“Ya can’t tell the players without a program!”

Hi, this is C.J. and I know we’re talking home repair, not sports. I also know the frustration of going to a supply house to buy materials for repairing a “whatchamacallit” or a “thingamabob.”  If you don’t know the lingo, your project will only go well if you plead ignorance to all who will listen, and beg for mercy.  Be pompous, try to fake it, or ignore the language and you’ll be “Sir’ed” or “Mam’ed” into a state of dazed confusion, leaving you vulnerable to embarrassment, financial loss and, in the extreme, serious physical injury. Your best protection is the language.

Several years ago, Bob helped teach a homeowner’s education class at Emory University. The first assignment for the class was to learn the glossary of terms that follows. It’s a brief but necessary dictionary for those who venture into DIY land, and a program by which you tell the players in the complex game of homeownership. Enjoy!

CLICK A LETTER FROM THE ALPHABET TO SEARCH THE TERMS BY FIRST LETTER OR CLICK THE SEARCH BUTTON BELOW 

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-J-K-L-M-N-P-R-S-T-V-W

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ACOUSTICAL TILE

SPECIAL TILE FOR WALLS AND CEILINGS MADE OF MINERAL, WOOD, VEGETABLE FIBERS, CORK, OR METAL. ITS PURPOSE IS TO CONTROL SOUND VOLUME WHILE COVERING CEILING OR WALL MEMBERS.

AIR DUCT

PIPES THAT CARRY WARM AND/OR COLD AIR TO ROOMS (SUPPLIES) AND BACK (RETURNS) TO THE HVAC - HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING - SYSTEM.

AMPERE

THE RATE OF FLOW OF ELECTRICITY THROUGH WIRES. HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY AN APPLIANCE OR TOOL REQUIRES PER UNIT TIME. NORMALLY REFERRED TO AS "AMPS” AS IN, "HOW MANY AMPS DOES THAT TOASTER PULL?"

APRON

AN AREA, TYPICALLY PAVED, AT THE JUNCTION OF TWO SURFACES ON THE SAME GRADE WHICH HAVE RELATED, BUT NOT IDENTICAL, USES. FOR EXAMPLE THE JUNCTURE OF A DRIVEWAY WITH THE STREET, A DRIVEWAY WITH A GARAGE ENTRANCE, A WALKWAY GRADUALLY WIDENING TO JOIN WITH A PATIO, AND SO FORTH.

BACKFILL

IN RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS, THE GRAVEL OR EARTH REPLACED IN THE SPACE OUTSIDE A BUILDING WALL AFTER FOUNDATIONS ARE IN PLACE WHICH ARE SUPPORTED BY STRUCTURAL FRAMING TO KEEP THEM FROM IMPLODING.

BALUSTERS

UPRIGHT SUPPORTS OF A BALUSTRADE.  

BALUSTRADE

A ROW OF BALUSTERS TOPPED BY A RAIL, EDGING A BALCONY OR STAIRCASE.

BASEBOARD OR SKIRTING

A DECORATIVE BOARD SET AT THE BASE OF A WALL OR PARTITION TO COVER GAPS AT THE FLOOR.

BATT

INSULATION, USUALLY FIBERGLASS, IN THE FORM OF A BLANKET, OFTEN WITH A VAPOR BARRIER RATHER THAN LOOSE FILL.

BATTEN

SMALL THIN STRIPS COVERING JOINTS BETWEEN WIDER BOARDS ON EXTERIOR BUILDING SURFACES.

BAY

THE SPACE BETWEEN JOISTS OR RAFTERS. 

BEAM

ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL HORIZONTAL WOOD OR STEEL MEMBERS OF A BUILDING. I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF BEAMS AND GIRDERS AS BEING THE SAME THING, BUT ANDY ARMSTRONG SAYS THAT'S NOT SO AND ANDY KNOWS. THE DIFFERENCE IS, GIRDERS SUPPORT BEAMS.  RECENTLY A KIND ARCHITECT BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT A BEAM IS SIMPLY A SUPER JOIST.  IF I KNEW HOW TO SUBSTITUTE THE LABELS ON THESE STRUCTURES I WOULD MAKE THAT CHANGE.  SINCE I DON'T GO AHEAD AND DO IT IN YO' MIND, I.E., WHAT IS LABELED A BEAM IS ACTUALLY A GIRDER . . .  AND A BEAM WOULD BE A DOUBLED UP JOIST.

BEARING WALL

A WALL SUPPORTING A FLOOR OR ROOF.

BIB OR BIBCOCK

A WATER FAUCET TO WHICH A HOSE MAY BE ATTACHED.  ALSO CALLED A HOSE BIB OR SILL COCK.

BISCUIT JOINTS

A JOINERY TECHNIQUE UTILIZING CORRESPONDING SLOTS IN TWO PIECES OF WOOD, ADHESIVE IN THEIR MATING SURFACES, AND "BISCUITS" OF WOOD SET IN THE CORRESPONDING SLOTS. THIS TECHNIQUE IS GRADUALLY REPLACING THE USE OF SPLINES LIKE DOWELS AND DOVETAILS.

BLEEDING

SEEPING OF RESIN OR GUM FROM LUMBER, OR A STAIN THROUGH PAINT. ALSO THE PROCESS OF DRAWING AIR FROM WATER PIPES.

BRACE

A PIECE OF WOOD OR OTHER MATERIAL USED TO FORM A TRIANGLE AND STIFFEN SOME PART OF A STRUCTURE. ANY STRUCTURAL MATERIAL USED FOR SUPPORT.  ALSO AN ANTIQUE DRILLING DEVICE.

BRIDGING

WOOD OR METAL PIECES PLACED BETWEEN FLOOR JOISTS TO MINIMIZE TWISTING AND PROVIDE RIGIDITY.

BUILT-UP ROOF

A SYSTEM FOR RELATIVELY FLAT ROOFS THAT IS COMPRISED OF ALTERNATING LAYERS OF SOME SORT OF HEAVY FABRIC AND TAR IN ALTERNATING LAYERS, USUALLY CAPPED WITH GRAVEL OR A CONTINUOUS MEMBRANE.

BUTT JOINT

THE JOINING OF TWO BUILDING MATERIALS AT A FLAT EDGE. USUALLY APPLIES TO FRAMING MEMBERS, SHEET ROCK, MOULDING, OR DECKING.

BX CABLE

A TYPE OF RUBBER INSULATED ELECTRICAL WIRING WITH A FLEXIBLE STEEL OUTER COVERING.

CANTILEVER

A PROJECTING BEAM OR JOIST, NOT SUPPORTED AT ONE END, USED TO SUPPORT AN EXTENSION OF A STRUCTURE. IN A RESIDENCE USUALLY A DECK, BAY WINDOW, OR CHIMNEY. NO MORE THAN 1/4 OF THE CANTILEVERED BEAM OR JOIST SHOULD EXTEND BEYOND THE SIDE OF THE MAIN STRUCTURE.

CARRIAGE

THE STRUCTURAL MEMBER SUPPORTING THE STEPS OR TREADS OF A STAIR.

CASEMENT WINDOW

A WINDOW SASH HINGED AT THE VERTICAL EDGE.

CASING

DOOR OR WINDOW TRIM. A "CASED OPENING" IN A HOME IS ONE THAT HAS NO DOOR.

CAVITY WALL

A HOLLOW WALL FORMED BY FIRMLY LINKED MASONRY WALLS PROVIDING AN INSULATING AIR SPACE BETWEEN.

CHAIR RAIL

WOODEN MOULDING ON A WALL AROUND A ROOM AT THE LEVEL OF A CHAIR BACK.

CHAMFERED EDGE

MOULDING WITH ROUNDED OFF CORNERS. ALSO A 45 DEGREE EDGE IN CONCRETE FORMS.

CHASE

AN ENCLOSED RUN IN OR ON A WALL, OR THROUGH A FLOOR, TO ACCOMMODATE PIPES OR DUCTS.

CHIMNEY BREAST

THE HORIZONTAL PROJECTION - USUALLY INSIDE A  BUILDING - OF A CHIMNEY FROM THE WALL IN WHICH IT IS BUILT, USUALLY BELOW AND BEHIND THE MANTEL.

CHIMNEY CAP

A METAL HOUSING MOUNTED ON THE TOP OF A CHIMNEY TO PROTECT THE AREA AROUND THE FLUE (S) FROM THE ELEMENTS. ALSO A CONCRETE CAP BUILT UP AROUND THE FLUE (S) TO PROTECT UNDERLYING MASONRY FROM THE ELEMENTS.

CHIPBOARD

4'X 8' SHEETS OF WOOD PRODUCT THAT LOOK JUST LIKE THE NAMES SOUND. THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM ARE QUITE TECHNICAL. THEY SHOULD BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS AS THEY ARE CREATED BY IN DEMONS HELL.

CIRCUIT BREAKER

AN ELECTRICAL SAFETY DEVICE WHICH OPENS (BREAKS) AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT BECOMES OVERLOADED.

CISTERN

A TANK TO CATCH AND STORE RAIN WATER.

CLAPBOARD

A LONG THIN BOARD, THICKER ON ONE EDGE, OVER-LAPPED AND NAILED ON FOR EXTERIOR SIDING.

COLLAR BEAM/WIND BRACING

A HORIZONTAL BRACE FASTENED JUST BELOW THE UPPER ENDS OF OPPOSING RAFTERS TO ADD RIGIDITY.

COPING

TILE, BRICK, OR METAL USED TO CAP THE TOP OF A MASONRY WALL.

CORBEL

A HORIZONTAL PROJECTION FROM A WALL FORMING A LEDGE, OR SUPPORTING A STRUCTURE ABOVE IT.  USUALLY A DECORATIVE PROJECTION INSTALLED TO APPEAR AS THOUGH IT IS SUPPORTING A SOFFIT.  IN MASONRY, PROJECTING EACH COURSE TO STEP OUT FROM THE WALL.

CORNER BEAD

A STRIP OF WOOD OR METAL THAT PROTECTS THE OUTSIDE CORNERS OF PLASTERED OR SHEET ROCKED WALLS.

CORNICE

HORIZONTAL PROJECTION AT THE TOP OF A WALL OR UNDER THE OVERHANGING PART OF THE ROOF. IN A RESIDENCE THE CORNICE IS NORMALLY THOUGHT TO INCLUDE THE SOFFITT AND FASCIA.

COURSE

A HORIZONTAL ROW OF BRICKS, CINDERBLOCKS, SHINGLES, OR MOST ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF.

COVE LIGHTING

INDIRECT OR CONCEALED LIGHT SOURCES BEHIND A CORNICE OR HORIZONTAL RECESS WHICH DIRECT LIGHT ON A REFLECTING CEILING.

CRAWL SPACE

A SHALLOW, UNFINISHED SPACE BENEATH THE FIRST FLOOR OF A HOUSE USED FOR VISUAL INSPECTION AND ACCESS TO PIPES AND DUCTS. ALSO A SHALLOW SPACE IN THE ATTIC, IMMEDIATELY UNDER THE ROOF.

CRICKET

A FROMEN CONSTRUCTED ON THE BACK OF A PROJECTION THROUGH YO' ROOF, PARTICULARLY A CHIMNEY, WHICH DIVERTS WATER RUNOFF TO EITHER SIDE OF THAT PROJECTION THEREBY AVOIDING A DAMMING EFFECT.

CRIPPLES

CUT-OFF FRAMING MEMBERS ABOVE AND BELOW WINDOWS.

DORMER

THE PROJECTING FRAME OF A RECESS IN A SLOPING ROOF.

DOUBLE GLAZING

AN INSULATING WINDOW PANE FORMED OF TWO THICKNESSES OF GLASS WITH A SEALED AIR SPACE BETWEEN THEM.

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS

WINDOWS WITH AN OPERABLE UPPER AND LOWER SASH, EACH SUPPORTED BY CORDS AND WEIGHTS, SPRINGS, OR TENSION PROVIDED BY STOP MOULDING. IN SINGLE HUNG WINDOWS THE TOP SASH ISN'T OPERABLE.

DOWNSPOUT

A SPOUT OR PIPE TO CARRY RAIN WATER DOWN FROM A ROOF, GUTTERS, OR A SCUPPER.

DOWNSPOUT LEADER

A PIPE FOR CONDUCTING RAIN WATER FROM THE ROOF TO A CISTERN OR TO THE GROUND BY WAY OF A DOWNSPOUT.

DOWNSPOUT STRAP

A PIECE OF METAL WHICH SECURES THE DOWNSPOUT TO THE EAVES OR WALL OF A BUILDING.

DRIP EDGE

THE WOODEN OR METAL PROJECTION OVER A WINDOW OR DOOR WHICH SHEDS WATER. ALSO THE "L" SHAPED STRIP OF METAL COVERING THE JOINT BETWEEN THE FASCIA AND ROOF DECKING THAT DIRECTS WATER INTO THE GUTTER, OR AWAY FROM THE CORNICE.

DRY WALL – SHEET ROCK – PLASTER BOARD

A WALL SURFACE OF GYPSUM BOARD OR OTHER MATERIAL SOMETIMES SKIMMED OVER WITH PLASTER, OTHERWISE PAINTED.

EAVE (S)

THE EXTENSION OF A ROOF BEYOND HOUSE WALLS.

EFFLORESCENCE

SALTY WHITE POWDER THAT LEACHES OUT OF BRICK OR BLOCK AND IS SOMETHING IT'S BEST TO LEARN TO LOVE.

FASCIA

THE VERTICAL PART OF THE CORNICE SECURED TO THE RAFTER TAILS ON WHICH GUTTER CAN BE MOUNTED.

FILL-TYPE INSULATION

AS OPPOSED TO BATT INSULATION, LOOSE INSULATING MATERIAL WHICH IS USUALLY BLOWN IN TO ATTICS OR WALL CAVITIES.

FINISHING

THE PROCESS BY WHICH VISIBLE SURFACES ARE MADE TO LOOK REAL NICE.

FLASHING

MEMBRANE OR METAL USED AROUND PENETRATIONS, ANGLES, OR JUNCTIONS ON ROOFS, EXTERIOR WALLS, WINDOWS, AND DOORS.

FLOOR JOISTS

FRAMING MEMBERS THAT REST ON OUTER FOUNDATION WALLS AND INTERIOR BEAMS OR GIRDERS.

FLUE

A PASSAGEWAY IN A CHIMNEY FOR CONVEYING SMOKE, GASES, OR FUMES TO THE OUTSIDE.

FOOTING "FOOTER"

THE CONCRETE BASE ON WHICH A FOUNDATION SITS. FOOTERS ARE AN OFTEN OVERLOOKED, CRITICAL FEATURE OF A WELL BUILT STRUCTURE.

FOUNDATION

WALLS SET ON FOOTINGS THAT SUPPORT A STRUCTURE. THE JOISTS OF THE FIRST FLOOR ARE TYPICALLY SET AT THE TOP OF THE FOUNDATION WALL. WHAT YOU SEE IN THE BASEMENT OR CRAWL SPACE IS THE FOUNDATION WALL. THE FOUNDATION WALL IN A WELL BUILT STRUCTURE SHOULD BE AS CLOSE TO PERFECTLY SQUARE, PLUMB, AND LEVEL AS POSSIBLE.

FRAMING

THE JOISTS, STUDS, RAFTERS, AND BEAMS OF A HOUSE.

FURRING

THIN WOOD OR METAL APPLIED TO A WALL TO LEVEL THE SURFACE FOR LATHING, BOARDING, OR PLASTERING. A COLLATERAL FUNCTION IS TO CREATE AN INSULATING AIR SPACE, AND TO DAMP PROOF A WALL.

FUSE

A SHORT PLUG IN AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WHICH OPENS (BREAKS) THE CIRCUIT IF IT BECOMES OVERLOADED. A FUSE AND A CIRCUIT BREAKER DO THE SAME THING AND ONE OR THE OTHER SERVES AS A PRINCIPAL COMPONENT IN AN ELECTRICAL PANEL.

GABLE

THE TRIANGULAR SECTION OF WALL UNDER THE INVERTED "V" OF THE ROOF LINE.

GAMBREL ROOF

A ROOF WITH TWO PITCHES DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MORE USABLE SPACE ON UPPER FLOORS. THE ROOF IS STEEPER ON ITS LOWER SLOPE AND FLATTER TOWARD THE RIDGE.

GLAZING

FITTING GLASS INTO WINDOWS OR DOORS.

GRADE

TERM USED TO DENOTE THE GROUND ELEVATION AROUND A STRUCTURE.

GRADE LINE

THE POINT AT WHICH THE GROUND RESTS AGAINST THE FOUNDATION WALL.

GREEN LUMBER

LUMBER THAT'S NOT DRIED PROPERLY CAUSING A TENDENCY FOR IT TO WARP, SHRINK, POP, "BLEED” RESIN, AND GENERALLY NOT DO RIGHT.

GROUNDS

PIECES OF WOOD EMBEDDED IN PLASTER WALLS TO WHICH SKIRTINGS ARE ATTACHED. ALSO WOOD PIECES USED TO STOP OR TEMINATE THE PLASTER WORK AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWS.

GUSSET

A DIAGONAL BRACE OR BRACKET USED TO TRIANGULATE AND STRENGTHEN A STRUCTURE.

GUTTER

A CHANNEL IN A ROOFING SYSTEM DESIGNED TO CONVEY WATER IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PRECLUDE DAMAGE TO THE STRUCTURE.

HARDWOOD

CLOSE-GRAINED WOOD FROM BROAD-LEAVED TREES SUCH AS OAK OR MAPLE.

HEADERS

DOUBLE WOOD PIECES SUPPORTING JOISTS IN A FLOOR, OR DOUBLE WOOD PIECES SET ON EDGE OVER WINDOWS OR DOORS, TO TRANSFER THE ROOF AND FLOOR WEIGHT TO THE ADJACENT STUDS.

HEEL - BIRD’S MOUTH – RAFTER TAIL   

THE END OF THE RAFTER RESTING ON THE WALL PLATE IS THE HEEL. THE OTHERS AREN'T THE SAME THING BUT THEY'RE IN THE SAME AREA.

HIP ROOF

A ROOF IN WHICH ALL SLOPES MEET TO FORM AN OUT- SIDE ANGLE. OUTSIDE ANGLES (POINTING OUT) ARE "HIPS", INSIDE ANGLES (POINTING IN) ARE "VALLEYS". MANY ROOFS HAVE A COMBINATION OF HIPS AND VALLEYS. WE'RE THROWING IN A DORMER FOR GOOD MEASURE. AND A CHIMNEY WITH A CRICKET.

HOUSEWRAP

RELATIVELY NEW TECHNOLOGY INVOLVING THE FRAME OF A HOME BEING WRAPPED WITH A MATERIAL DESIGNED TO LET WATER VAPOR OUT AND STOP WIND FROM COMING IN, THEREBY KEEPING INSULATION DRY AND MAKING THE HOME SNUG AS A BUG.

HVAC

THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WITH ALL THAT ENTAILS.

JALOUSIES

WINDOWS WITH MOVABLE, HORIZONTAL SLATS ANGLED TO ADMIT VENTILATION AND KEEP OUT RAIN. THIS TERM IS ALSO USED TO DENOTE OUTSIDE SHUTTERS CONSTRUCTED THIS WAY.

JAMB

THE VERTICAL SURFACES DEFINING AN OPENING FOR A DOOR OR WINDOW. THE HORIZONTAL TOP PIECE IS THE "HEAD". THE HORIZONTAL WINDOW BASE IS THE "SILL". JAMBS NEED TO BE PLUMB AND SQUARE, THE HEAD AND SILL SHOULD BE LEVEL.

JOISTS

FRAMING MEMBERS OF VARIOUS DIMENSION DEPENDING ON LENGTH AND LOAD, ARRANGED PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER FROM WALL TO WALL OR BEAM TO BEAM, THAT SUPPORT A FLOOR OR CEILING. THAT IS, YOU GOT FLOOR JOISTS AND CEILING JOISTS. FLOOR JOISTS ARE BIGGER IN MOST CASES SINCE THEY CARRY BOTH DEAD LOAD (FURNITURE) AND LIVE LOAD (PEOPLE).

KILN-DRIED

A PROCESS OF DRYING LUMBER UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS THAT IS GENERALLY SUPERIOR TO AIR DRYING.

KING-POST

THE MIDDLE POST OF A TRUSS.

LAG SCREWS

LARGE HEAVY SCREWS USED WHERE GREAT STRENGTH IS REQUIRED AS IN HEAVY FRAMING OR WHEN ATTACHING IRONWORK TO WOOD.

LALLY COLUMN

A STEEL TUBE, SOMETIMES FILLED WITH CONCRETE, USED TO SUPPORT FLOOR BEAMS (GIRDERS).

LATHING

A SYSTEM OF THIN NARROW STRIPS OF WOOD NAILED TO RAFTERS, CEILING JOISTS, WALL STUDS OR ANY OTHER FRAMING MEMBER, TO MAKE A GROUNDWORK OR "KEY" FOR SLATES, TILE, OR PLASTERING. EACH STRIP IS CALLED A "LATH".

LEACHING BED / DRAIN FIELD

A SYSTEM DESIGNED TO CARRY LIQUID WASTES  AWAY FROM A SEPTIC TANK.

LEDGER

A STRIP OF WOOD ATTACHED TO A BEAM OR JOIST THAT HELPS SUPPORT JOISTS. A BETTER WAY TO DO THE SAME THING IS TO USE METAL JOIST HANGARS.  IN THIS ILLUSTRATION, THE BEAM IS ACTUALLY A HEADER JOIST.

LEVEL

A TOOL USED TO DETERMINE IF A SURFACE IS PLUMB (STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN) AND LEVEL. IF YOUR CARPENTER ISN'T USING ONE, HE'S NOT A CARPENTER.  TAKE A LOOK AT "PLUMB". THINGS ARE LEVEL, AND/OR PLUMB, AND/OR SQUARE.

LINTEL

THE STRUCTURAL MEMBER OVER A DOOR OR WINDOW, USUALLY METAL, SUPPORTING THAT PART OF THE WALL STRUCTURE (USUALLY MASONRY) DIRECTLY OVER IT. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH A HEADER, THOUGH IT DOES BASICALLY THE SAME THING.

LOAD-BEARING WALL

A WALL DESIGNED TO SUPPORT PART OF THE WEIGHT OF A STRUCTURE. LOAD BEARING WALLS ARE USUALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE JOISTS ABOVE THEM BUT THIS IS NOT ALWAYS SO. WHEN IN DOUBT, ERR TO THE SIDE OF CAUTION.

LOUVER

AN OPENING FIXED WITH HORIZONTAL SLATS TO PERMIT PASSAGE OF AIR AT THE EXPENSE OF RAIN, SUNLIGHT AND VIEW.

LOW E GLASS

GLASS, USED IN WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS, WHICH HAS SPECIAL COATINGS DESIGNED FOR TERRIFIC INSULATING PROPERTIES, USUALLY SUPERIOR TO THAT OF TRIPLE GLAZED GLASS.

MASONRY

WALLS BUILT BY A MASON USING BRICK, STONE, TILE OR SIMILAR MATERIALS.

MORTISE

A RECESSED (NOTCHED) CUTTING INTO A PIECE OF WOOD DESIGNED TO RECEIVE A PROJECTION OF SOME SORT, LIKE A TENON IN ANOTHER PIECE OF WOOD, THE BUTT OF A DOOR HINGE, THE STRIKE PLATE OF A DOOR LATCH, AND SO FORTH.

MOULDING

A STRIP OF DECORATIVE MATERIAL WITH A PLAIN OR ORNAMENTED APPEARANCE THAT'S TYPICALLY USED TO HIDE GAPS AT THE JUNCTURE OF TWO SURFACES, FOR INSTANCE, WALL AND CEILING OR WALL AND FLOOR.  MOULDINGS ARE ALSO USED PURELY FOR THEIR AESTHETIC EFFECT.

MOISTURE BARRIER

PAPER OR METAL TREATED TO RETARD OR BAR THE PASSAGE OF WATER VAPOR THEREBY KEEPING SAID VAPOR FROM PASSING INTO WALLS, FLOORS, OR CEILINGS.

MULLION

SLENDER FRAMING WHICH DIVIDES THE LIGHTS OF PANES OR WINDOWS. ALSO THE MAJOR DIVIDE BETWEEN TWO SASH WINDOWS SET SIDE BY SIDE CALLED A "MULL" WINDOW.

NEWEL

ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL POSTS SUPPORTING THE HANDRAIL IN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS. PURISTS USE THE TERM TO DENOTE THE PRINCIPAL POST AT THE FOOT ONLY, OR THE SECONDARY POST AT THE LANDING. ALSO REFERS TO THE MAIN UPRIGHT MEMBER AROUND WHICH THE SMALLER END OF STEPS IN A CIRCULAR STAIRCASE WIND.

NOSING

THE ROUNDED EDGE OF A STAIR TREAD.

PANELING

SHEETS OF WOOD, PLASTIC, MASONITE, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL USED AS A FINISH COVERING FOR INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR FRAMING.

PARGING

A ROUGH COAT OF MORTAR APPLIED OVER A MASONRY WALL AS PROTECTION OR FINISH. PARGING MAY ALSO SERVE AS A BASE FOR AN ASPHALTIC WATERPROOFING COMPOUND BELOW GRADE.

PATTERN TEMPLATE

A TRY-FIT ORIGINAL FROM WHICH ALL SUCCEEDING PARTS ARE FABRICATED. USEFUL WHEN A LOT OF IDENTICAL PIECES ARE REQUIRED.

PIER

AN INDEPENDENT FOOTING, USUALLY EXTENDING ABOVE GRADE, INTENDED TO SUPPORT A COLUMN OR OTHER LOAD.

PILASTER

A PROJECTION OF THE FOUNDATION WALL USED TO  SUPPORT A FLOOR GIRDER OR STIFFEN A WALL.

PITCH - SLOPE

THE ANGLE OF A ROOF'S RISE. FORGET ALL THE CONFUSING TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS. ROOFERS SAY A ROOF IS A "FIVE" OR A "TWELVE" OR AN "EIGHT", ETC. THEY'RE REFERENCING THE NUMBER OF INCHES OF RISE IN A ROOF PER 12 INCHES OF RUN. SO THE COMPLETE EXPRESSION WOULD BE A "FIVE IN TWELVE", A "TWELVE IN TWELVE", OR AN "EIGHT IN TWELVE". THE HIGHER THE FIRST NUMBER, THE STEEPER THE ROOF. ALSO REFERS TO THE SLOPE OF A DRAIN LINE.

PLATE

A HORIZONTAL PIECE OF WOOD SECURED TO A WALL SURFACE AS A FASTENING DEVICE. ALSO THE BOTTOM MEMBER (SOLE PLATE) OR TOP MEMBER (TOP OR RAFTER PLATE) IN THE FRAMING OF A WALL.

PLENUM

A CHAMBER WHICH CAN SERVE AS A DISTRIBUTION AREA FOR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS, GENERALLY LOCATED BETWEEN A FALSE CEILING AND THE ACTUAL CEILING OR ON AN HVAC UNIT ITSELF.

PLUMB

A TERM USED TO REFERENCE THE VERTICAL, I.E., IF A WALL IS PLUMB, IT IS STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN IN THE VERTICAL PLANE. A DOOR FRAME MUST BE PLUMB, SQUARE, AND LEVEL. A WINDOW FRAME AND A FOUNDATION SHOULD BE TOO. SO SHOULD LOTS OF OTHER STUFF IN A WELL BUILT HOME.

PLYWOOD

A COMPOSITE SHEET MADE BY GLUING LAYERS OF WOOD VENEER TOGETHER.

POINTING

REPAIR OF DETERIORATED MORTAR JOINTS IN BLOCK, BRICK, OR STONE BY FILLING WITH MORTAR TO IMPROVE APPEARANCE AND PROTECT AGAINST WEATHER. NOT A VERY DESIRABLE WAY TO GO IF YOU ASK US, BUT SOMETIMES NECESSARY ON HISTORICAL BUILDINGS OR MONUMENTAL WORK.

POST AND BEAM CONSTRUCTION

WALL CONSTRUCTION IN WHICH BEAMS ARE SUPPORTED BY HEAVY POSTS RATHER THAN MANY STUDS.

PREFABRICATED

BUILDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS WALLS, TRUSSES, DOORS, AND SO FORTH THAT ARE CONSTRUCTED BEFORE DELIVERY TO THE BUILDING SITE.

RABBET

A GROOVE CUT IN A BOARD TO RECEIVE ANOTHER BOARD.

RADIANT HEAT

COILS OF ELECTRICITY, HOT WATER PIPES, OR STEAM PIPES, EMBEDDED IN FLOORS, CEILINGS, OR WALLS FOR HEATING.

RAFTER

ONE OF A SERIES OF STRUCTURAL ROOF MEMBERS SPANNING FROM AN EXTERIOR WALL TO A CENTERED RIDGE BEAM/BOARD/POLE. "POLE" IS THE MOST IN-THE-KNOW TERM OF THE THREE.

RISER

THE UPRIGHT PIECE OF A STAIR STEP, FROM TREAD TO TREAD.

ROOF DECKING

SHEETS OF MATERIAL, HOPEFULLY PLYWOOD, WHICH ARE NAILED TO THE TOP EDGES OF TRUSSES OR RAFTERS TO TIE THE ROOF TOGETHER AND SUPPORT ROOFING MATERIAL.

SASH

THE MOVABLE PART OF A WINDOW, OR THE FRAME IN  WHICH PANES OF GLASS ARE SET IN A WINDOW OR DOOR.

SCUTTLE HOLE

A SMALL OPENING EITHER TO AN ATTIC, A CRAWL SPACE, OR PLUMBING PIPES.

SEPTIC TANK

A SEWAGE SETTLING TANK IN WHICH PART OF THE SEWAGE IS BIODEGRADED INTO GAS AND SLUDGE BEFORE THE REMAINING LIQUID WASTE IS DISCHARGED BY GRAVITY INTO A DRAIN FIELD/LEACHING BED.

SETBACK

A THERMOSTAT WITH A TIMER THAT ALLOWS THE FURNACE OR AIR CONDITIONER TO BE TURNED ON AND OFF AUTOMATICALLY AT TIMES CHOSEN BY THE HOMEOWNER SO THAT THESE SYSTEM OPERATE ONLY AS NEEDED.

SHAKES

HANDCUT WOOD SHINGLES.

SHEATHING

THE FIRST COVERING OF BOARDS OR MATERIAL ON THE WALL SHEATHING OUTSIDE WALL OR ROOF PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE ROOF SHEATHING FINISHED SIDING OR ROOF COVERING. SOMETIMES PROVIDES INSULATION AND RIGIDITY AT THE CORNERS OF STRUCTURES.

SHIM

THIN TAPERED PIECE OF WOOD USED FOR LEVELING, TIGHTENING, OR PLUMBING STAIRS, DOORS, WINDOWS, AND OTHER STUFF.

SHINGLES

YOU KNOW WHAT THESE ARE.

SIDING

BOARDS OF VARIOUS DESIGN AND MATERIALS (WOOD, VINYL, ALUMINUM, MINERAL/FIBER, ETC.) NAILED HORIZONTALLY TO VERTICAL STUDS FRAMING OUTSIDE WALLS TO FORM THE EXPOSED SURFACE OF FRAME BUILDINGS.

SILL PLATE

THE LOWEST MEMBER OF THE HOUSE FRAMING. IT MUD SILL RESTS ON TOP OF THE FOUNDATION WALL.

SLAB

CONCRETE FLOOR POURED DIRECTLY ON AN EARTH OR GRAVEL BASE AND USUALLY ABOUT FOUR INCHES THICK. A MONOLITHIC SLAB IS ONE WITH A FOOTING THAT'S POURED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE SLAB WHICH IS THEREFORE UNDER, BUT PART OF, THE SLAB.

SLEEPERS

STRIPS OF WOOD LAID OVER A CONCRETE FLOOR TO WHICH DECKING OR FINISHED FLOORING IS NAILED OR GLUED.

SMART HOUSE

GENERIC TERM FOR HOUSES UTILIZING THE LATEST IN COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY FOR SECURITY, ENTERTAINMENT, CLIMATE CONTROL, CLEANING, COOKING, COMMUNICATION, ETC.

SOFFIT

THE VISIBLE UNDERSIDE OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS SUCH AS STAIRCASES, CORNICES, BEAMS, A ROOF OVERHANG, OR EAVE.

SOFTWOOD

WOOD FROM A CONE-BEARING TREE, OR ANY OTHER EASILY WORKED WOOD.

SOIL STACK

MAIN VERTICAL PLUMBING PIPE FOR THE WASTE WATER SYSTEM. SEE VENT STACK.

SQUARE

A TOOL USED TO BUILD/CHECK 90 DEGREE ANGLES. REFER TO PLUMB.

STRINGER

A LONG, HORIZONTAL MEMBER WHICH CONNECTS UP- RIGHTS IN A FRAME, OR SUPPORTS A STAIR OR THE LIKE. ONE OF THE ENCLOSED SIDES OF A STAIR SUPPORTING THE TREADS AND RISERS.

STUDS

IN WALL FRAMING, THE VERTICAL MEMBERS TO WHICH HORIZONTAL PIECES ARE ATTACHED. STUDS ARE USUALLY PLACED 16 OR 24 INCHES APART, BUT DON'T COUNT ON IT, GUYS.

SUBFLOOR

PLYWOOD SHEETS NAILED OR SCREWED AND/OR GLUED TO THE FLOOR JOISTS THAT RECEIVE FINISHED FLOORING.

SUMP

A PIT IN WHICH WATER COLLECTS USUALLY TO BE PUMPED OUT WITH A SUMP PUMP. A GOOD WAY TO  KEEP WATER OUT'TA YO' BASEMENT.

SURGE PROTECTORS

ELECTRICAL DEVICES DESIGNED TO KEEP ELECTRON- IC EQUIPMENT FROM BEING DAMAGED BY A SUDDEN SPIKE IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE HOME BY LIGHTENING STRIKE OR MALFUNCTION IN THE INCOMING SERVICE.

SWALE

A WIDE SHALLOW DEPRESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANNELING WATER.

TILE DRAIN FIELD

OPEN-JOINT DRAIN TILES LAID TO DISTRIBUTE SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT OVER AN ABSORPTION AREA OR TO PROVIDE SUBSOIL DRAINAGE IN WET AREAS.

TOENAIL

DRIVING NAILS AT AN ANGLE INTO CORNERS OR OTHER JOINTS.

TONGUE-AND-GROOVE

CARPENTRY JOINT IN WHICH THE JUTTING EDGE OF ONE BOARD FITS INTO THE GROOVED END OF ANOTHER BOARD.

TRAP

A BEND IN A WATER PIPE THAT HOLDS WATER SO SEWER GASES CAN'T ESCAPE FROM THE PLUMBING SYSTEM INTO THE HOUSE.

TREAD

THE HORIZONTAL PART OF A STAIR STEP.

TRUSS

A COMBINATION OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS USUALLY ARRANGED IN TRIANGULAR UNITS TO FORM A RIGID FRAMEWORK FOR SPANNING BETWEEN LOAD-BEARING WALLS. GO BACK AND LOOK AT "KING POST".

VALLEY

THE DEPRESSION AT THE MEETING OF TWO ROOF SLOPES.

VAPOR BARRIER

MATERIAL SUCH AS COATED PAPER, METAL, PLASTIC, OR PAINT WHICH IS USED TO PREVENT VAPOR FROM PASSING FROM ROOMS INTO OUTSIDE WALL CAVITIES, ATTICS, OR CRAWL SPACES.

VENEER

BRICK, STONE, SIDING, STUCCO, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL USED AS THE OUTER SURFACE OF A FRAMED WALL.

VENT STACK – SOIL STACK

A PIPE WHICH ALLOWS GAS TO ESCAPE FROM PLUMB SYSTEMS AND KEEPS THE SYSTEM PROPERLY PRESSURIZED. THE SOIL STACK IS THE BIG KAHUNA OF THE VENT STACKS. WE ALSO THINK OF VENT STACKS AS THOSE THAT ALLOW GASES AND HOT AIR TO ESCAPE FROM THE HVAC SYSTEM AND THE STOVE.

VERGE

THE EDGE OF TILES, SLATES, OR SHINGLES, PROJECTING OVER THE GABLE OF A ROOF.

WAINSCOTING

THE LOWER THREE OR FOUR FEET OF AN INTERIOR WALL WHEN LINED WITH PANELING, TILE OR OTHER MATERIAL DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE WALL.

WEATHER STRIPPING

METAL, WOOD, PLASTIC, OR OTHER MATERIAL INSTALLED AROUND DOOR AND WINDOW OPENINGS TO PREVENT AIR INFILTRATION.