A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning

The outside fan unit of the air conditioning system. It removes the heat from the Freon gas and turns the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace.

The outside fan unit of the air conditioning system. It removes the heat from the Freon gas and turns the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace.

The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C condenser.

(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Rigid black plastic pipe used only for drain lines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile_Butadiene_Styrene

Amount of moisture in the air, indicated in grains per cubic foot.

An opening in the wall or ceiling near the fixture that allows access for servicing the plumbing/electrical system.

Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds up the natural set.

Can be approached or entered by the inspector safely, without difficulty, fear or danger.

43,560 square feet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acre

A glassy thermoplastic material that is vacuum-formed to cast and mold shapes that form the surface of fiberglass bathtubs, whirlpools, shower bases, and shower stalls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylic

To turn on, supply power, or enable systems, equipment, or devices to become active by normal operating controls. Examples include turning on the gas or water supply valves to the fixtures and appliances and activating electrical breakers or fuses.

The exact measurement of lumber after it has been cut, dried and milled.

A fitting that unites different types of pipe together, e.g. ABS to cast iron pipe.

The property of a coating or sealant to bond to the surface to which it is applied.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adhesion

Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to which it is applied.

Constitute, or potentially constitute, a negative or destructive impact.

An apparatus that mixes air into flowing water. It is screwed onto the end of a faucet spout to help reduce splashing.

Crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that comes in a wide range of sizes which is used to surface built-up roofs.

A vertical, air-filled pipe that prevents water hammer by absorbing pressure when water is shut off at a faucet or valve.

Ducts, usually made of sheet metal, that carry cooled or heated air to all rooms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duct_(HVAC)

Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are coated with an adhesive liquid to which particles of lint and dust adhere. These filters will remove as much as 90% of the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common filters are of the throwaway or disposable type.

The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows and doors.

The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.

Lumber that has been piled in yards or sheds for any length of time. For the United States as a whole, the minimum moisture content of thoroughly air dried lumber is 12 to 15 percent and the average is somewhat higher. In the South, air dried lumber may be no lower than 19 percent.

A space between roof insulation and roof boards provided for movement of air.

Warning devices, installed or free-standing, including but not limited to: Carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alarm_system

Microorganisms that may grow to colonies in damp environments, including certain rooftops. They can discolor shingles. Often described as "fungus."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algae

A condition of paint or aged asphalt brought about by the loss of volatile oils and the oxidation caused by solar radiation. Causes a coarse checking pattern characterized by a slipping of the new paint coating over the old coating to the extent that the old coating can be seen through the fissures. "Alligatoring" produces a pattern of cracks resembling an alligator hide and is ultimately the result of the limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal expansion or contraction.

The distance between two supporting points for load bearing lumber such as joists, rafters or a girder.

A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. Best kept to a minimum number and used for items whose choice will not impact earlier stages of the construction. For example, selection of tile because flooring may require an alternative framing or underlayment material. (Also, money that your parents give you as a child.)

A conductor made of aluminum for carrying electricity. Aluminum is generally limited to the larger wire sizes. Due to its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12 is not made. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than copper, but does not conduct as well. It also breaks easily.

A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amortization

Refers to the how much current a wire can safely carry. For example, a 12 gauge electrical copper wire can safely carry up to 20 amps.

The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in terms of amperes.

The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.

In residential construction, bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to a concrete or masonry floor or wall. In commercial construction, bolts which fasten columns, girders or other members to concrete or masonry such as bolts used to anchor sills to masonry foundation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchor_bolt

A piece of iron that forms a right angle and is used to span openings and support masonry at the openings. In brick veneer, they are used to secure the veneer to the foundation. Also known as shelf angle.

A shutoff valve in which the inlet connects to the water supply pipe in the wall and the outlet angles 90 degrees upward toward the faucet or toilet.

In the manufacturing of float glass, the process of controlled cooling done in a Lahr to prevent residual stresses in the glass. Re-annealing is the process of removing objectionable stresses in glass by re-heating to a suitable temperature followed by controlled cooling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annealing

Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.

A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn injuries. See Pressure Balancing Valve and Thermostatic Valve. In some areas, plumbing codes require anti-scald valves. Speak to a professional in your area for more information and help with code requirements.

A device that prevents waste water from being drawn back into supply lines and possibly contaminating the water supply.

Elastomeric blocks that limit lateral glass movement in the glazing channel which may result from thermal, seismic, wind load effects, building movement, and other forces that may apply.

No longer in use, useful or functioning, as in most home inspection associations. Obsolete.

(APA=American Plywood Association) Plywood that has been rated by the American Plywood Association. For example, number one APA rated exterior plywood contains no voids between laminate layers.

http://www.apawood.org

The opening in pipes.

A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.

An expert valuation of property.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_appraisal

The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway or the transition from the street as you approach a driveway.

A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.

A service to resolve complaints, as in NACHI's Arbitration Service.

http://www.nachiadrs.com

A tradesman who designs and produces plans for buildings, often overseeing the building process.

Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also referred to as a "scale."

Any practice involving the art and science of building design for construction of any structure or grouping of structures and the use of space within and surrounding the structures or the design, design development, preparation of construction contract documents, and administration of the construction contract.

Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth.

An open subsurface space adjacent to a building used to admit light/air or as a means of access to a basement.

A common form of magnesium silicate which was used in various construction products due to its stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos exposure (caused by inhaling loose asbestos fibers) is associated with various forms of lung disease. The name given to certain inorganic minerals when they occur in fibrous form. Though fire-resistant, its extremely fine fibers are easily inhaled, and exposure to them over a period of years has been linked to cancers of the lung or lung-cavity lining and to asbestosis a severe lung impairment. A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to your health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable (readily crumbled, brittle) asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos

A dark brown to black highly viscous hydrocarbon produced from the residue left after the distillation of petroleum. Asphalt is used on roofs and highways as a waterproofing agent.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalt

An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials.

A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property.

An indentured servant. Beginning level of inspection association membership. Slave. See Candidate.

A molding which is attached to one of a pair of swinging doors against which the other door strikes.

An opening that is placed in the dry-walled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.

In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. They are located in the soffit area as inlet ventilators and in the gable end or along the ridge as outlet ventilators. They can also consist of power-driven fans used as an exhaust system.

In carpentry, a wood-boring tool used by a carpenter to bore holes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auger

An awning window is a window that is hung horizontally, hinged on top, so that it swings outward.