A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat). A mechanical device for increasing the pressure of a gas.

The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to make garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh). A mixture of fine and course aggregates, portland cement, and water.

Stresses created when forces push on a member and tend to shorten it.

A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.

A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and top chords and which provides downward support.

Any load that acts on a very small area of a structure.

A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size.

Measures maximum unit resistance of a material to crushing load. Expressed as force per unit cross-sectional area, e.g., pounds per square inch (psi).

A test used to determine the behavior of materials under compression.

Generally, the wide, lower part of a foundation wall that spreads the weight of the building over a larger area. Its width and thickness vary according to weight of building and type of soil on which building is erected.

A liquid formed by the condensation of vapor.

Taking private property for public use, with compensation to the owner, under the right of eminent domain.

Beads or drops of water (and frequently frost in extremely cold weather) that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a building. Use of louvers or attic ventilators will reduce moisture condensation in attics. A vapor barrier under the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls will reduce condensation. The process of changing from a gaseous to a liquid state.

A pump that moves concrete through hoses to the area where it is to be placed.

The temperature at which a vapor liquefies if the latent heat is removed at standard ora stated pressure.

The standards that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat.

The direct transfer of heat energy through a material. The transfer of heat by direct molecular action.

Factory manufactured concrete units, such as concrete brick or block.

A heat-exchanger unit in which a vapor has some heat removed, causing it to form a liquid.