Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural wall framing members.

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

Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid-span.

Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls 15 or 23 inches wide.

- 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

To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example, foundation walls are sometimes "blocked" in order for mechanical pipes to pass through the wall, to install a crawl space door, and to depress the concrete at a garage door location.

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 and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction.

Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling. Wood pieces inserted between joists, studs, rafters, and other structural members to stabilize the frame, provide a nailing surface for finish materials, and block the passage of fire between the members.

Excess water that rises to the surface of concrete shortly after it has been poured.

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 ground and/or installs little flags to show where their service is located underground.

A material used to prevent adjoining materials from adhering.

A continuous reinforced beam formed from horizontal masonry members bonded with reinforced concrete.

- 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 disputed work of the contractor. Not to be confused with a 'performance bond'. Such bonds are rarely used in residential construction, they are an insurance policy which guarantees proper completion of a project.

A closed vessel used to produce hot water or steam.

A compound that will hold materials together by bonding to the surfaces to be joined.

- 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'.

The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.

Lumber less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) thick and 1 inch (25.4 mm) or greater in width.

Volume of a piece of wood, nominal 19 x 129 x 18. All lumber is sold by the board-foot measure.

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.