The Glossary

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

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

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

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

The horizontal member of a truss connecting the lower corners.

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

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

A title to property that is free of any defects.

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

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

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

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

Using the computer to perform drafting and design functions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A flashing used under the regular flashing.

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

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

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.

A device used at roof intersections to divert water.

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

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

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

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

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