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B | Construction TermsThe glossary below contains construction terms commonly used by architects and contractors. Simply click on any letter below for a detailed list of construction terms and definitions.Backfill The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundationwall. Backing Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screwed and mounted into solid wood rather than weak drywall that may allow the item to break loose from the wall. Ballast A transformer that steps up the voltage in a fluorescent lamp. Balloon Framed Wall Framed walls (generally over 10' tall) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss. Balusters Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as 'pickets' or 'spindles'. BalustradeThe rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway. Barge Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters. Barge Board A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board. Base or Baseboard A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor. Base Shoe Moulding used next to the floor on interior base board. Sometimes called a carpet strip. 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). Batten Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards. Bay Window Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, either square or polygonal in plan. BeamA structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another. Sometimes called a "girder". Bearing PartitionA partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight. Bearing Point A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation. Bearing Wall A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight. 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). Bifold Door Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors. Bipass Doors Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors. Blankets Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls 15 or 23 inches wide. Blocked (Rafters) Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid-span. BlockingSmall wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling. Block Out To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example, foundation walls are sometimes "blocked" in order for mechanical pipes to pass through the wall, to install a crawl space door, and to depress the concrete at a garage door location. Blow Insulation Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed. Blue Prints A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction. Blown InsulationFiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed. Board Foot A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1" x 12" x 16' = 16 board feet, 2" x 12" x 16' = 32 board feet Boom A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place. To put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place. Bottom Chord The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss. Bottom PlateThe "2 by 4's or 6's" that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Also called the 'sole plate'. Brace An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to strengthen the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing has been completed. Breaker Panel The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of circuit breakers. Brick Ledge Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest. Brick Lintel The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening. Brick Mold Trim used around an exterior door jamb that siding butts to. Brick Tie A small, corrugated metal strip @ 1" X 6"- 8" long nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer brick, and holds the veneer wall to the sheeted wall behind it. Brick Veneer A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction. Bridging Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists or rafters at mid-span for the purpose of bracing the joists/rafters & spreading the load. Building Codes Community ordinances governing the manner in which a home may be constructed or modified. Built-up Roof A roofing composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt. The top is finished with crushed slag or gravel. Generally used on flat or low-pitched roofs. Bull Nose (Drywall) Rounded drywall corners. Bundle A package of shingles. Normally, there are 3 bundles per square and 27 shingles per bundle. Butt Edge The lower edge of the shingle tabs. Butt HingeThe most common type. One leaf attaches to the door's edge, the other to its jamb. Butt Joint The junction where the ends of two timbers meet, and also where sheets of drywall meet on the 4 foot edge. To place materials end-to-end or end-to-edge without overlapping. By Pass Doors Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors. |
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