W

Wainscot

Surfacing on the lower part of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall.

Walk Through

A final inspection of a home before "closing" to look for and document problems that need to be corrected.

Wall Tie

A small metal strip or steel wire used to bind tiers of masonry in cavity-wall construction, or to bind brick veneer to the wood-frame wall in veneer construction.

Water Conditioner

A device used to remove dissolved minerals from water to make it soft. Generally used in houses supplied by well water, which contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, to remove hardness that causes scale buildup in plumbing.

Weather Strip

Strip of metal or fabric fastened along the edges of windows and doors to reduce drafts and heat loss.

Weep Hole

An opening at the bottom of a wall, which allows the drainage of water.

White Oak

See Red Oak

Window

An opening in a wall or roof of a building to provide light, air, view, etc., but containing glass to keep out the weather.

Wood Grade

A designation given to the quality of manufactured lumber.

Working Drawing

Drawing used by workman in construction. Shows all structural detail such as electric, plumbing, partitions, etc.