A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to protect it from termites, other wood boring insects, and decay caused by fungus.

Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.

A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower enclosures and on counter tops.

Interior trim material installed about 3-4 feet up the wall, horizontally.

A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the construction Contract.

To install fiberglass insulation around all exterior door and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in the exterior wall.

The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground.

Optimum fire rating issued by Underwriter's Laboratories on roofing. The building codes in some areas require this type of roofing for fire safety.

An opening providing access to a drain line. Closed with a threaded plug.

An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy". This certificate is issued by the local municipality and is required before anyone can occupy and live within the home. It is issued only after the local municipality has made all inspections and all monies and fees have been paid.

Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roofing above the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.

A vertical structural compression member which supports loads.

The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs. Normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation.

A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).

A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size.

Beads or drops of water (and frequently frost in extremely cold weather) that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a building. Use of louvers or attic ventilators will reduce moisture condensation in attics. A vapor barrier under the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls will reduce condensation.

The standards that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material.

A legal document which specifies the what-when-where-how-how much and by whom in a construction project. A good construction contract will include: The contractors registration number. A statement of work quality such as 'Standard Practices of the Trades' or 'according to Manufacturers Specifications'. A set of Blue Prints or Plans. A construction timetable including starting and completion dates. A set of Specifications. A Fixed Price for the work, or a Time and Materials formula. A Payment Schedule. Any Allowances. A clause which outlines how any disputes will be resolved. A written Warrantee.

A type of construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.

A company licensed to perform certain types of construction activities. In most states, the generals contractor's license and some specialty contractor's licenses don't require of compliance with bonding, workmen's compensation and similar regulations. Some of the specialty contractor licenses involve extensive training, testing and/or insurance requirements. There are various types of contractors: General contractor - responsible for the execution, supervision and overall coordination of a project and may also perform some of the individual construction tasks. Most general contractors are not licensed to perform all specialty trades and must hire specialty contractors for such tasks, e.g. electrical, plumbing. Remodeling contractor - a general contractor who specializes in remodeling work. Specialty contractor - licensed to perform a specialty task e.g. electrical, side sewer, asbestos abatement. Sub contractor - a general or specialty contractor who works for another general contractor.

Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it. Also see radiation.

The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate schedule to a fixed rate schedule.

Removing the top and bottom flange of the end(s) of a metal I-beam. This is done to permit it to fit within, and bolted to, the web of another I-beam in a "T" arrangement.

The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.