The Glossary

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.

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.

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

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

See Red Oak

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

A designation given to the quality of manufactured lumber.

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

Crossbracing forming the letter X. Used in floors and partitions.

A tract of ground adjacent to a building.

Lumber generally found in a lumber yard, that is, lumber graded for general building purposes.

One cubic yard of concrete is 3' x 3' x 3' in volume, or 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet of 3 " sidewalk or basement/garage floor.

Bent, galvanized metal flashing that is installed above a horizontal trim board of an exterior window, door, or brick run. It prevents water from getting behind the trim/brick and into the home.

The construction of a building on any of the boundary lines of a lot. Usually built on the front line, such as a store built to the sidewalk. (See also Zero Side Yard).

The building of a subdivision with each house built on a side boundary line. This gives more usable yard space on narrow lots. An easement for maintenance is given over a portion of the lot adjoining each house.

The division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas (zones), specifying the uses allowable for the real property in these areas.

A law (generally at the city or county level) controlling the use of land and construction of improvements in a given area (zone).