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.

Batt - A section of fiber -glass or rock -wool insulation measuring 15 or 23 inches wide by four to eight feet long and various thickness'. Sometimes "faced" (meaning to have a paper covering on one side) or "unfaced" (without paper).

Conduction - The direct transfer of heat energy through a material.

Double pane window - Two panes of glass sealed at the edges to create dead air space. The sealed air acts as an insulator.

Framing in - The construction process generally considered to be from the foundation plate up to the application of exterior finish materials.

Manufacturer's specifications - The written installation and/or maintenance instructions which are developed by the manufacturer of a product and which may have to be followed in order to maintain the product warrantee.

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.

Ridge - The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping roof surfaces.

Rough opening - The horizontal and vertical measurement of a window or door opening before drywall or siding is installed.

Stick built - A house built without prefabricated parts. Also called conventional building.

Story - That part of a building between any floor or between the floor and roof.

Top plate - Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, or other members.

Underlayment - A ¬" material placed over the subfloor plywood sheeting and under finish coverings, such as vinyl flooring, to provide a smooth, even surface. Also a secondary roofing layer that is waterproof or water -resistant, installed on the roof deck and beneath shingles or other roof -finishing layer.