In this post we’re going to continue our Construction Terminology lesson with the rest of the alphabet. In the previous post we did letters A-M, so in this post I’ll keep going with N-Z. I previously mentioned I have never studied construction academically, so learning a new set of industry specific jargon was challenging. With that in mind, I wanted to help others out and make their starts in construction easier with these posts. This list is a simple A-Z with the most common words I have come across so far. I got these proper definitions from Frank over at www.HomeBuildingManual.com and want to give them credit for their fine work. I hope you enjoy!
Nosing– The projecting edge of a molding or drip or the front edge of a stair tread or counter-tops.
O C – On Center – The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, and joists in a building from the center of one member to the center of the next. This can also be used for almost anything i.e. spacing of tiles, panels, steel beams, and any other “repetitive” structure. Most field dimensions use On Center designations to make things easier for everyone.
Plywood – A panel (normally 4′ X 8′) of wood made of three or more layers of veneer, compressed and joined with glue, and usually laid with the grain of adjoining plies at right angles to give the sheet strength.
Quarter round– A small trim molding that has the cross section of a quarter circle. Used in shoe molding or crown molding.
Receptacle– An electrical outlet. Typical houses will have many 120 volt receptacles for plugging in household appliances and 240 volt receptacles for larger appliances. Examples of large appliances include washing machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners, etc.
Schedule (window, door, mirror)– A table on the blueprints that list the sizes, quantities and locations of the windows, doors, hardware, I-beams, rebar, mirrors, etc.
Take off– The material necessary to complete a job (another way of saying “estimate”).
Underlayment – A ¼” 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.
Vapor barrier– A building product installed on exterior walls and ceilings under the drywall and on the warm side of the insulation. It is used to retard the movement of water vapor into walls and prevent condensation within them. Normally, polyethylene plastic sheeting is used.
Weep holes– Small holes in storm window frames that allow moisture to escape.
Yard of concrete- One cubic yard of concrete is 3′ X 3′ X 3′ in volume, or 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet of 3 ½” sidewalk or basement/garage floor. I almost always order concrete in measurements of “Yard” and one concrete truck typically holds 9 yards.
Z-Clip– Bent piece of metal in the shape of a “Z” used to support drywall. Usually anchored to a concrete wall on one side and drywall screwed in on the other.
Class Dismissed!
I hope you enjoyed part two of “Construction Terminology”, I want to reiterate and give credit to www.HomeBuildingManual.com for providing such accurate and concise definitions for these terms. All I had to do was add some of my own thoughts to their definitions. I recommend anyone reading to go check them out, they have many more terms on their site than here. If the “Construction Terminology” series ends up being popular I can continue the series with more posts and educational content so comment below! I encourage you to read part one of the “Construction Terminology” series for more definitions!
P.S. I am putting together a “Recommendations” page which include podcasts, books, and other information I enjoy for your reference. For example, I really enjoy the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and put together a little review for your enjoyment. Let me know how you like it!
-E J
