The taping of gypsum board joints without subsequent finishing coats. A treatment method used in attic, plenum or mechanical areas where aesthetics are not important.

- A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space. In a frame wall, this will usually consist of 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs. Work performed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in the walls and ceiling (behind the drywall). Includes stuffing wire holes in the top and bottom plates with insulation, and installing blocks of wood between the wall studs at the drop soffit line. This is integral to passing a Rough Frame inspection. See also 'Fire block'. Obstruction in a cavity designed to resist the passage of flame, sometimes referred to as "fire blocking."

A gypsum product that has increased fire-resistance properties due to the addition of fire-resistant materials in the gypsum core.

Relative term, used with a numerical rating or modifying adjective to indicate the extent to which a material or structure resists the effect of fire.

Fire-resistant partition extending to or through the roof of a building to slow the spread of fire. See Area Separation Wall.

Refers to properties or designs to resist effects of any fire to which a material or structure may be expected to be subjected.

A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the spread of flame.

A partition assembly that has been tested and given a rating indicating the length of time it will resist a fire in hours.

Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour. Drywall used in the garage and party walls are to be fire rated, 5/8", Type X.

Denotes substantially lower degree of fire resistance than fire-resistive. Often used to describe materials that are combustible but have been treated to slow ignition or spread of fire under conditions for which they were designed.

A mortgage with an interest rate that remains the same over the years.

A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridge line. Sometimes called a gang nail plate.

A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling wires through conduit.

A brick made from special clays that will withstand high temperatures.

Deep mined clays that withstand heat.

A contract with a set price for the work. See Time and Materials Contract.

- A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. It's purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.

Use of this term in reference to buildings is discouraged because few, if any, building materials can withstand extreme heat for an extended time without some effect. The term "fire-resistive" or "resistant" is more descriptive.

A material used to protect various members from damage due to fire.

- A loan where the initial payments are based on a certain interest rate for a stated period . The rate payable will not change during this period regardless of changes in the lender's standard variable rate.