Copy of `Rook Home Inspections LLC - Glossary of domestic engineering`
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Rook Home Inspections LLC - Glossary of domestic engineering
Category: Architecture and Buildings > Home inspection
Date & country: 16/01/2008, UK
Words: 1346
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Mudsill A wood foundation member, usually a pressure treated 2x4 or 2x6, bolted to the foundation and on which other framing members can be attached.
Mullion A vertical bar or divider in the frame between windows, doors, or other openings that supports and holds such items as panels, glass, sash, or sections of a curtain wall.
Muntins Horizontal or vertical bars that divide the sash frame into smaller lights of glass. Muntins are smaller in dimensions and weight than mullions.
Muriatic Acid Commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry work is completed.
Mushroom An unacceptable occurrence when the top of a caisson concrete pier spreads out and hardens to become wider than the foundation wall thickness.
Natural Finish A transparent finish which does not seriously alter the original color or grain of the natural wood. Natural finishes are usually provided by sealers, oils, varnishes, water-repellent preservatives, and other similar materials.
Neat Plaster A base coat plaster which does not contain aggregates and is used where the addition of aggregates on the job is desired.
NEC (National Electrical Code) A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes—which are backed by law—may differ from the NEC in some ways.
Neoprene A synthetic rubber having physical properties closely resembling those of natural rubber. It is made by polymerizing chloroprenes, which are produced from acetylene and hydrogen chloride.
Nesting A method of re-roofing with new asphalt shingles over old shingles in which the top edge of the new shingles is butted against the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.
Neutral Wire Usually color-coded white, the neutral wire carries electricity from an outlet back to the service panel. Also see Hot Wire and Ground.
Newel A post to which the end of a stair railing or balustrade is fastened. Also, any post to which a railing or balustrade is fastened.
Nipple A short pipe installed between fittings. A pipe coupling that is threaded on both ends.
NM A type of Romex cable (nonmetallic sheathed cable that contains several conductors). The cable, which is flame-retardant, is limited to use in dry locations only and can not be exposed to excessive moisture.
NMC (Non Metallic Conduit) A type of Romex cable (nonmetallic sheathed cable that contains several conductors). NMC may be used in damp or corrosive locations as well as dry areas.
No-Cutout Shingles Shingles consisting of a single, solid tab with no cutouts.
Nominal Size Size used for identification only; not literal dimensions.
Non-Bearing Wall A wall supporting no load other than its own weight.
Non-Destructive A phrase describing a method of examining the interior of a component whereby no damage is done to the component itself.
Non-Drying (Non-Curing) A sealant that does not set up or cure. See Butyl.
Non-fibered Aluminum Roof Coating Thin but efficient reflective barrier to reflect sun's harmful rays and prolong surface life. Also works on metal surfaces.
Non-Sag A sealant formulation having a consistency that will permit application in vertical joints without appreciable sagging or slumping. This performance characteristic allows the sealant to be installed in a sloped or vertical joint application without appreciable sagging or slumping.
Non-Skinning Descriptive of a product that does not form a surface skin.
Non-Staining Characteristic of a compound that will not stain a surface.
Non-Veneer Panel Any wood-based panel that does not contain veneer and carries an APA span rating, such as wafer board or oriented strand board.
Normal Slope Application Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
Nosing The projecting edge of a molding or drip. Usually applied to the projecting molding on the edge of a stair tread.
Notch A crosswise rabbet at the end of a board.
Note A formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating the terms of repayment.
Nozzle The tubular tip of a caulking gun through which the compound is extruded.
Nuclear Meter A device used to detect moisture by measuring slowed, deflected neutrons.
O. G. (or Ogee) A molding with a profile in the form of a letter S; having the outline of a reversed curve.
Oakum Loose hemp or jute fiber that is impregnated with tar or pitch and used to caulk large seams or for packing plumbing pipe joints.
OD (Outside Diameter) A measurement of the diameter of a pipe as taken from the outside edge. A common method for sizing pipe.
Offset A tubular component which permits the offsetting of a drainage run in the same basic direction.
Ohm's Law States that, in a given electrical circuit, the amount at current in amps is equal to the pressure in volts divided by the resistance in ohms. The formula is: I (Current) = V voltage or V = I x R R resistance or R = V/I.
Ohmmeter In electrical contracting, a device to measure the resistance across a load. They are never used on a live circuit. Used to track down broken wires.
Oil-Canning The term describing distortion of thin-gauge metal panels which are fastened in a manner restricting normal thermal movement.
On Center (O.C.) A measurement term meaning a certain distance between like materials. Studs rafters, joists, and the like in a building placed at 16 inches O.C. will be laid out so that there is 16 inches from the center of one stud to the center of the next.
Open Hole Inspection When an engineer (or municipal inspector) inspects the open excavation and examines the earth to determine the type of foundation (caisson, footer, wall on ground, etc.) that should be installed in the hole.
Open Valley Method of valley construction in which shingles on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley flashing is exposed.
Organic A term designating any chemical compound which contains carbon and hydrogen.
Organic Felt An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from cellulose fibers.
Outrigger An extension of a rafter beyond the wall line. Usually a smaller member nailed to a larger rafter to form a cornice or roof overhang.
Overhang That part of the roof structure which extends horizontally beyond the vertical plane of the exterior walls of a building.
Oxidize To combine with oxygen in the air.
Pad Out, Pack Out To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or ceiling in order that the finished ceiling/wall will appear correct.
Padding A material installed under carpet to add foot comfort, isolate sound, and to prolong carpet life.
Paint A combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to provide decorative and protective coatings.
Pallets Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping bundles of shingles.
Panel In house construction, a thin flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material, framed by stiles and rails as in a door or fitted into grooves of thicker material with molded edges for decorative wall treatment.
Parapet Wall A low wall around the perimeter of a roof deck.
Parge Coat A thin application of plaster for coating a wall.
Parking Strip The area in front of a building between the sidewalk and the street usually landscaped with grass. The parking strip serves as a buffer between the road and pedestrians walking on the sidewalk.
Parting Stop or Strip A small wood piece used in the side and head jambs of double-hung windows to separate upper and lower sash.
Partition A wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building.
Patterned Glass A type of rolled glass having a pattern impressed on one or both sides. Used extensively for light control, bath enclosures and decorative glazing. Sometimes call 'rolled,' 'figured,' or 'obscure' glass.
Paver Stones Usually pre-cast concrete slabs used to create a traffic surface.
Payment Schedule A pre-agreed upon schedule of payments to a contractor usually based upon the amount of work completed. Such a schedule may include a deposit prior to the start of work. Payments are often scheduled for the beginning of the month and allow the contractor to subcontractors and suppliers by the 10th of the month. There may also be a temporary 'holdo …
Pedestal Lavatory A lavatory in which the bowl is supported by a single pedestal leg.
Penalty Clause A provision in a contract that provides for a reduction in the amount otherwise payable under a contract to a contractor as a penalty for failure to meet deadlines or for failure of the project to meet contract specifications.
Penny As applied to nails, it originally indicated the price per hundred. The term now serves as a measure of nail length and is abbreviated by the letter 'D.'
Penthouse A relatively small structure built above the plane of the roof.
Percolation Test (Perc Test) Tests that a soil engineer performs on earth to determine the feasibility of installing a leech field type sewer system on a lot. A test to determine if the soil on a proposed building lot is capable of absorbing the liquid affluent from a septic system.
Performance and Payment Bond Guaranty by a surety company that if a contractor fails to perform under a contract, the surety company will complete the work.
Performance Bond An amount of money (usually 10% of the total price of a job) that a contractor must put on deposit with a governmental agency as an insurance policy that guarantees the contractors' proper and timely completion of a project or job.
Perimeter Drain 3' or 4' perforated plastic pipe that goes around the perimeter (either inside or outside) of a foundation wall (before backfill) and collects and diverts ground water away from the foundation. Generally, it is 'daylighted' into a sump pit inside the home, and a sump pump is sometimes inserted into the pit to discharge any accumulation of water.
Perlite An aggregate formed by heating and expanding siliceous volcanic glass.
Perm A measure of water vapor movement through a material (grains per square foot per hour per inch of mercury difference in vapor pressure).
Permanent Set The amount by which a material fails to return to its original dimensions after being deformed by an applied force or load.
Permit A governmental authorization to perform a building process as in: Zoning\Use permit - authorization to use a property for a specific use e.g. a factory, a single family residence etc. Grading permit - authorization to change the contour of the land. Septic permit - a health dept. authorization to build or modify a septic system. Building permit - …
Photo-Oxidation Oxidation caused by rays of the sun.
Pier A column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross section, used to support other structural members.
Pier Block A concrete block used to support foundation members such as posts, beams, girders and joist.
Pigment A powdered solid in suitable degree of subdivision for use in paint or enamel.
Pigtails, Electrical The electric cord that the electrician provides and installs on an appliance such as a garbage disposal, dishwasher, or range hood.
Pilot Hole A small-diameter, pre-drilled hole that guides a nail or screw.
Pilot Light A small, continuous flame (in a hot water heater, boiler, or furnace) that ignites gas or oil burners when needed.
Pitch (a) The incline slope of a roof or the ratio of the total rise to the total width of a house, i.e., an 8-foot rise and 24-foot width is a one-third pitch roof. Roof slope is expressed in the inches of rise per foot of run. A term frequently used to designate coal tar pitch.
Pitch Pan or Pitch Pocket A container, usually formed of sheet metal, around supporting connections with roof-mounted machinery. Filling the container with pitch, or better yet, plastic roof cement, helps seal out water even when vibration is present.
Pitch Pocket An opening extending parallel to the annual rings of growth, that usually contains, or has contained, either solid or liquid pitch.
Pith The small, soft core at the original center of a tree around which wood formation takes place.
PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance (the four major components of monthly housing payments).
Plan Submittal Submission of construction plans to the city or county in order to obtain a Building Permit.
Plans See Blue Prints.
Plaster Grounds Strips of wood used as guides or strike off edges around window and door openings and at base of walls.
Plastic Roof Cement Used as a waterproofing medium in new construction and as a general-purpose exterior repair and maintenance material. Stops roof and other leaks fast. Available in both summer and winter grades.
Plat A map of a geographical area as recorded by the county.
Plate Sill plate: a horizontal member anchored to a masonry wall. Sole plate: bottom horizontal member of a frame wall. Top plate: top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, or other members.
Plate Line The top horizontal line of a building wall upon which the roof rests.
Plenum (or Plenum Chamber) Chamber or container for moving air under a slight positive pressure to which one or more ducts are connected.
Plot Plan A bird`s eye view showing how a building sits on the building lot, typically showing setbacks (how far the building must sit from the road), easements, rights of way, and drainage.
Plough To cut a lengthwise groove in a board or plank.
Plumb Exactly perpendicular; vertical.
Plumb Bob A lead weight attached to a string. It is the tool used in determining plumb.
Plumbing Boots Metal saddles used to strengthen a bearing wall/vertical stud(s) where a plumbing drain line has been cut through and installed.
Plumbing Ground The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a basement floor.
Plumbing Jacks Sleeves that fit around drain and waste vent pipes at and are nailed to the roof sheeting.
Plumbing Rough Work performed by the plumbing contractor after the Rough Heat is installed. This work includes installing all plastic ABS drain and waste lines, copper water lines, bath tubs, shower pans, and gas piping to furnaces and fireplaces. Lead solder should not be used on copper piping.
Plumbing Stack A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
