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s-z
Welcome to our online construction dictionary. The dictionary
is in a continual evolution. Since this site is about residential
construction the dictionary will reflect this. If you can't find
a certain term email us and we will add it to our list.
-a temporary
platform structure that workers use to reach high places.
- the first
coat of stucco plaster that is scratched with a rake which helps
subsequent coats to bond.
- The process
of leveling concrete especially in concrete flatwork. A straight
edge (usually a straight 2 x 4) is drawn back and forth across
concrete forms to make the surface flat and level.
- a liquid coating
that is applied to an permeable surface such as wood or masonry
to seal out moisture.
- a view
used in architectural plans where a cross-section of a object
or structure is shown.
- a system
created to facilitate the dispersal of sewage. Usually, the raw
sewage flows to a holding tank where it decomposes and then is
deposited into a field using perforated pipes.
- the
electrical box on the exterior of the house where the electrical
supply enters the house. modern service panels have a meter base,
and a shutoff breaker.
- see breaker panel.
- the
pipe that connects the house waste line to the city sewer, or
septic tank.
- a structural
wall design to resist lateral forces. Shear walls are designed
to resist lateral forces commonly caused by earthquakes.
- plywood
and OSB panels which are used to cover the exterior (roof and
exterior walls). The panels are 4' x 8' and 7/16" to 3/4"
thick.
- finish material
that cover the outside of a framed building. Siding can be made
from many materials, however, wood, plastic, steel and aluminum
are common.
- the wood
member that connects directly to the foundation to which the floor
is connected. The sill plate is made of treated lumber or redwood.
- a flat piece
of concrete such as a driveway or floor.
- a measurement
of the fluidity of concrete. A slump test helps to determine the
strength of the concrete before it has hardened.
- the under side
of the roof that extends past the exterior walls.
- vents
placed in the soffit which facilitate attic venting.
- a vertical
line of piping that extends through one or more floors which is
used to drain water closets, urinals and similar fixtures.
- the horizontal
distance between bearing points. Trusses, beams and joists are
used to span between to bearing points (supports).
- an abbreviated
word which means "specifications".
- 100 square
feet. Sales unit used when referring to shingles and sometimes
siding. For example, "the roof requires 20 squares of shingles"
(2000 square feet).
- Is the
unit that area is measured in residential construction. 12"
x 12" equals one square foot.
- a generic term
which describes a vertical waste line (plumbing).
- a vertical
pipe which extends from a soil or waste stack and usually penetrates
the roof. It vents sewer gases and provides air circulation in
the plumbing system.
- a vertical
waste pipe used for the washing machine drain.
- a small
inexpensive home market to first-time homebuyers.
- a short
foundation wall used when building a crawlspace foundation. Generally
the wall is 24 - 48" tall.
-
a roof framed by individual pieces not using manufactured roof
trusses. Most roof built before the 1950's were stick built.
-The frame
of the stairs which consists of two or three parallel members
to which are attached treads and risers.
- a structural
framing member used to make structural and partition walls.
- the sheathing
or material that is attached to the floor joists on which the
finish floor laid. 3/4" plywood or OSB are commonly used
for subflooring.
- a small cistern
used to collect water which collects around the footings or foundation.
- a pump that
is placed in the sump to remove the water.
- Glass
which is made to resist shattering. Building codes require tempered
glass be installed next to doors, in showers and areas near the
floor level.
- an
electrical switch that is used to activated a fixture from two
locations.
- a thin rectangular
unit used to cover floors walls and roofs. Tiles are usually made
from cement or fired clay.
- lumber that
is 5" x 5" or greater in width and thickness.
- the nailing
of boards by driving a nail in at an angle to the surface.
-
boards that are milled to have a tongue on one side and a groove
or slot on the other, so that pieces will fit together snugly.
- a powered
excavation machine with a large boom mounted bucket. Track hoes
are used for medium to large excavation jobs.
- an optical
instrument used by surveyors to measure and layout horizontal
and vertical lines. Contractors us a transit-level to ensure that
footings and foundation are perfectly level. See also laser-level.
- the horizontal
step surface of a staircase.
lumber
that has been treated with chemicals to withstand moisture and
insects.
-
a footing which is formed by digging a trench in the soil. The
vertical walls of the trench serve as the forms.
-
a foundation formed by digging a trench. The vertical walls of
the trench serve as the foundation wall forms.
- the short
stud located on each side of a door or window opening, which support
the header.
-
a custom hand finish used when texturing drywall plaster, stucco
or concrete.
- engineered structural
component used to form the roof or floor of a structure. The materials
are connected in a triangle pattern with metal fasteners called
gussets.
- a paint
scheme consisting of two complementary colors. An example of a
two-tone paint job is where the walls and ceiling are painted
in one color and the trim work another.
- wood
panels laid on the floor to provide a smooth surface to attach
finish flooring.
- a fitting designed
to connect two pipes without turning either pipe.
- insulation
rating. It is the inverse of R-value. The lower the u-value the
better insulating capacity. Windows are often rated in U-value.
- waterproof
material used to stop the flow of moisture from the ground into
the building.
- plywood
with a thin veneer laminated to one or both. Used extensively
in cabinet construction.
- a vertical
plumbing pipe system designed to vent noxious gases and prevent
siphonage from traps.
- a tool used
to consolidate concrete. Vibration consolidates concrete, removing
air pockets and dead spaces.
- sheathing
made from wood wafer pieces. Has replaced plywood in many residential
applications.
- a covering
on the lower part of the wall that is different than the rest
of the wall. The wainscot is typically about three feet high.
Tongue and groove wood is a popular wainscot covering.
-
the pipe that runs from the potable water supply to the house.
The pipe is usually made of copper, or plastic.
- the distance
from the earths surface to where water accumulates in the ground.
- a
wire mesh that is used in concrete slabs for reinforcement.
- curved
wall made of corrugated metal that retains dirt around a basement
window.
- the
triangle that if formed by the traffic pattern between the range,
refrigerator, and sink.
- a set or pair
of cross braces.
- a plumbing
pipe fitting that is the shape of a "Y". One arm intersects
the main fitting usually at a 45° angle.
- in heating, an
area that is controlled independently from another.
- the process
of dividing a community or area by building type and land use.
For example, most cities are divided into residential, commercial
and industrial zones.
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