A
A-frame: a type of construction with the
exterior framing shaped like the letter A
ABS: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene; a type of
plastic pipe used mostly for drain lines and vents
accelerated: hastening the occurrence of
accessory buildings: outbuildings; structures used for the benefit
of a central or main building, such as a tool shed,
garage, or similar structure
acid soil: a soil with an acid rather than an alkaline
base
acoustic ceiling: a type of ceiling used to control sound--some
older acoustic ceilings may contain asbestos fibers
(also called sprayed acoustic)
acre: a measure of land, 43,560 Sq. Ft.
Act of God: damage caused by nature; floods, winds, hail
storms, tornados, hurricanes; by the act of nature;
absolutely not by the hand or will of man
addition: a portion or component of a building added to
the original structure with or without municipal permits
adequate: enough for what is required to be functional;
serves the purpose for which it was intended even though the subject item may
be flawed; an example may be a door with a small hole in it; the door
operates as a door even though the door may be damaged
adjustment: to change in order to fit or to suit a need
or a situation; the needed adjustments may or may not require
additional parts
aesthetic: cosmetic in nature, mostly one's opinion of
what appears to have beauty
aesthetic value: a value directly dependent on the looks,
beauty or improvements in one's opinion
affect: to produce an effect or change in
aggregate: mass of distinct things into a total or whole
(descriptive); the sand and stones in concrete; the rock or sand material
adhered or placed on roofing material to prevent damage from the sun
alkali or
alkaline: elements of ash, soda and mineral salts which
can have a deteriorating action with some elements or materials such as
concrete and masonry products; opposite acid
alkali soil: soil containing alkali
almost: near to in quantity or amount. over,
approximately, roughly, about.
alleviate: to lessen or relieve; to decrease
alterations: changes in the interior or exterior of a
building or a component
ampere (amp): a measure of electrical current; watts
divided by volts
amiss: faulty, improper, unfavorable, deficient,
unacceptable in the inspector's opinion; may be minor or major in nature
anti-siphon valve: a one-way valve used to prevent contaminated
water from siphoning back into the potable water system
anti-backflow valve: very similar to an anti-siphon valve
appears: most over means "in appearance;"
what one observes or can see; not "in fact" except in appearance
appearance: the outward visual aspect of anything; looks,
appears
apparent: readily seen, visible, obvious, evident
arch rib roof: type of roof primarily used in industrial
buildings, shaped in an arch or a crescent; supported by a
bow-string truss which spreads the roof load evenly
diverter valve:: the access area for a basement or lower room;
usually on the exterior of the building
asbestos: fire resistant, fibrous mineral used in
fireproofing, roofing, electrical and some insulations
ascertain: to find out with certainty
assembly: a fitting together of parts to make a whole;
several parts to create one unit to perform a specific function or functions
attic: a space under the roof of a structure but
limited to above the top story of a section of building--such space may or
may
not be passable
