Glossary

A/C (AC):
– Abbreviation for air conditioner and air conditioning.

A/C circuit:
– Alternating current, which is the flow of electrical current through a conductor, first in one direction, then in reverse.
– Used exclusively in residential and commercial wiring due to greater flexibility in voltage selection and simplicity of equipment design.

A/C condenser:
– The outside fan unit of the air-conditioning system that removes heat from the Freon® gas, turns the gas back into a liquid, and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace.

A/C disconnect:
– The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C condenser.

Above-grade wall:
– A wall that is mostly above grade and encloses conditioned space.

ABS:
– Acronym for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; rigid black plastic pipe used only for drain lines.

Absolute humidity:
– Amount of moisture in the air indicated in grains per cubic foot.

Accelerator:
– Any material added to stucco, plaster, or mortar that speeds up the natural set.

Access panel:
– A closure device or door used to cover an opening into a duct, wall, ceiling, or enclosure near a fixture, allowing access for servicing (e.g., plumbing or electrical systems).

Accessibility:
– The level of access that a building offers people with disabilities.

Accessible:
– In the opinion of the inspector, can be approached or entered safely, without difficulty, fear, or danger.

Accessory structure:
– A building on a property in addition to the primary building.

Accredited:
– Approved by an accrediting agency or state authority as meeting a prescribed standard (e.g., InterNACHI’s online and video training courses).

Acre:
– An area equal to 43,560 square feet.

Acrylic:
– A glassy, thermoplastic material vacuum-formed to cast and mold shapes, used for fiberglass bathtubs, whirlpool bathtubs, shower bases, and shower stalls.

Activate:
– To turn on, supply power to, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by normal operating controls (e.g., turning on gas or water supply valves, activating electrical breakers or fuses).

Actual dimension (lumber):
– The exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried, and milled.

Actual knowledge:
– The knowledge or information possessed by an individual, as opposed to that discovered through document review. Individuals with actual knowledge are often interviewed during commercial property inspections.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
– Federal U.S. legislation enacted in 1990 to provide physical access for disabled persons to public accommodations and commercial facilities, mandated in new construction and requiring retrofitting for existing buildings.

Adaptor:
– A fitting that unites different types or materials of pipe (e.g., ABS to cast-iron pipe).

Addition:
– An extension or increase in the conditioned space of a building.

Adhesion:
– The property of a coating or sealant that allows it to bond to the surface to which it is applied.

Adhesive failure:
– Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to which it was applied.

Adverse conditions:
– Conditions that may be dangerous for the inspector and/or others, and may limit the walk-through survey portion of the inspection.

Adversely affect:
– To constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.

Aerator:
– An apparatus that mixes air into flowing water, screwed onto the end of a faucet spout to reduce splashing.

AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter):
– A device that provides protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and de-energizing the circuit when an arc fault is detected.

Aggregate:
– Crushed stone, slag, or water-worn gravel used to surface built-up roofs.

AHJ (authority having jurisdiction):
– An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, installations, or procedures (e.g., building owner, health department, building code officer).

Air chamber:
– A vertical, air-filled pipe that prevents water hammer by absorbing pressure when water is shut off at a faucet or valve.

Air duct:
– Ducts typically made of sheet metal that carry cooled or heated air to all rooms.

Air filters:
– Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that remove dirt particles. Disposable filters are common.

Air gap (drainage):
– The unobstructed vertical distance between the outlet of a waste pipe and the flood-level rim of the receptacle into which the waste pipe is discharged.

Air gap (water distribution):
– The unobstructed vertical distance between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a receptacle and the flood-level rim of that receptacle.

Air handler:
– Components that blow air through ductwork for heating, cooling, and/or ventilation purposes.

Air infiltration:
– The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows, and doors.

Air intake:
– An opening in a building’s envelope that allows outside air to be drawn in to replace inside air.

Air space:
– A 1-inch air gap left between insulation facing and the interior of exterior wall coverings.

Air-admittance valve:
– A pressure-activated, one-way mechanical vent used when venting through the roof structure is not available.

Air-dried lumber:
– Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds to dry. Typically has a moisture content of 12-15% in the U.S.

Airway:
– A space between roof insulation and roof boards that facilitates air movement.

Aisle:
– A narrow passageway that provides a path for access and egress.

Alarm signal:
– A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action (e.g., fire).

Alarm system:
– Installed or freestanding warning devices, including carbon-monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and security equipment.

Algae:
– Micro-organisms that grow in damp environments, potentially discoloring shingles.

Alligatoring:
– An oxidized condition of paint or aged asphalt characterized by a coarse, checked pattern resembling alligator hide.

Allowable span:
– The distance between two supporting points for load-bearing lumber (e.g., joists, rafters).

Allowance(s):
– A sum of money set aside in a construction contract for items not yet selected or specified.

Alteration:
– Any construction or renovation to an existing structure, other than a repair or addition.

Aluminum wire:
– A conductor made of aluminum, generally limited to larger wire sizes due to lower conductivity.

Amortization:
– A repayment plan where a loan is reduced through regular payments of principal and interest.

Amp (ampere):
– The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.

Ampacity:
– Refers to how much current a wire can safely carry (e.g., 12-gauge copper wire can carry up to 20 amps).

Amperage:
– The rate of flow of electricity through wire, measured in amperes.

Anchor bolts:
– Bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete or masonry in residential construction, or to fasten structural members in commercial construction.

Angle iron:
– A piece of iron forming a right angle, used to span openings and support masonry.

Angle stop:
– A shutoff valve where the inlet connects to the water supply pipe in the wall, and the outlet angles 90 degrees upward toward the faucet or toilet.

Annealing:
– The process of controlled cooling in glass manufacturing to prevent residual stresses.

Annual fuel-utilization efficiency (AFUE):
– Measures the amount of fuel converted to space heat, expressed as a percentage.

Annual percentage rate (APR):
– The annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest and fees.

Anti-scald:
– A valve that restricts water flow or fluctuations to prevent burn injuries.

Anti-siphon:
– A device that prevents wastewater from being drawn back into supply lines.

Anti-walk blocks:
– Elastomeric blocks that limit glass movement in glazing channels.

Antiquated:
– Obsolete; no longer in use, useful, or functioning.

APA plywood:
– Plywood rated by the American Plywood Association (e.g., No. 1 APA-rated exterior plywood).

Aperture:
– The diameter of the opening in pipes.

Appliance:
– A household device operated by electricity or gas, excluding central heating, cooling, or plumbing components.

Appraisal:
– An expert valuation of a property.

Approach:
– The area between the sidewalk and the street leading to a driveway.

Approve, approved:
– Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or an internationally recognized organization.

Apron:
– A trim board installed beneath a window sill.

Arbitration service:
– A service used to resolve complaints (e.g., InterNACHI’s Arbitration Service).

Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI):
– A device that protects against arc faults by de-energizing the circuit when an arc fault is detected.

Architect:
– A professional who designs buildings and oversees construction.

Architect’s rule (or ruler):
– A three-sided ruler with different scales of measurement on each side.

Architectural service:
– Practice involving building design, construction documents, and contract administration.

Architectural shingles:
– Shingles with added dimensionality, giving them a shake-like appearance.

Area wells:
– Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around basement windows.

Areaway:
– An open sub-surface space adjacent to a building used to admit light, air, or access to a basement.

Asbestos:
– A naturally occurring mineral fiber used in construction, now considered a health hazard due to its link to lung diseases.

Asphalt:
– A hydrocarbon used as a waterproofing agent on roofs and highways.

Asphalt plastic cement:
– An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials.

Assessment:
– A tax levied or value placed on a property.

Associate member:
– Beginning or probationary level of inspection association membership.

Astragal:
– A molding attached to one of a pair of swinging doors.

Attic access:
– An opening in the ceiling providing access to the attic.

Attic ventilators:
– Screened openings or power-driven fans used to ventilate attic spaces.

Auger:
– A tool used to bore holes into wood.

– Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ):
– An organization or individual responsible for enforcing code requirements.

Automatic:
– That which provides a function without human intervention.

Automatic fire-extinguishing system:
– A system that automatically detects and discharges fire-retardant medium.

Automatic sprinkler system:
– An automated sprinkler system for fire protection.

Awning window:
– A window with hinges at the top that allow it to open out and up.

Back-nailing:
– The practice of nailing roofing felts to the deck under the overlap, in addition to hot-mopping, to prevent slippage of felts.

Backer rod:
– A polyethylene or polyurethane foam material installed under compression in glazing to control sealant joint depth, provide a surface for sealant tooling, and prevent three-sided adhesion.

Backfill:
– The slope of the ground adjacent to a house.
– The replacement of excavated earth into a previously excavated area, such as a trench around a basement foundation.
– In carpentry, the process of fastening together two pieces of board by gluing blocks of wood in the interior angle.

Backflow:
– Movement of water (or other liquid) in any direction other than that intended.

Backflow preventer:
– A device or means to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the potable water supply.

Backhand:
– A simple molding used around the outer edge of plain rectangular casing as a decorative feature.

Backhoe:
– Self-powered excavation equipment that digs by pulling a boom-mounted bucket toward itself, used for digging basements, footings, and installing drainage and sewer systems.

Backout:
– Work done by the framing contractor after mechanical subcontractors (heating, plumbing, electrical) complete their rough-stage work to prepare the home for a municipal frame inspection.

Backsplash:
– The raised portion of tile, stone, etc., located at the rear of a wall-mount sink or lavatory to protect the wall behind.

Balancing damper:
– A baffle or plate used to control the volume of airflow into a confined area.

Balcony:
– An exterior floor projecting from and supported by a structure without additional independent supports.

Balloon framing:
– A lightweight and economical form of construction where studding and corner plates are set up in continuous lengths from the first floor line or sill to the roof plate.

Balusters:
– The vertical members in a railing installed between the top rail and bottom rail or stair treads.

Balustrade:
– A railing made up of balusters, top rail, and sometimes a bottom rail, used on the edge of stairs, balconies, and porches.

Band joist:
– Dimensional lumber used as a perimeter joist of a building’s framing.

Barge:
– A horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

Barge board:
– A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end.

Barometer:
– An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Barrel roof:
– A roof design that is arched in cross-section.

Base flashing:
– The upturned edge of a watertight membrane formed at a roof’s termination point by extending the felts vertically over the cant strip and up the wall.

Base molding:
– Molding used to trim the upper edge of interior baseboard.

Base ply:
– An asphalt-saturated and/or coated felt installed as the first ply in a built-up roof system.

Base shoe:
– Molding used next to the floor on interior baseboard, sometimes called a carpet strip.

Baseboard:
– Wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet.

Baseboard heat:
– An electric or hot-water heating system with heating units located along the perimeter of the wall.

Basement:
– That portion of a building that is partly or completely below grade.

Basement wall:
– A wall that is mostly below grade.

Basement window insert:
– The window frame and glass unit installed in the window buck.

Basket strainer:
– A basket-shaped strainer for a sink drain that catches food and other solids while allowing water to drain.

Bathroom:
– A room containing plumbing fixtures, such as a lavatory/sink, water closet, urinal, bidet, bathtub, and/or shower.

Batt insulation:
– Strips of fiberglass insulation that fit between studs and other framing.

Batten:
– Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.

Batten plate:
– A formed piece of metal designed to cover the joint between two lengths of a metal edge.

Batter board:
– Horizontal boards nailed to posts at the corners of an excavation used to indicate the desired level and outline of foundation walls.

Batter boards:
– Temporary structures that hold strings used to locate and square the corners of a building.

Bay window:
– A window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, typically square or polygonal in plan.

Bead:
– In glazing, an applied sealant in a joint; also, a molding or stop used to hold glass or panels in position.

Beam:
– A supporting member of wood or steel that transfers weight from one location to another.

Bearing header:
– A beam placed perpendicular to joists to support openings like chimneys or stairways.

Bearing partition:
– A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.

Bearing point:
– A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation.

Bearing wall:
– A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.

Bed molding:
– A molding in an angle, such as between the overhanging cornice or eaves of a building and its side walls.

Bed, bedding:
– In glazing, the bead compound or sealant applied between a lite of glass or panel and the stationary stop or sight bar of the sash or frame.

Bedrock:
– A sub-surface layer of earth suitable for supporting a structure.

Bedroom:
– A room used for sleeping purposes.

Bell reducer:
– A bell-shaped plumbing fitting used to reduce the size of the pipe in the line.

Below grade:
– Describes the portion of a building that is below ground level.

Bent glass:
– Flat glass shaped into curved forms during manufacture.

Bevel:
– The angle of the front edge of a door, usually from 1/8-inch to 2 inches.

Bevel siding:
– Wedge-shaped boards installed in a lapped pattern as horizontal siding.

Bid:
– A formal offer by a contractor to do work at a certain price in accordance with specified terms.

Bid bond:
– A bond issued by a surety to guarantee that a contractor will execute a contract if the bid is accepted.

Bid documents:
– Drawings, details, and specifications for a particular project.

Bid security:
– Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee.

Bid shopping:
– A practice where contractors seek lower prices from subcontractors or suppliers after submitting a bid.

Bidding requirements:
– Procedures and conditions for the submission of bids.

Bidet:
– A plumbing fixture designed for posterior hygiene.

Bifold doors:
– Doors hinged in the middle to open in a smaller area, commonly used for closets.

Binder:
– A receipt for a deposit that secures the right to purchase a home under agreed terms.

Bird’s–mouth cut:
– A cutout in a rafter where it crosses the top plate of a wall, providing a bearing surface for nailing.

Bite:
– The dimension by which the framing system overlaps the edge of the glazing infill.

Bitumen:
– A mixture of hydrocarbons used in construction, such as asphalt or coal tar pitch.

Blankets:
– Fiberglass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls.

Bleeding:
– The migration of a liquid to the surface of a component or onto an adjacent material.

Blind nailing:
– Nailing in such a way that the nail heads are not visible on the face of the work.

Blind stop:
– A rectangular molding used in window frames to resist air infiltration.

Blister:
– An enclosed raised spot on a building’s surface caused by trapped air, water vapor, or gases.

Block out:
– Installing a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent concrete from entering an area.

Blocked (door blocking):
– Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural wall framing members.

Blocked (rafters):
– Short 2x4s used to keep rafters from twisting.

Blocking:
– In carpentry, the process of fastening together two pieces of board by gluing blocks of wood in the interior angle.

Blown-in insulation:
– Fiber insulation in loose form used to insulate attics and existing walls.

Blue stain:
– A bluish or grayish discoloration of sapwood caused by mold or fungi.

Blue stake:
– Utility companies marking underground services with spray paint or flags.

Blueprints:
– Architectural plans for a building or construction project.

Board and batten:
– A method of siding where joints between vertically-placed boards are covered by narrow strips of wood.

Board foot:
– The volume of a piece of wood measuring 12 inches square and 1 inch thick.

Boards:
– Yard lumber less than 2 inches thick and 2 or more inches wide.

Bodied linseed oil:
– Linseed oil thickened in viscosity by heat or chemicals.

Boiled linseed oil:
– Linseed oil treated with salts to harden more rapidly.

Bolster:
– A short horizontal timber or steel beam on top of a column that supports beams or girders.

Bond breaker:
– A substance or tape applied between two adjoining materials to prevent adhesion.

Bond plaster:
– A base coat plaster containing lime and chemical additives to improve bond with dense surfaces.

Bond, bonded:
– An amount of money deposited with a governmental agency to secure a contractor’s license.

Bonding:
– The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path.

Bonding strip (electrical):
– A thin strip of metal inside armored or BX cable used as a backup ground.

Boom:
– A truck used to hoist heavy material, such as trusses or beams.

Boston ridge:
– A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge or hips of a roof.

Bottom chord:
– The lower horizontal member of a truss.

Bottom plate:
– The 2x4s or 2x6s that lay on the subfloor upon which vertical studs are installed.

Bow:
– A curve, bend, or warping in glass or wood.

Box cornice:
– A cornice completely closed with trim work.

Brace:
– An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to a wall or floor to stiffen the structure.

Bracing:
– Ties and rods used to support and strengthen various parts of a building.

Brake metal:
– Sheet metal bent to the desired configuration.

Branch circuit:
– Wiring that runs from a service panel to outlets.

Breaker box:
– A metal box containing circuit breakers or fuses that control electrical current.

Breaker panel:
– The electrical box that distributes electric power to each branch circuit.

Breezeway:
– A covered passageway connecting two structures, such as a house and a garage.

Brick ledge:
– Part of the foundation wall where brick veneer rests.

Brick lintel:
– The metal angle iron that brick rests on above a window, door, or other opening.

Brick mold:
– Trim used around an exterior door jamb onto which siding butts.

Brick tie:
– A small, corrugated metal strip nailed to wall sheeting or studs to hold veneer brick.

Brick veneer:
– A facing of brick laid against and fastened to the sheathing of a frame wall.

Bridging:
– Small wood or metal members inserted diagonally between floor joists to brace them.

Broker:
– One who acts as an agent for others in the negotiation of contracts, purchases, or sales.

Browncoat:
– The coat of plaster directly beneath the finish coat in three-coat work.

BTU:
– British thermal unit, a measure of heating or cooling system capacity.

Bubbling:
– Open or closed pockets in a sealant caused by the release or expansion of gases.

Buck:
– Often used in reference to rough-frame opening members, such as a metal door frame.

Buckling:
– The bending of a building material due to wear and tear or contact with water.

Builder’s risk insurance:
– Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction.

Building:
– The primary building subject of an inspection.

Building brick:
– Brick for building purposes, stronger than face brick.

Building code:
– Minimum local and/or state regulations established to protect health and safety.

Building department:
– Local authority having jurisdiction over construction, alteration, and use of a property.

Building envelope:
– The enclosure (exterior walls and roof) that defines the heated/cooled area of a building.

Building paper:
– A general term for papers, felts, and similar sheet materials used in buildings.

Building permit:
– Written authorization from a governing body to construct or renovate a building.

Building systems:
– Components, assemblies, and systems that are part of the overall building and property.

Built-in:
– Permanently installed.

Built-up beam:
– A beam or girder created by sistering or scabbing two or more pieces of lumber together.

Built-up roof, roofing (BUR):
– A roofing system composed of layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt.

Bullfloat:
– A large flat tool used to finish and flatten a concrete slab.

Bullnose drywall:
– Rounded drywall corners.

Bundle:
– A package of shingles containing three, four, or five bundles per square.

BUR:
– See built-up roofing.

Bushing:
– A pipe fitting for joining pipes of different diameters.

Butt glazing:
– The installation of glass products without structural supporting mullions.

Butt joint:
– The junction where the ends of two timbers or other members meet in a square-cut joint.

Butterfly roof:
– A roof assembly that pitches sharply from either side toward the center.

Buttering:
– The application of sealant or compound to a flat surface before placing the member in position.

Butyl:
– A type of non-curing sealant made from butylene, used for internal applications.

Buy-down:
– A subsidy paid by a builder or developer to reduce monthly mortgage payments.

BX cable:
– Armored electrical cable wrapped in a galvanized-steel outer covering.

Bypass doors:
– Doors that slide by each other, commonly used as closet doors.

Caisson:
– A 10- or 12-inch-diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded into bedrock 3 to 4 feet.
– Provides structural support for foundation walls, porches, patios, monoposts, or other structures.
– Reinforcing bars (rebar) are inserted into the hole, and concrete is poured into it.

Calcium chloride:
– A chemical used to speed up the curing process of concrete in damp conditions.

Calibrate:
– To check, adjust, or determine by comparison with a standard (e.g., calibrating a thermometer).

Calibration:
– The act or process of calibrating, or the state of being calibrated.

Camber:
– A slightly arched surface, such as in a road, ship’s deck, airfoil, or snow ski.

Camber arch:
– An arch with a slightly concave curve upward on its intrados.

Camber beam:
– A beam with a concave curve upward on its underside.

Camber window:
– A casement window with a curved top.

Candidate:
– Beginning level of inspection association membership.

Canopy:
– An overhanging roof.

Cant strip:
– A beveled support used at the junction of a flat surface and a vertical surface to prevent bending or cracking of the roofing membrane.

Cantilever:
– A projecting beam or structure supported at only one end.

Cantilevered void:
– Foundation void material used in expansive soil conditions.

Cap:
– The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, or molding.

Cap flashing:
– Flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind base flashing.

Cap sheet:
– A top layer in built-up roofing.

Cap sheets:
– One to four plies of felt bonded and top-coated with bitumen, laid over an existing roof for repair.

Cape chisel:
– A tool used to clean out mortar joints on brick.

Capital:
– The principal part of a loan; the original amount borrowed.

Capital and interest:
– A repayment loan structure where the borrower pays both the principal and interest.

Capped rate:
– A mortgage with an interest rate that will not exceed a specified value during a certain period.

Carbon monoxide (CO):
– A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas formed by incomplete combustion of carbon.

Carbon-monobxide (CO) detector:
– A device that detects carbon monoxide gas and sounds an alarm to alert occupants of unsafe levels.

Casement frames and sash:
– Frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of a sash, which can be opened with hinges.

Casement window:
– A side-hinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side of the window frame.

Casing:
– Molding used to trim door and window openings at the jambs.

Cast iron:
– Heavy metal formed by casting, often used for fixtures like tubs.

Cast-iron pipe (plumbing):
– Drain and vent lines, often joined with no-hub couplers.

Cat’s paw:
– A pry bar variation used to pry up deep-set or counter-sunk nails.

Catch basin:
– A drain for low or wet spots, with a pit to collect sediment.

Caulk:
– The application of sealant to a joint, crack, or crevice.

Caulking:
– Material used to seal exterior cracks and openings.

CCA (chromated copper arsenate):
– A pesticide forced into wood to protect it from termites and decay.

Ceiling joist:
– Framing members used to support ceiling loads.

Cells (masonry):
– The hollow spaces in concrete blocks.

Cellulose insulation:
– Ground-up newspaper treated with fire-retardant.

Celotex:
– A brand of black fibrous board used as exterior sheeting.

Cement:
– The gray powder that serves as the glue in concrete.

Cement mixtures:
– Labeled with ratios of cement to sand to aggregate (e.g., rich, standard, medium, lean mixtures).

Center-set:
– A faucet style installed on a lavatory with 4-inch center-to-center faucet holes.

Ceramic disk valve:
– A valve with revolving disks that allow water to pass when aligned.

Ceramic tile:
– Clay tile used to finish floors or walls, often in bathrooms and kitchens.

Certificate of Occupancy (CO):
– A document stating that a building is approved for occupancy.

Certified:
– Having a formal document testifying to qualification or completion of requirements.

Certified Commercial Inspector (CCI)®:
– A professional designation administered by InterNACHI.

Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)®:
– A professional designation administered by InterNACHI.

CFM (cubic feet per minute):
– A measure of air volume.

Chair rail:
– A molding running horizontally along a wall about 3 feet from the ground.

Chalk line:
– A line made on a roof by snapping a chalk-dusted string for alignment.

Change order:
– A written document modifying the plans, specifications, or price of a construction contract.

Channel glazing:
– The installation of glass into U-shaped glazing channels.

Chapter:
– A local group of members of a larger association.

Chase:
– A framed, enclosed space around a flue pipe or channel in a wall or ceiling.

Checking:
– Fissures that appear in exterior paint coatings over time.

Checkrails (check rails):
– Meeting rails in double-hung windows that fill the opening between the top and bottom sash.

Chemical-injection grouting:
– A leak-repair technique involving the injection of sealant into cracks and joints.

Chimney:
– A structure containing flues for removing gases to the outside atmosphere.

Chink:
– To install fiberglass insulation around door and window frames, or to fill narrow openings.

Chipboard:
– A manufactured wood panel made of wood chips and glue, used as a substitute for plywood.

Circuit:
– A network of wiring that starts at a panel box and feeds electricity to outlets.

Circuit breaker:
– A protective device that automatically opens an electrical circuit when overloaded.

Cistern:
– A reservoir or storage tank for a household’s water supply.

Cladding:
– The exterior wall covering or metal components covering windows, doors, or fascia.

Class A fire resistance:
– The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing, able to withstand severe exposure to fire.

Class B door:
– A fire-resistance rating for doors with a one to 1-1/2 hour rating.

Class B fire resistance:
– A fire-resistance rating indicating moderate exposure to fire.

Class C fire resistance:
– A fire-resistance rating indicating light exposure to fire.

Cleanout:
– A plug in a trap or drainpipe providing access for clearing obstructions.

Clearance:
– The minimum distance between a heat-producing surface and a combustible surface.

Clearly identifiable:
– Capable of being recognized by a person of normal vision.

Cleat:
– A wedge-shaped piece of metal used as a support or check.

Client:
– The party that retains the services of the inspector and pays for the inspection.

Clip ties:
– Sharp, cut metal wires that protrude from a concrete foundation wall.

Closed–cut valley:
– A method of valley treatment where shingles from one side extend across the valley.

Closet auger:
– A flexible rod used to remove clogs from a toilet’s built-in trap.

Closet bend:
– A curved fitting connecting a closet flange to a toilet drain.

Closet bolt:
– A bolt fitted to a closet flange and protruding through a toilet base.

Closet flange:
– An anchoring ring secured to the floor for a toilet base.

CO:
– The chemical formula for carbon monoxide and the acronym for Certificate of Occupancy.

Coal tar:
– A viscous liquid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from coal.

Coal tar pitch:
– A bituminous material used as waterproofing for tar and gravel roofing.

Code of Ethics:
– Ethical standards of conduct for home inspectors.

Code official:
– The officer charged with enforcing local building codes.

Coefficient of performance (COP):
– A measure of efficiency in a furnace or HVAC system’s heating mode.

Cohesive failure:
– Internal splitting of a compound due to over-stressing.

Cold patch:
– A roof repair done with cold-applied material.

Cold-air return:
– Ductwork carrying room air back to the furnace for re-heating.

Cold-applied:
– Describes products that can be applied without heating.

Cold-method or lap cement:
– Adhesive for low-sloped, cold-applied roof construction.

Cold–process adhesive:
– Mastic prepared with SBS modifiers for built-up or low-slope roofing.

Collar:
– A conical metal cap flashing used with vent pipes or stacks.

Collar beam:
– A tie that keeps the roof from spreading, connecting similar rafters.

Collar tie:
– A horizontal board attached perpendicular to rafters.

Column:
– A perpendicular supporting member in architecture or engineering.

Combination doors or windows:
– Doors or windows with self-storing or removable glass and screen inserts.

Combustible:
– Describes any material that will burn.

Combustion air:
– Ductwork bringing fresh outside air to the furnace or hot water heater.

Combustion chamber:
– The part of a boiler, furnace, or wood stove where the burn occurs.

Commercial cooking appliances:
– Appliances used in commercial food-service establishments.

Commercial property:
– Building structures and improvements on commercial real estate.

Common rafter:
– Rafters extending from the top plate to the ridge, typically spaced 12, 16, or 24 inches apart.

Compatible:
– Two or more substances that can be mixed without separating or reacting.

Component:
– A permanently installed fixture, element, or part of a system.

Composite board:
– An insulation board with two different insulation types laminated together.

Compression fitting:
– A fitting used to join pipes or conduit by compressing a ring.

Compression gasket:
– A gasket designed to function under compression.

Compression set:
– The permanent deformation of a material after removal of compressive stress.

Compression valve:
– A valve that works by raising or lowering a stem to control water flow.

Compression web:
– A member of a truss system connecting the bottom and top chords.

Compressor:
– A mechanical device that pressurizes gas to turn it into a liquid, used in HVAC systems.

ComSOP:
– International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties.

Concealed:
– Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building.

Concealed nail method:
– Application of roll roofing where nails are driven into the underlying course and covered.

Concrete (plain):
– Concrete without reinforcement or reinforced only for shrinkage or temperature changes.

Concrete block:
– A hollow concrete brick typically 8x8x16 inches in size.

Concrete board (or Wonderboard®):
– A panel made of concrete and fiberglass used as tile-backing material.

Concrete grout:
– A mixture of pea gravel, sand, cement, and water poured into concrete-block walls.

Condensate line:
– The copper pipe running from the outdoor condenser to the indoor furnace.

Condensation:
– Water accumulation on walls, ceilings, and pipes due to high humidity.

Condensing unit:
– The outdoor component of a cooling system, including a compressor and condensing coil.

Condition:
– The plainly visible and conspicuous state of a material object.

Conditioned space:
– Sections of a house intentionally heated and/or cooled, surrounded by a thermal envelope.

Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs):
– Standards defining property use and protections in a subdivision.

Conduction:
– The flow of heat from one part of a substance to another.

Conductivity:
– The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material.

Conductor:
– In roofing, a pipe for conveying rainwater; in electrical contracting, a wire carrying electricity.

Conduit:
– Tubing or hollow pipe casing through which electrical lines run.

Connector:
– The pipe connecting a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney.

Console lavatory:
– A table-like lavatory attached to a wall at the back and supported by legs at the front.

Construction (frame-type):
– Construction where structural parts are wood or depend on a wood frame.

Construction adhesive:
– Thick-bodied adhesive used in repair and construction tasks.

Construction contract:
– A legal document specifying the details of a construction project.

Construction drywall:
– Construction where interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition.

Construction loan:
– A loan provided specifically to construct or renovate a building.

Consultant:
– A person with expertise assisting the inspector with specific portions of a commercial inspection.

Contamination:
– An impairment of the quality of the potable water supply.

Continuing Education:
– Ongoing training and education, often required for membership in a home inspection association.

Continuity tester:
– An electrical tool used to identify and diagnose a circuit as open or closed.

Contractor:
– An individual licensed to perform certain types of construction activities.

Control joint:
– A joint controlling or accommodating movement in a roof surface component.

Convection:
– A method of transferring heat by the movement of heated molecules.

Conventional loan:
– A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency.

Convertibility:
– The ability to change a loan from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate schedule.

Cooling load:
– The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature.

Cooling tower:
– A large device mounted on a roof to reduce water temperature.

Coped:
– Removing the top and bottom flange of a metal I-beam to fit it into another I-beam.

Coped joint:
– Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.

Coping:
– A construction unit placed at the top of a parapet wall to serve as a cover.

Coping joint:
– The intersection of a roof slope and an exterior vertical wall.

Copper pipe types:
– Type K (green stripe, thickest wall), Type L (blue stripe, medium wall), Type M (red stripe, thin wall).

Corbel:
– A triangular, decorative, and supporting member holding a mantel or shelf.

Corbel out:
– Building out one or more courses of brick or stone from a wall to support timbers.

Core:
– A small section cut from any material to show its internal composition.

Corner bead:
– A strip of formed sheet metal or wood finish placed on corners before plastering.

Corner boards:
– Trim for the external corners of a house or frame structure.

Corner braces:
– Diagonal braces at the corners of a frame structure to stiffen and strengthen the wall.

Cornerite™:
– Metal mesh lath used in interior corners of walls and ceilings to prevent cracks in plastering.

Cornice:
– A horizontal projecting course on the exterior of a building, often at the base of a parapet.

Cornice return:
– The portion of the cornice that returns on the gable end of a house.

Correction:
– The action needed to adjust, repair, or replace a defect or safety hazard observed during an inspection.

Corrosion:
– The deterioration of metal due to chemical or electrochemical reaction.

Corrugated:
– Folded or shaped into parallel ridges or furrows.

Cosmetic defect:
– A superficial flaw in the appearance of a system or component that does not affect safety or functionality.

Cost breakdown:
– A breakdown of all anticipated costs on a construction or renovation project.

Cost plus contract:
– See time and materials contract.

Counter-flashing:
– Formed metal secured to a wall or curb to cover and protect the upper edge of base flashing.

Counterfort:
– A foundation wall section that strengthens a long section of foundation wall.

Coupling:
– A short collar with inside threads at each end for joining two pipes.

Course:
– A single layer of brick, stone, or other building material.

Cove molding:
– A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners.

Covenants:
– Rules developed by a builder or developer regarding the physical appearance of buildings.

Coverage:
– The amount of weather protection provided by roofing material.

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride):
– Rigid plastic pipe used in plumbing and water supply systems.

Crater:
– A pit in the surface of concrete caused by cracking of the mortar.

Crawlspace:
– A shallow, open area enclosed within the foundation, located between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor.

Crazing:
– A series of hairline cracks in the surface of weathered materials, giving a web-like appearance.
– Also refers to hairline cracks in pre-finished metals caused by bending or forming.

Credit rating:
– A report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to determine a borrower’s credit habits.

Cricket:
– A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to prevent snow and ice accumulation and deflect water around the chimney.

Cripple stud:
– A short stud used as support in wall openings, replacing a normal 93-inch or 96-inch stud.

Cripple walls:
– In a wood-frame house, the section of wall under the house between the concrete foundation and the floor joists; also called crawlspace walls.

Crock:
– A crockery, cement, or other container used in the ground to hold water for pumping sump pumps.

Cross tee (cross-T):
– A short metal T-beam used in suspended-ceiling systems to bridge the spaces between the main beams.

Cross-bridging:
– Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists placed near the center of the joist span to prevent twisting.

Cross-connection:
– Any connection between two separate piping systems, one containing potable water and the other containing something that could contaminate the potable water.

Cross-cutting:
– Cutting across the wood grain; cutting a board across its width.

Crown:
– The sloped top of a masonry chimney designed to shed water away from the flue; also called a splay or a wash.

Crown molding:
– A molding used on a cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered.

CSA:
– Canadian Standards Association.

Culvert:
– A round, corrugated drainpipe, typically 15 or 18 inches in diameter, installed beneath a driveway parallel to and near the street.

Cupola:
– A small dome at the peak of a pitched roof.

Cupping:
– A type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their edges.

Curb:
– A short wall of masonry built above the level of the roof to provide a means of flashing deck equipment.

Curb roof:
– A roof with an upper and lower set of rafters on each side, where the under-set is less inclined to the horizon than the upper; also known as a mansard roof.

Curing (concrete):
– The process by which mortar and concrete harden, dependent on cement type, mix proportion, required strength, size and shape of the concrete section, weather, and future exposure conditions.
– Favorable curing temperatures range from 50° to 70° F.
– Design strength is achieved in 28 days.

Curing (paint):
– The process by which paint bonds to a surface. Curing and drying are not the same.

Curing agent:
– One part of a multi-part sealant that, when added to the base, causes the base to change its physical state via chemical reaction.

Curtain drain:
– A ditch, sometimes filled with gravel, and a drain tile that diverts storm and rainwater away from a structure.

Curtain wall:
– A thin wall supported by the structural steel or concrete frame of a building, independent of the wall below.
– Also refers to an aluminum framing system on the face of a building containing vision glass panels and spandrel panels made of glass, aluminum, or other material.

Cut-in brace:
– Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2x4s, cut in between each stud diagonally.

Cutback:
– In roofing, basic asphalt or tar that has been “cut back” with solvents and oils to make the material fluid.

Cutoff:
– A piece of roofing membrane consisting of one or more narrow plies of felt, usually hot-mopped to seal the edge of insulation.

Cutoff valve:
– A valve used to shut off water, typically located under a sink or behind the bathtub and shower access panel.
– It cuts off hot and/or cold water at the source without affecting the water supply throughout the entire house.

Dado:
– A rectangular groove across the width of a board or plank.
– In interior decoration, a special type of wall treatment.

Damp–proofing:
– A process used on concrete, masonry, and stone surfaces to repel water while allowing moisture vapor to escape.
– Typically applied to surfaces above grade, whereas waterproofing is used below grade.

Damper:
– An air valve that regulates the flow of air inside the flue of a furnace or fireplace.

Darby:
– A flat tool used to smooth concrete flatwork immediately after screeding; also called a bullfloat.

Dead load:
– The static design-weight of a roof and any permanent fixtures attached above or below it.

Decay:
– Disintegration or rot of wood or other substances through the action of mold.

Deck:
– An elevated outdoor platform at a residential structure.
– Also refers to the above-ground floors in a multi-level parking garage.

Deck paint:
– An enamel paint with high resistance to mechanical wear, designed for use on surfaces like porch floors.

Decorative:
– Ornamental; not required for the operation of essential systems or components of a home or building.

Deem:
– To form or have an opinion; to consider, judge, conclude, or regard in a specified way.

Defensible space:
– An area around a structure cleared of trees, brush, and other potential fuel to slow the rate of an advancing wildfire.

Deferred–maintenance items:
– Deficient items that cannot be remedied with routine maintenance, often caused by neglect.

Deflect:
– To bend or deform under weight.

Deflection:
– The amount of bending movement of a structural member perpendicular to its axis under an applied load.

Dehumidistat:
– A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical ventilation system based on relative humidity.

Density:
– The mass of a substance in a unit volume; numerically equal to the specific gravity of the same substance in the metric system.

Describe:
– To report in writing on a system or component by its type or observed characteristics to distinguish it from others.

Design pressure:
– The specified pressure that a product or component is designed to withstand.

Designer:
– One who designs houses, interiors, landscaping, or other objects, often without requiring an architectural license for single-family construction.

Destructive:
– An act of demolishing, damaging, or probing any system, structure, or component beyond normal maintenance.

Determine:
– To arrive at an opinion or conclusion after examination.

Dew point:
– The temperature at which vapor condenses from the atmosphere and forms water.

Dimensional lumber:
– Yard lumber from 2 inches up to, but not including, 5 inches thick and 2 or more inches wide, including joists, rafters, studs, planks, and small timbers.

Direct nailing:
– Nailing perpendicular to the main surface or the junction of the pieces joined; also called face-nailing.

Direct–gain system:
– A passive solar heating system where sunlight penetrates and directly warms the house’s interior.

Disconnected:
– Shut down.

Dismantle:
– To open, take apart, or remove any component, device, or piece that would not typically be opened or removed by an occupant.

Disposer:
– A device that grinds food sufficiently to enter drains for disposal without clogging.

Distortion:
– Alteration of viewed images caused by variations in glass flatness or homogeneous portions within the glass; common in heat-treated glass.

Diverter:
– A valve with a single inlet that directs water to one of two outlets, used with hand-held showers, shower risers, tub-and-shower combinations, and kitchen faucet sprayers.

Diverter valve:
– A device that changes the direction of water flow from one faucet to another.

Dolly Varden siding:
– Beveled wood siding that is rabbeted on the bottom edge.

Door jamb (interior):
– The surrounding case into and out of which a door closes and opens, consisting of two upright side jambs and a horizontal head jamb.

Dormer:
– A converted attic with windows projecting through a sloping roof.

Double coverage:
– The application of asphalt roofing so that the lapped portion is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed portion, resulting in two layers of roofing material over the roof deck.

Double glazing:
– Two lites of glass in a window separated by an air space to improve insulation against heat transfer and sound transmission.
– In insulated glass units (IGUs), the air between the glass sheets is dried and sealed to prevent condensation.

Double plate:
– Two layers of 2x4s placed on top of the studs in wall framing.

Double tree:
– A precast roof deck panel poured with two fins on its underside to impart flexural rigidity.

Double–hung window:
– A window with sashes that slide vertically, allowing opening from the top and bottom.

Double–strength glass:
– Float glass that is approximately 1/8-inch thick.

Downspout:
– The pipe that carries water down from the gutter or scupper; also called a leader.

Draw:
– The amount of progress billings/payments available to a contractor under a construction contract with a fixed payment schedule.

Drawing detail:
– A top-view scale drawing of a building or roof showing the perimeter, projections, and roof-mounted equipment.

Drawing outline:
– A top-view scale drawing of a building or roof showing only the perimeter.

Dressed–and–matched (D&M):
– Boards or planks machined with a groove on one edge and a corresponding tongue on the other; also called tongue-and-groove (T&G).

Dressed–size lumber**:
– The dimension of lumber after shrinking from its green dimension and machining it to size or pattern.

Drier paint:
– Oil-soluble soaps of lead, manganese, or cobalt that hasten the oxidation and hardening of drying oils in paints.

Drip:
– A projection on a cornice or exterior finish course designed to throw off water.
– A groove in the underside of a sill or drip cap to prevent water from running down the face of a building.

Drip cap:
– A molding placed on the exterior topside of a door or window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside of the frame.

Drip edge:
– A component designed to prevent water from running back or under an overhang.

Drippage:
– Bitumen material that drips through roof deck joints or over the edge of a roof deck.

Drop siding:
– Siding that is usually 3/4-inch thick and 6 or 8 inches wide with tongue-and-groove or shiplap edges, often used without sheathing in secondary buildings.

Dropping a stringer:
– In carpentry, cutting short on the bottom of a stair to allow for the thickness of the first tread.

Dry glazing:
– Sealing monolithic and insulated glass in the supporting framing system with synthetic rubber or elastomeric gasket materials; also called compression glazing.

Dry rot:
– See fungal wood rot.

Dry seal:
– A weather seal between a window’s glass and sash using strips or gaskets of neoprene, EPDM, silicone, or other flexible material; may not be completely watertight.

Dry sheet:
– A ply mechanically attached to wood or gypsum decks to prevent asphalt or pitch from penetrating and leaking into the building.

Dry–in:
– To make a building waterproof.

Drywall:
– A gypsum-board material used for interior walls and ceilings.

Drywall construction:
– Construction where the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition, typically using sheet materials or wood paneling instead of plaster.

Drywall hammer:
– A special hammer with a convex round and checked head used for nailing up gypsum board; also called an axe or hatchet.

Drywall nail:
– Nails used for hanging drywall with adequate holding power and a head design that does not cut the face paper.

Duct:
– A cylindrical or rectangular tube, usually made of sheet metal, used to distribute warm or cooled air from a furnace or air conditioner, or as cold-air returns.

Ductwork:
– A system of distribution channels used to transmit heated or cooled air from a central HVAC system throughout a home.

Due diligence:
– A level of care in the inspection process that varies depending on the scope of work agreed to by the inspector and client.

Due–on–sale:
– A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.

Dumbwaiter:
– An elevator with a maximum footage of 9 square feet, 4 inches of headroom, and a maximum capacity of 500 pounds, used for carrying materials only.

DuraBoard®, Durock®:
– A panel made of concrete and fiberglass used as a ceramic tile backing material on bathtub decks; also known as WonderBoard®.

Durometer:
– A gauge used to measure the hardness of an elastomeric material.

Dwelling unit:
– A single unit of a multi-unit housing structure providing complete, independent living facilities, including provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

DWV (drain, waste & vent; drain-waste-vent):
– The pipes in a plumbing system that remove wastewater.

E&O (errors and omissions) insurance:
– A professional liability insurance that protects companies and individuals against claims made by clients for inadequate work or negligent actions.

Earnest money:
– A sum paid to a seller in good faith to demonstrate that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.

Earthquake strap:
– A metal strap used to secure gas-fired hot water heaters to the framing or foundation of a house to prevent tipping during an earthquake and reduce the risk of gas leaks.

Easement:
– A formal contract allowing a party to use a limited portion of another party’s property for a specific purpose (e.g., a sewer easement).

Easily visible:
– Describes systems, items, and components that are conspicuous and in plain sight, requiring no intrusive inspection techniques, probing, disassembly, or special equipment.

Eave:
– The part of a roof that extends beyond the side wall.

Eaves flashing:
– An additional layer of roofing material applied at the eaves to help prevent damage from water backup.

Edge clearance:
– Nominal spacing between the edge of a glass product (e.g., a window) and the bottom of the glazing pocket or channel.

Edge grain (vertical):
– Lumber sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately at right angles to the growth rings, with the rings forming an angle of 45 degrees or more with the surface.

Edge metal:
– Brake or extruded metal around the perimeter of a roof.

Edging strips:
– Boards nailed along eaves and rakes to provide secure edges for re-roofing with asphalt shingles after cutting back existing wood shingles.

EER (energy-efficiency ratio):
– A measure of the instantaneous energy efficiency of cooling equipment, calculated as the cooling capacity (BTU/h) divided by the energy input (watts), expressed in BTU/h per watt.

Efflorescence:
– A white powder that forms on the surface of concrete/masonry walls due to water evaporation.

Egress:
– To exit or a means of exiting a building.

EIFS (exterior insulating and finish system):
– An exterior wall cladding system consisting of polystyrene foamboard with a textured acrylic finish resembling plaster or stucco.

Elastomer:
– An elastic, rubber-like substance, such as natural or synthetic rubber.

Elastomeric:
– Pertaining to flexible membranes containing rubber or plastic.

Elbow:
– An angled fitting that alters the direction of a water line.

Electric lateral:
– The trench or area in a home’s yard where the electrical service line from a transformer or pedestal is located, or the work of installing the electrical service to a home.

Electric resistance coils:
– Metal wires that heat up when electrical current passes through them, used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters.

Electrical entrance package:
– The entry point of electrical power, including the strike, meter, and panel (circuit breaker or fuse box).

Electrical rough:
– The work performed by the electrical contractor after plumbing and heating contractors complete their phases, involving the installation of wires, receptacles, switches, and fixture boxes before insulation.

Electrical trim:
– The work performed by the electrical contractor near the completion of new construction, including installing plugs, switches, light fixtures, smoke detectors, and wiring the furnace.

Electrolytic coupling:
– A fitting required to join copper to galvanized pipe, gasketed to prevent galvanic action caused by connecting pipes of different materials.

Elevation:
– A side of a building.

Elevation sheet:
– The page of blueprints depicting the house or room as if a vertical plane were passed through the structure.

Ell (L):
– See elbow.

Emergency escape and rescue opening:
– A window allowing for easy escape in an emergency, with minimum dimensions defined by code, required in every bedroom and basement.

Emergency shutoff valve:
– A valve designed to shut off the flow of gases or liquids.

Emissivity:
– The measure of a surface’s ability to emit long-wave infrared radiation, important in infrared thermography and energy-saving windows.

EMT (electrical metallic tubing):
– Electrical pipe, also called thin-wall conduit, used for concealed and exposed areas in residential and commercial buildings.

Emulsion:
– In roofing, a coating consisting of asphalt and fillers suspended in water.

End dam:
– Internal flashing (or dam) that prevents water from moving laterally within a curtain wall or window wall system.

End lap:
– The amount or location of overlap at the end of a roll of roofing felts during application.

Energy analysis:
– A method for estimating the annual energy use of a building.

 Energy-efficiency ratio:
– See EER.

Energy-recovery ventilation (ERV) system:
– A system that uses air-to-air heat exchangers to recover energy from exhaust air to preheat or precool outdoor air before supplying it to a living space.

Engineering service:
– Professional services requiring engineering education, training, and experience, including consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction.

Enter:
– To go into an area.

EPA:
– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which sets standards for exposure to radon, mold, lead-based paint, and friable insulation.

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer):
– A single-ply synthetic rubber membrane, usually 45 or 60 mils thick, applied as ballasted, fully adhered, or mechanically attached.

Equity:
– The value of a property less any outstanding mortgage loan.

Escrow:
– The handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of the buyer and/or seller.

Escutcheon:
– A trim piece or decorative flange beneath a faucet handle to conceal the faucet stem and the hole in the fixture or wall.

Estimate:
– The anticipated cost of materials, labor, and associated costs for a proposed construction, repair, or remodeling project.

Estimating:
– The process of calculating the cost of a project, which can be formal and exact or quick and imprecise.

Evaluate:
– To assess the structures, systems, and components of a property during an inspection.

Evidence:
– Plainly visible and conspicuous material objects or items that would tend to produce conviction in the mind of an ordinary person regarding the existence or non-existence of a fact.

Examine:
– To look at and evaluate; also see inspect.

Excavate:
– To dig the basement and/or areas needing footings/foundations below ground.

Exhaust fan:
– A fan that extracts air or excess heat from the interior of a home.

Existing:
– Refers to buildings, facilities, or conditions that are already present or built.

Exit discharge:
– The portion of a means of egress between its termination and a public way.

Expansion coefficient:
– The amount a specific material will vary in any one dimension with a change in temperature.

Expansion joint:
– A device used to permit a structure to expand or contract without breakage, often a bituminous fiber strip in residential construction.

Expansive soils:
– Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water present.

Exposed:
– Capable of being inadvertently touched by a person because it is not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.

Exposed aggregate (finish):
– A concrete finishing method that washes away the cement/sand mixture to expose the top layer of aggregate, often used in driveways and patios.

Exposed-nail method:
– Application of roll roofing where nails are driven into the cemented, overlapping course, leaving the nails exposed to weather.

Exposure:
– The portion of roofing exposed to the elements after installation.

Exposure I-grade plywood:
– Plywood approved for exterior use by the American Plywood Association.

Exterior property:
– The open space on a property.

Exterior stop:
– The exterior-side molding or bead that holds a window lite or panel in place.

Exterior wall:
– An outside wall of a building, either above or below grade.

Exterior-glazed:
– Glazing infills set from the exterior of the building.

Extermination:
– The control or elimination of insects, vermin, and other pests.

Extras:
– Additional work requested of a contractor not included in the original plan, billed separately and increasing the final cost.

Extrusion:
– An item formed by forcing a base metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic through a die to achieve a desired shape.

Eyebrow:
– A flat concrete projection that protrudes horizontally from a building wall, typically above a window.

Façade:
– The front of a building; in architectural terms, an artificial or decorative effort.

Face brick:
– Brick made especially for exterior use, with special consideration for color, texture, and size, used as a facing on a building.

Face glazing:
– A system where a triangular bead of compound is applied with a putty knife after bedding, setting, and clipping the glazing infill in place on a rabbeted sash.

Faced concrete:
– The broom-finished front and vertical sides of a concrete porch, step(s), or patio.

Facing brick:
– The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall, having a finished texture.

Factory Mutual (FM):
– An insurance agency that establishes stringent guidelines for construction integrity related to fire and environmental hazards. Its specifications are industry standards.

Fall:
– The proper slope or pitch of a pipe for adequate drainage; also called flow.

Fascia:
– The horizontal band positioned vertically under a roof edge, forming the outer surface of a cornice. Fascia board caps the rafter ends and may hold a gutter.

Fasteners:
– A general term covering screws and nails used to mechanically secure various building components.

Faucet:
– A device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a reservoir, such as a pipe or drum.

Feathering strips:
– Tapered wood filler strips placed along the butt edges of old wood shingles to create a level surface when re-roofing over existing wood shingle roofs; also called horsefeathers.

Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard:
– A standard for the construction, design, and performance of manufactured homes, ensuring quality, durability, and safety.

Felt:
– A general term for roofing ply sheets consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers, either unsaturated or impregnated with asphalt or coal tar pitch.

Female IPS:
– Pipe connection where the threads are on the inside of the fitting; see FIP.

Female threads:
– See FIP.

Fenestration:
– Any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall, or skylight unit on the exterior of a building.

Ferrous:
– Refers to objects made completely or partially of iron, such as ferrous pipe.

Ferrule:
– Metal tubes used to keep roof gutters open, secured with long nails called ferrule spikes.

FHA strap:
– Metal straps used to repair bearing wall cut-outs, tie together wall corners, splices, and bearing headers, and hang stairs and landings.

Fibered aluminum roof coating:
– A high-performance metallic reflective barrier used for roofing, metal surfaces, and exterior masonry, reducing energy costs and prolonging roof life.

Fibered roof and foundation coating:
– A medium viscosity-grade fibered material used as a roof and foundation coating.

Fibered roof coating:
– A thick, high-quality coating that seals fine cracks, renews old composition roofing, and prolongs roof life.

Fiberglass mat:
– An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers.

Field–measure:
– Taking measurements (e.g., cabinets, countertops, stairs) in the home instead of using blueprints.

Fillet bead:
– Caulking or sealant placed to form an angle between materials being caulked.

FindAnInspector.US:
– A leading home inspector search engine.

Finger joint:
– A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create longer dimensional lumber or molding.

Finish:
– In hardware, exposed metal fastenings on cabinets, such as hinges and locks.

Finish carpentry:
– The hanging of interior doors, installation of door molding, base molding, chair rail, built-in shelves, etc.

Finish coat:
– The last coat in plastering, intended as a base for further decorating or as a final decorative surface.

Finish grade:
– Rhe surface elevation of lawn, driveway, or other improved surfaces after grading operations.

FIP (female iron pipe):
– Standard threads on the inside of a pipe fitting.

Fire apparatus access road:
– A road, fire lane, or street providing access from a fire station to a facility.

Fire block:
– Short horizontal members nailed between studs, usually halfway up a wall; see also fire stop.

Fire brick:
– Brick made of refractory ceramic material for use in fireplaces and boilers, resistant to high temperatures.

Fire code official:
– The fire chief or authority enforcing the local fire code.

Fire department master key:
– A special key carried by fire officials to open key boxes at commercial properties.

Fire stop:
– A solid closure of a concealed space to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, typically 2×4 cross-blocking between studs.

Fire-rated:
– Descriptive of materials tested for use in firewalls.

Fire-resistance rating:
– A rating based on the period of time materials and assemblies can withstand fire exposure.

Fire-resistive:
– Materials that are not combustible in ordinary fires and withstand such fires without serious impairment for at least one hour.

Fire-retardant chemical:
– A chemical used to reduce flammability or retard flame spread.

Fireplace chase flashing pan:
– A large sheet of metal installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe to confine fire and smoke.

Fireplace lintel:
– A horizontal, noncombustible member spanning the top of the fireplace opening.

Firewall:
– Any wall built to restrict or prevent the spread of fire in a building, typically made of masonry or concrete.

Fish tape:
– Material used to advance wire through a conduit; also called fish wire.

Fishplate:
– A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members at a butt joint; also called a gang-nail plate or gusset.

Fitting:
– A general term referring to faucets, shower valves, tub fillers, and piping parts like tees and elbows.

Fixed-price contract:
– A contract with a set price for the work; see time and materials contract.

Fixture:
– In plumbing, a device providing a supply of water and/or its disposal, such as a sink, tub, or toilet.

Flagstone (flagging, flags):
– Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for rustic walks, steps, and floors.

Flake:
– (1) A small, scale-like particle. (2) To lose bond from a surface in small thin pieces, such as paint film.

Flakeboard:
– A manufactured wood panel made of wood chips and glue, used as a substitute for plywood; also called chipboard, OSB, or waferboard.

Flame-retention burner:
– An oil burner designed to hold the flame near the nozzle surface, typically the most efficient type for residential use.

Flapper valve:
– In plumbing, a valve replacing a tank stopper in a toilet, creating a seal between the tank and bowl.

Flash point (flashpoint):
– The critical temperature at which a material ignites.

Flashing:
– A material (typically metal) shaped or molded for a location and used at an angle in a roof or wall to prevent water leakage.

Flat glass:
– A general term describing float glass, sheet glass, plate glass, and rolled glass.

Flat grain:
– Lumber sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings.

Flat mold:
– Thin wood strips installed over the butt seam of cabinet skins.

Flat paint:
– An interior paint with a high proportion of pigment, drying to a flat or lusterless finish.

Flat seam:
– The seam at the junction of sheet metal roof components bent at the plane of the roof.

Flatwork:
– Common term for concrete floors, driveways, basements, and sidewalks.

Fleet averaging:
– A method for builders to show compliance with energy requirements by using average figures for all air-conditioning units in a subdivision.

Flex hose:
– A flexible pipe or tube made of braided stainless steel, commonly used with widespread or Roman tub faucets.

Flexible metal conduit:
– Conduit similar to armored cable but without pre-inserted conductors.

Float glass:
– Glass formed on a bath of molten tin, with surfaces known as the tin side and air side.

Floating:
– The next-to-last stage in concrete work, where it is smoothed and water is brought to the surface using a hand float or bull float.

Floating wall:
– A non-bearing wall built on a concrete floor, allowing the bottom plates to compress or pull apart if the floor moves.

Flood-level rim:
– The edge of a fixture from which water overflows.

Floor area, gross:
– The floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls.

Floor area, net:
– The actual occupied area, excluding corridors, stairways, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and closets.

Floor plan:
– The basic layout of a building or addition, including walls, windows, doors, and dimensions.

Floor plate:
– See floor plan.

Flow rate:
– The rate at which water is discharged from an outlet, such as a showerhead’s standard flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute.

Flue:
– A pipe used to exhaust smoke, gas, or air.

Flue collar:
– A round metal ring fitting around the heat flue pipe after it passes through the roof.

Flue damper:
– An automatic door in the flue that closes when the burner turns off, reducing heat loss.

Flue lining:
– A fire clay or terracotta pipe used as the inner lining of a chimney, running from below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.

Fluorescent lighting:
– A gas-filled glass tube with a phosphor coating that glows when ionized by electricity.

Flush glazing:
– The setting of glass or panels into a sash or frame opening with a recessed U-shaped channel, without removable stops on three sides.

Flush valve:
– The valve separating the water in the toilet tank from the bowl.

Flux:
– A material applied to copper pipes and fittings to assist in cleaning and bonding.

Fly rafters:
– End rafters of a gable overhang, supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.

Folded seam:
– In sheet metal work, a joint created by crimping and folding the edges of metal sheets together.

Footing:
– The underground support for a foundation or support post.

Footings:
– Wide pours of cement reinforced with rebar, supporting foundation walls, pillars, and posts.

Footprint:
– See floor plan.

Forced-air heating:
– A common heating system using natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity, distributing heated air through ducts.

Form:
– A temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.

Foundation:
– The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor, including footings, typically made of masonry, concrete, or stone.

Foundation coating:
– High-quality moisture protection used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry walls.

Frame inspection:
– An inspection of the home’s structural integrity and compliance with local codes.

Framer:
– The carpenter contractor who installs the lumber and erects the frame, flooring system, walls, trusses, rafters, and decking.

Framing:
– The structural wood and/or metal elements of a home, including floor and ceiling joists, wall studs, rafters, posts, and beams.

Free-tab shingles:
– Shingles without factory-applied self-sealing adhesive; see also self-sealing shingles.

Frieze:
– A horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.

Frost line:
– The depth of frost penetration in soil; footings should be placed below this depth to prevent movement.

Frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) system:
– A design option allowing shallower footing depths by raising the frost depth around the building using insulation.

Fully-adhered:
– A completely attached (adhered) roof membrane.

Fully-tempered glass:
– Glass heat-treated to high surface and edge compression, fracturing into small pieces if broken; approximately four times stronger than annealed glass.

Function:
– The action for which an item, component, or system is specially fitted or used.

Functional:
– Performing or able to perform a function.

Functional drainage:
– The emptying of a plumbing fixture in a reasonable time without overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously.

Functional flow:
– A reasonable flow of water supply at the highest and farthest fixture when another fixture is operated simultaneously.

Fungal wood rot:
– A wood-destroying organism developing when wood is exposed to moisture and poor air circulation for six months or more; often incorrectly called dry rot.

Fungi:
– Microscopic organisms causing mold growth, staining, and decay in damp wood.

Fungicide:
– A chemical poisonous to fungi.

Furnace:
– A heating system using thermal convection, with ducts carrying hot air from the furnace to rooms and cold-air returns bringing cooler air back.

Furring:
– Strips of wood or metal applied to a wall or surface to provide a level fastening base for finish material.

Further evaluation:
– A degree of examination beyond a typical non-intrusive, visual examination.

Fusible link:
– A heat-detecting device used to restrain the operation of an electrical or mechanical control until a certain temperature is reached, often used in fire doors.

FVIR (flammable vapor-ignition resistance):
– (1) A device preventing ignited vapors from passing out of the combustion chamber. (2) A one-way intake system controlling make-up air into the combustion chamber. (3) An inner door and burner assembly creating a sealed junction with the combustion chamber.

Gable:
– The end of a building, as distinguished from the front or rear.
– The triangular end of an exterior wall from the level of the eaves to the ridge of a double-sloped roof.

Gable end:
– An end wall having a gable.

Gable roof:
– A type of roof with sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge, having a gable at each end.

Galvanize:
– To coat a metal with zinc by dipping it in molten zinc after cleaning.

Gambrel roof:
– A type of roof with a slope broken by an obtuse angle, where the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope; a double-sloped roof with two pitches.

Gang-nail plate:
– A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint of a truss; also called a fishplate or gusset.

Garbage:
– Animal and/or vegetable waste resulting from the preparation or consumption of food.

Gas lateral:
– The trench or area in the yard where the gas line service is located, or the work of installing the gas service to a home.

Gaskets:
– Pre-formed shapes (e.g., strips, grommets) of rubber or rubber-like composition used to fill and seal joints or openings.

Gate valve:
– A valve that allows the complete stopping of liquid flow within a pipe without the ability to modulate the flow.

Gauge:
– The thickness of sheet metal, wire, etc.

Gauge board:
– A board used to carry grout needed for small patch jobs; also called a spot board.

General contractor:
– A contractor responsible for all facets of construction or renovation of a building; also called a prime contractor.

General home inspection:
– A non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property, designed to identify defects within specific systems and components.

General home inspection report:
– A written/electronic report identifying defects within specific systems and components, often including photos, comments, and recommendations.

GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter; GFI):
– A device that protects personnel by de-energizing a circuit when even a small amount of current flows through the grounding system.

GFRC (glass fiber-reinforced concrete):
– A thin, cementitious material laminated to plywood or lightweight backing, resembling concrete but generally not performing as well.

Girder:
– A main horizontal beam made of steel, reinforced steel, or wood that supports floor joists and other structural members.

Glass:
– A hard, brittle, and typically transparent substance made by fusing silicates under high temperatures, used in windows, doors, and skylights.

Glass-Base®:
– A roll-roofing product built on a fiberglass base sheet, used as a base sheet in modified asphalt and fiberglass roofing systems.

Glass-Seal®:
– A three-tab, self-sealing fiberglass shingle roofing product with a 20-year limited warranty and optional algae-resistant granules.

Glaze coat:
– In roofing, a light, uniform mopping of bitumen on exposed felts to protect them from the weather.

Glazing:
– (1) A generic term for infill materials like glass or panels. (2) The process of installing infill material into a prepared opening in windows, doors, or partitions.

Glazing bead:
– A strip surrounding the edge of glass in a window or door that holds the glass in place.

Glazing channel:
– A three-sided, U-shaped sash detail into which glass is installed and held in place.

Globe valve:
– A valve in a pipe that allows adjustment of liquid flow between fully on and fully off.

Gloss:
– A paint or enamel with a low proportion of pigment that dries to a sheen or luster.

Gloss enamel:
– A finishing material made of varnish and pigments, forming a hard, smooth coating with a high degree of gloss.

Glue-laminated beam:
– A structural beam composed of wood laminations pressure-bonded with adhesives; also called glue-laminated lumber or glulam.

GPF (gallons per flush):
– The unit of measurement for the flow rate of toilets, with a U.S. maximum of 1.6 GPF.

GPM (gallons per minute):
– The unit of measurement for the flow rate of faucets and showerheads.

Grade:
– (1) An accepted level or standard, such as a grade of lumber. (2) The degree of inclination of a slope, road, or surface. (3) The level where the ground meets the foundation of a building.

Grade beam:
– A foundation wall poured level with or just below the grade of the earth, such as under an overhead garage door or walk-out basement.

Grade MW:
– Moderate-weather grade of brick used for moderate resistance to freezing.

Grade NW:
– No-weather grade of brick intended for use as a back-up or for interior masonry.

Grade SW:
– Severe-weather grade of brick intended for high resistance to freezing.

Graduated payment mortgage (GPM):
– A fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan starting with lower payments that rise annually, potentially paying off a 30-year loan in 20 years or less.

Grain:
– The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of wood fibers.

Granules:
– Mineral particles embedded in the asphalt coating of shingles and roofing.

Gravel:
– Loose rock fragments (1/8-inch to 1-3/4 inches) used for surfacing built-up roofs.

Grease:
– Animal fat, vegetable shortening, or oil used in preparing or resulting from cooking.

Grid:
– The completed assembly of main and cross tees in a suspended ceiling system before ceiling panels are installed; also, decorative slats or muntins between glass panels.

Ground:
– Refers to electricity seeking the shortest route to earth, with neutral wires carrying it there and grounding wires protecting against shock.

Ground iron:
– Plumbing drain and waste lines installed beneath the basement floor, using cast iron in older homes and ABS in new construction.

Ground system:
– The connection of the neutral wire to the grounding terminal in the main switch, connected to a water pipe.

Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI; GFI):
– A device that protects personnel by de-energizing a circuit when even a small amount of current flows through the grounding system.

Grounded:
– Connected to earth or a conducting body serving in place of the earth.

Grounded, effectively:
– Intentionally connected to earth through a low-impedance connection to prevent voltage buildup.

Grounding electrode:
– A device that establishes an electrical connection to earth.

Grounding rod:
– A conductive rod used to ground an electrical panel.

Grounds:
– Narrow strips of wood or wide sub-jambs used around openings and at the floor line to guide plaster and provide a level line for trim installation.

Groundwater:
– Water from an aquifer or sub-surface water source.

Grout, grouting:
– A hydrous cement mortar used to fill small joints and cavities between tiles, slate, etc., or to fill voids in soils during foundation work.

Gun consistency:
– Sealant formulated for application through a caulking gun nozzle.

Gunnite:
– A construction material of cement, sand, and water forced through a cement gun, used in swimming pool construction.

Gusset:
– A flat wood, plywood, or similar member fastened to provide a connection at the intersection of wood members, commonly in wood trusses; also called a gang-nail plate or fishplate.

Gutter:
– A trough made of metal, wood, or other material installed at the eaves of a roof to carry rainwater to the downspout.

Gutter strap:
– A metal band used to support the gutter.

Guy wire:
– A strong steel wire or cable strung from an anchor on the roof to support tall, slender projections.

Gypsum board:
– Drywall or wallboard used for interior walls.

Gypsum Keene’s cement:
– A material used for a smooth plaster finish coat, suitable for areas not subject to moisture.

Gypsum plaster:
– Gypsum mixed with sand and water for use as a base coat plaster.

H-clip:
– A small metal clip shaped like the letter H, used at the joint of two plywood or waferboard sheets to stiffen the joint in roof sheeting.

Habitable space:
– The space in a structure used for living, sleeping, eating, and cooking. Bathrooms, closets, hallways, storage areas, and utility rooms are not considered habitable spaces.

Hardware:
– Metal accessories such as hinges, door knobs, drawer pulls, towel bars, and toilet paper holders.

Hatch:
– An opening in a deck, floor, or roof that provides access from inside the home or building.

Haunch:
– A knee-like protrusion or extension of a foundation wall that supports a concrete porch or patio.

Hawk:
– A flat wood or metal tool (10 to 14 inches square) with a handle, used to carry plaster, mortar, or mud; also called a mortarboard.

Hazard insurance:
– Insurance for a building under construction to cover potential losses.

Header:
– The framing members over windows, doors, and other openings; a beam placed perpendicular to joists to support openings like chimneys or stairways; also called a wood lintel.

Hearth:
– The inner and outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile, or stone.

Hearth extension:
– The non-combustible material in front of and at the sides of a fireplace opening.

Heartwood:
– The wood extending from the pith to the sapwood, no longer participating in the tree’s life processes.

Heat meter:
– A device that measures temperature at a domestic heat panel, used to estimate heat energy consumption for multiple households served by the same central heater; also called a heat-allocation meter.

Heat pump:
– A device that uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool a house.

Heat rough:
– Work performed by the HVAC contractor after stairs and interior walls are built, including installing ductwork, flue pipes, and sometimes the furnace and fireplace.

Heat trim:
– Work performed by the HVAC contractor to prepare a new-construction home for the final municipal heat inspection, including venting, installing registers, thermostats, and turning on the furnace.

Heat-strengthened glass:
– Flat or bent glass heat-treated to a specific surface and edge-compression range, approximately twice as strong as annealed glass but not considered safety glass.

Heated slab:
– Slab-on-grade construction with heating elements placed within or under the slab.

Heating load:
– The amount of heating required to keep a home or building at a specified temperature (usually 65° F) during winter, regardless of outside temperature.

Heating seasonal-performance factor (HSPF):
– A measure of a heat pump’s energy efficiency over one heating season, representing total heating output compared to total electricity consumed.

Heel bead:
– Sealant applied at the base of a channel after setting a glass lite or panel to prevent air leakage and moisture intrusion.

Heel cut:
– A notch cut into the end of a rafter to allow it to fit flat on a wall and the top doubled exterior wall plate.

Hermetic seal:
– A vacuum seal between the panes of a double-paned window or insulated glass unit (IGU). Failure causes permanent fogging between the panels.

High-early cement:
– A Portland cement (Type III) that sets to full strength faster than other types; also called high early-strength cement.

Highlight:
– A light spot, streak, or area on a painted surface.

Hinge:
– A jointed or flexible component that allows a part (e.g., a door or lid) to pivot on a stationary frame.

Hip:
– The external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof.

Hip rafter:
– A rafter that forms the intersection of an external angle at a roof.

Hip roof:
– A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building.

Hip shingles:
– Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Hoistway:
– A shaft used for the travel of one or more elevators.

Home inspection:
– See general home inspection.

Home run (electrical):
– The electrical cable that carries power from the main circuit breaker panel to the first electrical box, plug, or switch in the circuit.

Honeycomb:
– Areas in a foundation wall where the aggregate (gravel) is visible, often remedied by applying grout. Also, a concrete pouring method that leaves voids or holes.

Hood:
– A device installed over a range or cooktop to capture and vent grease-laden vapors and gases to the exterior.

Horizontal:
– Parallel to or in the plane of the horizon.

Hose bibb:
– An outdoor faucet with hose threads for attaching a garden hose or sprinkler. Interior hose bibbs are used for washing machines or utility sinks. Frostproof types may still freeze and should have a stop-and-waste valve.

Hot wire:
– The typically black wire that carries electrical energy to a receptacle or device, as opposed to the neutral wire, which carries electricity away.

Household appliances:
– Portable or semi-portable appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and window air-conditioners.

Hub:
– In plumbing, the enlarged end of a pipe designed to connect with the end of another pipe.

Humidifier:
– A device that increases humidity in a room or house by discharging water vapor, either as a standalone unit or connected to the heating system.

Humidistat:
– A device used to automatically control indoor relative humidity.

Hurricane clips:
– Metal straps nailed to secure roof rafters and trusses to the top wall plate in hurricane-prone areas; sometimes called TECO clips.

Hurricane ties:
– Metal fasteners used to secure rafters in structures subject to hurricane winds.

HVAC:
– Acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; refers to the system, work, and type of contractor.

Hydro-electric elevator:
– An elevator where liquid is pumped under pressure directly into a cylinder by an electric motor-driven pump, without an accumulator.

I-beam:
– A steel beam with a cross-section resembling the letter I, used in residential construction for long spans, such as basement beams or over wide wall openings and double garage doors.

I-joist:
– A manufactured structural building component resembling the letter I, used as a floor joist or rafter. It consists of flanges (made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber) and a web (made of plywood or OSB). Large holes can be cut in the web for ductwork and plumbing.

IAC2:
– The International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants.

IAQ:
– Acronym for indoor air quality.

ID (inside diameter):
– The diameter measurement taken from the inside of a pipe, commonly used for sizing pipe.

Identify:
– To notice, observe, and report upon.

IIC:
– A system of criteria recommended by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for rating the effectiveness of impact sound isolation.

IMC:
– International Mechanical Code.

Immediate cost:
– Estimated cost of remedying an existing safety hazard or repairing a system or component likely to fail within a year.

Imminent danger:
– A condition that could cause serious or life-threatening injury or death.

Incandescent lamp:
– A lamp with an electrically-charged metal filament that glows at white heat; a typical light bulb.

Incompatibility:
– Descriptive of two or more materials that are not suitable for use together.

Indemnification clause:
– A provision in a contract where one party agrees to be financially responsible for specified damages, claims, or losses.

Index:
– The interest rate or adjustment standard that determines changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

Infestation:
– The presence of insects, vermin, or other pests.

Infill:
– The area of a railing system bounded by the railing posts, cap, rail, and deck or floor surface. Infill spacing should prevent the passage of a 4-inch sphere for safety.

Infiltration:
– The process by which air leaks into a building. The infiltration heating load factor (HLF) accounts for extra BTUs needed to heat infiltrated air.

Inlet:
– An opening that provides a means of entrance or intake.

INR (impact noise rating):
– A single-figure rating estimating the impact sound-insulating performance of a floor-ceiling assembly.

Inside corner:
– The point where two walls form an internal angle, such as in the corner of a room.

Inside drain:
– In roofing, a drain positioned on a roof at a location other than the perimeter, directing surface water inside the building through closed pipes to a drainage system.

Inspect:
– To examine readily accessible areas, systems, and components safely, using normal operating controls, according to applicable standards of practice.

Inspected property:
– The readily accessible areas of the structure(s), site, items, components, and systems included in an inspection.

Inspection:
– The process of collecting information through visual observation during a walk-through survey of a property and generating a report about its condition. Includes general home inspections and commercial inspections.

Inspection report:
– A written report identifying defects within specific systems and components, as defined by InterNACHI’s Residential Standards of Practice. May include photos, comments, and recommendations.

Inspector:
– One who performs a property inspection.

Installed:
– Attached or connected such that the installed item requires a tool for removal.

Insulating glass:
– A window or door with two panes of glass and a sealed air space between them; also known as double glass.

Insulating glass unit (IGU):
– Two or more lites of glass spaced apart with an air space between them, hermetically sealed to form a single glazed unit.

Insulation:
– Any material that slows down or retards the flow or transfer of heat. Types include loose-fill, flexible, rigid, reflective, and foamed-in-place, rated by R-value. In electrical contracting, it refers to wire covering materials like rubber or thermoplastic.

Insulation board:
– A rigid structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fiber, available in various thicknesses, sizes, densities, and treatments.

Insulation fasteners:
– Specialized mechanical fasteners designed to hold insulation down to a steel or nailable deck.

Interest:
– The cost paid to a lender for borrowed money.

Interior finish:
– Material used to cover the interior framed areas of walls and ceilings.

Interior glazed:
– Glazing infills set from the interior of the building.

Interlayer:
– In glazing, any material used to bond two lites of glass and/or plastic together to form a laminate.

Interlocking shingles:
– Individual shingles that mechanically fasten to each other to provide wind resistance.

InterNACHI:
– The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the world’s largest residential and commercial property inspectors’ association, providing certification, training, benefits, and support.

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI):
– The world’s largest residential and commercial property inspectors’ association, providing certification, training, benefits, and support.

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC):
– The IECC 2012 was published in June 2011.

Interply:
– Between two layers of roofing felts that have been laminated together.

Interview:
– Conducting research by talking to personnel with knowledge about a subject property, typically part of a commercial property inspection.

Intrusive:
– Destructive.

IPS (iron pipe size):
– A pipe thread sizing system; also, a measurement of the outside diameter of a pipe.

IRC:
– International Residential Code.

IRMA (insulated/inverted roof membrane assembly):
– A roof system with a membrane laid directly on the roof deck, covered with extruded foam insulation, and ballasted with stone at a minimum of 1,000 pounds per square.

Irrigation:
– A lawn sprinkler system.

J-channel:
– Metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a finished appearance when the wall is not wrapped. Commonly used on the vertical edge of the last drywall sheet in basement stairway walls.

Jack post:
– A type of metal structural support used to replace an old or defective supporting member. It can be raised or lowered using pins and a screw to meet the required height; also called a monopost.

Jack rafter:
– A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.

Jalousie window:
– A window with parallel glass, acrylic, or wooden louvers set in a frame. The louvers are locked together on a track and controlled by a crank mechanism to tilt open and shut in unison, popular in hot-humid climates.

Jamb:
– The side and head lining of a doorway, window, or other opening.

Joint:
– The space between the adjacent surfaces of two members or components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.

Joint cement:
– A powder mixed with water and used for joint treatment in gypsum-wallboard finish; also called spackle.

Joint compound:
– In plumbing, a material applied to threaded connections to prevent leaks. In carpentry, a wet gypsum material applied to sheetrock joints.

Joint tenancy:
– A form of property ownership where multiple tenants own a property equally. If one dies, the survivor(s) automatically inherit the property in whole.

Joint trench:
– A trench shared by the electric and telephone companies, where both service lines are dropped into the same trench.

Joist hanger:
– A metal U-shaped item used to support the end of a floor joist, attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or beam.

Jumpers:
– Water pipe installed in a water meter pit (before the water meter is installed) or electrical wire installed in the electrical house panel meter socket before the meter is installed. This installation may be illegal.

Keene’s cement:
– A white finish plaster known for its durability, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas like auditoriums and public buildings.

Keeper:
– The metal latch plate in a door frame into which a doorknob plunger latches.

Kelvin (kelvin):
– A unit of measurement on an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale, with the same magnitude as the Celsius degree.

Key box:
– A lockable device that allows the fire department to access a building in an emergency. Other types may store multiple keys for locked areas in commercial properties.

Keyless:
– A plastic or porcelain light fixture operated by a pull string, commonly found in basements, crawlspaces, and attics.

Keyway:
– A slot formed and poured on a footer or foundation wall to provide additional strength where another wall will be installed.

Kick hole:
– A defect in perimeter flashings caused by being stepped on or kicked, resulting in a small fracture in the base flashing near the cant.

Kickout flashing:
– Also called diverter flashing, it diverts rainwater away from cladding and into the gutter. Missing kickout flashing can lead to water damage on exterior walls.

Kiln-dried lumber:
– Lumber dried in a kiln to a moisture content of 6 to 12%. Softwood framing lumber is typically dried to a slightly higher moisture content.

Kilowatt (kW, KW):
– One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. A kilowatt-hour is the base unit for measuring electrical consumption.

King stud:
– The vertical 2×4 frame lumber on either side of a window or door opening, running from the bottom sole plate to the top plate.

Knife consistency:
– Compound formulated to a firmness suitable for application with a putty knife, such as for face glazing and sealant applications.

Knot:
– In lumber, the portion of a branch or limb of a tree that appears on the edge or face of the piece.

Kraft paper:
– A heavy, water-resistant paper with high tensile strength, used for wrapping particleboard and other building materials.

Kynar coating:
– A UV-stable, resin-based architectural coating suitable for exterior use on aluminum and other metal surfaces.

Labeled:
– Devices, equipment, or materials that have been affixed with a label, seal, symbol, or other identifying mark indicating product evaluation.

Labor hour:
– A standard unit representing one person’s labor performed in one hour.

Ladder:
– A portable or fixed structure with two long sides and parallel rungs, used for climbing up and down.

Laminate:
– A laminated product, such as plywood.

Laminated glass:
– Two or more lites of glass permanently bonded together with one or more interlayers.

Laminated shingles:
– Shingles with added dimensionality due to extra layers or tabs, giving them a shake-like appearance; also called architectural shingles or three-dimensional shingles.

Laminating:
– Bonding together two or more layers of materials.

Landing:
– A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs.

Lap:
– To extend one material partially over another; also, the distance so extended.

Lap cement:
– An asphalt-based cement used to adhere overlapping plies of roll roofing.

Lateral:
– The underground trench and related services or utilities (electric, gas, telephone, sewer, and water lines) buried within the trench.

Lath:
– A building material (wood, metal, gypsum, or insulating board) fastened to a building’s frame as a plaster base.

Lath and plaster:
– A wall finish method using thin wood strips (lath) nailed to framing as a base for sand/lime plaster, common before drywall.

Lattice:
– A framework of crossed wooden or metal strips.

Lavatory:
– A bathroom or washroom sink.

Leach field:
– A septic drainfield; a method for filtering and discharging sewage into the ground, common in rural areas without municipal sewer systems.

Lead:
– A malleable metal once extensively used for flashings.

Lead-based paint:
– Paint containing lead, outlawed in the U.S. in 1978 due to its toxicity. Disturbed lead-based paint can cause severe health problems, especially in children under 7.

Leader:
– A downspout.

Lean-to roof:
– A sloping roof of a building addition supported by the adjoining wall of a building.

Ledger:
– Dimensional lumber attached to building framing, used to support the section of a deck adjacent to the building.

Ledger strip:
– A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom of a girder to support joists.

Let-in brace:
– Nominal 1-inch-thick boards applied diagonally into notched studs.

Level:
– (1) A horizontal surface where all sides are at the same elevation. (2) A carpenter’s tool used to check for level.

Level-payment mortgage:
– A mortgage with identical monthly payments over the life of the loan.

Leveling rod:
– A rod with graduated marks for measuring heights or vertical distances, used by surveyors.

Lien:
– An encumbrance secured by real or personal property for repayment of a debt or obligation.

Life expectancy:
– The average service life or functional period in years, assuming regular maintenance.

Light:
– (1) A source of light, such as a lamp or fixture. (2) The space in a window sash for a single pane of glass; a pane of window glass (variation of lite).

Limit switch:
– A safety control that shuts off a furnace if it gets too hot and controls blower cycles.

Linear foot:
– A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long.

Lintel:
– A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening, such as a door or window.

Liquid-applied membrane:
– A waterproof membrane applied to cast-in-place concrete surfaces in one or more coats, conforming to all contours.

Liquidated damages:
– A pre-agreed monetary amount in a contract specifying what one party owes the other if they default.

Listed:
– Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, indicating compliance with standards or suitability for a specified purpose.

Lite:
– A pane of window glass (variation of light).

Live load:
– Loads produced by the use and occupancy of a building, excluding construction or environmental loads like wind, snow, or dead load.

Load-bearing wall:
– A wall that supports its own weight and other structural elements, such as the roof and ceiling.

Loan:
– A sum of money lent at interest.

Loan-to-value ratio:
– The ratio of a loan amount to the property valuation, expressed as a percentage. Higher ratios indicate greater lender risk.

Lookout:
– A short wooden bracket or cantilever that supports an overhanging portion of a roof or similar structure.

Loose-laid:
– In roofing, a membrane laid loosely and not adhered over a roof deck or berm.

Lot:
– A parcel of ground with boundaries determined by the county.

Louver:
– A horizontal slat. Louvered windows or attic ventilators allow ventilation while preventing rain or sunlight entry.

Low-slope application:
– A method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 2 and 4 inches per foot.

Lumber:
– The product of a sawmill and planing mill, not further manufactured beyond sawing, re-sawing, planing, cross-cutting, and matching.

Lumens:
– A unit of measure for total light output; the amount of light falling on a surface of 1 square foot.

Main Vent
– Principal vent to which branch vents may be connected.
– Also called a main stack.

Major Defect
– A condition of a system or component that renders it non-working, non-performing, non-functioning, or unsafe.
– Requires a professional contractor to evaluate, repair, correct, or replace.

Male IPS
– Pipe connection with threads on the outside of the fitting.
– See also MIP.

Male Threads
– Standard threads on the outside of a pipe or fitting.
– See also MIP.

Mansard Roof
– A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building.
– Sloping roofs on all four sides have two pitches:
– Lower pitch: very steep.
– Upper pitch: less steep.

Mantel
– The shelf above a fireplace.
– Also refers to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.

Manual
1. A manufacturer’s book of operating directions.
2. Capable of being operated by hand.

Manufactured (Mobile) Home
– A transportable structure in one or more sections:
– Traveling mode: 8 body-feet or more in width or 40 body-feet or more in length.
– Erected on site: 320 or more square feet.
– Built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling.
– Includes plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems.
– Excludes self-propelled recreational vehicles.
– Size calculations include total square feet for each transportable section.

Manufactured Wood
– A building component (e.g., truss, beam, joist) made from small pieces of wood glued or mechanically fastened to form a larger piece (e.g., GLULAM®).
– Often used to create stronger members with less wood.
– See also oriented strand board (OSB).

Manufacturer’s Specifications
– Written installation and/or maintenance instructions developed by the product’s manufacturer.
– May be required to maintain the product’s warranty.

Mason’s Hammer
– Tool shaped like a chisel used to trim brick and stone.
– Also called a bricklayer’s hammer.

Masonry
– Building units/materials like stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, gypsum block, etc.
– Bonded together with mortar to form walls, piers, buttresses, etc.

Masonry Primer
– Asphalt-based primer used to prepare masonry surfaces for bonding with other asphalt products.

Mastic
– A heavy-consistency, waterproof compound applied to exterior walls and roof surfaces.
– Remains adhesive and pliable with age.

Matched Lumber
– Lumber dressed and shaped with a grooved pattern on one edge and a tongued pattern on the other.

Material
– Being both relevant and consequential; crucial.

Material Defect
– A specific issue with a system or component that may:
– Have a significant, adverse impact on the property’s value.
– Pose an unreasonable risk to people.
– Not considered a material defect if the system/component is near, at, or beyond its normal useful life.

Maximum Occupancy Load
– The maximum number of people permitted in a room, measured per foot for each width of exit door.
– Maximum: 50 per foot of exit.

Means of Egress
– A continuous and unobstructed path out of a building to a public way.

Mechanic’s Lien
– A lien on real property in favor of persons supplying labor and/or materials for a building or structure.
– Clear title cannot be obtained until the claim is settled.
– Timely filing is essential, with varying deadlines by jurisdiction.

Melt Point
– The temperature at which solid asphalt becomes a liquid.

Membrane
– A generic term for sheet goods used in built-up roofing repairs and applications.

Metal Edge
– Brake metal or metal extrusion secured at the roof’s perimeter to form a weathertight seal.

Metal Lath
– Sheets of metal slit and drawn out to form openings, used as a plaster base for walls and ceilings.

Mezzanine
– A semi-permanent, freestanding stair-and-deck system installed between two permanent floors.
– Used for office areas, storage, tools, and equipment.

MICB (Master Inspector Certification Board)
– Certifying body that awards the Certified Master Inspector® (CMI) designation.

Microllam®
– Brand name for laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
– A manufactured structural wood beam made from multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives.
– Higher strength rating than solid-sawn lumber and less likely to twist, warp, bow, or shrink.
– Available in 1-1/2-inch thickness and 9-inch, 11-1/2-inch, and 14-inch widths.

Migration
– Spreading or creeping of a constituent of a compound onto or into adjacent surfaces.
– See also bleeding.

Mil Thickness
– Measurement used to determine the thickness of a coating.
– 1 mil = 0.001 or 1/1000-inch.

Millwork
– Building materials made of finished wood manufactured in millwork plants.
– Examples: doors, doorframes, windows, blinds, porchwork, mantels, panelwork, stairways, moldings, and trim.
– Excludes flooring, ceilings, or siding.

Mineral Spirits
– A petroleum byproduct, clear in color, used as a solvent for asphalt coatings.

Mineral Stabilizers
– Finely-ground limestone, slate, traprock, or other inert materials added to asphalt coatings for durability and resistance to fire and weathering.

Mineral-Surfaced Roofing
– Asphalt shingles and roll roofing covered with granules.

Minispread
– A smaller variation of a widespread faucet with separate spout and handles designed to fit 4-inch center-to-center faucet holes.

Minor Defect
– A condition of a system or component that renders it non-working, non-performing, or non-functioning.
– May be repaired, corrected, or replaced by a professional contractor or homeowner.

MIP (Male Iron Pipe)
– Standard threads on the outside of a pipe or fitting.

Miter (Mitre) Joint
– The joint of two pieces at an angle that bisects the joining angle.
– Example: 45-degree angle joint at the side and head casing of a door opening.

Mixing Valve
– A valve that mixes hot and cold water to obtain a set temperature before delivery.

Mobile Home Aluminum Roof Coating
– A durable one-coat application that prolongs the life of mobile home roofs.
– Reflects the sun’s rays, provides a decorative surface, and reduces energy costs.

Mock-Up Testing
– Controlled air, water, and structural performance testing of existing or new glazing systems.

Modified-Bitumen Roof
– A roof covering composed of a factory-fabricated composite sheet of copolymer-modified bitumen, often reinforced with polyester and/or fiberglass.
– Installed in one or more plies and surfaced with coatings, granules, or metal foil.
– May incorporate rigid insulation.

Modulus
– The stress at a given strain; also, tensile strength at a given elongation.

Moisture Content (of Wood)
– Weight of the water contained in wood, expressed as a percentage of the weight of the oven-dried wood.

Mold (Mould)
– A form of fungus; some molds can cause disease in humans.

Molding (Moulding)
– A wood strip with a coned or projecting surface used for decorative purposes, such as door and window trim.

Monitor
– A large structure rising above the surrounding roof planes, designed to provide light and/or ventilation to the building’s interior.

Monopost
– An adjustable metal column used to support a beam or bearing point.
– Typically made of 11-gauge or Schedule 40 metal.

Mopping
– In roofing, a layer of hot bitumen applied between plies of roofing felt.
– Full mopping: Entire surface coated with bitumen.
– Spot-mopping: Bitumen applied in random small daubs.
– Sprinkle mopping: Bitumen sprinkled onto the deck.
– Strip-mopping: Bitumen applied in parallel bands.

Mortar Types
– Type M: Strongest, suitable for general use, recommended for masonry below grade.
– Type S: Suitable for general use, recommended for high resistance to lateral forces.
– Type N: Suitable for general use in exposed masonry above grade, recommended for exterior walls.
– Type O: Recommended for load-bearing walls with compressive stresses ≤ 100 psi, not subjected to freezing and thawing.

Mortgage
– A loan secured by real property/real estate.

Mortgage Broker
– A person who represents numerous lenders and helps consumers find affordable mortgages.
– Charges a fee only if the consumer qualifies for a suitable loan.

Mortgage Company
– A company that borrows money from a bank, lends it to consumers to buy homes, and then sells the loans to investors.

Mortgage Deed
– A legal document establishing a loan for property.

Mortgage Origination Fee
– A charge for work involved in preparing and servicing a mortgage application (usually 1% of the loan amount).

Mortgagee
– The lender who makes the mortgage loan.

Mortise
– An edgewise slot cut into a board, plank, or timber to receive the tenon of another board, plank, or timber to form a joint.

Mud Cracks
– Cracks that develop from the normal shrinkage of an emulsion coating applied too heavily.

Mudsill
– A wood foundation member (usually a pressure-treated 2×4 or 2×6) bolted to the foundation and used to attach other framing members.

Mullion
– A vertical bar or divider in the frame between windows, doors, and other openings that supports panels, glass, sashes, or curtain wall sections.

Muntins
– Horizontal or vertical bars that divide a sash frame into smaller lites of glass.
– Smaller in dimensions and weight than mullions.

Muriatic Acid
– Commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry work is completed.

Mushroom
– An unacceptable occurrence when the top of a caisson concrete pier spreads out and hardens wider than the foundation wall’s thickness.

Mylar
– Brand name for a transparent or reflective polyester film or plastic sheeting with high tensile strength.
– Used for various products, including field copies of blueprints and plans.

Nailer
– A piece of lumber secured to non-nailable decks and walls by bolts or other means.
– Provides a suitable backing for mechanically fastening roof components.

Natural Finish
– A transparent finish that does not significantly alter the original color or grain of natural wood.
– Typically achieved using sealers, oils, varnishes, water-repellent preservatives, and similar materials.

Neat Plaster
– A base coat plaster that does not contain aggregates.
– Used where the addition of aggregates on the job is desired.

NEC (National Electrical Code)
– A set of rules governing safe wiring methods.
– Local codes may differ from some NEC codes.

Neoprene
– A synthetic rubber with properties similar to natural rubber.
– Used in weather-resistant products like paints, adhesives, and gaskets.
– Made by polymerizing chloroprenes, produced from acetylene and hydrogen chloride.

Nesting
– A re-roofing method where new asphalt shingles are installed over old shingles.
– The top edge of the new shingles is butted against the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.

Neutral Wire
– Carries electricity from an outlet back to the service panel.
– Usually color-coded white.
– See also hot wire and ground.

Newel
– Any post to which the end of a stair railing or balustrade is fastened.

NFPA
– National Fire Protection Association, which sets standards for fire-rated building products.

Nipple
– A short pipe coupling threaded on both ends, installed between fittings.

NM (Non-Metallic)
– A flame-retardant type of Romex cable (non-metallic sheathed cable) containing several conductors.
– Limited to use in dry locations.

NMC (Non-Metallic Conduit)
– A type of Romex® cable (non-metallic sheathed cable) containing several conductors.
– Can be used in damp, corrosive, or dry locations.

No-Cutout Shingles
– Shingles consisting of a single solid tab with no cutouts.

Nominal Size
– Size used for identification only; not literal dimensions.

Non-Bearing Wall
– A wall supporting no load other than its own weight.

Non-Combustible
– A substance that does not burn when subjected to fire.

Non-Destructive
– A method of examining the interior of a component without causing damage.

Non-Drying
– A sealant that does not set up or cure.
– Also called non-curing.
– See also butyl.

Non-Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating
– A thin but efficient barrier that reflects the sun’s rays and prolongs a roof surface’s service life.
– Also used on other metal surfaces.

Non-Fibered Roof and Foundation Coating
– A dual-purpose, thin-viscosity material used as both a roof and foundation coating.

Non-Sag
– A sealant formulation that can be applied in vertical joints without sagging or slumping.

Non-Skinning
– Descriptive of a product that does not form a surface skin.

Non-Staining
– Characteristic of a compound that will not stain a surface.

Non-Veneer Panel
– Any wood-based panel without veneer, carrying an APA span rating.
– Examples: waferboard and oriented strand board.

Normal Operating Controls
– Operating controls for devices that can be operated by ordinary occupants (e.g., thermostats).
– Require no specialized skill, knowledge, or tools.

Normal Slope Application
– Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.

Nosing
– The projecting edge of a molding or drip, typically applied to the edge of a stair tread.

Notch
– A crosswise rabbet at the end of a board.

Note
– A formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating the terms of repayment.

Nozzle
– The tubular tip of a caulking gun through which the compound is extruded.

Nuclear Meter
– A device used to detect moisture by measuring slowed, deflected neutrons.

P-Trap
– A P-shaped section of drainpipe that traps water.
– Prevents sewer odors from escaping through the drain and into the home.

Pad Out
– To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or ceiling to make the finished surface appear level.
– Also called pack out.

Padding
– Material installed under carpeting to add depth, plushness, minimize sound, and prolong the carpet’s life.

Paint
– A combination of pigments with thinners or oils to provide a decorative and protective coating.

Pallet
– A wooden platform used for shipping bulk items (e.g., shingles, lumber) and storing items off the floor or bare ground.

Panel
– A thin, flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material framed by stiles and rails (e.g., in a door) or fitted into grooves for decorative wall treatment.

Panelboard
– A component of the electricity-supply system that divides power into subsidiary circuits.
– Contains buss bars and over-current devices in a common enclosure.
– Also called a distribution board.

Parapet Wall
– A low wall around the perimeter of a roof deck.

Parge Coat
– A thin coat of cementitious or polymeric mortar applied to concrete to refine the surface.

Parking Strip
– The area in front of a building between the sidewalk and the street, typically landscaped with grass as a buffer between the road and pedestrians.

Parting Stop
– A small wood piece used in double-hung windows to separate the upper and lower sashes.
– Also called a parting strip.

Partition
– A wall that subdivides spaces within a building.

Patterned Glass
– A type of rolled glass with a pattern impressed on one or both sides.
– Used for light control, bath enclosures, and decorative glazing.
– Also called rolled glass, figured glass, and obscure glass.

Paver Stones
– Pre-cast concrete slabs used to create a traffic surface.

Payment Schedule
– An agreed-upon schedule of incremental payments to a contractor based on work completed.
– May include a deposit before work begins and holdout payments for incomplete items.

Pedestal Lavatory
– A sink supported by a single pedestal leg.

Penalty Clause
– A clause in a contract that reduces payment to a contractor for failing to meet deadlines or specifications.

Penny
– A term indicating nail length, abbreviated by the letter D.
– Originally referred to the price per hundred nails.

Penthouse
– A small structure built above the roof plane or the topmost residential unit of a high-rise building.

Percolation Test (Perc Test)
– A test performed by a soil engineer to determine if soil can absorb liquid effluent from a septic system.

Performance and Payment Bond
– A guaranty by a surety company to complete a project if the contractor fails to perform.

Performance Bond
– A deposit (usually 10% of the project cost) made by a contractor to guarantee proper and timely completion of a project.

Perimeter Drain
– Perforated plastic pipe (3-4 inches) installed around a foundation to collect and divert groundwater.
– Often daylighted into a sump pit with a sump pump.

Perlite
– A natural volcanic glass heated and expanded to create a lightweight aggregate used in fire-resistant insulation.

Perm
– A measure of water vapor movement through a material (grains per square foot per hour per inch of mercury difference in vapor pressure).

Permanent Set
– The amount by which a material fails to return to its original dimensions after being deformed.

Permanently Installed
– Fixed in place by screws, bolts, nails, etc., as opposed to portable or freestanding components.

Permit
– A governmental authorization to perform a building process (e.g., zoning, grading, septic, building, electrical, plumbing permits).

Phase I
– A fireplace and chimney inspection that exceeds general home inspection standards.

Photo-Oxidation
– Oxidation caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Physical Deficiency
– A major defect, significant deferred maintenance, a component nearing the end of its useful life, a safety concern, or anything requiring expensive repairs.

Pier
– A masonry column (usually rectangular) used to support structural members.

Pier Block
– A concrete block used to support foundation members (e.g., posts, beams, girders, joists).

Pigment
– A powdered solid used in paint or enamel.

Pigtail (Electrical)
– The electric cord installed on appliances (e.g., garbage disposal, dishwasher, range hood).

Pilot Hole
– A small-diameter, pre-drilled hole to guide a nail or screw.

Pilot Light
– A small, continuous flame in a hot water heater, boiler, or furnace that ignites gas or oil burners.

Pitch
1. The incline slope of a roof (ratio of rise to width).
2. Coal tar pitch.

Pitch Pan
– A sheet metal container installed around roof-mounted equipment connections, filled with pitch or plastic roof cement to seal out rainwater.

Pitch Pocket
– An opening in a tree’s interior containing solid or liquid pitch.

Pith
– The soft core at the center of a tree around which wood forms.

PITI
– Acronym for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance—the four components of monthly mortgage payments.

Plan Submittal
– Submission of construction plans to obtain a building permit.

Plans
– See blueprints.

Plaster Grounds
– Strips of wood used as guides around window and door openings and at the base of walls.

Plastic Roof Cement
– A waterproofing medium used to stop leaks and for exterior repairs. Available in summer and winter grades.

Plat
– A map of a geographical area recorded by the county.

Plate
– Sill plate: A horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall.
– Sole plate: The bottom horizontal member of a frame wall.
– Top plate: The top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, etc.

Plate Line
– The top horizontal line of a building wall where the roof rests.

Platform Framing
– A framing system where floor joists rest on the top plates of the story below, and walls rest on the subfloor.
– Also called platform construction.

Plenum
– An air compartment connecting ducts in an air-distribution system.

Plot Plan
– A bird’s-eye view showing a building’s position on a lot, setbacks, easements, rights of way, and drainage.

Plough
– To cut a lengthwise groove in a board or plank.

Plumb
– Exactly perpendicular; vertical.

Plumb Bob
– A conical lead weight attached to a string, used to determine plumb and elevations.

Plumbing Boots
– Metal saddles used to strengthen a wall or stud where a plumbing drain line has been cut through.

Plumbing Ground
– Drain and waste lines installed beneath a basement floor.

Plumbing Jacks
– Sleeves around drain and waste vent pipes, nailed to roof sheeting.

Plumbing Rough
– Work performed by a plumbing contractor after rough heat installation, including installing drain lines, water lines, tubs, shower pans, and gas piping.

Plumbing Stack
– A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof.

Plumbing Trim
– Work performed to prepare for the final plumbing inspection, including installing toilets, sinks, water heaters, and connecting gas pipes.

Plumbing Waste Line
– Plastic pipe used to collect and drain sewage waste.

Ply
– The number of layers in roofing felt, plywood, or similar materials.

Ply Sheet
– A layer in built-up roofing.

Plywood
– A piece of wood made of three or more layers of veneer glued together, with grains at right angles.

Pocket
– A three-sided, U-shaped opening in a sash or frame to receive glazing infill.

Point Load
– A point where structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation.

Pointing
– Filling joints between masonry units with mortar.

Polished Wired Glass
– Wired glass ground and polished on both surfaces.

Polymer
– Natural or synthetic compounds with large molecules used in plastics, concrete, glass, and rubber.

Polysulfide Sealant
– A polymer sealant that converts to rubber at room temperature without shrinkage.

Polyurethane Sealant
– An organic compound used as an adhesive and for sealing and waterproofing.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
– A polymer used in construction for its versatility, strength, and low cost.

Ponding
– The accumulation of standing water on a roof due to poor drainage or deck deflection.

Pop Rivets
– Fasteners used to join metal pieces, installed from one side.

Pop-Out
– See stucco pop-out.

Pores
– Openings on the surface of wood, forming continuous tubes.

Porosity
– The density of a substance and its ability to pass liquids.

Portland Cement
– A mixture of minerals that forms a hard mass when mixed with water.

Post
– A vertical member (wood, steel, concrete) that transfers weight to its base.

Post-and-Beam Construction
– A building method using posts to carry horizontal beams supporting joists.

Pot Life
– The time before a chemically curing material becomes too viscous to apply.

Potable
– Describes water safe to drink.

Powder Coat
– A paint application technique where dry paint particles are baked onto metal surfaces.

Power
– The energy rate (watts), calculated as voltage times amps (W = E x I).

Power Vent
– A vent with a fan to speed up airflow, often installed on roofs.

Pre-Shimmed Tape Sealant
– A sealant with a pre-formed shape to limit deformation under compression.

Precast Concrete
– Concrete components formed and cured at a factory, then transported for installation.

Premises
– A lot, plot, parcel, property, or building.

Premium
– The amount payable on a loan.

Preservative
– A substance that prevents wood decay from fungi, borers, etc.

Pressure Drop
– The loss in pressure due to friction or obstructions in pipes, valves, etc.

Pressure Regulator
– A device that reduces, controls, and maintains gas pressure.

Pressure Tank
– A tank used with a well to maintain water pressure.

Pressure-Reducing Valve
– A valve that reduces water pressure to an acceptable level (40-55 psi).

Pressure-Relief Valve
– A valve that relieves excess pressure in water storage tanks.

Pressure-Treated Lumber
– Lumber treated with sealer to add strength and durability.

Primary Building
– The main building inspected, excluding accessory buildings (except the primary parking structure).

Primary Parking Structure and Surfaces
– A building and surfaces for vehicle storage associated with the primary building.

Primer
– A thin material applied to create a bonding surface and prevent component migration.
– Also, the first coat in a multi-coat paint job.

Priming
– Sealing a porous surface to prevent staining, shrinkage, or loss of elasticity.

Principal
– The original amount of a loan.

Projection
– Any object or equipment that pierces the roof membrane.

Property Survey
– A survey to determine property boundaries.

Protection Board
– Heavy asphalt-impregnated boards laid over bituminous coatings to prevent mechanical damage.

Public Way
– A street, alley, or yard open to the public.

Publicly Available information
– Information in the public record, accessible upon request.

Pump Mix
– A concrete mix with smaller aggregate, used in concrete pumps.

Punch List
– A list of discrepancies to be corrected by the contractor at the end of a project.

Punch Out
– To inspect and create a punch list.

Purlins
– Horizontal structural members spanning between beams or trusses to support a roof deck.

Push Stick
– A tool used to safely cut short boards on a table saw.

Putty
– A cement made of whiting and linseed oil, used to seal window glass and fill holes.

PVC (CPVC)
– Polyvinyl chloride, used for water supply lines.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
– A titanium or zirconium coating on brass-finish faucets, resistant to tarnish and corrosion.

PVDF
– An architectural coating. See also Kynar coating.

Quarry Tile
– A man-made or machine-made clay tile, typically 6x6x1/4-inch thick.
– Used to finish floors or walls.

Quarter Round
– A small molding with a cross-section shaped like a quarter circle.

Quarter-Sawn Grain
– Another term for edge grain.

Quick-Setting Cement
– An asphalt-based cement used to:
– Adhere tabs of strip shingles to the course below.
– Adhere roll-roofing laps applied by the concealed-nail method.

Quote (Quotation)
– A price provided by a contractor, sub-contractor, or vendor to furnish materials, labor, or both.
– Differs from an estimate, which is a best guess of the cost involved.

R-Value
– The thermal resistance of insulation or a glazing system.
– It is the reciprocal of the U-value.
– Higher R-values indicate less heat transmission.

Rabbet
– A rectangular, longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.

Raceway
– An enclosed channel or conduit designed to hold wires or cables.

Radial Saw
– A circular saw hanging from a horizontal arm or beam that slides back and forth.
– The arm pivots to allow for angle cuts and bevels.
– When cutting finish plywood, the good side should face up (cuts on the downstroke).

Radiant Barrier
– Designed to reduce summer heat gain and winter heat loss.
– In new homes, often installed as foil-faced wood components at the roof sheathing.
– In older homes, typically stapled across the bottom of joists.
– Should have a low emittance (≤ 0.1) and high reflectance (≥ 0.9).
– Should not be laid on top of attic floor insulation (dust reduces effectiveness).

Radiant Heating
– A heating method using forced hot-water systems with pipes in the floor, wall, or ceiling, or electrically heated panels.

Radiation
– A method of heating where a heated surface loses heat to cooler surroundings.
– Example: The earth receives heat from the sun by radiation.

Radiator
– A heating unit supplied heat through a hot water system.

Radon
– A naturally-occurring radioactive gas found in soil, heavier than air.
– High levels are associated with lung cancer.
– Mitigation measures include crawlspace/basement venting and vapor barriers.

Radon Mitigation System
– A ventilation system installed beneath a basement or structural wood floor to exhaust radon gas to the exterior.

Rafter
– A sloping roof member supporting the roof covering, extending from the ridge or hip to the eaves.
– Common rafter: Runs square with the plate to the ridge.
– Hip rafter: Extends from the outside angle of the plate to the roof apex (2 inches deeper than common rafters).
– Valley rafter: Extends from an inside angle of the plates to the ridge (typically double 2-inch-thick members).

Rafter Tail
– The portion of a rafter that extends past the building to form the eaves.

Rafter, Hip
– A rafter forming the intersection of an external roof angle.

Rafter, Valley
– A rafter forming the intersection of an internal roof angle.

Raggle Block
– A masonry block with a slot or opening to insert and anchor roof flashing.

Rail
– Cross-members of panel doors or sashes.
– The upper and lower members of a balustrade or staircase.

Railroad Tie
– Wooden timbers (6×8 inches, 6-8 feet long) impregnated with black tar and preservatives.
– Used to hold railroad tracks or as retaining wall members.

Rake
– A trim member parallel to the roof slope, forming the finish between the wall and a gable roof extension.
– Also refers to the angle of slope of a roof rafter or cornice.

Rake Edge
– The overhang of an inclined roof plane beyond the vertical wall below.

Rake Fascia
– The vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave.

Rake Siding
– The practice of installing lap siding diagonally.

Ramp
– A sloped walking surface for wheelchair access.

Ranch
– A single-story, one-level home style.

Random-Tab Shingles
– Shingles with tabs of varying size and exposure.

Rankine
– A thermodynamic temperature scale where degrees are equal to Fahrenheit degrees.

Raw Linseed Oil
– A drying oil processed from flaxseed, used in wood finishing, paints, putty, and linoleum.

Re-Glaze
– To replace a broken window.

Readily Accessible
– Describes an area, system, or component that can be safely observed without portable ladders, removing obstacles, or unsafe procedures.
– Also refers to documents made available for inspection.

Readily Ascertainable
– Describes information available within a reasonable time and cost for review during an inspection.

Readily Available
– Describes information, personnel, or documents made immediately available for inspection.

Ready-Mixed Concrete
– Concrete mixed at a plant or in transit and delivered ready for placement.

Rebar
– Nickname for reinforcing bar, used to increase the tensile strength of concrete.

Receptacle
– An electrical outlet:
– 120-volt for lamps and appliances.
– 240-volt for ranges, dryers, and air conditioners.

Recording Fee
– A fee charged for recording property transfers, paid to a government entity.

Recreational Facilities
– Facilities like spas, saunas, swimming pools, tennis courts, and playground equipment.

Redline (Red-Lined Prints)
– Blueprints marked with red pencil to indicate changes.

Reducer
– See bushing.

Reflective Glass
– Glass with a metallic coating to reduce solar heat gain.

Reflective Insulation
– Sheet material with low heat emissivity (e.g., aluminum foil) facing an air space to reduce heat radiation.

Refrigerant
– A substance (e.g., Freon) that remains a gas at low temperatures and transfers heat in air-conditioning systems.

Register
– A fixture through which conditioned air flows:
– Near the baseboard in
gravity heating systems.
– Near the thermostat in air-conditioning systems.

Registered Engineer
– A licensed professional engaged in engineering or architecture, subject to state laws and regulations.

Reglet
– A horizontal slot in masonry for inserting counter-flashing.
– In glazing, a pocket or keyway for installing glazing gaskets.

Reinforced Concrete
– A combination of steel (rebar) and concrete to increase strength.

Reinforced Masonry
– Masonry units combined with reinforcing steel, grout, and mortar to strengthen structures.

Reinforcing Bar (Rebar)
– Steel rods or metal fabric used to reinforce concrete slabs, beams, or columns.

Relative Heat Gain
– The heat gain through glass, considering solar heat gain (shading coefficient) and conductive heat gain (U-value).

Relative Humidity (RH)
– The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, expressed as a percentage of the maximum at a given temperature.

Release Tape
– A plastic or paper strip on self-sealing shingles to prevent sticking in bundles (does not need removal during application).

Remaining Useful Life
– A subjective estimate by an inspector of how long a component will remain functional before replacement.

Remote
– Remote digital readouts installed near the front of a house for utility companies to measure usage.

Removable
– Capable of being easily opened, dislodged, or transferred.

Repair
– The reconstruction or renewal of part of an existing item, component, system, or structure.

Replacement Air
– Air brought into a structure to compensate for consumed or expelled air.

Repoint (Re-Point)
– To repair the mortar in masonry joints (e.g., between bricks).

Report (Inspection Report)
– A written communication describing material defects found during an inspection, optionally including photos and research.

Representative Number
– A number sufficient to serve as a typical example of the items inspected.

Representative Sampling
– A small quantity of components that represent their class or kind.

Research
– The process of gathering information through document review and interviews to augment inspection observations.

Residential Property
– A home or multi-unit housing with four or fewer units.

Residential Unit
– A single unit providing complete living facilities (living, sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation).

Resilient Flooring
– A durable floor covering that can resume its original shape.

Resistance
– The opposition to electric current in conductors, measured in ohms (R = V / I).

Resorcinol Glue
– A strong, heat-resistant glue used for lumber and assembly joints.

Retaining Wall
– A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.

Retentions
– Amounts withheld from progress billings until project completion.

Return
– In HVAC systems, a vent that returns cold air to be warmed.
– Located near an inside wall in hot-air furnace systems.

Ribbon
– A 1×4-inch board let into studs horizontally to support ceiling and second-floor joists.
– Also called a girt.

Ridge
– The horizontal line at the junction of two sloping roof surfaces.

Ridge Board (Ridgeboard)
– The horizontal support board at the roof ridge into which rafters are fastened.

Ridge Cut
– The end cut on a rafter that fits the ridgeboard.

Rigid Metal Conduit
– Conduit resembling plumbing pipe, enclosing wires for protection.

Rise
– In stairs, the vertical height of a step or flight.

Riser
– The vertical boards closing spaces between stair treads.

Road Base
– An aggregate mixture of sand and stone.

Rock 1, 2, 3
– In drywall, refers to installing drywall to walls and ceilings (before taping).

Roll Roofing
– Asphalt roofing material in 36-inch-wide rolls, used on sloped roofs.

Roll, Rolling
– To install floor joists or trusses in their correct place.

Romex®
– Brand name for non-metallic sheathed cable with insulated conductors.

Roof Assembly
– A system providing weather protection, including the roof covering, underlayment, deck, insulation, vapor retarder, and interior finish.

Roof Deck
– See deck.

Roof Sheathing
– The boards or sheet material fastened to rafters for shingles or roof covering.

Roof System
– General term for the waterproof covering, insulation, vapor barrier, and roof deck.

Roof Vent Pipe Flashing
– Used for watertight seals around plumbing vent pipes on roofs.

Roof-Covering Material
– Material installed to protect the roof deck according to manufacturer recommendations.

Roofing Tape
– Asphalt-saturated tape used for flashing and patching asphalt roofing.

Root Cellar
– A food storage area in a basement or beneath a home, often with a dirt floor and exterior exit.

Rough
– In hardware, concealed metal fastenings (e.g., staples).

Rough Flooring
– Floor sheathing used to form an unfinished floor.

Rough Opening
– The opening in a wall for installing doors or windows.

Rough Plumbing
– Plumbing work done before finish trades (e.g., waste lines, supply lines in walls).

RPM
– Revolutions per minute.

Rubber Emulsion Paint
– Paint with a latex binder.

Rubber-Tired Roller
– A roller with rubber tires used for compacting subgrade, aggregate base, and clay soils.

Rubbish
– Waste materials (e.g., building materials, packaging) other than garbage.

Run (Roofing)
– The horizontal distance between the eaves and ridge of a roof.
– Also refers to the net width of a step or flight of stairs.

Saber Saw
– A saw that cuts on the upstroke, with the good side of the wood facing down.

Sack Mix
– The amount of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete mix.
– Typically, a 5- or 6-sack mix is required for foundation walls.

Saddle
– Two sloping surfaces meeting in a horizontal ridge, used between the backside of a chimney and a sloping roof.

Safety Glazing
– Tempered glass, laminated glass, or rigid plastic used in areas like shower doors for safety.

Sales Contract
– A property contract between a buyer and seller that should include:
1. What the purchase includes.
2. Guarantees.
3. Move-in date.
4. Closing costs.
5. Recourse if the contract is not fulfilled or if the buyer cannot secure a mortgage.

Sand-Float Finish
– In plastering, lime mixed with sand applied with a wooden float to create a rough, textured finish.

Sanitary Sewer
– A sewer system designed for wastewater collection from bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry drains.
– Usually not designed for stormwater.

Sanitary Tee (T)
– Used on the waste side of a plumbing system to ensure effluent flows in the proper direction.

Sapwood
– The outer zone of wood next to the bark, containing some living cells.
– Lighter in color than heartwood and lacks decay resistance.

Sash
– A single light frame containing one or more lites of glass.

Sash Balance
– A device (spring or tensioned weatherstripping) that counterbalances a double-hung window sash.

Saturant
– Asphalt used to impregnate felt-based materials.

Saturated Felt
– Felt impregnated with tar or asphalt.

SBS-Modified Asphalt
– Asphalt combined with SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymers to increase elasticity.

Scale
– The relationship between measurements on plans/blueprints and the actual building measurements.

Schedule (Window, Door, Mirror)
– A table on blueprints listing the sizes, quantities, and locations of windows, doors, and mirrors.

Scope of Work
– The work agreed upon by the inspector and client, which may deviate from standard practices based on budget, time constraints, property age, and risk tolerance.

Scrap Out
– The removal of drywall material and debris after installation.

Scratch Coat
– In stucco work, the first coat of plaster, scratched to form a bond for the second coat.

Screed (Screeding)
– A wood or metal straightedge used to level newly placed concrete.
– Can be manual or mechanical.

Screw-Lamp Holder
– A lamp base requiring a screw-in bulb (e.g., compact fluorescent, incandescent, or halogen).

Scribing
– Fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
– In moldings, cutting the end of one piece to fit another at an interior angle, replacing a miter joint.

Scrim
– A woven or mat-type fabric used as a membrane between materials for reinforcement and stretch resistance.

Scupper
– An outlet in a wall or parapet for draining water from a flat roof.

Scutch
– A bricklayer’s cutting tool resembling a small pick, used for trimming and shaping bricks.

Sealant
– An elastomeric material with adhesive qualities, applied between components to create a barrier against water, wind, etc.

Sealer
– A clear or pigmented finishing material applied directly over uncoated wood to seal the surface.

Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
– A measure of energy efficiency for cooling equipment, representing total cooling (BTUs) divided by total electrical energy input (watt-hours).

Seasoning
– Removing moisture from green wood to improve its serviceability.

Seat
– The fixed part of a valve against which the stem assembly moves to open or close the valve.

Self-Healing
– A material that melts with sun heat to seal cracks (e.g., some waterproof membranes).

Self-Leveling
– A viscous material that spreads evenly when poured.

Self-Rimming
– A style of bathroom lavatory or kitchen sink with a finished lip that installs on top of a counter without a metal rim.

Selvage
– The unsurfaced strip along a sheet of roll roofing that forms the under-portion at the lap.

Semi-Gloss
– A paint or enamel with slight luster but not high gloss.

Separation
– In concrete, when the mix separates due to being dropped directly with a flat chute (often at a 1:2 slope).

Service Conductor
– The supply conductors extending from the street main or transformer to the service equipment.

Service Drop
– The overhead service conductors from the last pole to the building, including splices.

Setback Thermostat
– A programmable thermostat that adjusts temperatures at different times of the day or week.

Setting Blocks
– Rectangular cured extrusions (e.g., neoprene, EPDM, silicone) used to support the bottom edge of glass.

Settlement
– Shifting of a structure, often caused by freeze-thaw cycles underground.

Sewage Ejector
– A pump installed below the level of the side sewer to lift wastewater to a gravity sewer line.

Sewer Lateral
– The portion of the sanitary sewer connecting interior wastewater lines to the main sewer lines.
– Also called a side sewer.

Sewer Stub
– The junction where the home’s sewer line connects to the municipal sewer system.

Sewer Tap
– The physical connection point where the home’s sewer line connects to the main municipal sewer line.

Shading
– Slight color differences in shingles due to normal manufacturing.

Shading Coefficient
– The ratio of solar heat gain through a specific glass product to that of 1/8-inch clear glass.

Shake
– A thick, hand-split shingle, often edge-grained.

Sheathing
– The structural covering (wood boards, plywood, gypsum) over studs or rafters.

Sheathing Paper
– A paper or felt material used in walls and roofs to protect against air and moisture.

Shed Roof
– A roof with one slope or pitch, falling from a higher to a lower wall.

Sheet Metal Ductwork
– Round or rectangular metal pipes used to distribute warm or cold air from the furnace.

Sheet Metal Work
– Components like flashing, gutters, and downspouts made of sheet metal.

SHEETROCK®
– Gypsum panels installed over framing to form interior walls and ceilings.
– Also called gypsum board.

Shelf Life
– The storage time before a product (e.g., glazing, sealants) begins to lose effectiveness.

Shellac
– A transparent coating made from the resinous secretion of the lac bug dissolved in alcohol.

Shingles
– A roof covering made of asphalt, wood, tile, slate, or other materials laid in overlapping rows.

Shiplap Lumber
– Lumber edge-dressed to create a close rabbeted or lapped joint.

Shore A Hardness
– A measure of firmness using a durometer gauge (e.g., 20-25 = art gum eraser, 90 = rubber heel).

Shoring
– Temporary support in trenches or excavations to prevent wall collapse.

Short Circuit
– When hot and neutral wires come into contact, causing a potential fire hazard.

Short-Term Cost
– The estimated cost of repairs that should not be delayed for more than two years.

Shut Down
– Turned off, unplugged, inactive, or not operational.

Shutoff Valve
– A valve that cuts off water supply to one fixture without affecting the entire house.

Shutter
– A lightweight louvered or flush frame on each side of a window, used for protection or decoration.

Side Sewer
– The portion of the sanitary sewer connecting interior wastewater lines to the main sewer lines.
– Also called a sewer lateral.

Siding
– The exterior finish covering of a frame building, made of horizontal or vertical boards, shingles, etc.

Sight Line
– The line along the perimeter of glazing infills, corresponding to the top edge of stops.

Silicone Sealant
– A multi-purpose sealant that does not shrink or crack, offering flexibility and weatherproofing.

Sill
– The lowest member of a structure’s frame, resting on the foundation and supporting floor joists or walls.

Sill Plate
– The framing member anchored to the foundation wall, supporting studs and other framing.

Sill Seal
– Fiberglass or foam insulation installed between the foundation wall and sill plate to seal gaps.

Sill Sealer
– A foam strip placed between the foundation wall and sill plate to improve fit and prevent water issues.

Sill Step
– The first step directly off a building at a door opening.

Sillcock
– An exterior water faucet.
– Also called a hose bibb.

Single Coverage
– Asphalt roofing providing one layer of material over the deck.

Single Tee
– A type of precast concrete deck with one stiffening rib.

Single-Family Dwelling
– A house built for one family, as opposed to multi-family units.

Single-Ply
– A roof membrane composed of one layer of material (e.g., EPDM, Hypalon, PVC).

Single-Wall Metal Chimney
– A field-constructed chimney not permitted in one- and two-family dwellings.

Skip Sheathing
– 1×4-inch boards nailed at 90-degree angles to rafters, leaving spaces for ventilation under shake or shingle roofs.

Sky Dome
– A translucent, plastic domed skylight.

Skylight
– A roof structure designed to admit light, slightly raised to shed rainwater.

Slab on Grade
– A construction type with footings but little or no foundation wall.

Slab, Concrete
– Concrete pavement used for driveways, garages, and basement floors.

Slab, Door
– A rectangular door without hinges or a frame.

Slag
– A byproduct of smelting ore (e.g., iron, lead, copper) or welding droppings.

Slate
– A dark gray stone cut thin and installed on roofs in a shingle-like fashion.

Sleeper
– A wood member embedded in concrete to support subfloor or flooring.

Sleeping Unit
– A room or space used for sleeping.

Sleeve
– A pipe installed under driveways or sidewalks for sprinkler pipes or low-voltage wires.

Slope
– The incline or pitch of a roof surface or drainage plane.

Sloped Glazing
– Any glass installation at a slope of 15 degrees or more from vertical.

Sludge
– Waste material found in sump pump pits, septic systems, or gutters.

Slump
– Describes the wetness of concrete (e.g., 3-inch slump is drier than 5-inch).

Slump Test
– A test measuring the consistency of concrete (high slump = too much water; low slump = too little).

Smoke Alarm
– A single or multiple alarm responsive to smoke, not connected to a fire sprinkler system.

Smoke Detector
– A device that senses smoke or combustion particles.

Smooth-Surface Roofing
– Roll roofing covered with ground talc or mica instead of granules.

Soffit
– The underside of an overhanging cornice.

Softening Point
– The temperature at which a material changes from hard to soft and viscous.

Soil Cover
– A light covering (plastic film, roll roofing) over soil in crawlspaces to minimize moisture.

Soil Stack
– The vertical main of a soil, waste, or vent piping system.

Soil Vent
– The extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain.
– Also called a waste vent or stack vent.

Sole Plate
– The bottom horizontal member of a frame wall.

Solid Bridging
– A solid member between floor joists to prevent twisting.

Solid Fuel
– Wood, coal, pellets, etc., burned for heat.

Sonotube®
– A cardboard tube used to hold wet concrete until it hardens.

Sound Attenuation
– Soundproofing using fiberglass insulation or other materials.

Space Heat
– Heat supplied to the living space of a building.

Space Heater
– A portable appliance that warms a small area using radiant heat.

Spacers
– Small blocks (e.g., neoprene, silicone) placed on each side of glass to maintain sealant width.
– Also called shims.

Spalling
– The chipping or flaking of concrete, bricks, or masonry due to improper drainage or freeze-thaw cycles.

Span
– The horizontal distance between structural supports (e.g., walls, columns, beams).

Spandrel
– The panels between window vision areas, concealing structural columns and floors.

Spec Home
– A new-construction house built before being sold.

Special Consultant
– A person with expertise in a specific area assisting an inspector.

Special Equipment
– Tools or devices (e.g., levels, probes, meters) used for non-invasive inspections.

Specialty Eaves Flashing Membrane
– A self-adhering, waterproofing underlayment protecting against ice damage and wind-driven rain.

Specifications
– Detailed written instructions explaining each phase of work.

Splash Block
– A small masonry block directing roof drainage away from the building.

Splitting
– The formation of long cracks in a membrane due to expansion stresses or deck deflection.

Spud
– In roofing, the removal of gravel or bitumen from roof membranes.
– In mechanical applications, a short pipe section or fitting completing a connection.

Square
– A unit of measure for roofing material (100 square feet).

Square Foot
– Coverage measured by multiplying width by length.

Squeegee
– Fine pea gravel used to grade a floor before concrete placement.

Stack
– The vertical pipe of a soil, waste, or vent system.

Stack Vent
– The extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain.
– Also called a waste vent or soil vent.

Stain
– A thin oil paint used to color wood without forming a thick coating.

Stair Carriage
– A supporting member for stair treads, notched to receive treads.
– Also called a rough horse.

Standard (Standards)
– Refers to InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice or other inspection standards.

Standard Practices of the Trade(s)
– The common, basic, and minimum construction standards.

Standing Seam
– A type of joint used on metal roofs.

Static Load
– The total permanent, non-moving weight applied to a surface area.

Static Vent
– A vent without a fan.

STC (Sound Transmission Class)
– A rating for the soundproofing quality of walls, ceilings, and floors.

Steel Inspection
– An inspection of rebar, void material, and beam pockets before concrete is poured.

Steel Trowel
– A flat steel tool used to smooth plaster, mortar, or concrete.

Stem
– A small shaft or rod projecting through a faucet valve, attached to the handle.

Stem Assembly
– The moving part of a valve controlling water flow and temperature.

Step Crack
– Hairline, staircase-shaped cracks near foundation corners, often due to soil settlement.

Step Flashing
– Small metal flashing pieces used around chimneys, dormers, etc., on a roof slope.

Stick-Built
– A house built without prefabricated parts.
– Also called conventional building.

Stile
– An upright framing member in a panel door.

STL (Sound Transmission Loss)
– The reduction of sound energy passing through a wall, floor, or roof.

Stool
– A flat molding fitted over a window sill between jambs.

Stop Box
– A cast-iron pipe with a lid, housing a water cut-off valve near the yard tap.

Stop Order
– A formal notification to a contractor to discontinue work due to safety, defects, or contract cancellation.

Stop Valve
– A shutoff valve.

Storefront
– A system of doors and windows at the first-floor level of a commercial building.

Storm Door
– A panel or sash door placed outside an existing door for added protection.

Storm Sash
– An extra window placed outside an existing one for cold weather protection.
– Also called a storm window.

Storm Sewer
– A sewer system designed for stormwater collection, separate from wastewater.

Storm Window
– A glazed panel or sash placed inside or outside an existing window for protection.

Story
– The part of a building between any floor and the floor or roof above.

Straight Stop
– A shutoff valve on a supply line that does not change water flow direction.

Strain
– The percentage of elongation or compression of a material due to applied force.

Striking Off
– Smoothing excess compound or sealant at the sight line during application.

String
– A timber or support for cross-members in floors and ceilings.
– Also called a stringboard.
– String Line
– A nylon line used to check grades, slopes, or elevations.

Stringer
– The support for stair treads.

Strip Flooring
– Wood flooring consisting of narrow matched strips.

Structural Component
– A component supporting dead and live loads in a building.

Structural Floor
– A framed lumber floor installed instead of concrete on expansive soils.

Structural Silicone Glazing
– Silicone sealant used for structural load transfer and glass retention.

Structure
– An assemblage of systems and components functioning as a whole.

Stub
– Rough-in.

Stucco
– An exterior finish plaster made with Portland cement.

Stud
– A vertical structural member in walls and partitions.

Stud Framing
– A building method distributing loads to lightweight studs.
– Contrasts with post-and-beam construction.

Stud Shoe
– A metal bracket reinforcing a vertical stud, used where plumbing waste lines pass through.

Sub-Rough
– The plumbing work done before concrete is poured.

Subcontractor
– A contractor specializing in a specific trade (e.g., waterproofing).

Subfloor
– Boards or plywood laid on joists, supporting the finish floor.

Subject Property
– The property being inspected.

Substrate
– A part or substance beneath and supporting another.

Suggested Remedy
– An opinion on a course of action for repairing a deficiency.
– Outside the scope of a general home inspection.

Sump
– A pit or container inside a home collecting groundwater from a perimeter drain system.

Sump Pit
– A trench at the lowest part of a basement floor, housing a sump pump.

Sump Pump
– A submersible pump in a sump pit that expels excess groundwater.

Suspended Ceiling
– A ceiling system hung from overhead structural framing.

Swale
– A shallow drainage ditch sloping away from a building to direct water around the foundation.

Sway Brace
– Metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally to prevent wall twisting or collapse.

Switch
– A device that completes or disconnects an electrical circuit.

System
– An assembly of components functioning as a whole.

T-Bar
– A ribbed T-shaped bar with a flat metal plate at the bottom.
– Used with chain link fence poles or to mark the location of a water meter pit.

Tab
– The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.

Tail Beam
– A short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other.

Tailpiece
– The tubular part of a lavatory drain running from the drain flange to the trap.

Takeoff
– The materials necessary to complete a job.
– Also called material takeoff.

Taping
– Applying joint tape over embedding compound during drywall joint treatment.

Tear-Off
– In roofing, the complete removal of a built-up roof membrane and insulation down to the roof deck.

Technically Exhaustive
– A comprehensive examination beyond the scope of a standard property inspection.
– May involve specialized knowledge, equipment, testing, or dismantling.
– Often cost-prohibitive or time-consuming.

TECO Clip
– A metal strap nailed to secure roof rafters and trusses to the top wall plate.
– TECO stands for Timber Engineering Company.
– Also called a hurricane clip.

Tee (T)
– A T-shaped fitting with three openings.

Tempered
– Strengthened.
– Tempered glass pelletizes instead of shattering when broken.
– Required in tub/shower enclosures, entry doors, and low windows.

Termite Shield
– A non-corroding metal shield placed in/on foundation walls or around pipes to prevent termite passage.

Termites
– Insects that eat wood, causing structural damage.
– Two major types:
1. Subterranean termites (most common).
2. Dry-wood termites (found in southern U.S. regions).

Terneplate
– Sheet iron or steel plated with a lead-tin alloy, used as roofing material.

Terracotta
– A ceramic material used for roofing tiles and flooring.

Terrazzo Tile
– A composite material made of marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips, poured in place or precast.
– Ground and polished to a smooth surface.

Texture Paint
– Paint that can be manipulated (e.g., with a brush or trowel) to produce patterns.

Thermal Bridging
– Heat flow through studs in a wall, reducing the overall R-value of the insulation.

Thermal Images
– Images produced by an infrared camera, showing temperature variations.
– Can indicate electrical hot spots, moisture intrusion, heat loss, or insufficient insulation.

Thermal Imaging
– The practice of recording thermal images using an infrared camera.
– Also called infrared thermography.

Thermal Insulation
– Materials with high resistance to heat transmission, used in walls, ceilings, and floors.

Thermal Movement
– The dimensional change in a material as it warms or cools.

Thermal Shock
– Stress caused by sudden temperature changes, leading to structural damage.

Thermo-Ply®
– Exterior laminated sheathing (1/4-inch thick) with an aluminumized surface, nailed to exterior walls.

Thermography
– The practice of recording thermal images using an infrared camera.
– Also called infrared thermography or thermal imaging.

Thermopane Window
– A window with two layers of glass bonded together with foam, forming a storm-window design.

Thermoplastic Material
– A material that softens with heat and hardens with cooling.

Thermostat
– A device that regulates temperature by switching heating or cooling equipment on/off.

Thermostatic Valve
– A mixing valve that maintains a set temperature by adjusting hot and cold water ratios.

Thimble
– A tube or lining through a wall for a connector or flue.

Three-Dimensional Shingles
– Shingles with extra layers or tabs, giving a shake-like appearance.
– Also called architectural shingles or laminated shingles.

Three-Phase
– An electrical wiring system with three hot wires and one ground wire.
– Used in industrial and commercial applications for large motors.

Threshold
– A strip of wood or metal with beveled edges, used over the finish floor and sill of exterior doors.

Through-Wall Flashing
– Flashing that extends through a masonry wall, preventing water intrusion.

THW
– A flame-retardant thermoplastic conductor used in wet and dry locations.
– THW stands for thermoplastic, heat, and wire.

Tie-In
– In roofing, the joining of a new roof with the old.

Tilt-Up Wall
– Pre-formed cast-concrete units tilted to a vertical position and secured to structural steel.

Timber
– Yard lumber (e.g., beams, posts, girders) with a least dimension of 5 inches or more.

Time and Materials Contract
– A contract specifying prices for labor, overhead, profit, etc.
– May or may not include a maximum price.

Timely Access
– Access to a property and documentation required for an inspection within a reasonable timeframe.

Tinner
– A nickname for the heating/HVAC contractor.

Tinted Glass
– Glass with colorants added during manufacturing, reducing light and heat.

Tip-Up
– A downspout extension that directs water away from the foundation and swings up for lawn mowing.

Title
– A legal instrument (e.g., deed) demonstrating property ownership.

Title 24
– U.S. federal laws mandating energy conservation in construction.

TJ (TJI)
– Manufactured truss joints resembling the letter I, used as floor joists and rafters.
– Includes flanges (laminated veneer or dimensional lumber) and webs (plywood or OSB).

Toe Bead
– Sealant applied at the intersection of the outboard glazing stop and the bottom of the glazing channel.

Toe-Nailing
– Driving a nail at a slant to penetrate a second member.

Toilet Room
– A room containing a water closet or urinal, but no bathtub or shower.

Tongue and Groove (T&G)
– Flooring where the tongue of one board fits into the groove of another.

Tooling
– Pressing and striking sealant in a joint for adhesion and finishing.

Top Chord
– The upper member of a truss.

Top Plate
– The top horizontal member of a frame wall.

Top-Mopping
– The final mopping of hot bitumen on a built-up roof.

Top-Mount Faucet
– A faucet held in place by nuts underneath the sink.
– Also called a center-set faucet.

Torch-Down Roof
– A roofing material applied with an open flame or torch.
– Also called a single-ply roof or modified-bitumen roof.

Torching
– Applying direct flame to a membrane for melting, heating, or adhering.

Transit
– A surveyor’s instrument used to establish points and elevations, plumb walls, and measure angles.

Transmitter (Garage Door)
– A push-button device that opens and closes a garage door.

Trap
– A plumbing fitting that holds water to prevent air and gas from backing up into a fixture.

Tread
– The horizontal board in a stairway where the foot is placed.

Treated Lumber
– Wood impregnated with chemicals to resist rot and insects.
– Often used in contact with soil or water.

Tree Crown
– The branches, twigs, and foliage growing out from a tree.

Tremie
– A tube with removable sections used to pour concrete underwater.

Trim
1. Interior trim: Finish materials like moldings, baseboards, and casings.
2. Plumbing/Heating/Electrical trim: Work by mechanical contractors to finish systems.
3. Exterior trim: Finish materials like siding, vents, and shutters.

Trim Kit
– The decorative parts concealing a faucet rough-in.

Trimmer
– A beam or joist supporting a header in framing for openings like chimneys or stairways.

Triple-Glazed Window
– The most energy-efficient window, with three panes of glass and low-E coatings.

Truss
– A frame or jointed structure acting as a beam, with members under tension or compression.

Tub Trap
– A U-shaped section of a bathtub drainpipe that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gases.

Tuck-Pointing
– The re-grouting of defective mortar joints in masonry or brick walls.

Turnkey
– A subcontractor providing all materials and labor for a job.
– Also describes a commercial property requiring little to no modification after sale.

Turpentine
– A volatile oil used as a paint thinner and varnish solvent.

TW
– Abbreviation for thermoplastic wire, used in dry or wet locations.

Two-Part Sealant
– A sealant composed of a base and curing agent, mixed just before use.

U-Value
– A measure of heat transmission through a window due to thermal conductance and temperature differences.
– Lower U-values indicate less heat transfer through the glazing material.
– It is the reciprocal of R-value.

– UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
– A private research firm in the U.S. that tests and certifies the safety of household products, especially electrical appliances and electronic devices.

– Ultraviolet (UV) Degradation
– A reduction in performance caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.

– Ultraviolet Rays (UV Rays)
– The invisible rays at the violet end of the light spectrum.

Undercoat
– A coating applied before the finishing coats of a paint job.
– Also called a priming coat.

Undercounter
– A style of lavatory installed under a countertop cutout.

Underground Plumbing
– Plumbing drain and waste lines installed beneath a basement floor.

Underlayment
– A material placed under finish coverings (e.g., flooring, shingles) to provide a smooth, even surface.

Union
– A plumbing fitting that joins pipes end-to-end for easy dismantling.

Union Nut
– A fitting that joins two sections of pipe.

Unsafe
– A condition posing a significant risk of injury due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or outdated construction standards.

Uo Value Zone
– Determined from a thermal zone map.
– The Uo value is the overall coefficient of heat transmission for a manufactured home, based on thermal zone location and indoor design temperature (70°F).
– Design Uo values:
– Thermal Zone 1: 0.116 BTU/(hr x ft² x °F).
– Thermal Zone 2: 0.096 BTU/(hr x ft² x °F).
– Thermal Zone 3: 0.079 BTU/(hr x ft² x °F).

Uprights
– Vertical members supporting the sides of a trench to prevent collapse.

Utility Easement
– An area containing electrical, gas, or telephone lines.
– The utility company has the legal right to access and service these areas.

UV Rays
– Ultraviolet rays from the sun.

VA Loan
– A home-loan guaranty insured by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
– Benefits include purchase, building, repair, retention, or adaptation of an owner-occupied home.
– Available to active service members, honorably discharged veterans, and their families.

Vacuum Breaker
– An anti-siphon device that prevents wastewater from being drawn back into supply lines.
– A type of backflow preventer.

Valley
– The internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides of a roof.

Valley Flashing
– Sheet metal or other material used to line a roof valley, directing rainwater into the gutter system.

Valley Rafter
– A rafter of double 2-inch-thick members forming the intersection of an internal roof angle.

Valley Shield
– A quality underlayment installed in roof valleys for added protection.
– Features a waterproof asphalt coating for accommodating roof expansion and contraction.

Valuation
– An inspection to determine if a property is adequate security for a loan, conducted for a mortgage lender.

Valuation Fee
– The fee paid by a borrower for the lender’s property inspection.

Valve
– A device to stop, start, or regulate the flow of liquid or gas through piping.

Vapor
– The gaseous form of a substance.

Vapor Barrier
– A plastic or foil membrane placed between insulation and roof deck, walls, or floors.
– Prevents water vapor diffusion into insulation, avoiding condensation and structural issues.

Vapor Diffusion Retarder (Vapor Retarder)
– Any substance (e.g., treated paper, foil, special paint) that prevents water vapor transmission.
– Used in basements, crawlspaces, and slab-on-grade foundations.

Variable Rate
– An interest rate that varies over the term of a loan.

Varnish
– A thickened preparation of drying oil (with or without resin) used to form a transparent coating or mix with pigments for enamels.

Vehicle
– The liquid portion of a finishing material, consisting of non-volatile binder and volatile thinners.

Veining
– In roofing, characteristic lines that develop as bitumens age.
– In cement, minor cracking resembling spider veins during curing (normal unless cracks grow).

Veneer
– A thin surface layer of wood or decorative brick overlaid on inferior materials.

Vent
– A pipe or duct allowing airflow as an inlet or outlet.

Vent Pipe
– A vertical pipe protruding through a roof to ventilate gases, exhaust, or stale air from appliances or spaces.

Vent Stack
– A vertical vent pipe providing air circulation to and from a drainage system.

Vent System
– A system providing airflow to or from a drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, protecting traps and seals.

Ventilation
– The natural or mechanical process of exchanging air in an interior space.
– Controls indoor moisture and maintains air quality.

Ventilator
– A device installed on a roof to ventilate the building’s interior.

Venting
– The process of installing roof vents to relieve vapor pressure or allow water evaporation from insulation.

Verify
– To confirm or substantiate.

Vermiculite
– An aggregate similar to perlite, formed from mica, used in lightweight roof decks, insulation, and concrete.

Vertical
– Upright; at a right angle to the horizon.

Viscosity
– The resistance of a fluid to flow.

Visible
– That which can be easily observed during a property inspection.

Visible Light Transmittance
– The percentage of visible light (390 to 770 nanometers) transmitted through glass.

Visqueen
– A brand of plastic sheeting (4-mil to 10-mil) used as a vapor barrier, groundcover, or waterproof membrane.

Visual Mock-Up
– A small-scale model of a finished construction product or project.

Vitreous China
– A non-porous ceramic coated with glaze, used for toilets and lavatories.

Void
– A cardboard box installed between caissons and a foundation wall in expansive soils.

Volatile Thinner
– A liquid that evaporates readily, used to thin finishes without altering pigment and vehicle volumes.

Voltage
– The driving force behind electrical flow, similar to water pressure.
– U.S. homes typically use 110-volt (lighting, circuits) and 220-volt (appliances) lines.

Voltmeter
– A device that measures voltage in a circuit.

Waferboard
– Another name for particleboard.

Walk-Through
– A final inspection of a home before closing to identify and document problems needing correction.

Walk-Through Survey
– The portion of an inspection where the inspector makes non-invasive, visual observations of readily accessible areas and documents findings.

Walkway
– An exterior area designated for foot traffic.

Wall Protector
– A non-combustible shield between a wall and heat-producing objects to reduce required clearance.

Wall-Out
– To spray-paint the interior of a home.

Wane
– The defective edge of a wood board caused by remaining bark or a beveled end.

Warping
– Any distortion in a material.

Warranty
– An assurance by the seller that goods or services are as represented or will last as promised.
– Builder’s warranty on new homes typically lasts one year, covering repairs or replacements for failures during normal use.

Waste and Overflow
– A bathtub drain assembly with outlets at the top (for overflow) and bottom (for wastewater).

Waste Pipe and Vent
– Plastic plumbing pipe carrying wastewater to the municipal sewage system.

Water Board
– Drywall with a water-resistant outer layer (green or blue), used in tub and shower areas.
– Also called greenboard.

Water Closet
– Another term for toilet.

Water Meter Pit
– The box, cast-iron bonnet, and concrete rings containing the water meter.
– Also called a water meter vault.

Water Table
– The location of underground water and its vertical distance from the earth’s surface.
– Varies by locality and geography.

Water Tap
– The connection point between the home water line and the municipal water system.

Water Vapor
– Moisture in its gaseous state in the air.

Water-Cement Ratio
– The ratio of cement to water in a concrete mix, determining the concrete’s strength.
– More water = weaker concrete.
– Example: A 1:2:4 ratio means 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 4 parts gravel.

Water-Repellent Coating
– A transparent coating or sealer applied to concrete and masonry to repel water.

Water-Repellent Preservative
– A liquid that penetrates wood to repel water and provide moderate protection.
– Used for millwork like sashes and frames, typically applied by dipping.

Waterproof, Waterproofing
– A product or process making a building component totally resistant to water and water vapor.

Wattage
– The electrical unit of power.
– 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.
– Electric bills are based on kilowatt usage.

Wax Ring
– A pre-formed wax ring between a toilet bowl and floor flange, creating a watertight seal to the sewer.

Wax Ring Job
– The removal of a toilet to clear a blockage or replace a degraded wax ring.

WC
– Abbreviation for water closet (toilet).

Weatherization
– Work on a building’s exterior to reduce energy consumption (e.g., adding insulation, storm windows, caulking, weatherstripping).

Weatherstrip, Weatherstripping
– Thin metal, rubber, or other material preventing air and moisture infiltration around windows and doors.
– Compression weatherstripping provides tension and acts as a counter-balance.

Weathertight
– Sealed against rain, snow, cold air, etc.

Weep Hole
– A hole near the base of masonry or glazing structures to drain entrapped water.

Weep Screed
– Flashing material installed at the base or roof-wall transitions of stucco or stone to drain excess moisture.

Weld
– The joining of components by fusing (e.g., metals with heat or thermoplastics with solvents).

Well Casing
– A steel or plastic pipe lining a well, preventing collapse and protecting groundwater from contamination.

Well Casing Head
– A heavy, flanged steel fitting connected to the first string of a casing.

Well House
– A structure enclosing a private well.

Wet or Dry Surface Plastic Roof Cement
– A general-purpose exterior repair material usable on damp or dry surfaces, often for stopping roof leaks.

Wet Seal
– An elastomeric sealant between window glass and sash, forming a weathertight seal.

Whole-House Fan
– A fan or exhaust system in the attic that pulls air out of the building, creating positive pressure in the attic and negative pressure in living areas.
– Differs from an attic fan, which only removes hot air from the attic.

Widespread
– A plumbing faucet style with separate spout and handles, connected by flex hoses for adjustable centers.

Wind Bracing
– Metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally on walls to prevent twisting or collapse.

Wind Uplift
– The upward force exerted by wind on a roof.

Window
– An opening in a wall or roof for light and air, typically framed with glass.

Window Buck
– A square or rectangular box installed in a foundation or block wall for future window installation.

Window Frame
– The stationary part of a window unit where the sash fits.

Window Sash
– The movable part of a window, made of panes and their borders.

Wire Nut
– A plastic cap used to cover and connect bare wires.

– Wire Size
– A system for determining electrical wire resistance.
– AWG (American Wire Gauge) sizes range from No. 14 to 4/0.
– Larger number = smaller diameter (e.g., 10 wire is smaller than 8).

WonderBoard®
– A concrete and fiberglass panel used as a backing material for ceramic tiles, often on bathtub decks.

Wood Filler
– A pigmented preparation used to fill and level pores in open-pored woods.

Wood Rays
– Strips of wood cells extending radially within a tree, storing food and transporting it horizontally.

Wood-Fiber Plaster
– A plaster of calcified gypsum mixed with cellulose for high-strength base coats in fire-resistant ceilings.

Work Life
– The time a curing sealant remains usable after mixing with a catalyst.

Workmanlike
– Executed in a skilled manner.

Woven Valley
– A valley construction method where shingles from both sides are woven together, covering the flashing.

Wrapped Drywall
– Areas with complete drywall covering, such as doorway openings for bifold or bypass closet doors.

Wythe
– A continuous vertical section of masonry one unit thick.
– Can be independent or interlocked with adjoining wythes.
– A single wythe of non-structural brick is called a veneer.
– Multiple wythes can combine different masonry units for strength and appearance.

Z-Bar Flashing
– Bent, galvanized metal flashing installed above horizontal trim boards of exterior windows, doors, or brick runs.
– Prevents water infiltration behind trim or brick.

Zone
– A section of a building served by one heating or cooling loop due to distinct heating/cooling needs.
– Also refers to the section of property watered by a lawn sprinkler system.

Zone Valve
– A device near the heater or cooler that controls water or steam flow to parts of a building.
– Controlled by a zone thermostat.

Zoning
– A governmental process that limits property use (e.g., single-family, commercial, industrial).
– Zoning laws regulate where structures can be built and align with local building codes.