Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
FSC is a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. They certify wood products through their Chain-of-Custody Certification and their Forest Management Certification. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources
Forced air heating
A common form of heating with natural gas, propane, oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the furnace and distributed through a set of metal ducts to various areas of the house.
Form
Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas used as a preservative and disinfectant in the building industry, and in the manufacture of polymers. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic, irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs, and is known to react with other atmospheric chemicals to produce the deadly toxin carbon monoxide. Formaldehyde is used in some paints and adhesives, in some fabric treatments, and, significantly, in the manufacture of polymeric binding resins used in a wide variety of building products. Phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and melamine formaldehyde are all known to release formaldehyde over time long after product installation in residential and commercial spaces. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources
Framed Connections
Connections joining structural steel members with a metal, such as an angle, that is secured to the web of the beam.
Formwork
Temporary construction used to contain and give shape and support to concrete as it cures.
Frame Inspection
- The act of inspecting the home's structural integrity and it's compliance to local municipal codes.
Foundation waterproofing
High-quality below-grade moisture protection. Used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion. Normally looks like black tar.
Foundation ties
Metal wires that hold the foundation wall panels and rebar in place during the concrete pour.
Foundation
The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction, or below grade, including the footings. Component that transfers weight of building and occupants to the earth.
Framing
Lumber used for the structural members of a building, such as studs, joists, and rafters.
Freezing Point
The temperature at which a given substance will solidify (freeze).
Frost lid
Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit.
Frequency (Sound)
Number of complete vibrations or cycles or periodic motion per unit of time.
Front Yard
In zoning, the minimum legal distance between the front property line and a structure.
Freezing Cycle Day
A day when the temperature of the air rises above or falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celcius.
Framing Plan
A drawing showing the location of structural members.
Framer
The carpenter contractor that installs the lumber and erects the frame, flooring system, interior walls, backing, trusses, rafters, decking, installs all beams, stairs, soffits and all work related to the wood structure of the home. The framer builds the home according to the blueprints and must comply with local building codes and regulations.
Frontage
The length of a lot line along a street or other public way.
Frieze
In house construction a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.