Molds are microscopic organisms that play an important role in the breakdown of plant and animal matter. Outdoors, molds can be found in shady, damp areas, or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoor molds can grow on virtually any surface, as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present. When molds are disturbed, they release tiny cells called spores into the surrounding air. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

The tendency of a force to cause rotation about a give point or axis.

The amount of water contained in wood expressed as a percentage of the weight of the wet wood to the weight of an oven-dry sample.

- A wood strip having an engraved, decorative surface.

Ratio between deformation, a measure of the stiffness of a material.

Calculated numerical relationship (expressed in in.4) of the resistance to bending of a member, a function of the cross-sectional shape and size. A measure of the stiffness of a member based on its shape. Larger moments of inertia indicate greater resistance to bending for a given material.

Concrete cast with no joints except construction joints: a continuous pour.

A membrane used to block the passage of water, and water vapor through an assembly of materials, suh as a wall.

A measure of the ultimate load-carrying capacity of a structural member.

Adjustable metal column used to support a beam or bearing point. Normally 11 gauge or Schedule 40 metal, and determined by the structural engineer

An organic molecule that can be converted into a polymer by chemical reaction with similar molecules or organic molecules.

A broker who represents numerous lenders and helps consumers find affordable mortgages; the broker charges a fee only if the consumer finds a loan.

- Loan secured by land.

A measure of the consistency of freshly mixed mortar related to the diameter of a molded truncated cone specimen after the sample has been vibrated a specified number of times.

A company that borrows money from a bank, lends it to consumers to buy homes, then sells the loans to investors.

A mixture of cement (or lime) with sand and water used in masonry work. A plastic mixture of cementitious materials, water, and fine aggregate.

A charge for work involved in preparing and servicing a mortgage application (usually one percent of the loan amount).

A contract in which the borrower's property is pledged as collateral. It is repaid in installments. The mortgagor (buyer) promises to repay principal and interest, keep the home insured, pay all taxes and keep the property in good condition.

- The lender who makes the mortgage loan.

- Legal document establishing a loan on property.