Originally Posted By: mjones1
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- amount of moisture in the air, indicated in grains per cu. ft.
next....
Mike
- amount of moisture in the air, indicated in grains per cu. ft.
next....
Mike
Originally Posted By: dvalley
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Amperage - The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in terms of amperes.
Backfill - The slope of the ground adjacent to the house.
BallCock Valve - The valve controlling the refilling of the toilet tank.
Beam - A supporting member either of wood or steel.
Bridging - short, structural members criss - crossed between beams to provide reinforcement and distribution of stress.
BTU - A measure of the capacity of a heating or cooling system. Abbreviation of British Thermal Unit.
BX Cable - Armored electrical cable wrapped in galvanized steel outer covering.
Caulking - Material used to seal exterior cracks and openings such as windows or foundations.
Circuit Breakers - A protective device which automatically opens an electrical circuit when it is overloaded.
Condensation - Water condensing on wails, ceiling and pipes. Normal in areas of high humidity, usually controlled be ventilation or a dehumidifier.
Conduit - A hollow pipe casing through which electric lines run .
Downspout - The pipe that carries water down from the gutter or scupper. Also called a leader.
Eave - The part of the roof which extends beyond the side wall.
Efflorescence - A white powder on the surface of wails due to evaporation of water.
Energy Efficiency Ratio - An air conditioning efficiency rating system which indicates the number of BTU’S delivered per watt of power consumed.
Fascia - A flat, horizontal board enclosing the overhang under the eave.
Flashing - Material used around any angle in a roof or wall to prevent leakage.
Flue - A pipe used to exhaust smoke, gas or air.
Flush Valve - The valve separating the water in the tank from the bowl.
Footing - The underground support for a foundation or support post.
Foundation - The lowest part of a wall or series of piers on which a structure is built.
Galvanized Pipe - Iron pipe with a zinc coating. Formerly used for water lines.
GFI - Abbreviation for Ground Fault Interrupter. A type of circuit breaker now required in areas containing water lines.
Girder - A main supporting beam of the house.
Grade - Ground level.
Grouting - Material used around ceramic tile as filler.
Gutter - A trough used at the edge of a roof to collect rain.
Header - Wood member above door or window opening.
Hearth - The bottom of a fireplace.
Home Inspection - A limited time, non - technical visual evaluation of the readily accessible areas, for the sole purpose of identifying major deficiencies.
Home Inspector - An individual who has a broad general background and understanding relating to basic house construction, common house problems and methods for their correction.
Jamb - The side of the door frame facing the opening.
Joists - parallel, horizontal beams laid edgewise from wall to wall to support the boards of a floor or ceiling.
Knob and Tube - An old form of wiring.
Lally Column - A round steel cylinder usually filled with concrete to support overhead beams.
Major Deficiency - A deficiency is considered major if it severely affects the habitability of the dwelling, or in the opinion of the inspector, may cost more than $21,000 to repair.
Octopus Receptacle - An overcrowded outlet.
Old Termite Activity - Evidence of former activity but none present.
Open Splice - An unboxed electrical connection.
Parging - A coat of cement over block foundation wails.
Point Up (Repointing) - To fill the joints between the brick.
Rafter - A sloping rib member of a roof .
Recaulk - Fill in the cracks.
Receptacle - An electrical outlet for a plug.
Register - An opening through which air travels from the ducts into a room.
Ridge Board - The horizontal structural member at the top of a roof where the rafters meet.
Roof Pitch - The degree of a roof’s slope.
Scuttle - opening to attic.
Sheathing - The covering on roofs or wails below the exterior roof .
Sheetrock - Also called plasterboard or dry wall.
Sill Plate - Framing lumber placed on and around the foundation to support the exterior wall studs.
SillCock - Exterior water hose pipe connection.
Slag - The gravel sometimes found on a built-up roof.
Soffit - The underside of a cornice at the eaves.
Stucco - An exterior plaster wall surface.
Stud - A vertical, framing member in a wall or partition.
Sump - A pit in the basement floor into which water drains to be pumped out with a sump pump.
Swale - A wide, depression in the ground.
Trap - A bend in a water pipe to hold water and prevent gases from escaping into the house.
Vent Pipe - A pipe allowing gas to escape from plumbing stacks.
Voltage - The pressure behind the flow of electricity, measured in terms of volts.
Wattage - The amount of electricity flowing through a line, measured in terms of wafts. (Voltage times amperage equals watts.)
Weatherstripping - Material used around door and window openings to prevent rain, wind, and cold from entering the house.
Weep Hole - Drain hole to allow moisture to escape.
–
David Valley
MAB Member
Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
Originally Posted By: jonofrey
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Dang, you mean I beat Joe B. here?
Indentured servitude - ASHI candidate menber
That should get him started. 
--
Inspection Nirvana!
We're NACHI. Get over it.
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
- Baffle or plate used to control the volume of flowing air in a confined area.
Mike
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
- Peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to prevent accumulation of snow and ice and to deflect water around the chimney.
Mike
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
- Passive solar heating system in which sunlight penetrates and warms the house interior directly.
Mike
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
-White powder that forms on the surface of bricks.
Mike
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley
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VERGE: the edges of tiles, slate or shingles which project over the gable end of the roof.
VENTURI: a throat that forces an air gas mixture to accelerate and then quickly decelerate.
TECTUM: a rooflike structure or covering
HVAC: heating, ventilation and air conditioning
GUSSET: a bracket or brace used to strengthen a structure
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: A team which has several fans, located mostly in the state of Louisiana in the USA, that will unfortunately never win the Super Bowl. (oops, not home inspection related) 
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
-Layer in trees that moves water and nutrients up from the roots to the foliage.
Seagulls, I mean Seahawks, another foolsball team that will never win the super Bowl.
Mike
Originally Posted By: Nick Gromicko
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I will build this Online Glossary over Christmas vacation.
Do we want humorous submissions to be included? I vote yes if they are inspection or especially real estate related.
Nick
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
- Mineral particles less than 2mm. in diameter.Names and sizes of separates recognized in the United States, in mm. are as follows:
Very coarse-------2.0 to 1.0
Sand----------------1.0 to 0.5
Coarse sand------0.5 to 0.25
Medium sand-----0.25 to 0.10
Fine sand----------0.10 to 0.05
Very fine sand----0.05 to 0.002
Silt------------------Less than 0.002
Clay
Mike
Originally Posted By: mjones1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
-The process of refilling old masonry joints with new mortar.
Mike
Originally Posted By: dvalley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
An inspection is technically exhaustive when it involves the extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, and other means to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
ASBESTOS A naturally occurring mineral fiber sometimes found in older homes. It's 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.
--
David Valley
MAB Member
Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
Originally Posted By: gsutterfield
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Attorney : The person who has their hand in your pocket .
Insurance Sales Person : The one who has their hand in your other pocket .
Originally Posted By: kwilliams
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
doctor - he who has his hand up your …
Giants - a team with a lot of fans and little more
Originally Posted By: Nick Gromicko
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Done:
See http://www.nachi.org/glossary.htm
Please offer additions to it. I'll take humorous ones (if they are somewhat inspection related) and put them in italicized.
Thanks.
Nick
Originally Posted By: dvalley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
A system that allows you to control temperatures in each room or floor level. Motorized dampers will self-adjust to individual thermostat settings.
Aperature The opening in pipes
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.
Ductwork A system of distribution channels used to transmit heated or cooled air from a central system (HVAC) throughout a home.
Retaining Wall A vertical structure used to restrict the movement of soil or water.
Siding A finish material such as wood, vinyl and aluminum used on outside walls.
Damper An air valve that regulates the flow of air inside the flue of a furnace or fireplace.
Breaker box A metal box that contains circuit breakers or fuses that control the electrical current in a home.
A better description of Rafter The structural member or beam that supports the roof. It spans from the exterior wall to the ridge board of the peak of the roof.
Rafter Spread Deflection results when horizontal loads (such as snow and ice buildup) cause wood fibers to bend. Eventually, deflection causes rafters to rupture in the center third of the span or at such weak points, as notches or knots on the top or bottom edge of the rafter. Rafter spread results from the failure of mechanical ties, such as nails, to hold ceiling joists, top plates, and studs together or, occasionally, failure in the ceiling joist itself.
Settling The lowering of elevation of a house or pavement due to weight or shrinkage.
Fuse box A metal box that contains the fuses that regulate electric current in a house.
Masonry Construction using materials such as tile, brick, cement, stone or similar materials.
Dormer A converted attic with windows projecting through a sloping roof.
Heat Exchanger A device used to transfer heat in a furnace.
Buckling The bending of a building material as a result of wear and tear or contact with a substance such as water.
Lathing Strips of wood or other material used as a base for the installation of plaster.
Hot Water Heating System This system heats water to boiling in a water heater, and a circulator pumps it through a system of pipes.
Heat Pump A reverse cycle refrigeration unit that both heats and cools.
Insulation Material used to resist the loss of heat energy. Materials such as fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose and foam are placed in the walls, ceilings, basements and crawlspaces. Insulation may be blown or installed in batt sections.
Exhaust Fan Extracts air or excess heat from the interior of a home.
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.
Sash Framework that holds the glass in a window or a door.
Sump Pump An electric pump, usually installed in the basement to prevent water from accumulating in the basement area. It empties water from a "sump or pit" where it is collected and pumps it to the outside of a home.
Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation A type of foamed in place insulation that releases formaldehyde gas. It was banned by Consumer Public Safety Commission in 1982 from use in residences and schools. Holding that the risks had not been proven, a Federal Court lifted the ban in 1983. The local consumer and/or Envoronmemtal Protection Agency should be consulted for additional information on this type of insulation.
Slab A concrete foundation or floor of a home. Houses built on slab usually do not have basements.
Forced Air Furnace A unit that transfers heat from fuel and circulates heat throughout the ductwork of the house.
Drywall A gypsum board material used for walls or ceilings.
R-Value A measurement of the ability of insulation to show the transfer of heat or cold. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulation power.
Disposer A device that grinds food sufficiently to enter the drains for disposal without clogging.
Lead A material used in pipes and paint of many older homes. We now know that lead is hazardous to your health. The local Environmental Protection Agency should be consulted for guidelines on handling, removing and applicable laws.
Awning windows A window with hinges at the top allowing it to open out and up.
Threshold A strip of metal, wood, marble or other material placed at the base of a door.
Thermostat This mechanical device controls the temperature within the home. Thermostats automatically turn heating or air conditioning on or off as necessary to maintain a desired temperature.
Sill The lowest piece upon which a window or exterior door rests, usually slanted downward slightly to provide for rain water runoff.
Parapet Wall A low wall or railing along the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge or terrace constructed for protection, to control water resulting from rain or artificial flooding or to insulate against the sun's rays.
Mortar A bonding material used in the construction of brick or stone structures.
CPVC Plastic water piping
Window Well The open subsurface space that provides light through a basement window. These are usually added in when grading is at or above window level.
Moulding Strips of wood or the material used to cover joints between floors and walls, and walls and ceilings.
Professional Inspection An inspection performed by a specially trained inspector (See "NACHI") to provide a comprehensive report on the condition of a house. This report is often used in home sale negotiations.
MORE TO FOLLOW....
--
David Valley
MAB Member
Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
“GFI Abbreviation for Ground Fault Interrupter. A type of circuit breaker now required in areas containing water lines.”
Add GFCI and AFCI.
"Major Deficiency A deficiency is considered major if it severely affects the habitability of the dwelling, or in the opinion of the inspector, may cost more than $21,000 to repair"
Why $21,000.00? To me major is anything over $500.00.
"REALTOR "
Add ?.
"Stud".
You did say humorous didn't you?
"Wattage The amount of electricity flowing through a line"
Current.
Nick this is a good start. I am just trying to have some fun.
Mike P.
Originally Posted By: dvalley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Water piping used for interior piping and the main waterline to the street. Problems with this pipe have curtailed its use.
Solar Heat Heat created from the gathering of solar energy from the sun. It can be passive or active. A passive system takes advantage of winter sunlight through windows on the south side of a home. An active system heats through the collection of solar energy through solar collectors.
Member Wood or steel elements that make up the framing and foundation of a structure such as 2X4 strips of lumber cut to various lengths.
Building Code Minimum local or state regulations established to protect health and safety. They apply to building design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, materials, occupancy and use.
Casement Windows A sidehinged window that opens on hinges secured to the side of the window frame.
Baseboard Usually wood or vinyl installed around the perimeter of a room to cover the space where the wall and floor meet.
Class B Door A fire resistant rating applied by the Underwriters Laboratories Classification for a door having a 1 to 1 1/2 hour rating.
Double Hung Window A window with sashes that slide vertically and allow opening from the top and bottom.
More to follow...
--
David Valley
MAB Member
Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
Originally Posted By: Walter Engelking
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Backflow: Movement of water (or other liquid) in any direction other than that intended.
Backflow prevention device: See Backflow