A groove cut into a board or panel intended to receive the edge of a connecting board or panel.

The black, tar like waterproofing material applied to the exterior of a foundation wall.

A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.

The fixed, non-operable window section of a window unit.

A unit for measuring sound energy or power. Adopted for convenience in representing vastly different sound pressures.

An exterior security lock installed on exterior entry doors that can be activated only with a key or thumb-turn. Unlike a latch, which has a beveled tongue, dead bolts have square ends.

A tool used to level concrete in a form after it has been screeded.

A metal "door" placed within the fireplace chimney. Normally closed when the fireplace is not in use. A movable vane used to vary the volume of air passing through a duct, inlet, or outlet.

The end of a pipe (the terminal end) that is not attached to anything.

Load on a building element contributed by the weight of the building materials.

Describing trees that shed their leaves annually, as opposed to evergreen.

The ability of a material to absorb vibrational energy.

Breach of a mortgage contract (not making the required payments).

Separation of elements to reduce or eliminate the transfer of sound, heat or physical loads from one element to the other.

Maximum allowable deflection is dictated by the bending limit of the finish material under the required design load (e.g., usually 5 psf for interior partitions).

The removal of water vapor from the air.

Change in shape of a body brought about by the application of a force internal or external. Internal forces may result from temperature, humidity or chemical changes. External forces from applied loads can also cause deformation.

A written instrument that is used to transfer real property from one party to another.

An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance (i.e., dishwasher) or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors.

Displacement that occurs when a load is applied to a member or assembly. The dead load of the member or assembly itself causes some deflection as may occur in roofs or floors at mid-span. Under applied wind loads maximum deflection occurs at mid-height in partitions and walls.