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.

Back to Top

Coped joint - Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.

Crown - Most boards have a slight bow to one edge. The high side of the bow is called the crown or crown edge.

Header - Heavier framing--usually doubled and laid on edge-- at the top of a window, door, or other opening. In masonry, a header course of bricks or stones laid on edge provides strength.

Joint cement or Joint compound - A powder that is usually mixed with water and used for joint treatment in gypsum -wallboard finish. Often called "spackle" or drywall mud.

Masonry - Brick, tile, stone, concrete units, etc., or combinations thereof, bonded with mortar. Something constructed using bricks or stones.

Pressure-treated wood - Lumber that has been saturated with a preservative.