor that turns the remaining chemical to a blue color.

Dig-out see excavation.

Dimension is shown on a drawing using extension lines, a dimension line, and a numerical value giving the measurement.

Dimensional lumber is lumber that is cut and planed to standard width and depth specified in inches, and lengths specified in feet.

Dimensional tolerance (brick) refers to how tightly the manufactured brick is held to its nominal size.

Direct current is a continuous electric current that flows in one direction only.

Direct-vent fireplaces are generally sealed-combustion heaters, having exhaust gases exit through the center, and combustion air is drawn into the fireplace through the outer chamber.

Distribution panel, also called a panel, is where the conductor from the meter base is connected to individual circuit breakers, which are connected to separate circuits for distribution to various locations throughout the home.

Documents The drawings and written information related to a project.

Dome skylight has generally plastic that rounds up over the frame.

Dormer is a small structure extending out from the slope of the main roof of a home.

Double-acting doors swings both ways for entering and leaving a room.

Double faced see through fireplace has a firebox that is open to two adjacent rooms.

Double-hung window has two sashes with one above the other. Both sashes open to any desired extent by sliding vertically.

Double wall construction uses structural sheathing over the exterior studs, followed by a vapor barrier, followed by finish siding material.

Down-draft range exhaust system is generally directly behind the range and has an exhaust fan that ventilates the range to the outside.

Downspout is a vertical pipe that is connected to the gutters for the purpose of moving rainwater from the gutter to the ground or to a rain drain pipe in the ground.

Draft, also referred to as chimney draft, is a current of air and gases through the fireplace and chimney, which is the process of air being pulled from the area inside the home and through the fireplace opening, allowing hot air to escape through the flue and out of the chimney.

Drain is any pipe that carries wastewater in a building drainage system.

Drainage system provides for the distribution of solid and liquid waste to the sewer line.

Drip cap is a formed aluminum or vinyl projection installed at the top of windows and doors that allows water to run off.

Drip edge is an L-shaped galvanized steel or aluminum flashing that keeps water from penetrating the edge of the sheathing at the bottom of the roof.

Dripline is the area directly located under the outer circumference of the tree branches.

Drive types refer to the type of driver tool used to drive or turn the screw into the material.

Dropped beams are beams that have the joists running over the top of the beams and the beams are exposed in the room below.

Dry-in is a term used to describe placing a weatherproof layer of material over the roof sheathing in an effort to keep the home dry.

Drywall is also called gypsum board, gyprock, plasterboard, sheetrock, or wallboard, is a plaster panel made of gypsum pressed between two thick sheets of paper.

Drywall clips or other nailing brackets are used to secure the other drywall material edge at a corner that has no framing support.

Drywall knife is a small hand tool with a blade used for applying joint compound when finishing drywall.

Drywall tape is a paper, vinyl, or mesh product used to cover drywall joints and corners.

Ducts are the pipes used to move hot or cold air in a heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation system.

Ductless heat pumps, also called mini-split-system heat pumps, are heat pump systems that heat or cool directly into the room without the use of ductwork.

Duct system is square, rectangular and round sheet metal or plastic pipes used to conduct hot or cold air of the HVAC system.

Dummy knob looks just like other door knobs or leavers, but they do not operate a lock bolt, and are often mounted with a magnetic latch or other latching mechanism on closet, pantry and utility doors.

Duplex outlet, also called a duplex convenience outlet,has two outlets and is the typical wall plug.

Dutch doors are used when it is desirable to have a door that can be half open and half closed.

Dutch hip roof is a combination hip and gable roof, with the gable portion at the top

E

Earthen floors are a green building technology that combines the mixture of sand, clay soil, and fibers that are poured in place and sealed with linseed oils and waxes to make durable washable surfaces.

Earthquake engineering, also called seismic engineering is the study of the behavior of buildings and structures that can be effected by earthquakes.

Easement is a right given to a person or entity to access a portion of land that owned by another person or entity.

Eave is the lowest part of the roof that projects from the exterior wall, also referred to as a cornice or overhang.

Edging trowel is used to make concrete edges and joints formed with a radius along the slab edge that helps resist chipping and damage after the forms are removed.

Egress means to exit a room or other location.

Electrical box see box.

Electrical circuit line see switch leg.

Electrical conduit is electrical piping system used to protect and rout electrical wiring.

Electrical legend on the plan correlates fixture symbols to descriptive text.

Electric system is a network of wiring, outlets, and fixtures used to transmit and supply the electrical needs for a home.

Electrician is the subcontractor who performs the electrical work for the project.

Electrical legend on the plan correlates electrical fixture and wiring symbols with their name or description.

Electrical loads are the circuits and appliances that use electricity.

Electrical plan shows the location and details of electrical wiring and fixtures. 

Electrical service panel is a distribution box with circuit breakers connecting electrical wiring to circuits within the home.

Electric fireplaces require 110 or 220 volt electrical wiring depending on the manufacturer specifications, and produce very little heat, allowing them to be installed directly against wood framing with no ventilation required, so electric fireplaces can be used in locations where no venting source is available and other types of fireplaces are not suitable. Electrostatic air filters clean the air flowing through the HVAC system by using static electricity in a unit placed in the return air duct directly next to the furnace or air handler of the system. The electrostatic air filter works by an electrostatic charge generated by air flowing through a network of static fibers.

Elevation (surveying) is the vertical difference between two points.

Elevation The two-dimensional (2D) exterior view of a building.

Elevation (Related to surveying, site planning, and disciplines such as plumbing and HVAC.) The height of a feature from a known base, which is usually given as 0 (zero elevation).

End dams, also called side dams, are made by bending the end of flashing up to stop water from flowing across the flashing and into the adjacent construction.

Energy positive home is when the home energy system creates more electricity than needed for the home, and the system allows the home owner to sell electricity back to the utility company.

Energy Rating Index (ERI) is a performance path that gives builders options for meeting target energy efficiency score through a wide range of performance options to demonstrate compliance.

Energy recovery ventilators (ERV) system is closely related to a HRV, except the ERV also transfers the humidity level of the exhaust air to the intake air.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy created to help save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices, and through superior product energy efficiency.

Engineered wood products are a combination of smaller components to used make structural products that have been engineered for specific applications and fabricated in a manufacturing facility and delivered to the construction site.

Entry door is a door that allows access to the home from the front, back or other location through an exterior wall.

Envelope, related to home design and construction, is the entire exterior of the home that includes exterior walls, the roof, the foundation, and doors and windows.

Environmentally friendly and environmentally sound refer to design and construction using renewable materials.

Erosion is the process that causes soil and rock to be removed from the Earth's surface and deposited in other locations by natural processes such as wind or water flow.

Evaporator (HVAC) is a device in which a liquid refrigerant is vaporized.

Excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth surface formed by earth removal. This includes the excavation for a house or other building that is referred to as a dig-out in the construction industry.

Expanding foam insulation is a spray-applied insulating foam in a pressurized container that is installed from a nozzle as a liquid and then expands many times its original size until it hardens in its final form upon contact with the air.

Expansion joints are used to control horizontal movement by separating masonry into sections to prevent cracking, and stop water penetration and air infiltration in the masonry wall.

Expansion valve (HVAC) controls the amount of refrigerant flow into the evaporator.

Exposed aggregate concrete is a method of finishing concrete by washing the cement and sand away from the top surface of the concrete, exposing the aggregate immediately under the surface.

Exterior door is any door in an exterior wall or in a wall between the home and garage.

Exterior envelope is made up of elements of a building that enclose conditioned spaces through which thermal energy transfers to or from the exterior.

Extrusion is a manufacturing process used to create long objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile, where material is pressed or pushed under pressure through a desired shaped opening.

F

Face brick is used for visual quality on the exposed surface of a building wall or other structure.

Face plate is a rectangular plate on the edge of the door around the latch bolt.

Fascia is usually 1X dimensional lumber or plastic material installed over the ends of rafters or at the rake as a finish or trim.

Face stringer is an exposed stringer on the open side of stairs.

Fan heater has a heating element used to generate heat, and a fan circulates the heat into the room.

Fiber carpet pad is made from a nylon that provides a high-density product.

Fiber rolls are tube-shaped erosion-control devices filled with straw, flax, rice, coconut fiber material, or composted material.

Field is the internal area of the plywood between the edges.

Fill is moving earth to another location.

Filler are pieces of wood or other material used to fill in the space between modular cabinet units or between the cabinet and a wall.

Fill stakes indicate raising the ground or elevation.  

Filter fabric is a water-filtering porous material and soil stabilization product made to allow water to pass through, but keep dirt and other materials from passing through.

Filter fabric sock is a filter fabric product made to fit over the drain tile to keep material from plugging the drain pipe.

Fines describes small miscellaneous gravel, dirt, and debris sizes found in any gravel and crushed rock. All gravel has fines, but the amount of fines allowed depends on the gravel specifications.

Finish refers to preparation and final process used to improve the appearance and protect surfaces in the home. 

Fink truss provides the typical pitch roof and flat ceiling.

Finish grade means the grade after all required work is performed to cut or fill the area.

Finish wood is the best quality wood that has been milled and sanded to provide the best possible material for final wood projects.

Fire blocking fills and seals the construction cavity to prevent or slow down the spread of fire.

Firebox is the chamber built or manufactured to hold the fire in a fireplace.

Fire brick is brick made of refractory ceramic material which resists high temperatures.

Fireplace footing is a solid reinforced concrete structure engineered to carry the weight of the fireplace and effectively distribute the load to the ground.

Firewall is a wall or partition designed to deter or prevent the spread of fire in the home.

Fit home is designed to fit on lots where traditional plans do not fit.

Fitting (plumbing) is a standard pipe part such as a coupling, elbow, reducer, tee, and union; used for joining two or more sections of pipe together.

Fixed window has a single non-operable glass pane, or a group of large windows each separated by a vertical support

Fixtures (electrical) are all plugs, switches, cover plates, and lights.

Fixture (plumbing) is a component used to supply and contain water, and discharge waste.

Flange is a metal or vinyl strip that goes all around the window frame and is used to seal and fasten the window to the home framing.

Flashing (masonry) between the concrete or concrete block ledge and the masonry veneer acts to collect and divert moisture from the wall.

Flat roof for a home is constructed almost horizontal or level with a slight slope that allows for rain water drainage.

Flight is a set of steps between one floor or landing and the next.

Floor joists are structural members that are normally made from wood or other engineered products used to span between supports such as foundation walls, frame walls, or other construction members to construct the floor system.

Floor plan is a scale drawing showing the arrangement, sizes, and location of rooms in one story of a building. A floor plan is a representation provided by an imaginary horizontal cut made through the home at approximately 4' (1220 mm) above the floor line.

Flow rate is calculated in gallons per minute (GPM).

Flue is any vent or chimney that connects a combustion device with the outside, and the passageway in a chimney for conveying gases to the outdoors.

Flush-cut saw has no saw set on one side, so that the saw can be laid flat on a surface and cut without scratching the surface.

Flush beams are beams that have the joists intersecting the beams and the bottom of the beams are flush with the bottom of the joists. When the beam height is greater than the joists, then the beam can be partly exposed above or below the joists depending on the desired appearance and construction requirements.

Fly-throughis similar, but the camera is like a helicopter flying over the area.

Foam carpet pad is made from urethane that is not designed for use in high traffic areas.

Footings are the lowest member of the foundation system used to spread the loads of the structure on the supporting ground.

Footprint is used to identify the foundation dimensions upon which the home is constructed.

Formaldehyde is a chemical found in disinfectant, preservative, carpets, furniture, and the glue used in construction materials, such as plywood and particle board, as well as some insulation products.

Foundation is the construction system used to support the structure loads and distribute the loads to the ground.

Foundation plan is a scale drawing used to display construction features and dimensions for the foundation of the home. The foundation plan scale is normally 1/4"=1'-0".

Foundation vents  are closable with built-in doors, louvers, or insulating foam inserts. This allows the foundation vents to be closed during the winter.

Foundation walls are the vertical walls of the foundation system than connect between the footings and the structure above.

Four-way switch is three switches controlling one or more lights.

Foyer is an entrance hall or other open area in a home used for people to gather generally after entering.

Frame is a fixed part of a window that encloses the sash and consists of the head jamb, sill, side jambs, jamb extension, and casing.

Framer is the person who does framing, also known as a rough carpenter.

Framing refers to the construction of the structural parts of a house.

Framing plan shows the construction members used in floor framing, roof framing and the framing of construction features such as decks.

Free standing fireplace is a manufactured metal appliance made to hold a fire.

Freestanding stairs, also called open stairs, has stringers or carriages that are unsupported by walls, and attached only to the floor at the bottom and the structural framing at the top.

French doors normally refers to double exterior or interior doors that have glass panels and swing into a room.

French drains can be used to capture and drain water away from the house and direct it to local storm water channels. French drains are common drainage systems, primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations.

Fenestration is any opening in a building envelope including windows, doors and skylights.

Freon is a trademark used for a variety of nonflammable gaseous or liquid fluorinated hydrocarbons employed primarily as working fluids in refrigeration and air conditioning and as aerosol propellants.

Frothed foam carpet pad is made of densely-packed urethane, and designed for use under any carpet, and wears under heavy traffic and weight.

Functional elements, also referred to as systems or assemblies, are common major components in buildings that perform a known function regardless of the design specification, construction method, or materials used.

Furnaces for residential heating produce heat by burning fuel oil or natural gas, or by using electric heating coils or heat pumps.

Furring is pressure-treated 2X4 studs fastened to a concrete wall.

G

Gable is the vertical triangular wall built on each end of a home with a gable roof.

Gable roof is a roof system that slopes downward both ways from a central horizontal ridge so as to leave a gable at each end.

Galvanize is a zinc coating.

Galvanized pipe is steel pipe that has been cleaned and dipped in a bath of molten zinc.

Gambrel roof has a double slope on each side, where the lower slope is normally steeper than the upper slope

Gas logs are an open flame appliance with manufactured ceramic or ceramic fiber logs placed over a burner to provide dramatic realism of a traditional flame.

Gauge is a range of numbers from 10 to 26 specifying thickness for sheet metal or wire. The sheet metal gets thinner as the gauge number gets larger.

General contractor is the person or business who contracts for the construction of an entire building or project, rather than just a portion of the work.

General notes relate to the entire plan.

Geotextiles are porous fabrics also known as filter fabrics, road rugs, or construction fabrics.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are designed to use the constant, moderate temperature of the ground to provide space heating and cooling, or domestic hot water, by placing heat exchangers in the ground, or in water wells, lakes, rivers, or streams.

Geothermal heating and cooling closed-loop system has water or water-antifreeze fluid pumped through polyethylene tubes.

Geothermal heating and cooling open-loop system has water pumped from a well or reservoir through a heat exchanger, and then discharged into a drainage ditch, a field tile, a reservoir, or another well.

Geothermal heating and cooling refrigerant-based system is also known as direct exchange where refrigerant flows in copper tubing around a heat exchanger.

Girder A horizontal structural member made of wood, laminated wood, engineered wood, or steel that spans between two or more supports at the foundation level, or above any floor level.

Girder truss is a truss used to hold trusses that are perpendicular to the girder truss.

Glass sliding doors have two or more glass panels that slide horizontally on a track, where one panels slides next to another panel to open, and are made with wood or metal frames and tempered glass for safety.

Glazeis a layer or coating that has been fused to a ceramic object through firing to high temperatures in a kiln.

Glazed bricks have a glaze.

Glued-laminated beam (glu-lam) A structural member made up of layers of lumber that are glued together.

Grade of land or constructed site, refers to the amount of incline of the surface using earth removal practices.

Grade control station provides grade and offset information to the specific grade at construction.

Grading plan shows the existing and proposed contours, elevations and grades of the construction site before and after excavation. Grade stakes provide elevation information.

Grass-lined channel can be an attractive part of the landscaping and used to carry storm water runoff .

Gravel filter berm is a temporary ridge made up of loose gravel, stone, or crushed rock used as an efficient form of sediment control on gentle slopes.

Green building refers to a structure and construction processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building life-cycle.

Greenhouse effect is atmospheric heating caused by solar radiation being transmitted inward through the earth's atmosphere with less radiation transmitted outward due to absorption by gases in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases are the gases that absorb global radiation and contribute to the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gases are water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and ozone.

Green home uses less energy, water, and other natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants.

Green lumber is air dried lumber.

Green roof, also known as a rooftop garden, has plants over the roof structure to help reduce building temperatures, filter pollution, and lessen water runoff.

Green Seal is a non-profit organization that uses science-based programs to empower consumers, purchasers and companies to create a more sustainable world.

Green space is an open space area that can be used for a park, a playing field, a natural area with or without walking trails. The green space can be well landscaped or totally natural, and can be available for use only by the adjoining landowners or open to the public.

Ground or grounded refers to an electrical connection to the earth by means of a rod.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI or GFI) trips a circuit breaker when there is any unbalance in the circuit current.

Grout see mortar.

Grout joint see mortar joint.

Guard stake is usually a 48 inch lath with paint and flagging used as visibility marker and protection for the guard stake.

Gusset is a steel or other material plate used to strengthen a joint in the structure.

Gutter is a channel at the edge of the eave for moving rainwater from the roof to the downspout.

Gypsum is a soft white or gray mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulfate and is used to make plaster, which is mixed with water and allowed to harden for various applications such as making drywall.

Gypsum board see drywall.

Gyprocksee drywall.

H

Half bathroom is a bathroom without a shower or bathtub.

Handrail is generally a single rail attached to a wall or baluster following the rise of the stairs and used for hand support and safety.

Hang is slang used in the construction industry to mean something that is installed by placing and fastening in a desired location, such as hang a door, or hang drywall. Hung is the past tense of hang.

Hard conversion means that the typical inch units are converted directly to metric.

Hard-wired means a fixed connection between electrical, electronic components, and electric devices by means of permanent wiring into the electrical system.

Hardwood is wood from a broadleaf tree, but more specifically one of the fine hardwoods typically used in finish architectural applications, such as cherry, oak, and walnut.

Hardwood plywood is manufactured using the same veneer system as softwood plywood, except hardwood is used as the facing surface veneer for quality wood appearance.

Head is the vertical distance that water falls, measured in feet.

Head jamb is the horizontal part of the door frame above the door.

Header is a horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening such as a door or window, or around an opening.

Headers are used to break up the typical stretchers by providing units oriented perpendicular to the face of the wall with the end of each brick exposed.

Hearth is a reinforced concrete slab that rests on the structure below and upon which the fireplace is constructed.

Heat exchanger (fireplace) transfers the heat created in the firebox to the convection air and into the room.

Heat exchanger see heat recovery and ventilation (HRV).

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) is the terminology used to refer to the industry that deals with the heating and air conditioning equipment and systems found in a home.

Heat pump is a forced-air central heating and cooling system that operates using a compressor and a circulating refrigerant system.

Heat recovery and ventilation (HRV) system is also referred to as a heat exchanger, air exchanger or air-to-air heat exchanger. A heat recovery ventilation system is a ventilation system that uses a counter-flow heat exchanger between the inbound and outbound air flow.

Herringbone brick placement provides an interesting pattern a pattern by placing bricks in angular rows of parallel groups with any two adjacent rows angled in opposite directions.

High Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) filters are designed to be 99.97% effective in capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Hinge jamb is part of the door frame where the hinges are attached.

Hip is the corner of an external angle formed by two intersecting exterior sides.

Hip jack rafter is a jack rafter that connects to the hip.

Hip rafter is the rafter that forms the hip and runs from the ridge to the top plate

Hip roof has the ends and sides sloping with the same pitch.

Hold-down anchors refers to fasteners that are embedded in concrete foundation walls and attach to wood structural walls above, or attach wood structural walls between floors, and especially at shear walls.

Hollow bricks are used in the manufacture of building bricks and facing bricks, with cavities used to place wall anchoring and for steel reinforced masonry where the cavities have steel reinforcing and are filled with grout.

Home Energy Ratings Systems (HERS) rating is an evaluation of the energy efficiency of a home, compared to a computer-simulated reference house of identical size and shape.

Hopper gun has a container with a spray nozzle that is operated by an air compressor. The container or hopper is filled with joint compound that is sprayed out through the nozzle in a consistent pattern on the drywall.

Hopper windows hinge at the bottom and swing inward.

Hose bibb is a faucet used to attach a hose.

Hot water circulation pump can be used to circulate water through the main hot water line and the return-line back to the water heater to keep hot water in the main line and available to the fixtures at all times.

Hot water system, the water is heated in an oil- or gas-fired boiler and then circulated through pipes to radiators or convectors in the rooms.

Housed stringer, also called a routed stringer, is a closed stringer that has the ends of the treads and risers recessed into channels cut into the stringer

House wrap is the term that describes a variety of synthetic products that have replaced tar paper for use as a vapor barrier.

Hubs are important survey starting points or they mark important survey points, work points, or reference points, which are to remain in place for future use.

Hub stakes are normally driven flush with the ground and a survey tack is set in the top of the hub to mark the exact survey point.

Humidistat device that automatically regulates the humidity of the air in a room or building.

Hydroelectric generators convert the energy from falling water into electricity.

I

Index contours contour lines that show the elevation values.  Generally every fifth line is used as an index contour line. 

Infill is where extra ground material is brought onto site to build up a sloping area, cavity, or depression in the existing terrain.

Inspections are required to insure that the construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and specifications, and that all current building code requirements are met.

Instantaneous or demand water heaters see tankless water heater.

Insulated concrete forms (ICF) see ainsulating concrete forms.

Insulating concrete forms (ICF) are rigid foam forms that hold concrete in place during pouring and curing.

Insulation is material used to restrict the flow of heat, cold, or sound, saves energy costs and makes the home comfortable; properly insulated walls, ceilings, and floors stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Insulation cover (IC) means that you are allowed to insulate around and over the recessed light to help avoid heat loss.

Insurance coverage for construction is specifically for general contractors and subcontractors, and includes coverage for general liability, physical loss damage to owned property and business interruption, including loss of income.

Interior door is any door on the inside of the home used to enter rooms, closets, or other areas.

Interior elevations provide a 2D view of features inside the home.

Intermediate contours contour lines other than the index contour lines.

International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) codes developed for the west.

Inverter is an appliance used to convert direct current (DC) power, produced by the wind generator, into standard household AC current.

Isolation joints are used in concrete block and masonry veneer construction to create a joint between the masonry and other material that allows both structures to contract and expand independently.

J

Jack rafter is any rafter than is shorter than a common rafter and connecting to a hip rafter or a valley rafter.

Jack Stud is a partial stud nailed next to full studs to support the header at door or window openings.

Jalousie window has overlapping narrow glass, metal, plastic, or wooden louvers, operated with a crank handle for adjusting the louver angle outward.

Jamb is a vertical framing member that forms the sides of a door opening, window opening, or other opening.

Jamb extensions are used over the framing between the window frame and the edge of the drywall or other wall finish material.

Joint compound, commonly called mud, is used to finish drywall joints, corners, screw locations, and is used as a skim coating.

Joints (concrete) to provide a clean surface to bond between pours, to control expansion, and to isolate stress in the concrete.

Joint trowel creates a groove without extending the opening through the concrete.

Joist construction uses standard dimensional lumber or engineered wood products as joists that span between foundation walls and can be supported at mid span by post and beams or stem walls.

Joist dimensional lumber such as 2X8, 2X10, or 2X12, or engineered wood products that are spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches on center depending on the span and structural engineering. 

Joist hanger is a manufactured metal angle, bracket, or strap used to support and attach the ends of floor joists to beams.

Junction box is an electrical box that protects electrical wiring splices in conductors or joints in runs.

Jurisdiction refers to the city, county or state location where the official authority exists to make legal decisions and judgments.

K

Key is a slot in the footing that is runs down the center of the footing and along the entire length of the footing created when the footing is poured.

Key brick is the brick at the top center of a brick arch and has an equal number of masonry units laid on each side down to the supporting structure.

Keyed means that the footing is keyed to the foundation wall to keep the wall connected to the footing. The key is a slot in the footing that is created when the footing is poured.

Keyhole saw is a small handsaw with a long narrow blade used for cutting holes, short radius curves, and other small features.

Keynote is a note found on the drawings. Each keynote has a letter or number, or combination of letters and numbers or symbols next to or pointing at a specific feature on the drawing that correspond to the description of the keynote in a legend or in a general note.

Keystones are wedge-shaped blocks used in the center of curved and straight arches for a decorative appearance or to match Italian architecture.

Kiln is a furnace or oven used to heat products to a desired temperature.

King studs are studs used to support and trim both ends of a header, and run from the sole plate to the top plate.

Knee wall see stem wall or pony wall.

Knockdown texturing is created by spraying texturing material on the drywall and then using a trowel to flatten the high places while still wet.

Knockouts are pre-punched holes at regular intervals to allow rapid installation of electrical conduit, mechanical, piping and structural applications.

Kyoto Protocol, also known as the Kyoto Accord, is an international treaty among industrialized nations that sets mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

L

Laid means placing one masonry unit at a time to build the masonry structure.

Laminate, also referred to as a laminated structure or material, especially one made of layers fixed together to form a hard, flat, or flexible material.

Laminateflooring, also called floating wood floor, is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process.

Lap siding is has a notch on one side that allows each piece to lap over the previous.

Lath is a thin strip of wood, typically available in 1/4" X 1 1/2" X 48".

Latitude is an angle measured from the point at the center of the Earth, and lines of latitude, also called parallels, are imaginary lines running east to west around the Earth.

Latch bolt bore is a hole cut in from the latching side of the door that intersects the center of the lockset bore, and is where the latch bolt slides.

Lateral load is a force working on a structure applied parallel to the ground, and diagonally to the structure. Wind and seismic loads are the most common lateral loads.

Lavatory is a fixture designed for washing hands and face, usually found in a bathroom.

Leach lines, absorption field, or drain field where liquid material, or effluent, flows from the septic tank outlet and is dispersed into a soil.

Ledger fastened to the siding directly across from the bottom of the rafter tails used to support lookout joists that connect to each rafter tail.

LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

Left hand (LH) inswing, when the door swings in away from you and to the left.

Left hand outswing, when the door swings out toward you and to the left. This is also called left hand reverse (LHR), because you have to backup or move in reverse when opening the door.

Legal description is established for every piece of property in the United States for legal identification making each piece of property unique.

Legend is a feature on a drawing that shows and names symbols used on the drawing.

Linoleum is a material consisting of a canvas backing thickly coated with a preparation of linseed oil and powdered cork, used especially as a floor covering.

Lentil is the term used in masonry construction to describe the horizontal support over a door or window opening.

Level is the term used to describe true horizontal.

Lien is a legal term meaning a form of security interest or charge granted over real or personal property to secure the payment of a debt or performance of some other obligation.

Light-emitting diode (LED) is a highly efficient semiconductor device that emits light.

Light fixture is any device that provides artificial light.

Light-framing construction see platform framing.

Lighting outlet box is an electrical outlet that is intended for the direct connection of a lighting fixture.

Linkages, related to LEED certification, means that the specific home site is environmentally linked to the community.

Lintel is a horizontal support made of timber, masonry, concrete, or steel across the top of a door, window, or other opening.

Lip is the part of a C-Shape that extends from the flange at the open end as shown in Figure 6.5. The lip increases the strength characteristics of the member and acts as a stiffener to the flange.

Lite, also called light, is a framed opening in a door, sidelight or transom containing a pane of glass.

Load-bearing wall, also called a bearing wall, is a wall that supports the weight of the structure resting on it from above, and by transferring the weight to the foundation structure.

Local magnetic influence is also called local magnetic disturbance and local attraction.  Local magnetic influence is an abnormality of the magnetic field of the earth, extending over a relatively small area, due to local magnetic influences.

Longitude, also called meridians, are imaginary lines on the Earth running north and south.

Local note see specific note.

Lockset is complete locking system, including knobs, plates, latch bolt, and a locking mechanism.

Lockset bore is a hole cut through the door where the lockset is installed.

Long break line is a graphic symbol used to break away a portion of a drawing that is not shown.

Lookout joists see tail joists.

Lookout joists connect ledger to each rafter tail for enclosed soffit construction.

Lookout rafters that extend out over the gable top plate the desired distance of the overhang.

Loose-fill insulation is fibers or granules made from cellulose, fiberglass, rock wool, cotton, or other materials.

Lot or plot is a parcel of land that can be an individual piece of real estate, but is often one of several lots in a plat.

Lot and block legal description system can be established from either the metes and bounds or the rectangular system when a portion of land is subdivided into individual building lots, the subdivision is established as a legal plat and recorded by name in the local county records. The subdivision is given a name and broken into blocks of lots.

Low-e glass see low-emissive glass.

Low-emissive glass is a technology that improves window energy efficiency. Low-e glass has a transparent coating that acts as a thermal mirror, which increases insulating value, blocks heat from the sun, and reduces fading of objects inside the house.

L-shape stairs makes a 90 degree turn at a landing or with winders between flights.

M

Magnetic declination the difference between true north and magnetic north.

Magnetic north is the direction of the earth's magnetic pole, and is the direction where the north-seeking pole of a compass points when free from local magnetic influence.

Main see main circuit breaker.

Main circuit breaker, also called a main, is a large double circuit breaker at the top of the panel that controls power to all circuit breakers in the electrical service panel.

Major appliance is usually a large product that is usually built-in as a permanent part of the cabinets and is used for daily home activities, such as cooking, or food storage, cleaning, and disposal.

Mansard roof has a double-hip roof on each face with a steeper lower part portion, and the upper story of a home is generally under the lower slope of theroof.

Mantel is generally a shelf above the fireplace opening that can decorative with ornate craftsmanship, a wood timber mounted to the wall, or a masonry projection depending on the architectural style.

Marker stake, also called a reference stake, is usually next to a hub stake, and is a short lath stake with a marker card attached that provides survey information for a hub.

Mask means to cover, usually with special tape, plastic, or paper to keep specific areas from getting painted.

Mason is a person skilled in masonry construction.

Masonry is one of the most durable, long lasting, and maintenance free sidings available. The material is referred to as masonry units, which are laid next to each other and bound together by mortar. Common masonry materials of masonry construction are brick, stone, marble, granite, travertine, limestone, cast stone, concrete block, glass block, and tile.

Masonry units are masonry laid next to each other and bound together by mortar.

Masonry veneer walls are made of a single non-structural exterior layer of masonry that takes the place of traditional siding over wood-frame construction.

MasterFormat^TM: Master List of Numbers and Titles for the Construction Industry is a master list of numbers and subject titles for organizing information about construction work results, requirements, products, and activities that are divided into a standard sequence.

Mechanical phase of construction involves the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC).

Mechanical describes the HVAC system and the subcontractor who performs the installation.

Mechanical solar systems see active solar systems.

Mechanical system of the home, provides heat, fresh or conditioned air, and ventilation.

Melamine is a plastic-based product used to cover cabinet surfaces, drawers, and shelves.

Membranes are generally thin, flexible materials that come in rolls or as parts of building materials.

Meridians see longitude.

Meter is an instrument used to measure electrical quantities. The electrical meter for a building is where the power enters and is monitored for the electrical utility.

Meter base is the mounting base on which the electrical meter is attached. It contains all of the connections and clamps.

Metes and bounds legal description is used to identify the perimeters of any property using metes that are measurements, and bounds that are boundaries.

Micron is a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter.

Mid span is structural support provided at or near the center of the joists or other construction members.

Mil one mil equals l/1000 of an inch.

Milling is the use of cylindrical or rotational cutting tools used to cut millwork in any desired contour or shape.

Milling plant is an industry that manufactures millwork.

Millwork is finished woodwork that has been manufactured in a milling plant, and is anything that is considered finish trim or finish woodwork, including cabinets.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) refers to the filtration efficiency of an air filter.

Mini-split-system heat pumps see ductless heat pump.

Miter is a joint made by cutting each of two surfaces to be typically joined at a 45° angle, usually forming a 90° angle corner.

Model Green Home Building Guidelines established by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are designed as a tool kit for builders who want to use green building practices, and for local home builder associations that want to start their own green building programs.

Modern architecture refers to a unique architectural style that is different from other styles and can be seen in any time period.

Modular cabinets are designed and built at a manufacturing company and delivered to the home for installation during construction, and used by placing a group of modules side by side in a given space.

Modules are a selected unit of measure used as a basis for the planning and standardization of building materials.

Moisture barrier, also called a vapor barrier, is waterproof material used to protect the finish flooring from moisture coming up from the subfloor.

Mold is a superficial growth produced especially on damp or decaying organic matter or on living organisms by a fungus.

Monolithic means formed as a single unit.

Monument, known as the point of beginning (POB) is a fixed location that is generally an iron rod driven into the ground to start a metes and bounds survey.

Mortar is a mixture of lime with cement, sand, and water, used in construction to bond bricks, concrete blocks, or rock-work.

Mortar joint is a mortar-filled space between concrete blocks, bricks and other masonry materials.

Mortise (door) for the strike plate is a square hole, pocket or relief cut into the jamb to accept the latch bolt and to keep the door closed.

Mortis and tenon joint is commonly used when adjoining construction members connect at a 90° angle. The mortise is a rectangular hole and the tenon is cut to fit the mortise hole exactly.

Movement joints are used to separate masonry construction into segments in an effort to prevent wall damage such as buckling and cracking.

Mud (drywall) see joint compound.

Mud sill is a continuous pressure-treated wood member that provides a barrier between the foundation wall and the framing above.

Mulching is an erosion control practice that uses materials such as grass, hay, wood chips, wood fibers, straw, or gravel to stabilize exposed or recently planted soil surfaces

Mullions are horizontal or vertical divides between sections of a window.

Muntins are horizontal or vertical dividers within a section of a window.

N

Nailer is a wood member fastened to the structure and used for attaching other wood members or finish materials.

Nailhead is the normally flat round enlarged top of a nail, but can be a slightly enlarged and rounded end as on a finish nail.

Nail set is a tool used for driving a nail head set below or flush with a surface.

Nanometer is one billionth of a meter.

Natural area is a geographical area that has a physical and cultural originality developed through natural growth rather than design or planning.

Neoprene is synthetic material similar to rubber that is resistant to heat, and weathering.

Newel post is the large vertical support for the handrail at the ends of each flight of stairs, and often placed at regular intervals when additional support is needed.

National Energy Conservation Code regulates the design and construction of the exterior envelope and selection of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC); service water heating; electrical distribution and illuminating systems; and equipment required for effective use of energy in buildings for human occupancy.

Net-metering see net-zero energy.

Net-zero energy means that the home generates as much or more energy than the occupants consume through the course of a year.

Nominal pipe size is the inside pipe diameter.

Nominal size brick is the actual size plus the width of the mortar joint.

Nominal size lumber, also referred to as rough lumber or rough sawn lumber, is the size before it is plained.

Non-bearing partitions do not carry a structural load.

Non-load bearing wall, also called a non-load bearing wall, is a wall that supports only its own weight and does not support structural weight from above.

Nosing is the edge part of the tread that projects from the face of the riser below.

Notes are written information that describe features on the plan.

O

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor that helps employers reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace.

Offset stakes are placed a desired distance from the actual building corner stakes to prevent the loss of reference information during construction activity.

One-story home has one level of living space with no stairs. The roof over a one-story home is generally over an unusable attic space, and the rafters are typically fairly low-pitch.

One and a half story home has one level of living space on the main level with one full-height wall, and with a second floor or living space under the rafters.

One pipe hot water system has one pipe that leaves the boiler and runs through the rooms of the building and back to the boiler.

On-grade stakes indicate the ground is at the desired grade and does not need a cut or fill.

Opaque glass is made translucent, which is not clear, instead of transparent, which is clear.

Open corner see three-stud corner.

Open stairs see freestanding stairs.

Orange peel texturing makes a surface finish that looks similar to an orange and provides a delicate uniform appearance that is easy to paint and maintain.

Organic material is any material that originated as a living organism. Biomass refers here to plant matter grown to generate electricity or produce biofuel, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibers, chemicals, or heat.

Oriel window is a bay window that projects from an upper story and is self-supported, or supported by corbels.

Oriented strand board (OSB) is structurally-engineered board manufactured from cross-oriented layers of thin, rectangular wooden strips compressed and bonded together with wax and resin adhesives.

Outer hearth is the part that extends past the fireplace opening into the room to provide protection from fireplace heat and from sparks that can result when burning firewood.

Outlet is an electrical connector used to plug in devices.

Outlet box is a box for an outlet.

Overhang see eave.

Overhead garage door is generally a series of horizontal panels hinged together that fold up vertically on side rails that continue overhead upon which the door panels ride to open.

P

Paint grade refers to a wood product that is more suitable for painting than for a clear finish where the actual wood grain is visible.

Painting is the process of using a solid, semi-transparent, or transparent surface covering as a decoration and protective coating.

Pan is the term used to describe the flat part of the metal roofing that comes in contact with the roof.

Pane is a single sheet of glass in a window or door.

Panel see distribution panel.

Paneling is material used to cover an interior wall, and usually manufactured in 4X8 foot (1200X2400 mm) sheets.

Panelized wall system see structural insulated panel.

Parallels see latitude.

Parallel circuit is an electrical circuit that contains two or more paths for the electricity or signal to flow from a common source.

Parapet is a protective wall along the edge of a roof, or other structure.

Particle board is wood fibers that are glued and pressed into 4X8 feet sheets.

Passive solar systems,also called architectural solar systems, use no mechanical devices to retain, store, or radiate solar heat.

Paving bricks are used as the wearing surface of patios, walks, and roads for people and vehicle traffic.

Pegs are cylindrical wooden fasteners driven into a hole that connects between two or more construction members.

Penny see d.

Percolation test is where the characteristics of the soil must be verified for suitability for a septic system by a soil feasibility test.

Performance bond is issued by an insurance company or a bank to guarantee satisfactory completion of a project by a contractor.

Permeability is the ability to let water vapor pass through. Permeability is expressed as perms. The acceptable amount of permeability depends on the application , such as example 0.3 perms is normally recommended for residential construction.

Perspective refers to a drawing that shows height, width, depth, and position of objects when viewed from a specific point.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Photovoltaic comes from the Greek word photo, meaning light, and voltaic, meaning to produce electricity by chemical action.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells turn sun light into electricity. In the photovoltaic cells, photons strike the surface of a silicon wafer, which is a semiconductor diode that stimulates the release of electric charges that are guided into a circuit where they become a useful electric current. Photovoltaic modules produce direct current (DC) electricity.

Pilaster is a reinforcing column built into or against a masonry or other wall structure.

Picket see baluster.

Pier is a cylindrical, square or rectangular-shaped cube made of concrete or concrete block and used to support individual foundation members.

Pillar is a vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support or decoration.

Pilot hole is a small hole drilled with a diameter designed to for a specific nail or screw size. See pre-drill.

Pipe slope drain, see temporary slope drain.

Plan and profile contour map and its related profile.

Pitch see slope.

Plain wire is smooth and is designated with a W.

Planed means to plane lumber by using a planer, which is a machine with cutters that remove material from the surface of the lumber to desired smoothness and finished dimensions.

Planned use development or planned unit development (PUD) has been used in zoning. A PUD allows zoning with mixed uses , such as single- and multi- family homes, parks, offices, small businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores.

Plans refers to the complete set of drawings needed to build a home. 

Plasterboard see drywall.

Plat is a map of part of a city or township showing some specific area, such as a subdivision made up of several individual lots.

Platform (computer) refers to a major piece of software, such as an operating system, operating environment, or database, under which smaller applications can run.

Platform is any intermediate landing in a stairway, and is also an extension of the floor landing, which is often used as the top tread of a spiral stairs.

Platform framing, also called light-frame construction, is the most popular residential framing practice used in the United States and Canada, and is like building a box where the floor joists and rim joist form the sides of the box and the subfloor is attached as the top of the box..

Plenum is a chamber which can serve as a distribution area for heating or cooling systems, generally between a false ceiling and the actual ceiling, or between construction members.

Plot see lot.

Plumb is the term used to describe true vertical.

Plumber is a plumbing contractor.

Plumbing is residential piping.

Plumbing schedules provide specific information regarding plumbing equipment, fixtures, and supplies.

Plumbing system includes all of the pipes, tanks, fittings, and fixtures required for the water supply, water heating, and sanitation in a home.

Plumbing wall is any walls in a home where plumbing pipes are installed.

Plywood is sheets of material generally 4X8 feet (1200X2400 mm) made of thin layers of wood called veneer. The veneer is glued together with the grain of adjoining layers at right angles to each other

Pocket door slides horizontally into a frame that is enclosed in the wall.

Pocket door kit is a complete package that contains the door, split studs, a header assembly that has a track on which the door runs slides, and door hardware.

Point of beginning (POB) see monument.

Pole buildings see post and beam.

Pole buildings are similar to timber-frame buildings except the vertical supports are used directly from the round tree.

Pole construction see post and beam.

Polybutylene (PB) plastic piping for both hot and cold water.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used building material found in products such as window frames, flooring, and shower units.

Pond-loop system geothermal exchanger is inserted into a lake, river, or other natural body of water to extract heat by pumping the water up to the heat exchanger.

Pony wall is a general term used to describe any short height wall, or partial wall, also called a knee wall.

Post and beam or pole construction is also referred to as timber-frame construction or pole buildings, generally using large posts and beams or timbers for the horizontal and vertical members. Pole buildings are constructed using a combination of post and beam, timber framing and conventional stud framing depending on the requirements of the specific building. The vertical poles or posts are used as the building supports to which the horizontal framing beams are fastened.

Post and beam construction uses wood posts supported by concrete piers or footings with beams above. The beams are generally spaced 48" (1200 mm) apart and run between the foundation walls. Wood decking is placed above and perpendicular to the beams.

Post bases are used to provide a rigid connection between the footing.

Post caps are used to provide a rigid connection between the post and beam above.

Postchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe has insulation value that retains heat and saves energy, when compared with metal pipe that loses heat.

Posts are vertical wood members that connect between a pier or footing and support the beam above. Posts can be any size depending on structural engineering, but they are commonly 4X4 or 4X6.

Potable water is water of a quality that is suitable for drinking.

Pour is the process of flowing the concrete into the forms.

Poured-in-place concrete is the concrete construction method where concrete is poured into forms.

Powder coating is a polyester or epoxy powder placed on the surface and then heated to fuse with the metal forming a protective layer.

Precast concrete beams are made by casting concrete with steel reinforcing in a form or mold.

Pre-drill means to drill a hole through the jam using a drill diameter slightly smaller than the nail or screw used for fastening.

Pre-fabricated see pre-manufactured.

Pre-finished cabinets and woodwork is finished at the manufacturer and then delivered to the project for installation.

Pre-hung door is a pre-manufactured door assembly with jambs and door mounted and ready for installation in the home.

Pre-manufactured, also referred to as pre-fabricated, are products that are built away from the job site by a manufacturing company and delivered to the construction project for assembly into the building. 

Pressure-treated means that wood has had a liquid preservative forced inside to protect against deterioration due to rot or insect damage.

Prestressed concrete beam has steel reinforcing stretched from both ends in the concrete form or mold, which is released after the concrete cures. The finished concrete beam has a slight arch that makes it better for supporting heavy loads than precast concrete.

Prevailing winds refers to the direction from which the wind most frequently blows in a given area of the country.

Prints are generally made on a printer that is a mechanical process involving the transfer of text, images, or designs from a computer file to paper.

Professional Engineer (PE) an engineer who is registered or licensed within a specific state or states where they pass rigorous qualifications needed to offer professional services directly to the public, and is generally licensed in one or more specific disciplines, such as a structural engineer who performs the engineering on the building structure, or civil engineer who does earth-related engineering.

Professional home designer is normally not a registered architect, but can design homes for construction in some jurisdictions, and usually work with a PE who performs the required engineering and stamps the plans with a PE certification.

Profile is a section view cut through the construction site that is a vertical section of the surface of the ground, and underlying earth that is taken along any desired fixed line.

P.S.D.E. stands for Public or Private Storm Drain Easement.

Public land states are states in an area of the United States starting with the western boundary of Ohio to the Pacific Ocean, and including some southeastern states and Alaska, established by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to create the rectangular survey system.

Punchout or web opening is a  hole or opening in the web of a steel-framing member allowing for the installation of plumbing, electrical, and other utility installation. A punchout can be made during the manufacturing processor in the field with a hand punch, hole saw, or other suitable tool.

Purlins are horizontal lateral members that extend the length of a roof, used to support and tie rafters together and can be used to attach roof decking depending on the installation practice.

R

R-2000

Standard is a specific Canadian home building technology that has earned a worldwide reputation for quality, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

R410a is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) which does not contribute to ozone depletion and has been approved for use in new residential air conditioners.

RA is return air.

Radiant heat is heat that radiates from an electric or hot water element, warming objects rather than the air.

Radio frequency (RF) is electromagnetic radiation waves that transmit audio, video, or data signals.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that breaks down into compounds that are can cause cancer when large quantities are inhaled over a long period of time.

Rafters are the sloped structural members of a roof system used to support the roof loads and connect to the ridge.

Rafting is a system where trusses are erected, braced and sheathed on the ground then an entire section of truss framing is hoisted in place.

Railings are used for safety at stairs, landings, decks, and open balconies where people can fall.

Rain drains are pipes buried along the foundation wall used to transfer weather-related waters to storm sewers or other designated locations.

Raised hearth is built above the floor level by continuing the lower structure to support the hearth to the desired height.

Rake board, see fascia.

Rake molding, see fascia.

Ranch style home has one-story.

Range hood is a metal hood over a range that has lights and an exhaust fan that vents to the outside.

Rebar the term used to identify steel reinforcing bars in the construction industry.

Rebond carpet pad is made from high density foam that is bonded together to make a variety of densities and thicknesses.

Rectangular survey system see public land states.

Reference stake see marker stake.

Reflected light is light bounced off a ceiling that has a uniform quality to help reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Reflective insulation includes radiant barriers that are typically highly reflective aluminum foil backing on one or both sides of the insulation. 

Refrigeration system includes the cooling coil called an evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, and the expansion valve.

Register see air supply register.

Registered Architect (RA) a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings, and is licensed to practice architecture in a specific state or states where they pass rigorous qualifications.

Reinforced concrete is concrete poured around steel bars placed in the forms.

Relative humidity is a percentage ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air at a specific temperature to the maximum amount that the air could hold at that temperature.

Remodeling is changing an existing structure, either internally or externally.

Renovation is improving by renewing and restoring.

Resilient flooring, also called vinyl flooring, is either sheet or tile vinyl material that is firm and flexible.

Retaining walls are concrete, masonry or wood structures designed to restrain soil on a slope between two different elevations.

Return duct directs the air from the rooms over the heating or cooling device.

Revision cloud is a cloudlike circle around a change made to a print after the drawing has been released for construction.

Revision history block, also called the revision block, is used to record changes to the drawing and is generally located in or next to the title block.

Ridge is the top horizontal member connecting two intersecting roofs.

Right hand (RH) inswing, when the door swings in away from you and to the right. This is also called right hand reverse (RHR).

Right hand outswing, when the door swings out toward you and to the right.

Rigid fiber board insulation contains fiberglass or mineral wool material primarily used for insulating ducts, and for insulation that can withstand high temperature applications.

Ring shank nails have ridges or grooves along the shank.

Riprap is a layer of large rocks used to protect soil from erosion on steep slopes or  slopes that are unstable because of seepage problems.

Riser (plumbing) is a pipe that extends vertically one story or more to carry water to fixtures.

Riser (stairs) is the vertical part of a stair, forming the space between each step.

Road rugs, see geotextiles.

Roll insulation is the same as batts except it comes in approximately 40 feet (12,000 mm) rolls rather than strips. See blanket insulation.

Roof is the supporting structure and exterior surface on top of a home or other building.

Roofer, or roofing contractor, is the person who installs the roofing material.

Roofing contractor, see roofer.

Roofing felt, also commonly called tar paper, is a heavy-duty material made by impregnating paper with tar to make a waterproof material used as an underlayment for roofing material.

Roofing underlayment that is a weatherproof layer of material over the roof sheathing in an effort to keep the home dry before the final roofing material is installed.

Roof joists are flat roof rafters because they serve as rafters and ceiling joist for the rooms below.

Roof plan displays the outline of the roof, roof construction members, roof vents, and roofing materials. The outline of the walls below can be shown with hidden lines and dimensions, such as eave overhang are provided.

Roof pitch is the slope of the roof in rise over run, such as 1/12. This means that the roof has a slope of 12 inches of rise in 12 inches of run. Rise is the vertical distance and run is the horizontal distance. Roof pitch can also be referred to as roof slope.

Roof pond is usually constructed of containers filled with antifreeze and water on a flat roof. The water is heated during the winter days, and then at night the structure is covered with insulation, which allows the absorbed heat to radiate into the living space. This process functions in reverse during the summer, when the water-filled units are covered with insulation during the day and uncovered at night to allow stored heat to escape.

Roof slope see roof pitch.

Rooftop garden see green roof.

Roof truss is a manufactured structural support for the roof system.

Roof vents are screened venting devices that are attached to the roof for providing attic ventilation.

Rotation is an action of studs rotating around their axis caused by tension applied to the wall system by wind or seismic activity.

Rough carpenter see framer.

Rough-in electrical, also known as rough-in is when the electrical boxes and wiring are installed.

Rough lumber see nominal.

Rough opening (R.O.) is any unfinished opening that is framed to specific measurements to accommodate the finish product.

Rough sawn see nominal.

Routed stringer see housed stringer.

Rowlocks are bricks oriented perpendicular to the face of the wall similar to headers, except they are used with the end and face exposed at sills and at the top of walls.

Run (plumbing) refers to a portion of a pipe or fitting continuing in a straight line in the direction of flow in which it is connected.

Run (stairs) is the horizontal dimension one tread, measured from the face of one riser to the face of the next riser, or from the edge of one nosing to the edge of the next nosing.

R-value of a material is a measure of thermal resistance to heat flow.

Half-rhyme or pararhyme or partial rhyme occurs when words almost rhyme (for example: hall and howl)..

S

16d nail is commonly used in framing and is 3-1/2 inches long, and the d in the nail specification refers to penny, which is an old term still used to specify nail sizes today. The nail size gets larger as the number gets larger.

Sanitary sewer system is a system of underground pipes designed for the collection and transfer of waste water from domestic residences, businesses and industries to a wastewater treatment plant, or private sewage treatment such as a septic tank or cesspool.

Sand box, see borrow.

Sand fences, also called wind fences are barriers made of small, evenly spaced wooden slats or fabric used to reduce wind velocity and to trap blowing sand .

Sand filter system, which filters the effluent through a specially designed sand filter before it enters the soil absorption field.

Sash, plural sashes, is a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame.

Sash block is a concrete block unit manufactured with a vertical groove where the shear lug is placed.

Saw set is the distance a saw tooth is bent away from the saw blade. A saw typically has each tooth set alternating on opposite sides.

Scale is a measurement unit representing a proportional relationship between a reduced-size drawing and the actual full-sized feature.

Schedule is a grouping of related items that formats information into rows and columns in order to more easily present design information.

Scissors truss is a truss that has the bottom chord at a slope, creating a sloped ceiling.

Screed is a flat board, or specially  made aluminum tool as shown here, used to smooth a concrete slab after it has been poured in the forms.

Screed is the process of using a screed to level and remove excess wet concrete to the top surface of a slab and to the accurate grade.

Screened soffit vents are part of a roof ventilation system that circulates cool air in from the soffit vents into the attic space and moves hot air out through vents high in the roof and in gable ends in some cases.

Screened vents are provided in the blocking to help ventilate the attic space.

Section is a type of drawing that shows a cut through the home to display the construction practices being used along with construction materials and principal dimensions.

Sectional view see section.

Sediment control is basically any practice used to keep soil on a construction site, so that it does not flow on to other properties or cause water pollution in a stream, river, lake, or ocean.

Seeding is used to control and reduce erosion and sediment loss by providing permanent stabilization disturbed areas by establishing perennial vegetative cover from seed.

Sediment is earth particles and other material that drop out of the storm water runoff.

Sediment basins and rock dams are used to confine sediment from storm water runoff in an excavated pool or natural depression.

Sediment traps are small temporary excavated pools that allow sediment from construction runoff to collect.

Seismic engineering see earthquake engineering.

Seismic loads are caused by earthquakes.

Self-tapping is the ability of a screw to creating its own thread without the need of a pilot hole.

Self-venting fireplaces can be vented directly out the wall behind the fireplace.

Septic tank is an on-site treatment system for domestic sewage, in which the sewage is held to go through a process of liquefaction and decomposition by bacterial organisms.

Series circuit is a circuit that supplies electricity or a signal to a number of devices connected so that the same current passes through each device in completing its path to the source.

Set means to sink the nail head below or flush with the surface.

Setback is the minimum distance required between the structure and the property line.

Set of working drawings A complete set of construction documents contains drawings and specifications. See plans.

Shear lugs are made with hard rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic is placed in the sash block groove running the entire height of the concrete block wall to transmit externally applied loads to the structure.

Shear panel, also called a braced panel, is typically part of a wood frame stud wall that is covered with structural sheathing such as plywood, but other materials such as steel and bracing systems can be used.

Shear plate is a special round plate inserted in the face of a timber to improve shear resistance in the wood-to-wood joint.

Shear wall, also called a braced wall line, is a braced wall made of a shear panel to oppose the effects of lateral load acting on a structure.

Sheathing is fastened to the floor joists, wall studs, or roof rafters to reinforce the structure and provide a backing for finish materials.

Shed roof has a single slope that is often used in modern and contemporary architecture.

Sheet blocks are a group of  informational areas normally surrounded by boarder lines and grouped in one consistent location on the drawings.

Sheet metal screws have deep spiral threads along the entire body length, and have a pointed end for easy start when threading

Sheetrock see drywall.

Shelf angle, is a horizontal steel angle that provides a break in the veneer for the masonry to expand and the connected structure to shrink.

Shoe is a blocking used to reinforce and stabilize the ends of stringers at the floor.

Shoe rail is used to receive the square bottom end of balusters when they are not connected directly to the treads.

Siding can be wood, metal, plastic, composite materials, stucco, or masonry. The type of siding can be used to define or enhance the architectural style.

Shims are a thin strip of wedge-shaped or rectangular wood used for leveling, making plumb, and positioning wood members, especially door frames.

Shingle siding is installed using wood shingles, which are thin, tapered pieces of wood placed side-by-side in rows with each row overlapping the row below.

Side dams, see end dams.

Silicon wafer is a semiconductor diode that stimulates the release of electric charges that are guided into a circuit where they become a useful electric current.

Sill is a continuous pressure treated wood member that provides a barrier between the foundation wall and the framing above.

Sill is the framing member that forms the bottom edge of an exterior door or window opening.

Sill pan see through-wall flashing.

Sill plate see sole plate.

Silt fence is a temporary sediment barrier made of porous fabric normally available in 3 feet tall X 100 feet long rolls.

Single faced fireplace see single fireplace.

Single fireplace has one opening on one side of the structure.

Single-hung window has two sashes of glass, with the top sash stationary and the bottom sash movable.

Single-pole switch is a standard on and off wall switch that is the only switch controling one or more light fixtures in a single electrical circuit.

Sinker nail is used for framing and is thinner than a common nail with a funnel-shaped head, a grid stamped on the top of the head, and coated with adhesive for smooth driving and to improve holding.

Site identifies property corners, border lines, elevations, and can include the location of construction corners, building outlines, and corner elevations.

Site benching is where each adjacent site or lot is graded separately toward the adjoining property line.

Site grading is the construction process of changing the elevation  and slope of the land to civil engineering specifications and to site survey requirements at and near the proposed construction site.

Site orientation is the placement of a structure on the property with certain environmental and physical factors taken into consideration.

Site plan is a drawing that describes how a parcel of land is to be improved.

Site section see profile.

Site survey identifies property corners, border lines, elevations, and can include the location of construction corners, building outlines, and corner elevations.

Skim coating is the application of a thin layer of joint compound over drywall to smooth out walls and ceilings.

Skirt board is a non-structural fascia used to trim the sides of stairs to which the treads and risers are fitted.

Skylight is a window in a roof used to allow sunlight to enter.

Skylight flashing is galvanized sheet metal that is bent in an L-shape and used around the skylight to direct water away from the curb and over the roofing material.

Slab that is a flat concrete pad poured directly on the ground or on compacted gravel over the ground. 

Slab door is a rectangular slab of wood that is not drilled or processed for hinges or a locking mechanism.

Slab rubber carpet pad is a single thickness of rubber material that stands up under pressure for a long period of time, and is used in high traffic areas.

Slate is a natural occurring material composed of clay or volcanic ash.

Sliding door see bi-pass door.

Sliding window is a popular 50 percent operable window when there are two panes in the window.

Slope of land or constructed site, refers to the amount of incline of the surface using earth removal practices. Slope is described by the ratio of the rise divided by the run between two points on a line or plane.

Slope (roof) , also called pitch, is the amount of rise a roof has compared to a horizontal measurement called the run.

Slope diversions are constructed by creating channels laterally across slopes to intercept the down-slope flow of runoff reduce the possibility of erosion.

Slope stakes are used to determine the point at which the proposed slope intersects the existing ground.

Sludge is a thick, soft, wet mixture of liquid and solid components.

Sloped glazing is a glass and framing assembly that is sloped more than 15° from the vertical, forms the entire roof of the structure, and is generally a single slope construction.

Smoke chamber is a tapered area above the fireplace and below the flue, used to allow smoke to mix and rise into the flue.

Smoke shelf, also called a wind shelf, is a ledge at the bottom of a smoke chamber, used to deflect or break downdrafts from the chimney, and collect rain that enters the chimney.

Sod, also called turf grass, is grass that has already been planted in sections that are grass and soil held together by roots or other materials, and available in pieces 16 to 24 X 48 inches, or 12 to 18 inches wide X 40 to 60 inches long rolls.

Sodding is an immediate and permanent erosion control practice where grass sod is installed on exposed soils.

Soffit is the term used to describe the underside of any architectural feature, such as a beam, arch, ceiling, overhang, or vault.

Soft metric conversion the actual metric conversion of 4X8 feet = 1219X2438 mm is rounded to the nearest 100 mm modules, resulting in 1200 X 2400 mm.

Software is the program or instructions that run the computer.

Softwood is wood that comes from a coniferous tree, such as fir, hemlock, and pine.

Softwood plywood is structural material made of layers of softwood veneer glued together, under heat and pressure, with the grains of adjoining layers placed at right angles.

Soil feasibility test see percolation test.

Soil pipe is a pipe that carries the discharge of water closets or other similar fixtures.

Soil retention structures are used to hold soil in place on a slope site.

Soil stack is a vertical pipe that extends one or more floors and carries discharge of water closets and other similar fixtures.

Solar access refers to the availability of direct sunlight to a structure or construction site.

Solar architectural products absorb and collect heat from the sun and outside air and transfer the heat into water, glycol, or another heat-transferring fluid passing through embedded tubes.

Solar energy is produced by sunlight that can be captured when it is transferred to something that has the ability to store heat or energy.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight.

Solar orientation allows for excellent exposure to the sun.

Solar water heating (SWH) or solar hot water (SHW) systems use solar radiation to heat water or air in buildings.

Solarium is a room with walls of glass that go beyond the eaves. Solariums often have roofs made entirely out of glass.

Soldering is the joining of metal parts, such as wires, with the use of heat on fusible alloys, usually tin and lead.

Soldiers add accent style to the brick wall by placing units oriented vertically with the full face exposed.

Solid blocking is placed between floor joists to help resist lateral loads, to prevent joist rotation, and to provide nailing surface for the bottom plate of a wall or partition framed above, to provide stiffness to a floor system, to

provide fire blocking, and to support plumbing and heating equipment.

Solid fuel-burning appliances are products such as airtight stoves, freestanding fireplaces, fireplace stoves, room heaters, zero-clearance fireplaces, antique stoves, and fireplace inserts for existing masonry fireplaces.

Sone is a sound rating, where the lower the number the quieter the sound.

Soot is finely divided carbon deposited from flames during the incomplete combustion of organic substances such as coal.

Southern Building Code Congress (SBCC) codes developed for the south.

Span refers to the horizontal distance between two supporting members.

Span (roof) is the horizontal dimension across the building measure from the outside of top plates.

Spec refers to speculation, where the contractor is building the home based on the assumption that it will sell for a profit. Also a slang term used when referring to a specification. See specification.

Spec home is a home designed for a contractor to build and offer for sale.

Specifications provide detailed written information placed on the drawing or in separate documents and provide exact statements describing the characteristics of  particular aspects of the project.

Specific heat is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of any substance 1°F.

Specific notes describe individual features.

Spindle see baluster.

Spiral stairs, also called a circular stairs, has treads winding around a center newel.

Split studs are narrower than normal studs and used to frame each side of the pocket part of a pocket door kit, providing space between the split studs for the door to slide into the wall.

Split-wired outlet is a duplex outlet that has one outlet controlled by a switch.

Spotface is a flat-bottomed cylindrical enlargement of the mouth of a hole with slight depth to insert a washer or shear plate below the surface.

Square, used in construction, is any four-sided shape with four straight sides, four right angles, and equal diagonal measurements.

Stack is a general term referring to any vertical pipe for soil waste or vent piping.

Staggered means to alternate the nail placement so they are not in a straight row.

Stain is a penetrating liquid used to preserve and tint woodwork for a desired appearance.

Stainless steel is steel containing chromium, used to resistant tarnishing and rust.

Stair, commonly referred to as stairs, is a set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another.

Stairbuilder is a specially skilled finish carpenter who designs and builds stairways, and guardrail systems.

Staircase is the entire stair construction including framing the stairwell opening, adjacent walls, and the railing systems.

Stair horse see stringers.

Stairway see stair.

Stairwell is the opening in the floor where the stairs are located.

Stamped concrete is a process of using rubber molds pressed into the concrete to create patterns resembling brick, slate, cobblestone, flagstone or tile. When used with concrete colors, the stamped surface has a decorative appearance without the cost of natural stone.

Standing seam roofing is a raised seam between each parallel metal sheet where one sheet is joined to the next, creating an interlocking, water-tight seam.

Static slicing is the insertion of a narrow custom-shaped blade at least 10 inches into the ground, and at the same time pulling silt fence fabric into the opening created, as the blade is pulled through the ground.

Stem walls are used at the interior of the foundation system to support structural members at mid span.

Steel hanger is a pre-manufactured steel bracket used to hold and support a construction member such as a beam, joist, post, or rafter.

Stem wall is a general term used to describe any short height wall, or partial wall, also called a pony wall or knee wall.

Step flashing is small pieces of flashing material used to overlay each other where a vertical surface meets a sloping roof.

Stick framing one board or stick is used at a time to assemble the structure.

Stock house plan has been preemptively designed and made available for sale by a professional home designer.

Stockpile refers to the earth material that is piled and stored during excavation for later use on the site, such as backfill, and the on-site storage of other construction material, such as lumber, or the piling of construction waste for later removal.

Stop molding is a small rectangular-shaped molding positioned on the jamb, slightly past the width of the door, and is used to stop the door in the jamb at a specific location.

Storm sewer is used for carrying groundwater, rainwater, surface water, or other nonpolluting waste to locations where it can be safely dispersed.

Storm water easement is a low area or swale between properties that allows storm water to drain away from homes.  

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) are a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) that regulates water quality when associated with construction or industrial activities.The SWPPP addresses all pollutants and their sources, including sources of sediment associated with construction, construction site erosion, and all other activities associated with construction activity and controlled through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Straight flight of stairs is a flight between landings without any turns.

Stretchers are the most common brick pattern with units oriented horizontally with the full face exposed.

Strike jamb is the vertical side of the door frame on the lock side of the door.

Strike plate is a metal plate attached to the door frame that the lock engages.

Stringers, also called carriage or stair horse, are the supporting member running the length of a stair incline on which treads and risers are mounted.

Stripped concrete forms are removed after the pour has hardened.

Structural brick is used here to describe economic brick used to build a structure and not selected for appearance.

Structural engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and construction of structures to withstand physical forces or displacements without danger of collapse, or without loss of serviceability or function.

Structural insulated panels (SIP) are a high energy efficient building system for residential and light commercial construction that is custom manufactured for each home and delivered to the project site for installation.

Structural masonry is the primary structural system for home or commercial building construction that can be combined with wood, steel, and reinforced concrete applications.

Structural masonry walls are typically constructed using concrete masonry units.

Structured wiring systems are high-speed voice and data lines and video cables wired to a central service location.

Stucco siding is composed of cement, sand, and lime, and is applied while wet. The stucco dries to a hard durable material for exterior and interior walls.

Studs are vertical framing members used to construct walls and partitions, and are usually 2X4 or 2X6 and spaced 16 or 24 inches on center.

Stud wall the wall constructed using studs.

Sub-base is a layer of compacted gravel, such as crushed rock with 10 - 20% fines, on top of the sub-grade.

Subcontractor is a person or business who carries out work for a general contractor as part of a complete project, and there can be a number of subcontractors on a project, including electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, framing, concrete work, and roofing just to name a few.

Subdivision is parcel of land that has been divided into two or more pieces and developed with roads and utilities for easier sale.

Subfloor is a layer of structural material fastened above the floor joists to tie the floor joists together and to provide support for the finished floor.

Sub grade is a preliminary grade prior to doing work to finish grade.

Substrate see backer board.

Sunroom is a room with walls of glass that stop at the eaves and normally have traditional looking roofs.

S4S surfaced on four sides.

Survey is the result of establishing the exact corners, boundaries, and elevations of a piece of land using surveying techniques.

Survey stakes are used to control alignment and grade of building corners, roads and other features during construction.

Survey tack is a small, sharp, broad-headed nail.

Surveying for construction is the measurement of dimensional relationships, horizontal distances, elevations, directions, and angles, on the earth's surface especially for use in locating property boundaries, construction layout, and site plan drafting.

Sustainable describes anything that is capable of being continued or maintained with minimum or no long-term effect on the environment.

Sustainable buildings are buildings capable of maintaining their desired function into the future.

Sustainable sites offer enrichment with trees and plants that provides shade, aesthetic value, habitat for native species, and a way to absorb carbon and enrich the soil.

Sweep forty-five to ninety degree turns in the conduit with large radius that makes it easy to pull wire through the conduit during the electrical work.

Switch box is an electrical box that houses a switch or group of switches.

Switch leg is the electrical conductor from a switch to the electrical device being controlled.

System Development Charges (SDCs) are charged by local jurisdictions to fund the development of parks, schools, transit systems and other municipal facilities associated with an increase in population due to the construction of new homes.

T

T1-11 siding is the most common structural plywood siding that has a textured finish exterior veneer that provides the appearance of traditional solid-wood siding.

Tack means to drive the nail partially into place to hold the work before driving the nail all the way.

Tails are the bottom of the rafters that generally extend past the exterior wall a desired distance to create an eave or overhang.

Tail joists are used to tie the outside wall to the adjacent joists when the main joists run perpendicular to the rafters.

Tamper-resistant (TR) outlet has a spring-loaded shutter that closes the contact openings for child safety.

Tankless water heaters, also called instantaneous or demand water heaters, heats water directly without use of the storage tank found with traditional water heaters.

Tar paper is a thick product that is manufactured in rolls and is made by impregnating paper with tar, producing a waterproof material.

Tempered glass is a safety glass that is four to five times stronger than standard glass and shatters into small oval-shaped pebbles when broken.

Temporary (electrical) the installation of a temporary underground or overhead electrical service near the construction site and close to the final meter location provides electricity during construction.

Temporary electric service is provided during construction and is used for construction electricity purposes. This service is installed on a temporary pole, which is placed near the permanent power pole or transformer. The temporary service has a meter base and meter, and usually two 20 ampere, 120 VAC, grounded, duplex outlets and one 50 ampere, 4 wire, single phase, 240 VAC (208 VAC at some locations) outlet mounted in a weatherproof enclosure.

Temporary slope drain can be used to divert storm water from one elevation to another with a corrugated metal, plastic, or concrete pipe extending from the upper to the lower elevation

Tensile strength is the strength the material has against pulling forces.

Tension is caused by stretching.

Tension system see continuous steel wall frame bridging.

Termination bar is used to secure the top edge of the flashing to the concrete block wythe.

Terrain is the characteristics of land, especially as considered with reference to its natural features such as flat or sloping.

Texturing is applied to drywall to make the surface look even and cover any surface irregularities.

Thermal break system is a longitudinal channel, longitudinal flange, or side walls that create a hollow center in which a thermal barrier is integrally formed.

Thermal mass is a dense material that can effectively absorb and store heat, and release the heat as the home cools at night.

Thermal resistance is the ability of materials to slow heat transfer.

Thermal storage wall receives and stores energy from the sun during the day and releases the heat slowly at night.

Thermostat is an automatic mechanism for controlling the amount of heating or cooling given by a central or zone heating or cooling system.

Through-wall flashing, also called a sill pan flashing at the bottom, is a special fabricated flashing with sealed seams to keep water from entering the structure and allow rainwater to flow out.

Thin-set mortar is used to adhere tile to the floor or wall, with a very thin layer of cement often containing other additives, such as acrylic for strength.

Thin veneer bricks have normal face dimensions with reduced thickness for application to surfaces with adhesive.

Three-dimensional roofing see architectural roofing.

Three faced fireplace is open on three sides.

3/4 inch minus refers to the size of the rock, where 3/4 inch (19 millimeters) is the largest piece that fits through a 3/4 inch screen, and the approximate amount of fines in a product. Minus material can have 60% to 70% fines.

Three-stud corner uses three studs to secure and strengthen the exterior corner and provide a nailing surface for sheathing, siding, and interior drywall or other interior finish materials.

Three-tab roofing is the most popular type of asphalt shingle usually 12X 36 inches with three profile sections along the bottom of the shingle called tabs.

Three way switch is used when two switches control a single light or group of lights.

Threshold is the metal, plastic, or wood sill on an exterior door.

Throat is an opening between a fire box and the chimney where the damper is located.

Tie-beams connect horizontally across the structure between posts.

Timber-frame construction see post and beam.

Timber-frame construction uses generally large posts and beams or timbers for the horizontal and vertical members of the structural system.

T-intersection occurs when an interior partition intersects an exterior wall, and the number of studs used needs to be kept to a minimum for the maximum amount of insulation to be used.

Title block provides a variety of information about the company, client, and the drawing, such as company and client name, the title of the drawing, sheet size, predominate scale, and sheet page number.

Ton Sizing of a heat pump where each ton of rating removes approximately 12,000 Btu per hour (Btuh) of heat.

Tongue and groove (T&G) edges where one joining edge has a tongue that fits into the groove of the other joining edge

Topography is shown as lines representing given heights of the geographical landscape.

Top plate is a framing member on top of a stud wall on which joists rest to support an additional floor or to form a ceiling, or upon which rafters rest to form a roof.

Top soil is the upper part of the soil, which is usually rich in nutrients and most favorable for landscaping lawn and plant growth.

Top track replaces the top plate used in wood framing.

Total rise is the vertical dimension from the top of the plate to the top of the ridge.

Total run (rafter) is half the span measured from the outside of a top plate to the center of the ridge.

Total run (stairs) of the stairs is the horizontal distance from the face of the first riser to the face of the last riser.

Track steel framing member used for applications, such as band or rim joists, for flooring systems. A track has a web and two flanges, but no lips. Track web depth measurements are taken to the inside of the flanges.

Tract homes are built in a housing development where homes are similar and economical by keeping costs to a minimum by using standardized designs, materials, products and labor.

Traditional architecture used here refers to architectural styles that evolved from the early American influence and from regions around the world.

Transom is a horizontal crosspiece over a door or between a door and a window above the door, or a normally small horizontal operable window above a door or another window.

Trap is a U-shaped pipe below plumbing fixtures that holds water to prevent odor and sewer gas from entering the fixture.

Tread is the horizontal portion of a stair where you step when going up or down the stairs.

Trenching is the digging of a ditch to a desired width and depth with a trenching machine or excavation machine such as a backhoe.

Trimmer is any construction member that runs parallel to other framing members and used as support or to strengthen the perimeter of an opening.

Trombe wall is a thermal storage wall constructed as a massive dark-painted masonry or concrete wall situated a few inches inside and next to south-facing glass. The sun heats the air between the wall and the glass. The heated air rises and enters the room through vents at the top of the wall. At the same time, cool air from the floor level of adjacent rooms is pulled in through vents at the bottom of the wall.

Trowel (concrete) is a flat-bladed tool used for leveling, spreading, shaping, and smoothing concrete and mortar. This is the final concrete finishing process, unless the concrete shall be broomed, stamped, or have an exposed aggregate finish

Trowel (drywall) is a flat-bladed hand tool used for spreading, leveling, or shaping joint compound in drywall finishing applications.

True north is determined by a line from the North Pole to the South Pole. True north is the same as geographic north, which is the North Pole.

Truss A prefabricated or job-built construction member formed of triangular shapes used to support roof or floor loads over long spans.

Turf grass, see sod.

Turnbuckle is a device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, or rods, and generally made of two threaded fasteners, one with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread.

24 inch (600 mm) modules, which means that every dimension is a 24 inch increment, such as 30 feet X 48 feet (9,000X14,600 mm).

Two faced fireplace is open on two sides.

Two-pipe hot water system, has two pipes running throughout the home. One pipe supplies heated water to all of the outlets. The other is a return pipe, which carries the water back to the boiler for reheating

Two-story home has two floors with two full-height walls built with the second framed above the first, and there is a stairs for access between floors.

Two-stud corner has the least number of studs and allows for the maximum amount of insulation in the corner.

Type X gypsum is 5/8 inch thick drywall, manufactured for use in locations where building codes require a fire resistance rating in home construction.

Typical wall section provides more detail than is normally found in a building section, and is drawn at a larger scale such as 1/2" = 1'-0", 3/4" = 1'-0", or 1" = 1'-0".

U

Ultraviolet (UV) light can be beneficial for improving indoor air quality.

Underlayment is construction material used over subflooring and under the finish floor material to provide a base for finish floor material.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is global safety science company that tests the latest products and technologies for safety before they are marketed to consumers.

UniFormat is a uniform classification system for organizing preliminary construction information into a standard order or sequence on the basis of functional elements.

Unit skylight is a complete factory-assembled glass- or plastic-glazed opening consisting of not more than one panel of glass or plastic installed in a sloped or horizontal orientation primarily for natural daylighting.

Universal design refers to broad range concepts meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are characteristically accessible to older people, people without disabilities, and people with disabilities.

Urban heat island effect and potentially tempers heating and cooling loads in the building. The urban heat island effect means that city areas are warmer than suburbs or rural areas due to less vegetation, more land coverage, and other infrastructure.

Utility grid is the transmission system for electricity that is a network of coordinated power providers and consumers that are connected by transmission and distribution lines and operated by one or more control centers.

U-value is the coefficient of heat transfer expressed as BTUH sq ft/°F of surface area.

U-shape stairs makes a 180 degree turn at a landing.

UV-C light has a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers, which is called the germicidal bandwidth.

V

VAC is the abbreviation for volts alternating current.

Valley is the corner of an interior angle formed by two intersecting interior roof surfaces.

Valley jack rafter is the jack rafter that connects to a valley.

Valley rafter is the rafter that forms the valley and runs from the ridge to the top plate.

Valve is a fitting used to control the flow of fluid or gas.

Vanity is a bathroom lavatory fixture that is freestanding or in a cabinet.

Vapor barrier or vapor diffusion retarder is a material that reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material.

Vapor diffusion retarder see vapor barrier.

Variance is a request to depart from zoning requirements.

Vaulted ceiling can have unequal sloping sides, a single sloping side, an arch shape. Vaulted ceilings can have the same pitch or a different pitch than the roof.

Veneer is thin sheets of wood glued together to form plywood or glued to a wood base material.

Vent-free fireplace is installed without a flue, does not draw outside air to fuel the fire, and has no exhaust gases to the outside.

Vent pipe is the pipe installed to ventilate the building drainage system and to prevent drawing liquid out of traps and stopping back pressure.

Vent stack is a general term referring to any vertical pipe for soil waste or vent piping.

Vent system allows for a continuous flow of air through the system so that gases and odors can dissipate and bacteria do not have an opportunity to develop.

Vestibule see air-lock entry.

View orientation provides optimum exposure to a view and can be a major factor in the purchase of property for home construction.

Vinyl flooring see resilient flooring.

Virtual refers to something that appears to have the properties of a real or actual object or experience.

Virtual reality (VR) refers to a world that appears to be a real or actual world, having many of the properties of a real world.

Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are chemicals contained in the items used in home construction, which can emit pollutants throughout the lifespan of the product.

Volt (V) is a unit of measure for electrical force.

W

WA means warm air.

Waffle rubber carpet pad is rubber material pressed into a waffle shape that provides a soft cushion that is not designed for use in high traffic areas.

Wainscot is any wall finish where the material on the bottom portion of the wall is different from the upper portion.

Walk-through can be described as a camera in a computer program that is set up like a person walking through a building, around a building, or through a landscape.

Walls are typically vertical structures made from wood, steel, concrete, or masonry used to enclose, or divide the floor area based on the design provided in the plans.

Wallpaper is a paper or vinyl product that usually has printed decorative patterns and colors, used for pasting in vertical strips over the walls and ceilings to provide a decorative or textured surface.

Wall ties are used to transfer lateral forces, such as wind loads, on the masonry veneer wall back to the wood frame structure.

Waste pipe is a pipe that carries only liquid waste free of fecal material.

Waste stack is a vertical pipe that runs one or more floors and carries the discharge of fixtures other than water closets and similar fixtures.

Water-based geothermal system has closed-loop and open-loop options. The closed-loop system has water or water-antifreeze fluid pumped through polyethylene tubes. The open-loop system has water pumped from a well or reservoir through a heat exchanger, and then discharged into a drainage ditch, a field tile, a reservoir, or another well.

Water closet water-flushing plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, that is designed to receive and discharge human excrement. This term is sometimes used to mean the compartment where the fixture is located.

Water distribution pipe carries water from the service to the point of use.

Water heater is an appliance used for heating, storing and distributing hot water.

Water main is a primary water supply pipe, generally located in the street or public utility easement for public water.

Water meter is a device used to measure the amount of water that goes through the water service.

Water service is generally 1 inch plastic or galvanized steel pipe. This size may vary in relation to the service needed.

Waterstop is a component of a concrete or masonry structure, intended to prevent the passages of water running continuously through the joints.

Water well is structure in the ground created by digging, driving, boring or drilling to access groundwater in underground aquifers.

Watt or wattage refers to a unit measure of power corresponding to the power in an electric circuit in which the potential difference is one volt and the current one ampere.

Web is the part of a C-Shape or track that connects the two flanges.

Web opening: See punchout.

Web Stiffener is additional material attached to the web to strengthen the members.

Weep holes (masonry) are openings in the first course of masonry that allow water to drain out through the bottom of the wall, and help dry the structure by provide air circulation behind the masonry veneer.

Weep holes (windows) are fabricated through the frame at the outside sill of aluminum and vinyl frame windows to allow moisture and rain to escape from the window.

Welded wire reinforcement (WWR) is steel wires spaced a specified distance apart in a square grid, and the wires are welded together

Whole building refers to the building assembly designed and built to maximize sustainable and economic function through the use of energy and other resources, building materials, site preservation, and indoor air quality for a structure to run at its maximum efficiency, provide a comfortable and healthy environment, and have the minimum impact on the environment.

Wi-Fi is the name of wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections.

Wind fence see sand fence.

Wind shear refers to the variation of wind over either horizontal or vertical surfaces.

Wind shelf see smoke shelf.

Winder is a special type of tread used for making a turn in a staircase at a mid-staircase landing.

Window is a fixed or operable framework enclosing a pane of glass or more than one pane of glass separated by mullions and muntons, and is typically framed in a wall or roof and functions to let in light and air to the area or room where the window is mounted in the home.

Window jambs are the sides, top and bottom members that continue from the window frame inside to cover the framing  and extend flush with the drywall or other wall finis material.

Wire gauge is a method of defining wire diameter by a number, with wire diameter increasing as the number gets smaller.

Wood flooring is any finish flooring product manufactured from wood.

Wood shingles are sawn from slabs of wood with a taper, making one end thicker than the other.

Wood shakes are split from slabs of wood, making them rougher and less uniform than wood shingles.

Work results are traditional construction practices that typically result from an application of skills to construction products or resources.

Wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness.

Z

Zero clearance fireplace is a manufactured steel fireplace that can be placed safely near combustible material

Zoned heating system requires one heater and one thermostat per room.

Zoning (Land Use Planning) Used by local governments for land use planning based on mapped zones which separate one set of land uses from another.

Zoning (Drawing Sheets) A system of numbers along the top and bottom margins and letters along the left and right margins of a sheet. Zoning allows the drawing to be read like a road map.