Homeowners Glossary (Page 1 of 6) |
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Here are some common terms relevant to home ownership. A/C: An abbreviation for Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning, or Alternating Current. Access Panel: An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system. 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 providing cover. Air Duct: Pipes that carry warm air and cold air to rooms and back to furnace or air conditioning system. Ampere: The rate of flow of electricity through electric wires. 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 paved area, such as the juncture of a driveway with the street or with a garage entrance. Awning Window: A window with hinges at the top allowing it to open out and up. Backfill: The gravel or earth replaced in the space around a building wall after foundations are in place. Backsplash: A raised integral portion of a wall mount sink or lavatory located at the rear to protect the wall. Balusters: Upright supports of a balustrade rail. Balustrade: A row of balusters topped by a rail, edging a balcony or a staircase. 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. Batten: Small thin strips covering joints between wider boards on exterior building surfaces. Beam: One of the principal horizontal wood or steel members of a building. Bearing Wall: A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight. Bib or Bibcock: A water faucet to which a hose may be attached, also called a hose bib or sill cock. Bleeding: Seeping of resin or gum from lumber. This term is also used in referring to 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. Braced Framing: Construction technique using posts and cross-bracing for greater rigidity. Breezeway: A roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two structures, such as a house and a garage. Brick Veneer: Brick used as the outer surface of a framed wall. Bridging: Small wood or metal pieces placed diagonally between floor joists. Building Paper: Heavy paper used in walls or roofs to dampproof. Built-Up Roof: A roofing material applied in sealed, waterproof layers, where there is only a slight slope to the roof. Butt Joint: Joining point of two pieces of wood or molding. Bx Cable: Electricity cable wrapped in rubber 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. Carriage: The member which supports the steps or treads of a stair.
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