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

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.

AERATOR: The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and Air for a smooth flow.

AGGREGATE: A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete.

AIR SPACE: The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.

ALLOWANCES: A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an allowance for an underlayment material, or an electrical allowance which sets aside an amount of money to be spent on electrical fixtures.

ACOUSTICAL MATERIALS: Types of tile,plaster, other materials which absorb sound waves. Generally applied to interior wall surfaces to reduce reverberation or reflection of the waves.

ADHESIVE: A substance capable of holding material together by surface attachment. A general term that includes glue, cement, mastic and paste.

AGGREGATE: Materials such as sand, rock,and grovel used to make concrete.

CONDITIONING: Control of temperature, humidity, movement, and purity of air in buildings.

DRIED: Wood seasoned by exposure to the atmosphere, in the open or under cover, without artificial heat.

TERATlON: Any change in the facilities,structural parts, or mechanical equipment of  a building which does not increase the cubic content.

ANCHOR BOLTS: Bolts embedded in concrete used to hold structural members in place.

ANNUAL RINGS: Rings or layers of wood which represent one growth period of a tree. In cross section the rings may indicate the age of the tree.

APRON: A piece of horizontal trim applied against wall immediately below the stool. Conceals rough edge of plaster.

AREAWAY: An open space around a basement window or doorway. Provides light, ventilation, access.

HALT: A residue from evaporated petroleum. that is insoluble in water but is soluble in gasoline melts when heated. Used for waterproofing coverings, exterior wall coverings, and flooring tile.

ASTRAGAL: An interior molding attached to one a pair of doors or window sash in order to prevent swinging thru; also used with sliding doors to insure tighter fitting where doors meet.

BACKBAND: A narrow rabbeted molding applied the outside corner and edge of interior window and door casing to create a "heavy trim" appearance.

BACKFILL: The replacement of earth after excavating.

BALUSTER: Squares of turned spindle-like vertical stair member which support the stair rail.

BALUSTRADE: A railing consisting of a series of balusters resting on a base, usually the treads, which supports a continuous stair or hand rail.

BASEMENT: The base story of a house, usually below grade.

SHOE: Small narrow molding used around perimeter of a room where the base meets finish floor.

BATTEN: A strip of wood placed across a surface cover joints.

BATTER: The slope, or inclination from the vertical, of a wall or other structure or portion of a structure.

BATTER BOARD: A temporary framework used assist in locating corners when laying out a foundation. One of the intervals or spaces into which a building plan is divided by columns, piers, or division walls.

WINDOW: A rectangular, curved, or polygonal window, or group of windows usually supported on a foundation extending beyond the main of a building.

BEAM: A principal structural member used between posts, columns or walls.

BEARING PARTITION: A partition which supports a vertical load in addition to its own weight.

BEARING WALL: A wall which supports a vertical load in addition to its own weight.

BEDDING: A filling of mortar, putty, or other substance used to secure a firm bearing.

BED MOLDING: A molding applied where two surfaces come together at an angle. Commonly used in cornice trim especially between the plancier and frieze.

BENCH MARK: A mark on a permanent object fixed to the ground from which land measurements and elevations are taken.

BEVEL: To cut to an angle other than a right angle, such as the edge of a board or door.

BEVEL SIDING: Used as finish siding on the exterior of a structure. it is usually manufactured by "resawing" dry, square surfaced boards diagonally
to produce two wedge-shaped pieces.

BID: An offer to supply, at a specified price: materials, supplies, and equipment; or the entire structure or sections of the structure.

BLEMISH: Any defect, scar, or mark that tends to detract from the appearance of wood.

BLIND STOP: A member applied to the exterior edge of the side and head jamb of a window to serve as a stop for the top sash and to form a
rabbet for storm sash, screens, blinds and shutters.

BLUE STAIN: A stain caused by a fungus growth in unseasoned lumber -- especially pine. It does not affect the strength of the wood.

BOARD: Lumber less than 2 in. thick.

BOARD FOOT: The equivalent of a board 1 ft. square and 1 in. thick.

BRACKET: A projecting support for a shelf or other structure.

BRICK CONSTRUCTION: A type of construction in which the exterior walls are bearing walls made of brick.

BRICK MOLDING: A molding for window and exterior door frames. Serves as the boundary molding for brick or other siding material and
forms a rabbet for the screens and/or storm sash or' combination door.

BRICK VENEER CONSTRUCTION: A type of construction in which a wood-frame construction has an exterior surface of single brick.

BRIDGING: Pieces fitted in pairs from the bottom of one floor joist to the top of adjacent joists, and crossed to distribute the floor load. Sometimes
pieces of solid stock of a width equal to the joist are used.

BUILT-UP ROOF: A roofing composed of several
layers of rag felt or jute saturated with coal tar,
pitch, or asphalt. The top is finished with crushed
slag or gravel. Generally used on flat or low-pitched
roofs.

BUTT: Type of door hinge. One leaf is fitted into
space routed into the door frame jamb and the
other into the edge of the door.

CABINET: Case or box-like assembly consisting
of shelves, doors and drawers, used primarily
for storage.

CABINET DRAWER GUIDE: A wood strip used to
guide the drawer as it slide.s~in and out of its
opening.

CABINET DRAWER KICKER: Wood cabinet member
placed immediately above and generally.at
the center of a drawer to prevent tilting down
when pulled out.

CAMBER: A slight arch in a beam or other horizontal
member which prevents it from bending
into a downward or concave shape due to its
weight or load it is to carry.

CANT STRIP: A triangular shaped strip of wood
used under shingles at gable ends or under the
edges of roofing on flat decks.

CASED OPENING: An interior opening without a
door that is finished with iambs and trim.

CASEMENT: A window in which the sash swings
on its vertical edge, so it may be swung in or out.

CASING: The trimming around a door or window,
either outside or inside, or the finished lumber
around a post or beam.

CAULK: To seal and make waterproof cracks and
joints, especially around window and exterior
door frames. (also calk)

CHAIR RAIL: An interior molding applied along
the wall of a room to prevent the chair from
marring the wall.

CHAMFER: Corner of a board beveled at a 45deg.
angle. Two boards butt-jointed and with chamfered
edges form a V joint.

CLEAT: A strip of wood fastened across a door
to add strength. Also a strip fastened to a wall to
support a shelf, fixture, or other objects.

CHECKRAILS: Meeting rails of a double-hung
window which are made thicker to fit the opening
between the top and bottom sash. They are usually
beveled.

CLOSET POLE: A round molding installed in
clothes closets to accommodate clothes hangers.

COLLAR BEAM: A tie beam connecting rafters
considerably above the wall plate. It is also
called a rafter tie.

COLUMN: Upright supporting member circular or rectangular in shape. "

COMMERCIAL STANDARD: A voluntary standard that establishes quality, methods of testing, certification, rating, and labeling of manufactured
items. It provides a uniform base for fair competition.

CONDUCTORS: Pipes for conducting water from a roof to the ground or to a receptacle or drain; downspout.

CONDUIT, ELECTRICAL: A pipe or tube, usually metal, in which wiring is installed.

CONVENIENCE OUTLET: Outlet into which may be plugged portable equipment such as lamps.

COPE: To cut or shape the end of a molded wood member so it will cover and fit the contour of an adjoining piece of molding.

CORBEL OUT: To extend outward from the surface of a masonry wall one or more courses to form a supporting ledge.

CORNER BEAD: Molding used to protect corners. Also a metal reinforcement placed on corners before plastering.

CORNER BRACES: Diagonal braces let into studs to reinforce corners of frame structures.

CORNICE: Exterior trim of a structure at the meeting of the roof and wall; usually consists of panels, boards, and moldings.

COUNTER FLASHING: Flashing used on chimneys at the roof-line to cover shingle flashing and prevent moisture entry.

COVE MOLDING: Molding with a concave profile used primarily where two members meet at a right angle.

CUPOLA: Small vented four-sided structure installed on a roof. Adds decoration to the building and provides ventilation for the attic.

CURTAIN WALL: A wall, usually nonbearing, between piers or columns.

DADO: A rectangular groove cut in wood across the grain.

DEAD LOAD: The weight of permanent, stationary construction included in a building.

DECAY: Disintegration of wood substance due to action of wood destroying fungi.

DIMENSION LUMBER: Lumber 2 to 5 in. thick, and up to 12 in. wide.

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: The ability of a material to resist changes in its dimensions due to temperature, moisture and physical stress.

DOOR FRAME: An assembly of wood parts that
form an enclosure and support for a door. Door
frames are classified as exterior and interior.

DOOR STOP: A molding nailed to the faces of
the door frame jambs to prevent the door from
swinging through.

DORMER: A projecting structure built out from
a sloping roof. Usually includes one or more
windows.

DRIP CAP: A molding which directs water away
from a structure to prevent seepage under the
exterior facing material. Applied mainly over
window and exterior door frames.

DRIP GROOVE: Semicircular groove on the underside
of a drip cap or the lip of a window sill
which prevents water from running back under
the member.

DROP SIDING: Siding, usually 3/4 in. thick and
machined into various patterns. Drop siding has
tongue and groove or shiplap joints.

DRY ROT: A term loosely applied to many types
of decay but especially to that which, when in an
advanced stage, permits the wood to be easily
crushed to a dry powder.

DRY WALL: Materials used for wall covering
which do not need to be mixed with water before
application.

EASED EDGE: Corner slightly rounded or shaped
to a slight radius.

EAVES: The margin or lower part of a roof that
projects over an exterior wall. Also called the
overhang.

ELECTRIC MOISTURE METER: Meter used to
determine the moisture content of wood; Action
is based on electrical resistance or capacitance
which varies with change in moisture content.

EQUILIBRIUM MOISTURE CONTENT: The moisture
content at which wood neither gains nor
loses moisture when surrounded by air at a given
relative humidity and temperature.

ESCUTCHEON: In builders hardware, a protective
plate or shield containing a key hole.

EXPANSION JOINT: A bituminous fiber strip used
to separate blocks or units of concrete to prevent
cracking due to dimensional change caused
by shrinkage and variation in temperature.

FACADE: Main or front elevation of a building.

FACE NAIL: A nail driven perpendicular to the
surface of a piece.

FACTORY AND SHOP LUMBER: Lumber intended
to be cut up for use in further manufacture. It is
graded on the basis of the percentage of the area
which will produce a limited number of cuttings
of a specified, or a given minimum, size and
quality.

FASCIA: A wood member used for the outer face
of a box cornice where it is nailed to the ends of
the rafters and lookouts.

FENESTRATION: The placement or arrangement
and sizes of the windows and exterior doors of
a building.

FIBER BOARD: A broad term used to describe
sheet material of widely varying densities; manufactured
from wood, cane, or other vegetable
fibers.

FIBER SATURATION POINT: The stage in the
drying or wetting of wood at which the cell walls
are saturated and the cell cavities are free from
water. It is assumed to be 30 percent moisture
content, based on oven dry weight and is the
point below which shrinkage occurs.

FIRE STOP: A block or stop used in wall of building
between studs to prevent the spread of fire
Modern Carpentry
and smoke through air space.

FIRE WALL: A wall which subdivides a building
to restrict the spread of fire.

FLASH IN G: Sheet metal or other material used
in roof and wall construction (especially around
chimneys and vents) to prevent rain or other
water from entering.

FLAT ROOF: A roof which is flat, or which is
pitched only enough to provide for drainage.

FLUE: The space or passage in a chimney through
which smoke, gas, or fumes rise. Each passage
is called a flue, which with the surrounding masonry,
makes up the chimney.

FLUSH: Adjacent surfaces even, or in same plane
(with reference to two structural pieces).

FOOTING: The spreading course or courses at
the base or bottom of a foundation wall, pier,
or column.

FOUNDATION: The supporting portion of a structure
below the first-floor construction, or grade,
including the footings.

FRAMING: The timber structure of a building
which gives it shape and strength; including interior
and exterior walls, floor, roof and ceilings.

FRIEZE: A boxed cornice wood trim member attached
to the structure where the soffit (plancier)
and wall meet.

FURRIN G: Narrow strips of wood spaced to form
a nailing base for another surface. Furring is
used to level, to form an air space between the
two surfaces and to give a thicker appearance to
the base surface.

GABLE: That portion of a wall contained between
the slopes of a double-sloped roof or that portion
contained between the slope of a single-sloped
roof and a line projected horizontally through the
lowest elevation of the roof construction.

GAIN: Notch or morti se cut to receive the end of
another structural member --or a hinge and
other hardware.

GIRDER: A large or principal beam used to support
concentrated loads at particular points along
its length.

GLAZING: The process of installing glass into
sash and doors. Also refers to glass panes inserted
in various types of frames.

GLAZIN G COMPOUND: A plastic substance of
such consistency that it tends to remain soft and
rubbery when used in glazing sash and doors.

GLUE BLOCK: A wood block, triangular or rectangular
in shape, which is glued into place to
reinforce a right-angle butt joint. Sometimes
used at the intersection of the tread and riser
in a stairs.

GROUND: A strip of wood assisting the plasterer
in making a straight wall and in giving a place to
which the finish of the room may be nai led.

GROUT: A thin mortar used in masonry work.

GUSSET: A panel or bracket of either wood or
metal attached to the corners or intersections of
a frame to add strength and stiffness.

GUTTER: Wood or metal trough attached to the
edge of a roof to collect and conduct water from
rain and melting snow.

HALF STORY: That part of a building situated
wholly or partly within the roof frame, finished
for occupancy.

HARDBOARD: A board material manufactured of
wood fiber, formed into a panel having a density
range of approximately 50 to 80 Ibs. per cu. ft.

HEADER: Horizontal structural member that supports
the load over an opening, such as a window
or door. Also called a lintel.

HEADROOM: The clear space between floor line
and ceiling, as in a stairway.

HEARTWOOD: The wood extending from, pith
or center of the tree to the sapwood, the cells of
which no longer participate in the life processes
of the tree.

HEAT TRANSMISSION COEFFICIENT: Hourlyrate
of heat transfer for one square foot of surface
when there is a temperature difference of one
deg. F. of the air on the two sides of the surface.

HIP ROOF: A roof which rises from all four sides
of a bui Iding.

HOLLOW-BACK: Removal of a portion of the wood
on the unexposed face of a wood member to more
properly fit any irregularity in bearing surface.

HOLLOW CORE DOOR: Flush door with a core
assembly of strips or other units which support
the outer faces.

HORN: The extension of a stile, jamb, or sill.

HOSE BIB: A water faucet that is threaded so a
hose connection can be attached; a si II cock.

.r BEAM: A steel beam with a cross section that
resembles the letter r.

INCINERATOR: A device which consumes household
waste by burning.

INTERIOR TRIM: General term for all the molding,
casing, baseboard and other trim items applied
within the building by finish carpenters.

INSULATION: (Thermal) Any material high in resistance
to heat transmission that is placed in
structures to reduce the rate of heat flow.

IN- THE-WHITE: Natural or unpainted; the natural
unfinished surface of the wood.

JACK RAFTER: A short rafter framing between
the wall plate and a hip rafter; or a hip or valley
rafter and ridge board.

JALOUSIE: A series of small horizontal overlapping
glass slats, held together by an end metal
frame attached to the faces of window frame side
jambs or door stiles and rai Is. The slats or louvers
move simultaneously like a Venetian blind.

JAMB: The top and two sides of a door or window
frame which contact the door or sash; top jamb
and side jambs.

JOINERY: A term used by woodworkers when referring
to the various types of joints used in a
structure.

JOIST: One of a series of parallel framing members
used to support floor and ceiling loads, and
supported in turn by larger beams, girders, or
bearing walls.

KERFIN G: Longitudinal saw cuts or grooves of
varying depths (dependent on the thickness of the
wood member) made on the unexposed faces of
mi IIwork members to relieve stress and prevent
warping; members are also kerfed to facilitate
bending,

KILN DRIED: Wood seasoned in a kiln by means
of artificial heat, controlled humidity and air
circulation.

KNOCKED DOWN: Unassembled; refers to structural
units requiring assembly after being delivered
to the job.

KNOT: Branch or limb embedded in the tree and
cut through during lumber manufacture.

LALLY COLUMN: A cylindrically shaped steel
member used to support beams and girders.
Sometimes filled with concrete.

LA TH: A bui Iding material of wood, metal, gypsum,
or insulating board, fastened to frame of
building to act as a plaster base.

LAZY SUSAN: A circular revolving cabinet shelf
used in corner kitchen cabinet unit.

LEADER: A vertical pipe that carries rainwater
from the gutter to the ground or a drain. Also
downspout.

LEDGER: A strip attached to vertical framing or
structural members to support joists or other
horizontal framing. Simi lor to a ribbon strip.

LIGHT CONSTRUCTION: Construction generally
restricted to conventional wood stud walls, floor
and ceiling ioists and rafters. Primarilyresidential
in nature although it does include small commercial
buildings.

LINEAL FOOT: Having length only, pertaining to
a line one foot long --as distinguished from a
square foot or cubic foot.

LINTEL: A horizontal structural member which.
supports the load over an opening such as a door
or window.

LIVE LOAD: The total of all moving and variable
loads that may be placed upon a building.

LOCK BLOCK: A block of wood which is joined to
the inside edge of the sti Ie of a hollow core door
and to which the lock is fitted. Flush doors have
a lock block on each stile.

LOOKOUT: Structural member running between
the lower end of a rafter and the outside wall.
Used to carry the underside of the overhang;
plancier or soffit.

LUMBER: The product of the saw and planing
mill not further manufactured than by sawing,
resowing, passing lengthwise through a standard
planing machine, and crosscutting to length. Some
matching of ends and edges may be included.

MANSARDROOF: A type of curb roof in which the
pitch of the upper portion of a sloping side is
slight and that of the lower portion steep. The
lower portion is usually interrupted by dormer
windows.

MASONRY: Stone, brick, hollow tile, concrete
block or ti Ie, and sometimes poured concrete and
gypsum block, or other similar material" or a
combination of same, bonded together with mortar
to form a wall, pier, buttress, etc.

MATCHED LUMBER: Lumber that isedgedressed
and shaped to make a close tongue-and-groove
joint at the edges or ends. Also generally includes
lumber with rabbeted edges.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT: In architectural and
engineering practice: All equipment included under
the general heading of plumbing, heating, air
conditioning, gasfitting, and ,electrical work.

MEDALLION: A raised decorative piece, some-,
times used an flush doors.

MEETING RAIL: The bottom rail of the upper
sash, and the top rail of the lower sash of a
double-hung window. Also called a check rail.

MILLWORK: The term used to describe.products
which are primarily manufactured from lumber
in a planing mill or woodworking plant; including
moldings, door frames and entrances, blinds
and shutters, sash and window units, doors,
stairwork, kitchen cabinets, mantels, cabinets
and porch work.

MODULAR COORDINATION: The dimensioning of
a structure and use of building materials based
on a common unit of measurement, namely a
module.

MOISTURE CONTENT: The amount of water contained
in wood. Expressed as a percentage of the
weight of oven-dry wood.

MONOLITHIC: Term used for concrete construction
poured and cast in one unit --without joints.

MOULDER: A woodworking machine designed to
run moldings and other wood members with regular
or irregular profiles. Also called a sticker.

MOLDING: A relatively narrow strip of wood,
usually shaped' to a curved prafi Ie throughout its
length. Used to accent and emphasize the ornamentation
of a structure and to conceal surface
or angle joints.

MULLION: A slender bar or pier forming a division
between units of windows, screens, or similar
frames -- generally nonstructural.

MUNTIN: Vertical member between two panels of
the same piece of panel work. The vertical and
horizontal sashbars separating the different panes
of glass in a window.

NET FLOOR AREA: The grass floor area, less
the area of the partitions, columns, and stairs
and other floor openings.

NEWEL: The main post at the start of a stairs
and the stiffening post at the landing; a stair
newel.

NOMINAL SIZE: As applied to timber or lumber,
the ordinary commercial size by which it is
known and sold.

NONBEARING PARTITION: A partition extending
from floor to cei ling which supports no load other
than its own weight.

NOSING: The part of a stair tread which projects
over the riser, or any similar projection; a term
applied to the rounded edge of a board.

ON CENTER: A method of indicating the spacing
of framing members by stating the measurement
from the center of one member to the center of
the succeeding one.

OPEN-GRAIN WOOD: Woods with large pores,
such as oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut.

ORIEL WINDOW:A window that projects from the
main Irne of an enclosing wall of a building and is
carried on brackets, corbels, or a cantilever.

PARAPET: A low wall or railing along the edge
of a roof, balcony or bridge. The part of a wall
that extends above the roof line.

PARGETING: Thin coat of plaster applied to stone
or brick to form a smooth or, decorative surface.

PARTICLEBOARD: A formed panel consisting of
particles of wood flakes, shavings, slivers, etc.,
'bonded together with a synthetic resin or other
added binder.

PARTIT ION: A wall that subdivides space within
any story of a building.

PARTY WALL: A wall used jointly by two parties
under easement agreement and erected at or
upon a line separating two parcels of land that
may be held under different ownership.

PENNY: Term used to indicated nail length; abbreviated
by the letter d. Applies to common,
box, casrng, and finishing nails.

PIER: A column of masonry, usually rectangular
in horizontal crass section. Used to support other
structural members.

PILASTER: A part of a wall that projects not
more than one-half of its own width beyond the
outside or inside face of a wall. Chief purpose is
to add strength --may also be decorative.

P ILE: A heavy timber, or pi liar of metal or concrete,
forced into the earth or cast in place to
form a foundation member.

PITCH: Inclination or siope, as of roofs or stairs.
Rise divided by the span.

PLAN: A drowing representing anyone of the
floors or horizontal cross sections of a building,
or the horizontal plane of any other ob ject or
area.

PLANCIER: The underside of an eave or cornice,
usually horizontal.

PLASTER: A mixture of lime, cement and sand,
used to cover outside and inside wall surfaces.

PLA T: A map, plan, or chart of a city, town, section,
or subdivision indicating the location and
boundaries of individual properties.

PLA TE: A horizontal structural member placed
on a wall or supported an posts, studs,or corbels
to carry the trusses of a roof or to carry the rafters
directly. Also a sale or base member of a
partition or other frame.

PLATFORM FRAMIN'G:A system of framing a
building where the floor joists of each story rest
on the top plates of the story below (or on the
foundation wall for the first story) and the bearing
walls and partitions rest on the sub floor of
each story.

PLUMB: Exactly perpendicular or vertical; at
right angles to the horizon or floor.

PLUMBING: The work or business of installing
in bui Idings the pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus
for bringing in the water supply and removing
liquid and water-borne wastes. This term is uS,ed
also to denote the installed fixtures and piping of
a bui Iding.

PLUMBING STACK: A general term for the vertical
main of a system of soil, waste, or vent
piping.

PORTICO: A porch or covered walk consisting of
a roof supported by columns. A porch with a
continuous row of columns.

PREFABRICA TED CONSTRUCTION: Type of construction
so designed as to involve a minimum of
assembly at the site, usually comprising a series
of large units manufactured in a plant.

PRESERVATIVE: Substance that will prevent the
development and action of wood-destroying fungi,
borers of various kinds, and other harmful insects
that deteriorate wood.

PURLlNS: Horizontal roof members used to support
rafters between the plate and ridge board.

QUARTER ROUND: Small molding with a crass
section of one-fourth of a cylinder.

QUARTER-SAWED:Lumber that has been cut at
approximately a 90 deg. angle to the annular
growth rings.

QUIT-CLAIM DEED: A deed whereby the grantor
conveys without warranty, to the grantee, whatever
interest he possesses in the property.

RABBET: A rectangular shape consisting of two
surfaces cut along the edge or end of a board.

RAFTER: One of a series of structural members
of a roof designed to support roof loads. The
rafters of a flat roof are sometim'es called roof
joists.

RAIL: Cross or horizontal members of the framework
of a sash, door, blind or other assembly.

RAKE:The trim members that run parallel to the
roof slope and form the finish between the roof
and wall at a gable end.

RAMP:Inclined plane connectingseparate levels.

REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION: A
type of construction in which the principal structural
members, such as floors, columns, and
beams, are made of concrete poured around steel
bars or steel meshwork in such manner that the
two materials oct together to resist force.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY: Ratio of amount of water
vapor in air in term~ of percentage to total
amount it could hold at the same temperature.

RESILIENT: The ability of a material to withstand
temporary deformation, the original shape being
assumed when the stresses are removed.

RETAINING WALL: Any wall subjected to lateral
pressure other than wind pressures. Example --
a waII bui It to support b bank of earth.

RIBBON: A narrow board attached to studdingor
other vertical members of a frame that adds
support to joists or other horizontal members.

RISER:The vertical stair member between two
consecutive stair treads.

ROOFING: The materials applied to the structural
parts of a roof to make it waterproof.

ROOF RIDGE: The horizontal line at the junction
of the top edges of two roof surfaces where an
external angle greater than 180 deg. is formed.

ROTARY CUT VENEER: Veneer cut on a lathe
which rotates the log against a broad cutting
knife. The veneer is cut in a continuous sheet
much the same as paper is unwoundfrom a roll.

ROUGHING-IN: The work of installing all pipes
in the drainage system and all water pipes to the
point where connections are made with the plumbing
fixtures. Also applies to partially completed
electrical wiring and other mechanical aspects of
the structure.

ROUGH LUMBER: Lumber that has been cut to
rough size with saws but which has not been
dressed or surfaced.

ROUGH OPENING: The opening formed by the
framing members.

SADDLE:A small gable type roof placed in back
of a chimney on a sloping roof to shed water and
debris.

SAPWOOD: The layers of wood next to the bark,
usually lighter in color than the heartwood,that
are actively involved in the life processes of the
tree. More susceptible to decay than heartwood.
Sapwoodis notl essentia lIy weaker or stronger
than heartwoodof the same species.

SASH:The framework which holds the glass in
a window.

SCAFF 0 LD: A temporary structure or platform
used to support workmen and materials during
building construction.

SCANTLING: Lumber with a cross section ranging
from 2 in. x 4 in. to 4 in. x 4 in.

SCARFING: Joining the ends of stock together
with a sloping lap-joint so they appear to be a
single piece.

SCOTIA: A concave molding consisting of an irregular
curve. Used under the nosing of stair
treads and for cornice trim.

SCUTTLE: An opening in a ceiling which provides
access to the attic.

SEASONING:Removingmoisture from greenwood
to improve its serviceability.

SECONDGROWTH:Timber that has grown after
the re,moval of a large portion of the previous
stand.

SEPTICTANK:A sewage-settling tank intended
to retain the sludge in immediate contact with
the sewage flowing through the tank, for a sufficient
period to secure satisfactory decomposition
of organic sludge solids by bacterial action.

SETTING BLOCK: A wood block placed in the
glass groove or rabbet of the bottom rai I of an
insulating glass sash to form a base or bed for
the glass.

SHAKES: Handsplit shingles.

SHEATHING: The structural covering. Consists of
boards or prefabricated panels that are attached
to the exterior studding or rafters of a structure.

SHEATHING PAPER: A building material usedin
wall, floor, and roof construction to resist the
passoge of air.

SHIM: A thin strip of wood, sometimes wedgeshoped,
for plumbing or leveling wood members.
Especially helpful when setting door and window
frames.

SHIPLAP: Lumber with edges that have been rabbeted
to form a lap joint between adjacent pieces.

SHORING: Lumber and timbers used to prevent
the sliding of earth adjoining an excavation. Also
the timbers used as temporary bracing against
a wall or under a platform.

SHUTTER: A woodassembly of stiles and rails to
form a frame which encloses panels used in conjunction
with door ond window frames. Also may
consist of vertical boards cleated together.

SIDE OF TRIM: Trim required to finish one side
of a door or window opening.

SIDING: The finish covering of the outside wall
of a frame building. Mony different types are
avoilable.

SILL: The lowest member of the frame of a structure,
usually horizontal, resting on the foundation
and supporting the uprights of the frame. Also
the lowest member of 0 window or outside door
frame.

SLEEPER: A timber laid on or near the ground to
support floor joists and other structures above.
Also wood strips laid over or embedded in a concrete
floor to which finish flooring is attached.

SOFFIT: The underside of the members of a
building, such as staircases, cornices, beams
and arches. Relatively minor in size as compared
with ceilings. Also called drop ceiling and furreddown
ceiling.

SOFTWOODS: The botanical group of trees that
have needle or scalelike leaves and are evergreen
for the most part, cypress, larch, and
tamarack being exceptions. The term has no
reference to the actual hardness of the wood.
Softwoods are often referred to as conifers, and
botanically they are called gymnosperms.

SOIL STACK: A general term for the vertical
main of a system of soil, waste, or vent piping.

SOLAR ORIENTATION: Placement of a structure
on a building site to obtain the maximum benefits
of sunlight.

SPAN: The distance between structural supports
such as walls, columns, piers, beams, girders,
and trusses.

SPECIFICATION: A written document
the kind, quality, and sometimes the
materials and workmanship required
struction job.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: The ratio of the weight of
a body to the weight of an equal volume of water
at some standard temperature.

SPLASH BLOCK: A small masonry block laid with
the top close to the ground surface to receive
roof drainage and carry it oway from the bui Iding.

SPLINE: A small strip of wood that fits into a
groove or slot of both members to form a joint.

SQUARE: Unit of measure --100 square feet--
usually applied to roofing material and to some
types of siding.

STAIRWAY, STAIR, OR STAIRS: A series of steps,
with or without landings, or platforms, usually
between two or more floors of a building.

STAIRWELL: The framed opening which receives
the stoirs.

STEEL-FRAME CONSTRUCTION: A type of construction
in which the structural parts are of
steel or are dependent on a steel frame for
support.

STICKERS: Strips of wood used to separate the
layers in a pi Ie of lumber so air can circulate.

STILE: The upright or vertical outside pieces of
a sash, door, blind or screen.

STOOL: A molded interior trim member serving
as a sash or window frame si II cap. Stools may
be beveled-rabbeted or rabbeted to receive the
window frame si II.

STOOP: A small porch, veranda, or platform, or
a stairway, outside an entrance to a buiIding.

STORY: Thatpart of a buildingcomprisedbetween
any floor and the floor or roof next above.
stipulating
quantity of
for a con-
Modern Carpentry

STORY POLE: A strip of woodused to layout and
transfer measurements for door and window
openings, siding and shingle courses, and stairways.
Also called a rod.

STRAIGHTEDGE: A straight strip of wood or
metal used to layout or check the accuracy of
work.

STRESSED SKIN: Two facings, one glued to one
side and the other to the opposite side of an inner
structural framework to form a panel. Facings
may be of plywood or other suitable material.

STRIKE PLATE: A metal piece mortised into or
fastened to the face of a door frame side jamb to
receive the latch or bolt when the door is closed.

STRUCTURALWINDOWWALL PANEL: Awindow
unit framed into a wall panel at the factory. Also
called a factory-assembled structural wall panel.

STUD: One of a series of vertical wood or metal
structural members in walls and partitions.
Plural -- studs or studding.

SUBFLOOR: Boards or panels laid directly on
floor joists over which a finished floor will be
laid.

SURFACED LUMBER: Lumber that is dressed or
finished by running it through a planer.

TAIL BEAM:A relatively short beam or joist
supported by a wall on one end and by a header
on the other.

TERMITE SHIELD: A shield, usually made of
sheet metal, placed in or on a foundation wall or
around pipes to prevent the passage of termites
into the structure.

TERRAZZO FLOORING: Afloor producedby embedding
small chips of marble or colored stone
in concrete and then grinding and polishing the
surface.

THERMOSTAT: An instrument that controls automatically
the operation of heating or cooling devices
by responding to changes in temperature.

THREE-WAY SWITCH:A switch designed to operate
in conjunction with a similar switch to
control one outlet from two points.

THRESHOLD: A wood member, beveled or tapered
on each side, used to close the space between the
bottom of a door and the si II or floor underneath.
Sometimes called a saddle.

TIE BEAM (collar beam): A beam so situated that
it ties the principal rafters of a roof together and
prevents them from thrusting the plate out of line.

TIMBERS: Lumber 5 inches or larger in least
dimension.

TOENAILlNG: To drive a nail at a slant with the
initial surface in order to permit it to penetrate
into a second member.

TOE SPACE: A recessed space at the floor line
of a base kitchen cabinet or other built-in units.
Permits one to stand close without striking the
vertical surface with his toes.

TRANSFORMER:A device for transforming the
voltage characteristics of an electric current.

TRANSOM: A small opening above a door separated
by a horizontal member (transom bar).
Usually contains a sash or a louver panel hinged
to the transom bar.

TRAP: A plumbing fitting or device designed to
provide a liquid trap seal which will prevent the
sewer gases from passing through and entering
a building.

TREAD: The horizontal part of a step on which
the foot is placed.

TRIM: The finish materials in a building, such as
moldings applied around openings (window trim,
door trim) or at the floor and cei ling of rooms
(baseboard, cornice, picture molding).

TRIMMER: The beam or floor joist into which a
header is framed. Adds strength to the side of
the opening.

TRUSS: A structural unit consisting of such members
as beams, bars, and ties; usually arranged
to form triangles. Provides rigid support over
wide spans with a minimum amount of material.

UNPROTECTED-METAL CONSTRUCTION: Atype
of construction in which the structural parts are
of metal unprotected by fireproofing.

VALLEY: The internal angle formed by the two
slopes of a roof.

VALLEY RAFTER: A rafter which forms the intersection
of an internal roof angle.

VAPOR BARRIER: A watertight material used to
prevent the passage of moisture or water vapor
into or through structural elements (floors,walls,
ceilings).

VENEERED WALL: A frame building wall with a
masonry facing (example --single brick). A veneered
wall is non load bearing.

VENT: A pipe installed to provide a flow of air
to or from a drainage system or to provide a
circulation of air within such system to protect
trap seals from siphonage and back pressure.

VENTILA TION: The process of supplying and removing
air by natural or mechanical means. Such
air mayor may not have been conditioned.

VERMICULITE: Mineral closely related to mica,
with the faculty of expanding on heating to form
lightweight material with insulating qualities.
Used as bulk insulation, also as aggregate in insulating
and acoustical plaster, and in insulating
concrete floors.

WAINSCOT: A lower interior woll surface (usually
3 to 4 ft. above the floor) that contrasts with the
wall surface above. May consist of solid wood or
plywood.

WALLBOARD: Wood pulp, gypsum, or other materials
made into large rigid sheets that may be
fastened to the frame of a bui Iding to provide a
surface finish.

WALL TIE: Metal strip or wire used to bind tiers
of masonry in cavity wall construction, or to bind
brick veneer to a wood frame wall.

WARP: Any variation from a true or plane surface.
Warp includes bow, crook, cup, and twist,
or any combination thereof.

WA TER REPELLENT: A solution, primarily paraffin
wax and resin in mineral spirits, which
upon penetrating wood retards changes in its
moisture content.

WA TER TABLE: A ledge or slight projection at
the bottom of a structure which carries the water
away from the foundation.

WEATHERING: The mechanical or chemical disintegration
and discoloration of the su'rface of
wood. It can be caused by exposure to light, the
action of dust and sand carried by winds, and the
alternate shrinking and swelling of the surface
fibers that come with the continual variation in
moi sture content brought by changes in the
weather. Weathering does not include decay.

WEATHERSTRIP: Narrow strips of metal, vinyl
plastic or other material, so designed that when
installed at doors or windows, they will retard
the passage of air, water, moisture, or dust
around the door or window sash.

WEEP HOLE: A small hole, as in a retaining wall,
to drain water to the outside. Commonly used at
the lower edges of masonry cavity walls.

WET WALL: An interior wall finish surface usually
consi sting of 3/8 in. gypsum plaster lath and
1/2 in. gypsum plaster applied to the lath surface.

WHALER (also waler): A horizontal member used
in concrete form construction.

WIND ("i" pronounced as in kind): A term used to
describe the warp in a board when twisted (wind-
. ing). It wi II rest upon two diagonally opposite
corners, if laid upon a perfectly flat surface.

WINDOW UNIT: Consists of a combination of the
frame, window, weatherstripping and sash activation
device. May also include screens anc!/or
storm sash. All parts are assembled as a complete
operating unit.

WING: A lateral extension of a building from the
main portion thereof or one of two or more coordinate
portions of a building which extends
from a common junction.

WIRE GLASS: Glass having a layer of meshed
wire incorporated approximately in the center
of the sheet.

WP SERIES MOLDING PATTERNS: A recent
molding series of more than 500 profiles which
was 0 joint venture of the former West Coast
Lumbermen's Association and the Western Pine
Association now merged as Western Wood Products
Association.