C

Cantilever

A projecting structure supported on one end, such as a balcony.

Carport

A garage not fully enclosed.

Casement Window

A hinged window, usually metal, that opens out.

Casing

Molding of various widths and thickness used to trim door and window openings at the jambs.

Caulking

A waterproof material used to seal cracks.

Central Air Conditioning

A system, which uses ducts to distribute cooling and/or dehumidified air to more than one room or uses, pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, and which is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet.

Central Heating

A system by which the heat from a single source is distributed with ducts.

Chain

A unit of land measurement 66 ft. in length.

Chamfer

A beveled edge on a board formed by removing the sharp corner. Generally used on moldings, edges of drawer fronts, and cabinet doors.

Chase

A slot or continuous groove built in a masonry or frame wall to accommodate ducts, pipes, or conduits.

Chimney

A vertical flue for passing smoke from a heating unit, fireplace, or incinerator.

Chipped Grain

Wood surface that has been roughened by the action of cutting tools. Considered a defect when surfaces are to be smoothly finished.

Chord

The horizontal member of a truss connecting the lower corners.

Circuit

Two or more wires through which electrical power flows from the distribution panel to one or more outlets or fixtures, then back.

Circuit Breaker

A safety device that breaks the flow of electrical current whenever a circuit becomes overloaded.

Clear Title

A title to property that is free of any defects.

Cleat

A piece of wood, normally used in frame construction, fastened to another member to serve as a brace or support.

Clerestory

An outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows.

Coffered Ceiling

A ceiling with recessed square panels, bordered with trim for ornamental purposes.

Collar Beam

Nominal 1 or 2 in. thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Using the computer to perform drafting and design functions.

Concrete

A mixture of cement, sand, and gravel with water.

Concrete Block

A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size. Often used in low rise commercial and some residential construction.

Concrete Form

A temporary structure built to contain concrete during pouring and initial hardening.

Conditions and Restrictions

The term used to designate any conditions to which the use of land may not be put and the penalties for failure to comply.

Conduction

The flow of heat through an object by transferring heat from one molecule to another.

Conduit

piping made out of plastic or metal used to protect electrical wire.

Construction Loan

A short-term loan taken for the expressed purpose of building. Installment payments are made and when the building is complete, the loan is usually replaced by a longer-term mortgage.

Contract

An agreement between a seller and purchaser. The title is withheld from the purchaser until all required payments to the seller have been completed.

Convection

Refers to the transfer of heat by moving fluid (liquids and gases).

Conventional Framing

A method of roof framing which uses rafters and joists. These framing members are measured, cut, and hoisted into place by building professionals at the jobsite during construction. Also referred to as stick framing.

Coping

A cap or top course of a masonry wall to protect lower areas from water penetration.

Corbel

A ledge or shelf constructed by laying successive courses of masonry out from the face of the wall.

Core

The inner layer or layers of plywood. The core may consist of veneer, solid lumber, or composition board.

Corner Bead

A lightweight strip of metal, angled to reinforce corners in drywall.

Corner Braces

Diagonal braces at the corners of frame structure to stiffen and strengthen the wall.

Cornice

The part of a roof that projects out from the wall.

Cornice Return

That portion of the cornice that returns on the gable end of a house

Counter Flashing

A flashing used under the regular flashing.

Cove

Molded trim of a concave shape used around cabinet construction and other built-ins.

Crawl Space

The shallow space below the floor of a house built above the ground. Generally it is surrounded with the foundation wall.

Crawlspace Vent

An opening to allow the passage of air through the unexcavated area under a first floor. Ideally there should be at least two vents per crawlspace.

Cricket

A device used at roof intersections to divert water.

Cripple

A structural member that is cut less than full length, such as a studding piece above a window or door.

Cross Bracing

Boards nailed diagonally across studs or other boards to make framework rigid.

Crown Molding

A decorative molding used at the top of cabinets, at ceiling corners, and under a roof overhang.

Cul-de-sac

A street or court with no outlet, which provides a circular turn around for vehicles.

Cull

Building material (especially boards) that is rejected because of defects or below useable grade.

Cupola

A small, decorative structure built on the roof of a house. It is often placed over an attached garage and may also be used for ventilating purposes.

Current

Term used to describe electrical flow.

Curtain Wall

An exterior or interior wall, which provides no structural support.