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

The ability of a material to absorb vibrational energy.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

The removal of water vapor from the air.

To install the plywood or wafer board sheeting on the floor joists, rafters, or trusses.

The number of degrees that the mean temperature for any day at a particular locatoin is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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).

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.

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

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