Business / Construction Glossary

Blocked (Door Blocking): Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural wall framing members.

Blocked (Rafters): Short '2 by 4's' used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid-span.

Blocking: Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling.

Blow Insulation: Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed.

Blue print(s) : A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design an . . . View Full Definition

Blue Stake: Another phrase for Utility Notification. This is when a utility company (telephone, gas, electric, cable TV, sewer and water, etc) comes to the job site and locates and spray paints the grou . . . View Full Definition

Board Foot: A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1' x 12' x 16' = 16 board feet, 2' x 12' x 16' = 32 board feet

Bond or bonding : An amount of money (usually $5,000-$10,000) which must be on deposit with a governmental agency in order to secure a contractor's license. The bond may be used to pay for the unpaid bills or . . . View Full Definition

Boom: A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place. To put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.

Bottom chord : The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.

Bottom Plate: The '2 by 4's or 6's' that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Also called the 'sole plate'.

Brace: An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to strengthen the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing has been completed.

Breaker Panel: The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of circuit breakers.

Brick Ledge: Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest.

Brick Lintel: The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening.

Brick Mold: Trim used around an exterior door jamb that siding butts to.

Brick Tie: A small, corrugated metal strip @ 1' X 6' - 8' long nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer brick, and holds the veneer wall to the shee . . . View Full Definition

Brick Veneer: A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction.

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