A

Ampere (AMP):

A unit measure of electricity.

Aperature:

The opening in pipes.

Asbestos:

A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It is hazardous to health when a possibility exists of exposure to inhalable fibers. Homeowners should be alert for friable asbestos and always seek professional advice in dealing with it.

Awning Windows

A window with hinges at the top allowing it to open out and up.

B

Baseboard:

Usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet.

Baseboard Heat:

A heating system with the heating unit located along the perimeter of the wall where the baseboard would be. It can be either an electric or hot water system.

Breaker Box:

A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that control the electrical current in the home.

Building Code:

Minimum local or state regulations established to protect public health and safety. They apply to building design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, materials, occupancy and use.

Buckling:

The bending of a building material as a result of wear and tear or contact with a substance such as water.

C

Casement Windows:

A side­hinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side of the window frame.

Caulking:

Material used to fill joints that may exist between floors and fixtures; around windows and doors, shower stalls and bathtubs, etc.

Circuit Breaker:

The safety valves for electrical systems. It interrupts an electric circuit when an unusual condition arises such as lightning and malfunctioning appliances. Unlike a fuse, it can be reset.

Class B Door:

A fire resistant rating applied by the Underwriters Laboratories Classification for a door having a 1 to 1 1/2­hour rating.

CPVC:

Plastic water piping.

Crawl Space:

Shallow space between the underside of the first floor of a house and the ground.

Cutoff Valves:

Valves used to shut water off, generally located under sinks or behind bathtub and shower access panels. They cutoff hot and/or cold water at the source without cutting all water off throughout the house.

A-C     D-G     H-L     M-R     S-Z     Bibliography                                 Back to top