A/C
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.

A/C Circuit
Alternating Current. The flow of current through a conductor first in one direction, then in reverse. It is used exclusively in residential and commercial wiring because it provides greater flexibility in voltage selection and simplicity of equipment design.

A/C Condenser
The outside fan unit of the air conditioning system. It removes the heat from the Freon gas and 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.

ABS
(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 which speeds up the natural set.

Access Panel
An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system.

Accessible
Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.

Acre
43,560 square feet.

Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic material that is vacuum-formed to cast and mold shapes that form the surface of fiberglass bathtubs, whirlpools, shower bases, and shower stalls.

Activate
To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical breakers or fuses.

Actual Dimension (Lumber)
The exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried and milled.

Adaptor
A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g. ABS to cast iron pipe.

Adhesion
The property of a coating or sealant 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 is applied.

Adversely Affect
Constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.

Aerator
An apparatus that mixes air into flowing water. It is screwed onto the end of a faucet spout to help reduce splashing.

Aggregate
Crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that comes in a wide range of sizes which is used to surface built-up roofs.

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, usually made of sheet metal, that carry cooled or heated air to all rooms.

Air Filters
Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are coated with an adhesive liquid to which particles of lint and dust adhere. These filters will remove as much as 90% of the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common filters are of the throwaway or disposable type.

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

Air Space
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.

Air-Dried Lumber
Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for any length of time. For the United States as a whole, the minimum moisture content of thoroughly air dried lumber is 12 to 15 percent and the average is somewhat higher. In the South, air dried lumber may be no lower than 19 percent.

Airway
A space between roof insulation and roof boards provided for movement of air.

Algae
Microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor shingles. Often described as "fungus."

Alligatoring
A condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils and the oxidation caused by solar radiation. Causes a coarse checking pattern characterized by a slipping of the new paint coating over the old coating to the extent that the old coating can be seen through the fissures. "Alligatoring" produces a pattern of cracks resembling an alligator hide and is ultimately the result of the limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal expansion or contraction.

Allowable Span
The distance between two supporting points for load bearing lumber such as joists, rafters or a girder.

Allowance(s)
A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. Best kept to a minimum number and used for items whose choice will not impact earlier stages of the construction. For example, selection of tile because flooring may require an alternative framing or underlayment material. (Also, money that your parents give you as a child.)

Aluminum Wire
A conductor made of aluminum for carrying electricity. Aluminum is generally limited to the larger wire sizes. Due to its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12 is not made. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than copper, but does not conduct as well. It also breaks easily.

Amortization
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.

Ampacity
Refers to the how much current a wire can safely carry. For example, a 12 gauge electrical copper wire can safely carry up to 20 amps.

Amperage
The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in terms of amperes.

Amps (AMPERES)
The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.

Anchor Bolts
In residential construction, bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to a concrete or masonry floor or wall. In commercial construction, bolts which fasten columns, girders or other members to concrete or masonry such as bolts used to anchor sills to masonry foundation.

Angle Iron
A piece of iron that forms a right angle and is used to span openings and support masonry at the openings. In brick veneer, they are used to secure the veneer to the foundation. Also known as shelf angle.

Angle Stop
A shutoff valve in which the inlet connects to the water supply pipe in the wall and the outlet angles 90 degrees upward toward the faucet or toilet.

Annealing
In the manufacturing of float glass, the process of controlled cooling done in a Lahr to prevent residual stresses in the glass. Re-annealing is the process of removing objectionable stresses in glass by re-heating to a suitable temperature followed by controlled cooling.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.

Anti-Scald
A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn injuries. See Pressure Balancing Valve and Thermostatic Valve. In some areas, plumbing codes require anti-scald valves. Speak to a professional in your area for more information and help with code requirements.

Anti-Siphon
A device that prevents waste water from being drawn back into supply lines and possibly contaminating the water supply.

Anti-Walk Blocks
Elastomeric blocks that limit lateral glass movement in the glazing channel which may result from thermal, seismic, wind load effects, building movement, and other forces that may apply.

Antiquated
No longer in use, useful or functioning, as in most home inspection associations. Obsolete.

APA Plywood
(APA=American Plywood Association) Plywood that has been rated by the American Plywood Association. For example, number one APA rated exterior plywood contains no voids between laminate layers.

Aperature
The opening in pipes.

Appliance
A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.

Appraisal
An expert valuation of property.

Approach
The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway or the transition from the street as you approach a driveway.

Apron
A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.

Arbitration Service
A service to resolve complaints, as in NACHI's Arbitration Service.

Architect
A tradesman who designs and produces plans for buildings, often overseeing the building process.

Architects Rule (Ruler)
Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also referred to as a "scale."

Architectural Service
Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within and surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of the construction contract

Area Wells
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth.

Areaway
An open subsurface space adjacent to a building used to admit light/air or as a means of access to a basement.

Asbestos
A common form of magnesium silicate which was used in various construction products due to its stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos exposure (caused by inhaling loose asbestos fibers) is associated with various forms of lung disease. The name given to certain inorganic minerals when they occur in fibrous form. Though fire-resistant, its extremely fine fibers are easily inhaled, and exposure to them over a period of years has been linked to cancers of the lung or lung-cavity lining and to asbestosis a severe lung impairment. A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to your health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable (readily crumbled, brittle) asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.

Asphalt
A dark brown to black highly viscous hydrocarbon produced from the residue left after the distillation of petroleum. Asphalt is used on roofs and highways as a waterproofing agent.

Asphalt Plastic Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials.

Assessment
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property.

Associate Member
An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection association membership. Slave. See Candidate.

Astragal
A molding which is attached to one of a pair of swinging doors against which the other door strikes.

Attic Access
An opening that is placed in the dry-walled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.

Attic Ventilators
In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. They are located in the soffit area as inlet ventilators and in the gable end or along the ridge as outlet ventilators. They can also consist of power-driven fans used as an exhaust system.

Auger
In carpentry, a wood-boring tool used by a carpenter to bore holes.

Awning Window
A window with hinges at the top allowing 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
In glazing, a polyethylene or polyurethane foam material installed under compression and used to control sealant joint depth, provide a surface for sealant tooling, serve as a bond breaker to prevent three-sided adhesion, and provide an hour-glass contour of the finished bead.

Backfill
The slope of the ground adjacent to the house. In any previously excavated area, i.e., the replacement of excavated earth into a trench around and against 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 into the potable water supply.

Backhand
A simple molding sometimes 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 towards itself. It is used to dig basements and/or footings and to install drainage or sewer systems.

Backout
Work the framing contractor does after the mechanical subcontractors (Heating-Plumbing-Electrical) finish their phase of work at the rough (before insulation) stage to get the home ready for a municipal frame inspection. Generally, the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed by others and completes all framing necessary to pass a rough Frame Inspection.

Backsplash
A raised integral portion of a wall mount sink or lavatory located at the rear to protect the wall.

Balancing Damper
Baffle or plate used to control the volume of flowing air in a confined area.

Balloon Framing
In carpentry, the lightest and most economical form of construction in which the studding and corner plates are set up in continuous lengths from the first floor line or sill to the roof plate to which all floor joists are fastened.

Balusters
Usually small vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and the stair treads or a bottom rail.

Balustrade
A railing made up of balusters, top rail, and sometimes bottom rail, used on the edge of stairs, teal conies, and porches.

Barge
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

Barge Board
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a facie board.

Barometer
Instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Barrel Roof
A roof design which in a cross section is arched.

Base Flashing
The upturned edge of a watertight membrane formed at a roof termination point by the extension of the felts vertically over the cant strip and up the wall for a varying distance where they are secured with mechanical fasteners.

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 with 4 inch laps in a built-up roof system under the following felts which can be installed in a shingle-like fashion.

Base Shoe
Molding used next to the floor on interior base board. Sometimes called a carpet strip.

Baseboard
Usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet. A board placed against the wall around a room next to the floor to properly finish between the floor and the plaster.

Baseboard Heat
A heating system with the heating unit located along the perimeter of the wall where the baseboard would normally be located. It can be either an electric or hot water system.

Basement Window Inserts
The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window buck.

Basket Strainer
Basket shaped strainer with holes allowing water to drain while catching food or other solids. Can also be closed to fill the sink with water.

Batt Insulation
Strips of insulation, usually fiberglass, that fit between studs or 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 metal edge.

Batter Board
One of a pair of horizontal boards nailed to posts set at the corners of an excavation, used to indicate the desired level, also used as a fastening for stretched strings to indicate outlines of foundation walls.

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

Bay Window
Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, either square or polygonal in plan.

Bead
In glazing, an applied sealant in a joint irrespective of the method of application, such as caulking bead, glazing bead, etc. Also a molding or stop used to hold glass or panels in position.

Beam
A supporting member either of wood or steel. Structural support member (steel, concrete, lumber) transversely supporting a load that transfers weight from one location to another.

Bearing Header
(a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening. (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).

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, as between the over hanging cornice or eaves of a building and the side walls.

Bed or Bedding
In glazing, the bead compound or sealant applied between a light of glass or panel and the stationary stop or sight bar of the sash or frame. It is usually the first bead of compound or sealant to be applied when setting glass or panels.

Bedrock
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.

Bell Reducer
In plumbing, a fitting shaped like a bell which has one opening of a smaller diameter used to reduce the size of the pipe in the line, and the opposite opening of larger diameter.

Below Grade
The portion of a building that is below ground level.

Bent Glass
Flat glass that has been shaped while hot into curved shapes.

Bevel
The angle of the front edge of a door usually from 1/8" to 2."

Bevel Siding (or Lap Siding)
Wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped pattern. This siding varies in butt thickness from ½ to ¾ inch and in widths up to 12 inches. Normally used over some type of sheathing.

Bid
A formal offer by a contractor, in accordance with specifications for a project, to do all or a phase of the work at a certain price in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the offer.

Bid Bond
A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor's bid that, if the bid is accepted, the contractor will execute a contract and provide a performance bond. Under the bond, the surety is obligated to pay the recipient of the bid the difference between the contractor's bid and the bid of the next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and the contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a performance bond.

Bid Documents
Drawings, details, and specifications for a particular project.

Bid Security
Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee to the recipient of the bid that the contractor, if awarded the contract, will execute the contract in accordance with the bidding requirements of the contract documents.

Bid Shopping
A practice by which contractors, both before and after their bids are submitted, attempt to obtain prices from potential subcontractors and material suppliers that are lower than the contractors' original estimates on which their bids are based, or after a contract is awarded, seek to induce subcontractors to reduce the subcontract price included in the bid.

Bidding Requirements
The procedures and conditions for the submission of bids. The requirements are included on documents, such as the notice to bidders, advertisements for bids, instructions to bidders, invitations to bid, and sample bid forms.

Bifold Door
Doors that are hinged in the middle to allow them to open in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors.

Binder
A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller.

Bipass Doors
Doors that slide by each other. Commonly used as closet doors.

Bird's-Mouth Cut
A cutout in a rafter where it crosses the top plate of the wall providing a bearing surface for nailing. Also called a heel cut.

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

Bitumen
Any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons occurring naturally or obtained through the distillation of coal or petroleum. (See Coat Tar Pitch and Asphalt).

Blankets
Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls 15 or 23 inches wide.

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

Blind Nailing
Nailing in such a way that the nail heads are not visible on the face of the work—usually at the tongue of matched boards.

Blind Stop
A rectangular molding, usually ¾ by 1-3/8 inches or more in width, used in the assembly of a window frame. Serves as a stop for storm and screen or combination windows and to resist air infiltration.

Blister
An enclosed raised spot evident on the surface of a building. They are mainly caused by the expansion of trapped air, water vapor, moisture or other gases.

Block Out
To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example, foundation walls are sometimes "blocked" in order for mechanical pipes to pass through the wall, to install a crawl space door, or to depress the concrete at a garage door location.

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, and installed at the ends and at mid-span.

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

Blow Insulation
Fiber insulation in loose form used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed.

Blue Prints
Architectural plans for a building or construction project, which likely include floor plans, footing and foundation plans, elevations, plot plans, and various schedules and or details.

Blue Stain
A bluish or grayish discoloration of the sapwood caused the growth of certain mold like fungi on the surface and in the interior of a piece, made possible by the same conditions that favor the growth of other fungi.

Blue Stake
Also Utility Notification. When a utility company (telephone, gas, electric, cable TV, sewer and water, etc) comes to the job site and locates and spray paints the ground and/or installs small flags to show where their service is located underground.

Board and Batten
A method of siding in which the joints between vertically placed boards or plywood are covered by narrow strips of wood.

Board Foot
The volume of a piece of wood measuring 12 inches square and in inch thick. A piece of lumber 1/2" thick and 6 inches wide and 24 inches long is equal to one board foot.

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

Bodied Linseed Oil
Linseed oil that has been thickened in viscosity by suitable processing with heat or chemicals. Bodied oils are obtainable in a great range in viscosity from a little greater than that of raw oil to just short of a jellied condition.

Boiled Linseed Oil
Linseed oil in which enough lead, manganese or cobalt salts have been incorporated to make the oil harden more rapidly when spread in thin coatings.

Bolster
A short horizontal timber or steel beam on top of a column to support and decrease the span of beams or girders.

Bond Breaker
A substance or a tape applied between two adjoining materials to prevent adhesion between them.

Bond or Bonding
An amount of money (usually $5,000-$10,000) which must be on deposit with a governmental agency in order to secure a contractor's license. The bond may be used to pay for the unpaid bills or disputed work of the contractor. Not to be confused with a performance bond. They are an insurance policy which guarantees proper completion of a project. Such bonds are rarely used in residential construction.

Bond Plaster
In addition to gypsum, bond plaster contains 2-5% lime by weight and chemical additives which improve the bond with dense non-porous surfaces such as concrete. It is used as a base coat.

Bonding Strip (Electrical)
A thin strip of metal inside armored or BX cable. This strip is meant to back up the primary ground.

Boom
A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place, to put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.

Boston Ridge
A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge or at the hips of a roof as a finish.

Bottom Chord
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.

Bottom Plate
The 2x4s or 6s that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Also called the sole plate.

Bow
A curve, bend, warping or other deviation from flatness in glass or wood.

Box Cornice
A cornice completely closed with trim work.

Brace
An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to stifled the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing has been completed.

Bracing
Ties and rods used for supporting and strengthening various parts of a building used for lateral stability for columns and beams.

Brake Metal
Sheet metal that has been bent to the desired configuration.

Branch Circuit (Electrical)
Wiring that runs from a service panel or sub-panel to outlets. Branch circuits are protected by fuses or breakers at the panel.

Breaker Box
A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that control the electrical current in a home.

Breaker Panel
The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of circuit breakers.

Breeze Way
A roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two structures, such as a house and a garage.

Brick Ledge
Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest.

Brick Lintel
The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially 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 (1"x6"- 8" long) nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer brick, and hold the veneer wall to the sheeted wall behind it.

Brick Veneer
A facing of brick laid against and fastened to the sheathing of a frame wall or tile wall construction.

Bridging
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists at midspan to act as both tension and compression members for the purpose of bracing the joists a spreading the action of loads.

Broker
One that acts as an agent for others, as in negotiating contracts, purchases, or sales in return for a fee or commission.

Browncoat
The coat of plaster directly beneath the finish coat. In three-coat work, the brown is the second coat.

BTU
A measure of the capacity of a heating or cooling system. Abbreviation of British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water through a change of one degree Fahrenheit.

Bubbling
In glazing, open or closed pockets in a sealant caused by release, production or expansion of gasses.

Buck
Often used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door bucks used in reference to metal door frame.

Buckling
The bending of a building material as a result of wear and tear or contact with a substance such as water.

Builder's Risk Insurance
Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction, including extended coverage that may be added for the contract for the customer's protections.

Building Brick
Brick for building purposes not especially treated for texture or color, formerly called "common brick." It is stronger than face brick.

Building Code
Minimum local or state regulations established to protect health and safety. They apply to building design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, materials, occupancy and use. Community ordinances governing the manner in which a home may be constructed or modified.

Building Paper
A general term for papers, felts and similar sheet materials used in buildings without reference to their properties or uses. Generally comes in long rolls.

Building Permit
Written authorization from the city, county or other governing regulatory body giving permission to construct or renovate a building. A building permit is specific to the building project described in the application.

Built-Up Beam (or Girder)
Beam (or girder) created by sistering or "scabbing" two or more pieces of lumber together.

Built-Up Roof
A roofing composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt. The top is finished with crushed slag or gravel. Generally used on flat or low-pitched roofs.

Bull Nose (Drywall)
Rounded drywall corners.

Bullfloat
A tool used to finish and flatten a slab. After screeding, the first stage in the final finish of concrete, smoothes and levels hills and voids left after screeding. Sometimes substituted for darbying. A large flat or tool usually of wood, aluminum or magnesium with a handle.

Bundle
A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5 bundles per square.

Bushing
A pipe fitting for joining pipes with different diameters. A bushing is threaded on the inside and outside.

Butt Glazing
The installation of glass products where the vertical glass edges are 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, which pitches sharply from either side toward the center.

Buttering
In glazing, application of sealant or compound to the flat surface of some member before placing the member in position, such as the buttering of a removable stop before fastening the stop in place.

Butyl
Type of non-curing and non-skinning sealant made from butylene. Usually used for internal applications.

Buy Down
A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce monthly payments on a mortgage.

BX Cable
Armored electrical cable wrapped in galvanized steel outer covering. A factory assembly of insulated conductors inside a flexible metallic covering. It can be run anywhere except where exposed to excessive moisture. It should not be run below grade. It must always be grounded and uses its armor as an equipment ground. It is difficult to pull out old wires or insert new ones.

Caisson
A 10" or 12" diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded into bedrock 3 - 4 feet. The structural support for a type of foundation wall, porch, patio, monopost, or other structure. Two or more "sticks" of reinforcing bars (rebar) are inserted into and run the full length of the hole and concrete is poured into the caisson hole.

Calcium Chloride
A chemical used to speed up curing of concrete in damp conditions.

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

Camber
A slightly arched surface, as of a road, a ship's deck, an airfoil, or a snow ski.

Camber Arch
An arch whose intrados, though apparently straight, has a slightly concave curve upward.

Camber Beam
A beam whose under side has a concave curve upward.

Camber Windows
Casement windows with a curved top.

Candidate
An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection association membership. Slave. See Associate Member.

Canopy
An overhanging roof.

Cant Strip
A beveled support used at the junction of a flat surface and a vertical surface to prevent bends and/or cracking of the roofing membrane at the intersection of the roof deck and wall. Used with a base flashing to minimize breaking of the roofing felts.

Cantilever
A projecting beam or other structure supported only at one end. Any part of a structure that projects beyond its main support and is balanced on it.

Cantilevered Void
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soil conditions. This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical sides of 6" and 4" respectively.

Cap
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding, and the like.

Cap Flashing
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Cap Sheet
A top layer in built-up roofing.

Cap Sheets
In roofing, one to four plies of felt bonded and top-coated with bitumen that is laid over an existing roof as a treatment for defective roofs.

Cape Chisel
Tool used to clean out mortar joints on brick.

Capital
The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount borrowed.

Capital and Interest
A repayment loan and the most conventional form of home loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the amount borrowed (capital or principal) plus the interest charged on capital.

Capped Rate
The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up and down below that level.

Carbon Monoxide
CO. A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon.

Casement Frames and Sash
Frames of wood or metal enclosing part or all of the sash, which may be opened by means of hinges affixed to the vertical edges.

Casement Window
A sidehinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side of the window frame.

Casing
Molding of various widths and thicknesses used to trim door and window openings at the jambs.

Cast Iron
Heavy metal formed by casting on molds. The metal is covered with a porcelain enamel coating to make fixtures such as the cast iron tubs.

Cast-Iron Pipe (Plumbing)
Drain and vent lines. Most older drain-waste venting systems are made of cast-iron pipes. Now increasingly supplanted by ABS and PVC. Pipes were originally joined with molten lead, but most plumbers now join them with no-hub couplers.

Cat's Paw
A variation of a pry bar used to pry up deep set (counter sunk) nails.

Catch Basin
A drain for a low or wet spot, with pipe exiting the side and a pit at the bottom to collect sediment.

Caulk
The application of sealant to a joint, crack or crevice. A compound used for sealing that has minimum joint movement capability; sometimes called low performance sealant.

Caulking
Material used to seal exterior cracks and openings such as windows or foundations.

CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)
A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to protect it from termites, other wood boring insects, and decay caused by fungus.

Ceiling Joist
One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls. Also called roof joists.

Cells (Masonry)
The hollow spaces in concrete blocks.

Cellulose Insulation
Ground-up newspaper that is treated with a fire retardant.

Celotex ™
Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.

Cement
The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland cement. Also, any adhesive.

Cement Mixtures
Rich - 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts coarse aggregate. Used for concrete roads and waterproof structures. Standard - 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts coarse aggregate. Used for reinforced work floors, roofs, columns, arches, tanks, sewers, conduits, etc. Medium - 1 part cement, 2 1/2 parts sand, 5 parts coarse aggregate. Used for foundations, walls, abutments, piers, etc. Lean - 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, 6 parts coarse aggregate. Used for all mass concrete work, large foundations, backing for stone masonry, etc. Mixtures are always listed Cement to Sand to Aggregate.

Centerset
A style of faucet that is installed on a lavatory with 4" center-to-center faucet holes and that has the spout and handle(s) combined into a single part.

Ceramic Disk Valve
A type of valve that relies on two-part revolving disks in a sealed cylinder. Each disk has a port in it that, when aligned with the other, will allow water to pass through.

Ceramic Tile
A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower enclosures and on counter tops.

Certificate of Occupancy
A document stating that a building is approved for occupancy. The Building Authority issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

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

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
Measure of volume of air. When testing systems, find the CFM by multiplying the face velocity (amount of air passing through the face of an outlet or return) times the free area (the total area of the openings in the outlet or inlet through which air can pass) in square feet.

Chair Rail
A molding that runs horizontally along the wall at about 3 feet from the ground. In storefront, window wall, or curtain wall systems, a chair rail is an aluminum extrusion applied horizontally to the inside of the system 3 feet from the floor to create a barrier in floor-to-ceiling glazing applications.

Chalk Line
A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.

Change Order
A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the Construction Contract.

Channel Glazing
The installation of glass products into U-shaped glazing channels. The channels may have fixed stops; however, at least one glazing stop on one edge must be removable.

Chapter
A local group of members of a larger association, as in a local NACHI Chapter. A local branch.

Chase
A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel in a wall or through a ceiling for something to lie in or pass through.

Checking
Fissures that appear with age in many exterior paint coatings. At first superficial, but in time may penetrate entirely through the coating. It produces a pattern of surface cracks running in irregular lines. When found in the top pour of an asphalt built-up roof, checking is the preliminary stage of alligatoring.

Checkrails
Meeting rails sufficiently thicker than a window to fill the opening between the top and bottom sash made by the parting stop in the frame of double-hung windows. They are usually beveled.

Chemical Injection Grouting
Leak repair technique usually used below grade in cracks and joints in concrete walls and floors that involves the injection of sealant (usually urethane) that reacts with water to form a seal.

Chink
To install fiberglass insulation around all exterior door and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in the exterior wall.

Chip Board
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing. Also called OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or Wafer Board.

Circuit
A network of wiring that typically commences at a panel box, feeds electricity to outlets and ultimately returns to the panel box.

Circuit Breaker
A protective device which automatically opens an electrical circuit when it is overloaded.

Cistern
Reservoir for water. Common in houses built prior to the fifties in the Midwest.

Class "A" Fire Resistance
The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing per ASTM E-108. Indicates that roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class "B" Fire Resistance
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material is able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class "C" Fire Resistance
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material is able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.

Class B Door
A fire resistant rating applied by the Underwriters Laboratories Classification for a door having a 1 to 1 1/2 hour rating.

Cleanout
A plug in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for the purpose of clearing an obstruction.

Cleanout (Plumbing)
A drain fitting, usually a wye or a tee, with a removable plug to permit inspection and access for an auger or snake.

Cleat
A wedge-shaped piece (usually of metal) which serves as a support or check. A strip fastened across something to give strength or hold something in position.

Clip Ties
Sharp cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete foundation wall that at one time held the foundation form panels in place.

Closed Cut Valley
A method of valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley, while shingles from the other side are trimmed 2 inches from the valley centerline. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Closet Auger
A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.

Closet Bend
A curved fitting that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain.

Closet Bolts
Bolt whose head is fitted to a closet flange and protrudes up through a toilet base. A nut is tightened around it on the toilet base. Two (or four) bolts serve one toilet.

Closet Flange
An anchoring ring secured to the floor. The base of the toilet is secured to this ring with bolts.

CO
An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy."

Coal Tar
A viscous liquid mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, derived, along with coke, from the destructive distillation of coal.

Coal Tar Pitch
A bituminous material, which is a by-product from the coking of coal. It is used as the waterproofing material for tar and gravel built-up roofing.

Code of Ethics
Ethical standards of conduct for home inspectors.

Cohesive Failure
Internal splitting of a compound resulting from over-stressing of the compound.

Cold Air Return
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating.

Cold Applied
Products that can be applied without heating. These are in contrast to products which need to be heated to be applied.

Cold Patch
In roofing, a roof repair done with cold-applied material.

Cold Process Adhesive
Mastic prepared with SBS modifiers to adhere laps, flashing and joints of built-up or low-slope roofing without hot-mopping or torching equipment.

Cold-Method or Lap Cement
Special multipurpose adhesive for low-sloped, cold-applied roof construction. Bonds 19" selvedge, mineral surface and cap sheets to the underlayment. Doubles as an adhesive on 2" selvedge lap of mineral-, granule- or smooth-surfaced roofing. Available in both summer and winter grades.

Collar
In roofing, a conical metal cap flashing used in conjunction with vent pipes or stacks usually located several inches above the plane of the roof for the purpose of shedding water away from the base of the vent.

Collar Beam
In carpentry, a tie that keeps the roof from spreading. They serve to stiffen the roof structure. Connects similar rafters on opposite sides of roof.

Collar Tie
A horizontal board attached perpendicular to rafters.

Combination Doors or Windows
Combination doors or windows are used over regular openings. They provide winter insulation and summer protection and often have self storing or removable glass and screen inserts. This eliminates the need for handling a different unit each season.

Combustion Chamber
The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation.

Common Rafter
Rafter that extends from the top plate to the ridge. Generally set 12, 16, or 24 inches apart.

Compatible
Two or more substances, which can be mixed or blended without separating, reacting, or affecting either material adversely.

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

Composite Board
An insulation board which has two different insulation types laminated together in 2 or 3 layers.

Compression Fitting
Used to join or connect pipes and conduit by causing a ring to compress against the connecting tube when tightening with a wrench.

Compression Gasket
A gasket designed to function under compression.

Compression Set
The permanent deformation of a material after removal of the compressive stress.

Compression Valve
A type of valve that works by raising or lowering a stem. Water passes through the valve by turning the faucet handle, which causes the stem to drop or rise.

Compression Web
A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and top chords and which provides downward support.

Compressor
A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).

Concealed Nail Method
Application of roll roofing in which all nails are driven into the underlying course of roofing and covered by a cemented, overlapping course. Nails are not exposed to the weather.

Concrete Block
A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8"x8"x16" in size. Often used in low rise commercial and some residential construction. The original design and use is attributed to the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Concrete Board
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.

Concrete Board or Wonderboard (TM)
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.

Concrete Grout
A mixture of 3/8-inch pea gravel, sand, cement and water which is poured into the cells of concrete-block walls to reinforce them.

Concrete Plain
Concrete either without reinforcement, or reinforced only for shrinkage or temperature changes.

Condensate Line
The copper pipe that runs from the outside air conditioning condenser to the inside furnace ( where the A/C coil is located).

Condensation
Water condensing on walls, ceiling and pipes. Normal in areas of high humidity, usually controlled by ventilation or a dehumidifier.

Condensing Unit
The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat.

Condition
The visible and conspicuous state of being of an object.

Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions (CC and Rs)
The standards that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

Conduction
The flow of heat from one part of a substance to another part. A piece of iron with one end placed in a fire will soon become warm from end to end due to the transfer of heat by the actual collision of the air molecules.

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

Conductor
In roofing, a pipe for conveying rainwater from the roof gutter to a drain, or from a roof drain to the storm drain; also called a leader, downspout, or downpipe. In electrical contracting, a wire through which a current of electricity flows, better known as an electric wire.

Conductor (Electrical)
Anything that conducts or carries electricity.

Conduit
A hollow pipe casing through which electric lines run.

Conduit (Electrical)
Tubing used to protect wiring.

Console Lavatory
A table-like lavatory in which the basin is attached to a wall at the back and by table or piano legs at the front.

Construction Adhesive
Thick-bodied adhesive, suited to a wide range of repair and construction tasks. Packaged in convenient cartridges for caulking guns.

Construction Drywall
A type of construction in which the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of sheet materials or wood paneling as contrasted to plaster.

Construction Loan
A loan provided by a lending institution specifically to construct or renovate a building.

Construction, Frame
A type of construction in which the structural parts are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support. In codes, if masonry veneer is applied to the exterior walls, the classification of this type of construction is usually unchanged.

Continuing Education
Ongoing education, often a requirement for membership in a home inspection association. For example, NACHI's Continuing Education Policy.

Continuity Tester
An electrical tool used to identify and diagnose a circuit as either open or closed.

Control Joint
A control joint controls or accommodates movement in the surface component of a roof.

Convection
A method of transferring heat by the actual movement of heated molecules, usually by a freestanding unit such as a furnace.

Conventional Loan
A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency (such as FHA or VA).

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

Cooling Load
The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer, usually 78° Fahrenheit, regardless of outside temperature.

Cooling Tower
A large device mounted on roofs, consisting of many baffles over which water is pumped in order to reduce its temperature.

Coped
Removing the top and bottom flange of the end(s) of a metal I-beam. This is done to permit it to fit within, and bolted to, the web of another I-beam in a "T" arrangement.

Coped Joint
Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.

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

Coping Joint
The intersection of a roof slope and an exterior vertical wall.

Copper Pipe Types
Type K has the heaviest or thickest wall and is generally used underground. It has a green stripe. Type L has a medium wall thickness and is most commonly used for water service and for general interior water piping. It has a blue stripe. Type M has a thin wall and many codes permit its use in general water piping installation. It has a red stripe.

Corbel
The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.

Corbel Out
To build out one or more courses of brick or stone from the face of a wall to form a support for timbers.

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

Corner Bead
A strip of formed sheet metal, sometimes combined with a strip of metal lath, placed on corners before plastering to reinforce them. Also, a strip of wood finish three-quarters-round or angular placed over a plastered corner for protection.

Corner Boards
Used as trim for the external corners of a house or other frame structure against which the ends of the siding are finished.

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

Cornerite
Metal-mesh lath cut into strips and bent to a right angle. Used in interior corners of walls and ceilings on lath to prevent cracks in plastering.

Cornice