F
fascia: a flat board that is mounted vertically on
the ends of the rafter tails (supporting members used to support the
roofing material), this board could be said to be cosmetic and conceals rafter ends
but may be used to support rain gutters and help prevent the rotating of the
rafters (commonly the barge rafter at the gable end of a roof is also called a
fascia board)
faucet: valve, spigot, tap, gate which has the spout
built on
felt paper: a highly absorbent, porous paper, used with
tar or asphalt as a roofing paper, or over studs as an
insulation or moisture barrier
fill: addition of materials to raise or obtain a
uniform grade
final walk-through: before the closeing or you take
possession, the last review of the property, structure, fixtures,
and appliances should be operated or demonstrated again as to their ability to
perform. Many times an item has quit working or functioning and no one finds
out until they move in. It is at this time the buyer should exert the
initiative to review specific performances of items if any doubt or questions should
arise.
firebrick: a brick made of special clay to be exposed to
extreme heat and high temperatures without extensive damage
fire stop: a means of preventing fire and smoke from
traveling through a structure by filling concealed air spaces with fire
resistive materials (noted to be required in most structures between floors or
next levels)
fire wall: a specific type or size of wall dividing
parts of a building or structure to prevent the spread of fire
flashings: metal or mineral materials that direct water
away from an area or spot; material used where two planes come together
floor hanger: an iron, stirrup-like brace, used to support
a floor joist
floor joist: a joist used to support flooring placed over
it
florescence: flowering, blooming, an action of growth (not
to be mistaken for fluorescent )
flue: although often thought of as a vent or
chimney the flue is that portion of a fossil fuel burning appliance just proceeding
the vent and which exhausts gasses from the appliance into the vent
system or chimney
fluorescent lighting: tubular glass lights, the interior of which
has a fluorescent coating
footing: a foot-like projection, usually buried at the
base of a foundation wall, column, pier, etc. used to secure, support,
and help eliminate settling or shifting
formaldehyde: colorless pungent gas used in solution as a
preservative which should be considered toxic
foundation: the part of a building which supports the
superstructure, often below the ground level but atop the
footing (foundations are noted to be made of various styles or types)
foyer: the open area or hallway upon entering a
building, such as in a theater or hotel; also found in many homes
functional: to be effective; perform, work in a required
manner (an object may be functional even though
cosmetically damaged)
furring: narrow strips of wood or metal which are
applied to walls, floors, ceilings, etc., as a means of leveling the area before
applying the surface boards or laths