Louver - A vented opening into the home that has a series of horizontal slats and arranged to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, snow, light, insects, or other living creatures.
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.
Bedrock - A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.
Blocked (rafters) - Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid -span.
EER (energy efficiency ratio) - A measure of cooling efficiency computer by dividing a cooling unit's output in BTUs by its input in watts.
Incandescent lamp - A lamp employing an electrically charged metal filament that glows at white heat. A typical light bulb.
ú Septic permit - A health department authorization to build or modify a septic system.
Balancing - Fine-tuning the air flow of a heating/cooling system to even up the delivery through a home.
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).
Change order - A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the construction Contract.
Convection - Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it. Also see radiation.
Finger joint - A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber or molding. Often used in jambs and casings and are normally painted (instead of stained).
Ledger (for a Structural Floor) - The wooden perimeter frame lumber member that bolts onto the face of a foundation wall and supports the wood structural floor.
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.
