A AC Typical abbreviation for Air conditioning & /or Alternating current. Accent lighting Directional lighting to highlight a particular feature. Acoustic construction :-ceiling / lining Construction procedure designed to satisfying particular sound requirements, such as reducing sound transfer in duplexes or units . Aerated concrete A lightweight easy to use concrete, with good thermal insulating properties. Aggregate The hard, inert stone material of specified size , mixed with cement and water to form concrete. Exposed aggregate finish, is concrete with the top layer of cement mortar washed of thus exposing the top layer of aggregate. Aggie pipe drain (Agriculture pipe drain) A drain constructed with pipes containing grooved holes down its length, to collect and discharge ground-water Anti-ponding board A rigid metal section support, , fixed at the end of rafters and over the fascia or tiling batten to prevent ponding of water to sarked regions of roof. Apex The highest point of a roof or gable. Arbitration Dispute resolution, under which an independent "Arbitrator" is appointed to hear submissions as an independant party in a dispute, and make a final binding decision to resolve the dispute. Special considerations need to be followed in appointing an Arbitrator. Arch A curved feature, spanning an opening or recess. . Arch bar A steel bar or lintel used to support brickwork or blockwork over an opening. Architect A registered professional qualified to practice architecture, including the design of buildings and administration of building contracts. Architecture The planning, design, construction and decorative treatment of a construction. Architrave The molded trim around a door or window opening to cover the joint between the frame and the wall to finish and conceal any subsequent shrinkage or expansion. A decorative band around openings or panels of any shape. Attic The accessible space within the sloping roof of a house. Used for storage or living space, usually lit by skylights. Awning A roof-like covering to shelter from the effects of sun or rain. Eg Awning window is hinged at the top and folds out from the bottom.
B Backfill The material used to refill (backfill) an excavation, eg footing or trench, after completion of the foundation work . Bagged brickwork The application of a thin mortar slurry to the external face of brickwork using a hessian bag or similar material, to provide a texture , usually in preparation for a painted finish. Balcony An open or covered platform attached to an upper floor of a building, protected by a balustrade, accessible from an adjacent room. Baluster The vertical member supporting a handrail and forming part of a balustrade. Balustrade A series of balusters supporting a handrail . Banister The vertical member supporting a stair rail, usually elaborately turned timber. Bargeboard A sloping board fixed to the edges of a gable to conceal the roof construction.
Barge capping is used to as a protective capping for a bargeboard. May be timber, metal or concrete tiles. Batt (Insulation) A fibrous mat , for thermal and / or acoustic insulation of roofs, walls or ceilings. Batten A small sawn or dressed timber or metal member used as an intermediate fixing member between two construction materials. Batter The formed slope of an excavation or earth bank . Bay window A window or a group of windows projecting outwards from the face of a building and forming a bay in a room. Bay windows come in rectangular, curved or polygonal plan shapes . Beam A slender, usually horizontal structural member, supported at both ends and can be formed of steel, timber, reinforced concrete . In structural work, the main beam is also called Girder Bearer A sub-floor structural member, supported on foundation walls, piers or piles and which, in turn, supports the floor joists. Bi-fold door A door with number of hinged panels folding to one or both sides of a door opening. Bill of quantities A detailed listing of the quantities of materials, labour and any other items required to carry out a project, based on the working drawings, specification, and schedules for the project. Blm Broad loom metre. As in the standard width of a roll of carpet being 3.6m. ie, the total square metreage of floor space to be carpeted divided by 3.6m = qty of Blm. Blocks / Blockwork A component made usually from concrete or clay use in the construction of walls (twice to four times the size of a brick). Building blocks are usually hollow cores to reduce the handling weight. The blocks are then finally filled with concrete once in place, to the engineers requirements, for extra strength. Blocking The packing between the members of a floor joist systems , giving floor lateral restraint. Body corporate The governing body of owners of a block of strata title units. Box gutter A concealed roof gutter used behind parapets. Bracing A system of permanent or temporary diagonal stiffening members, used in structural frameworks to resist special loads such as wind or earthquake forces and transfer them to supports. Brick veneer construction (Brick veneer) A method of construction for external walls, consisting of a single, non-load bearing external skin of brickwork , tied to a load bearing timber or metal framed structure. This is the most widely used construction method for domestic housing. Brickwork A construction built of clay bricks, concrete bricks, or sand-lime bricks using a recognized bond. Building Act Specified federal building by-laws and procedures to be used in the building construction process. Building Permit The local building authority’s granting of formal permission to an application or proposal of a construction, outlining its requirements. Building area (BA) The total sum of the enclosed and unenclosed area of a building at all floor levels measured from the outside face of any walls or sub structure. Building certifier An organization or individual approved by a statutory authority to certify compliance of an application or construction with the requirements of regulations made under a Building Act. Building code The design requirements of a construction, alteration or demolition of buildings. Setting out procedures, methods and materials and how there to be used. Building Code of New Zealand (BCA) Building envelope Local authority requirement for the control of building bulk, for sitting and height, design to limit the extent of construction on any particular site. Building line Local authority requirement for the control of the erection of a building or part of a building beyond certain limits of the allotment . Also know en as Setback line. Building services Services that provide a specific function within the structure of the building. Ie. Water ventilation, air conditioning etc. Bulkhead A lower projection of a ceiling section formed to accommodate a projecting structure or services. Bullnose Curved edging, such as the end or edge of a brick, stair tread, tile or moulding.
C Cantilever A projecting feature or structural member, such as an overhanging beam, slab, stair, or truss/rafter which is supported at one end but free at the other. ie. Cantilever balcony. Carpenter / Carpentry A tradesperson who works on site to erect timber framing and components used in construction work. Casement window A side hung window where one or more sashes are hinged vertically to the frame, and opening either, inwards or outwards. Cathedral ceiling A raked or sloping ceiling providing more room space. Cavity wall A wall system constructed of two separate skins of single thickness material separated by a continuous cavity (usually 50 mm). This allows penetrations for services and a space for various forms of insulation . Eg. Cavity brickwork ,a wall constructed of two separate skins of single brickwork laid parallel (usually 50mm apart) forming a cavity between and tied together by metal wall ties. CCA Copper chrome arsenate. A timber treatment that protects it from decay, allowing it to be used in extream weather conditions and provides a termite resistant barrier. Ceiling diffuser Used in conjunction with airconditioning, an air outlet, located in the ceiling. Can also refer to natural light ducted from the roof to the ceiling. Ceiling rose A decorative ceiling feature usually made from carved timber or pre-cast plaster. Generally located to the centre of a room forming a fixing base for the main lighting feature. Chair rail A wooden moulding fitted to a wall at chair back height, to protect the wall and wall finishes against damage from chair backs. Chase A continuous vertical or horizontal groove or recess built into a masonry wall to house pipe(s), ducts or conduit. Chimney flue The passage provided in a chimney structure as an outlet for flue gases and smoke. Cistern The tank for water and flushing system that discharges into the toilet pan. Cladding The outer covering of the external walls of a framed building. Coffer A recessed section or panel sunk into a ceiling . Colonial style A style of early architecture derived from British colonies in Australia and New Zealand. Column A free standing vertical structural member designed to carry axial loads in compression. Compressed Fibre Cement sheet (FC sheeting) An extra high density sheeting made from cement and ground sand reinforced with cellulosic fibre, for use in wet areas and external applications Conduit Tubing used as protective casing for electrical cables or wire , especialy in exposed situations. Contingency Sum A sum of money included in the contract documents to cover the cost of any unforeseen items. Its can be extended in full or in part as required by the supervisor during the progress of the works under the contract. Also see Provisional sum Contour Line A line joining points of equal elevation on a plan or a map. Cornice A moulding usually plaster or timber, for use at the junction of a wall and ceiling. Cut & fill The earthworks involved in levelling a ground surface by ,moving the excess material around and using it as infilling material on the same site in depressions etc
D Dado
The lower portion of an interior wall from the floor to waist height, usually finished in contrast to the remainder of the wall, such as in wood panelling. Dado rail is a rail fixed at the junction of the dado and upper wall surface. Damp-proof course (DPC) An impervious moisture resistant barrier placed in a masonry wall or between a floor and wall. Datum (point or line) Any defined point, line or level from which surveys may be commenced, and relative to which the height, depth and levels may be measured, calculated and verified. Distribution box (Junction box) A small box joined to conduit, in which electric connections may be made between a main circuit and branch circuits. Door furniture Metal accessories for a door required for operation and security, including hinges, handles, locks, bolts, latches and push plates etc. Door head The upper horizontal member of a door frame. Door jamb One of the two vertical side members of a door frame. Door sill The horizontal member at the bottom of an external door frame, for weather-proofing. Double glazing A form of glazing for windows or doors consisting of two panes of glass enclosing an air space between them, and used for thermal and sound insulation. Double-hung window A window with two vertical moving glass sections (sashes ) Downlight A small downward directional light, often recessed in the ceiling, can be surface mounted or suspended. Downpipe A metal or plastic pipe for conveying rain water from a roof or gutter to stormwater drain. Dry rot A fungus disease in timber mainly caused by poor ventilation which results in decay or disintegration injt a dry powdery dust.
E Earthworks All operations involved in loosening, removing, depositing, shaping, or compacting of earth, soil or rock. Eaves The lower part of a pitched roof or edge of a flat roof, projecting beyond the wall face (overhang ), usually finished of with fascia/gutter and eaves sheeting. Eaves provide shading and throw rain water clear of the walls below. Eaves soffit The area under the roof overhang or eaves. Embossing Any form of raised, carved or impressed design or relief in brick, stone, timber or metal. Exposed Aggregate A decorative finish to concrete work, in which the outer surface of cement mortar is removed to expose the colour , texture and pattern of the aggregate within.
F Face brick This is finished brickwork that you would see on the outside of a building or in a feature brick wall internally. Fascia This is the trim around the building, formally timber but now usually colourbond steel, below the roof at the eaves-line upon which the rainwater guttering is usually connected. Faucet This is the old fashioned name for a water tap. The term is still used by some architects but usually in reference to external tap positions. FFL finished floor level Whether this be timber or concrete - before floor coverings are fitted. Fibre cement sheeting This is the sheeting product that replaced the old asbestos sheeting that was banned because of serious health problems with asbestosis of the lungs. Fibro A slang name for fibrous cement sheeting. Fill Normally used in relation to a building site where fill is imported to a site or a site has earthworks where it may be cut in one area and then the "fill" obtained used in another area. Finger joint The shape of a joint made to usually glue and join two pieces of timber together. Finial An ornament found on the top of a spire or a piece of furniture often in the form of a "fleur-de-lis". Fittings A general term related to items fitted to other larger items. Fixed appliance Relates usually to appliances that are direct wired such as wall ovens or hot plates. Fixed Priced contract Where the contract is pre-determined and agreed upon. Usually there are also terms that qualify the fixed nature of the price that could alter if there are time problems with construction, unavailability of specified items or changes made by the customer. Fixed window This is a window with a fixed pane of glass and cannot be opened. Fixtures A general term that usually relates to items that are constructed into a permanent position such as kitchen cupboards. Flashing Generally relates to a waterproof membrane fitted at the join between two external building claddings or roofing to ensure that water or vermin does not gain entry at this point. Flue A chimney. These days generally relates to metal chimney. Flush panel door Usually a plain faced door. Folding doors This term usually relates to narrow doors such as veneer doors that are hinged together and when opened can be folded back on themselves. Formwork (or boxing) Usually relates to the boxing prior to the pouring of concrete. Foundations Usually relates to the construction (whether this be concrete strip footings or concrete stumps for example on the underside of flooring. Frame Usually refers to the shell of a timber or steel framed structure. Footing The excavation below a structure that is usually filled with concrete and becomes the foundation. French doors Usually fancy external double doors opening onto a covered patio or verandah. Frieze Usually an ornamental horizontal band on an internal wall between the architrave and cornice.
G Gable Refers to the shape of a roof. A gable end is the end of a pitched roof which finishes vertically thus leaving a triangular infill. Geotextile fabric
A fabric used in connection with civil engineering works. Girder Usually refers to a steel beam used to carry heavy loads in building construction. Glass/wool insulation A spongy type of material used to provide insulation in roofs and walls. Granny flat Usually a detached or semi-detached flat constructed on a residential site. Grout A thin mortar used filling joints between tiles. Gutter A channel around the edge of a structure's roof used to collect and carry away rainwater. Gypsum Hydrated calcium sulphate used in making plasters and cements. an ingredient in plasterboard.
H Handover Usually this is the stage in the completion of a contract to build a structure where the builder has reached the stage to "handover" to the client. Usually a stage of practical completion - ie there still will be minor maintenance items to be completed. Handrail A rail constructed alongside a stairway to provide support. Hardwood The wood from a number of broadleafed trees that is rated to have a higher density and loadbearing strength in comparison to wood from conifers that are rated as soft wood. Height Datum A level datum, used as a reference point from sea level, to determine building heights throughout New Zealand. Hinge A device for holding two parts together such that one can swing relative to the other. Hip The angle formed where two sloping sides of a roof meet. Hoarding A temporary structure erected around an area while construction is in progress. Hobb A gas or electric element. Hollow core door A lightweight door that has a hollow interior. Hood A hoodlike structure usually fitted above cooking appliances or an open fireplace to assist the exhausting of smoke and fumes. HWS Hot water service.
I I-beam A structural steel beam whose cross-section is in the shape of an I. ie a vertical segment capped top and bottom by two shorter horizontal segments. Igneous rock Rock derived from lava or magma. In-situ Usually relates to the natural, original or most appropriate position. Insulation Material used to insulate a wall or a ceiling (for example) from heat, cold or sound.
J Jamb The vertical framework of a doorway or window. Joinery The skill or craft of fine carpentry work . Joist A beam used in the construction support of (for example) a floor or a roof.
K KD Kiln dried.
L Laminate A thin sheet of material used as a cover or overlay. Lift off hinge A specially designed hinge used mainly on the entry door to a small toilet so that it can be easily removed in an emergency. Ligature Something used to link, bond or tie. Lintel A horizontal beam over a window or doorway. Loadbearing Material that has the capacity to bear load. Loft The space inside a roof often used for storage purposes. Louvre Horizontal parallel slats in a door or window sloping outwards to throw off and and still admit air. Lyctus borer A borer found active in untreated timber or timber with sap in it. Borer usually departs after it has devoured the edible sap.
M Main Usually relates to a major pipeline, drain or service facility ie sewer main, power main, etc. Maintenance In respect to a building contract, usually relates to those works to be completed by a builder during a maintenance period in the terms of a warranty. Manhole An access hole. Masonry Finished brickwork or blockwork or stonework. Mastic A putty like substance used as a filler. Mechanical ventilation An exhaust fan system. Melamine laminate White water resistant veneer used mainly in internal cupboard joinery. Membrane A thin pliable sheet of material. Mesh A network. In the building industry usually relates to steel mesh used in concreting. Meter box Usually relates to the electrical meter box fitted to each dwelling but could also relate to such things as water meters. Mezzanine An intermediate storey (or floor) usually constructed between the ground and first floor. Mortar A mixture of cement, sand and water used to bondbetween bricks or stones or as a render over a wall. Mouldings In the internal carpentry of a dwelling usually relates to the architraves and skirtings and any other fancy fixtures. Mullion A vertical member between the casements or panes of a door or window.
N Newel A post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs that supports the handrail. Niche A recess in a wall. Nogging A timber spacer fitted between two studs. Non-loadbearing wall Usually an internal wall and one that does not support an overhead load in contrast to an external wall that may support portion of the roof. Nosing A protrusion or rounded extension, usually ornamental.
O Obscured glass Glass that is purposely manufactured so that you cannot see through it. Overflow Usually relates to a pipe or outlet that allows excess water to escape. Overhang Any part of a structure that overhangs another part. eg eaves overhang.
P Parapet Low wall or railing along the edge of a balcony, roof, etc. Particleboard Compressed chipboard sheeting. Party wall An adjoining wall between two dwellings. Patio An area adjoining a house that is usually paved. Paving A hard serviced pathway or pavement. Pelmet A board fixed above a window to conceal the curtain rail. Perlite Glassy volcanic rock used as a light weight aggregate. Picture rail Ornamental timber moulding fitted horizontally to a wall to which pictures are hung. Pier In respect to foundations - a pillar that is load-bearing. Pile A long column of timber, concrete or steel driven into the ground as a foundation for a structure. Pillar tap A fawcet fixed to a freestanding post or column. Pitch The angle of descent of a downward slope. Plates Horizontal timber joists that support studs and rafters. Plinth A flat block on either side of a doorframe where the architrave meets the skirting. Also in masonary work - the lowest part of a wall or a column known as a plinth course. Plywood A structural board consisting of thin layers of wood glued together. Porch A covered entranceway projecting from the doorway of a house. Precast concrete Sections of formed concrete ready for use. Prefabrication Partially assembled sections of a building that can be transported to site and rapidly completed. Preliminary costs Psually relates to any costs incurred before actual work on site takes place - such as permits or drawings, etc. Preliminary estimate An early estimate of cost that may be used as a guide only. Preservative treatment Usually relates to treatment given to timber to preserve it from such things as termites or dry rot, etc. Prime cost item An item in a contract where a specific sum is allowed. Purlin A horizontal beam that provides intermediate support for the common rafters of roof construction.
Q Quad moulding A small moulding that has the cross section of a quadrant. Quartersawn Grain Another term for edge grain.
R Radial Saw
A circular saw which hangs from a horizontal arm or beam and slides back and forth. The arm pivots from side to side to allow for angle cuts and bevels. Radiant Heating A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling; or with electrically heated panels.
Radiator
A heating unit which is supplied heat through a hot water system. Rafter
A sloping roof member that supports the roof covering which extends from the ridge or the hip of the roof to the eaves.
Rail
Cross members of panel doors or of a sash. Also the upper and lower members of a balustrade or staircase extending from one vertical support, such as a post, to another. Rake
(a) Trim members that run parallel to the roof slope and form the finish between the wall and a gable roof extension. (b) The angle of slope of a roof rafter, or the inclined portion of a cornice.
Rebar
Reinforcing bar used to increase the tensile strength of concrete.
Reflective Insulation Sheet material with one or both sun faces of comparatively low heat emissivity, such as aluminum foil. When used in building construction the surfaces face air spaces, reducing the radiation across the air space. Register A fixture through which conditioned air flows. In a gravity heating system, it is located near the baseboard. In an air conditioning system, it is located close to the thermostat.
Reinforced Concrete
A combination of steel and concrete using the best properties of each. The steel consists reinforcing bars and is placed before concrete is poured. Relative Heat Gain The amount of heat gain through a glass product taking into consideration the effects of solar heat gain (shading coefficient) and conductive heat gain (U-value).
Resistance The internal structure of wires even in the best conductors opposes the flow of electric current and converts some current into heat. This internal friction-like effect is called resistance and is measured in ohms. Resistance equals Voltage divided by Amperage.
Return
In heating and cooling systems, a vent that returns cold air to be warmed.
Ridge
The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping roof surfaces.
Riser - Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads of stairways.
Rough Opening The opening in a wall into which a door or window is to be installed.
Rough Plumbing
All plumbing that should be done before the finish trades (sheetrock, painting, etc), including all waste lines and supply water lines that are in the walls or framing of the building.
S
Saddle
Two sloping surfaces meeting in a horizontal ridge, used between the back side of a chimney, or other vertical surface, and a sloping roof.
Sash
A single lite frame containing one or more lites of glass. Sash Balance
A device, usually operated by a spring or tensioned weatherstripping designed to counterbalance double-hung window sash.
Screed or Screeding
The wood or metal straightedge used to strike off or level newly placed concrete when doing cement work. Screeds can be the leveling device used or the form work used to level or establish the level of the concrete. Screeds can be hand used or mechanical. Scribing
Fitting woodwork to an irregular surface. In moldings, cutting the end of one piece to fit the molded face of the other at an interior angle to replace a miter joint.
Sealant An elastomeric material with adhesive qualities applied between components of a similar or dissimilar nature to provide an effective barrier against the passage of the elements.
Seasoning
Removing moisture from green wood in order to improve its serviceability.
Self-Leveling
A term used to describe a viscous material that is applied by pouring. In its uncured state, it spreads out evenly.
Semigloss (paint or enamel)
A paint or enamel made with a slight insufficiency of nonvolatile vehicle so that its coating, when dry, has some luster but is not very glossy.
Setting Blocks
Generally rectangular cured extrusions of neoprene, EPDM, silicone, rubber or other suitable material on which the glass product bottom edge is placed to effectively support the weight of the glass. Shading Coefficient
The ratio of the solar heat gain through a specific glass product to the solar heat gain through a lite of 3mm clear glass. Glass of 3mm thickness is given a value of 1.0
Sheet Metal Work
All components of a house employing sheet metal, such as flashing, gutters, and downspouts.
Shoring
A temporary support erected in a trench or other excavation to support the walls from caving in.
Shutter
Usually lightweight louvered or flush wood or nonwood frames in the form of doors located at each side of a window. Some are made to close over the window for protection; others are fastened to the wall as a decorative device.
Sight Line
The line along the perimeter of glazing infills corresponding to the top edge of stationary and removable stops. The line to which sealants contacting the glazing infill are sometimes finished off. Silicone Sealant
A sealant having as its chemical compound a backbone consisting of alternating silicon-oxygen atoms. Sill The lowest member of the frame of a structure, resting on the foundation and supporting the floor joists or the uprights of the wall. The member forming the lower side of an opening, as a door sill. window sill. etc.
Sky Dome
A type of skylight exhibiting a characteristic translucent plastic domed top. Skylight
A structure on a roof that is designed to admit light and is somewhat above the plane of the roof surface.
Sleeper
Usually, a wood member embedded in concrete, as in a floor, that serves to support and to fasten subfloor or flooring. Slope
Incline or pitch of roof surface.
Soffit
The underside of a overhanging cornice of a building extending out from the plane of the building walls.
Spacers (Shims) -
Small blocks of neoprene, EPDM, silicone or other suitable material placed on each side of the glass product to provide glass centering, maintain uniform width of sealant bead and prevent excessive sealant distortion.
Span - The horizontal distance between structural supports such as walls, columns, piers, beams, girders, and trusses. Spandrel
The panels of a wall located between vision areas of windows, which conceal structural columns, floors, and shear walls. Specification Detailed written instructions which, when clear and concise, explain each phase of work to be done.
Stain A form of oil paint, very thin in consistency, intended for coloring wood with rough surfaces, such as shingles, without forming a coating of significant thickness or gloss.
STC (Sound Transmission Class)
A single number rating derived from individual transmission losses at specified test frequencies. It is used for interior walls, ceilings and floors.
Stile
An upright framing member in a panel door.
Story -
That part of a building between any floor and the floor or roof next above.
String Line A nylon line usually strung tightly between supports to indicate both direction and elevation, used in checking grades or deviations in slopes or rises. Used in landscaping to level the ground.
Stud -
One of a series of wood or metal vertical structural members placed as supporting elements in walls and partitions. Subcontractor A contractor who specializes in a particular trade such as waterproofing.
Substrate
A part or substance which lies below and supports another. Suspended Ceiling
A ceiling system supported by hanging it from the overhead structural framing.
T
Termites - Insects that superficially resemble ants in size, general appearance, and habit of living in colonies; hence, they are frequently called "white ants." Subterranean termites establish themselves in buildings not by being carried in with lumber, but by entering from ground nests after the building has been constructed. If unmolested, they eat out the woodwork, leaving a shell of sound wood to conceal their activities, and damage may proceed so far as to cause collapse of parts of a structure before discovery.
Texture Paint
One which may be manipulated by brush, trowel or other to give various patterns. Thermal Insulation
Any material high in resistance to heat transmission that, when placed in the walls, ceiling, or floors of a structure, will reduce the rate of heat flow.
Thermoplastic Material
Solid material which is softened by increasing temperatures and hardened by decreasing temperatures. Three-Phase In electrical contracting, a wiring system consisting of 4 wires and used in industrial and commercial applications. This system is suitable for installations requiring large motors. It consists of three hot wires and one ground wire. The voltage in each hot wire is out of phase with the others by 1/3 of a cycle, as if produced by 3 different generators. Threshold A strip of wood or metal with beveled edges used over the finish floor and the sill of exterior doors.
Tie-In In roofing, a term used to describe the joining of a new roof with the old. Tilt-Up Wall Cast concrete units which are preformed which, when cured, are tilted
to their vertical position and secured by mechanical fasteners.
Tongue & Groove
A type of flooring where the tongue of one board is joined to the groove of another board Tooling The operation of pressing in and striking a sealant in a joint to press the sealant against the sides of a joint and secure good adhesion; the finishing off of the surface of a sealant in a joint so that it is flush with the surface.
Top Plate
Top horizontal member of a frame wall.
Tread The horizontal board in a stairway on which the foot is placed.
Trim
The finish materials in a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim) or at the floor and ceiling of rooms (baseboard, cornice, and other moldings) Trimmer
A beam or joist to which a header is nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening. Truss A frame or jointed structure designed to act as a beam of long span, while each member is usually subjected to longitudinal stress only, either tension or compression.
U Ultraviolet
The invisible rays of the spectrum of light which are at its violet end. Sometimes abbreviated U.V. Undercoat
A coating applied prior to the finishing or top coats of a paint job. It may be the first of two or the second of three coats. In some usage of the word it may, become synonymous with priming coat.
Uprights
Vertical members supporting the sides of a trench. U-Value
A measure of air-to-heat transmission (loss or gain) due to the thermal conductance and the difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures. As the U-value decreases, so does the amount of heat that is transferred through the glazing material. The lower the U-value, the more restrictive the fenestration product is to heat transfer. Reciprocal of R-value
V Valley
The internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides of a roof.
. Valve
A device to stop, start or regulate the flow of liquid or gas through or from piping.
Varnish
A thickened preparation of drying oil or drying oil and resin suitable for spreading on surfaces to form continuous, transparent coatings, or for mixing with pigments to make enamels.
Veneer -
hin sheets of wood made by rotary cutting or slicing of a log. Vent
A pipe or duct which allows flow of air as an inlet or outlet.
Ventilator Device installed on the roof for the purpose of ventilating the interior of the building.
Viscosity The internal frictional resistance offered by a fluid to change of shape or to the relative motion or flow of its parts.
Volatile Thinner A liquid that evaporates readily and is used to thin or rreduce the consistency of finishes without altering the relative volumes of pigment and nonvolatile vehicles Voltage
The driving force behind the flow of electricity somewhat like pressure is in a water pipe. Voltmeter measures the voltage flowing through a circuit. The circuit must be closed to allow the voltage to flow.
W Walkways
Designated areas for foot traffic.
Waterproofing
Type of work done by Proofrock Waterproofing Systems; also the process where a building component is made totally resistant to the passage of water and/or water vapor.
Wattage
The electrical unit of power. KILOWATTS is 1000 watts and electric customers are billed on how many kilowatts of power they have used.
Weatherstrip - Narrower or jamb-width sections of thin metal or other material to prevent infiltration of air and moisture around windows and doors. Compression weather stripping prevents air infiltration, provides tension, and acts as a counter balance. Weep Hole
A hole which allows for drainage of entrapped water from masonry or glazing structures.
Weld The joining of components together by fusing. In thermoplastics, refers to bonding together of the membrane using heat or solvents.
Wood Filler A heavily pigmented preparation used for fining and leveling off the pores in open-pored woods.
X
Y Y A "Y" shaped plumbing fitting.
Yoke The location where a home's water meter is sometimes installed between two copper pipes, and located in the water meter pit in the yard.
Z zax (n.) a hatchetlike tool for cutting and punching nail holes in roofing slate.
Z-bar flashing Bent, galvanized metal flashing that's 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. Zone
The section of a building that is served by one heating or cooling loop because it has noticeably distinct heating or cooling needs. Also, the section of property that will be watered from a lawn sprinkler system. Zone valve A device, usually placed near the heater or cooler, which controls the flow of water or steam to parts of the building; it is controlled by a zone thermostat. Zoning A governmental process and specification which limits the use of a property e.g. single family use, high rise residential use, industrial use, etc. Zoning laws may limit where you can locate a structure. Also see building codes.
Building Terminology