The shelf above a fireplace opening. Also used in referring to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.

Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, or other similar building units or materials. Normally bonded together with mortar to form a wall.

The written installation and/or maintenance instructions which are developed by the manufacturer of a product and which may have to be followed in order to maintain the product warrantee.

The property of a metal that permits it to be formed mechanically, such as by rolling or forging, without fracturing.

Any part, such as a bolt, designed to fit into another (female) part. External threads are male.

Air brought into a building from the outside to replace air that has been exhausted.

A wood product such as a truss, beam, gluelam, microlam or joist which is manufactured out of smaller wood pieces and glued or mechanically fastened to form a larger piece. Often used to create a stronger member which may use less wood. See also Oriented Strand Board.

A metamorphic rock formed largely of calcite, dolomite, or dense limestone.

An access hole in a drainage system to allow inspection, cleaning, and repair.

Property of a body that resists acceleration and produces the effect of inertia. The weight of a body is the result of the pull of gravity on the body's mass.

A manufacturer-provided form that contains brief information regarding chemical and physical hazards, health effects, proper handling, storage, and personal protection appropriate for use of a particular chemical in an occupational environment. MSDSs are being replaced by safety data sheets under the Globally Harmonized System (adapted from EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Glossary). https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

A hydraulic cement used in mortars to increase plasticity and water retention.

The bonding of materials by adhesives that enter the pores and harden, forming a mechanical link.

A lien on real property, created by statue in many years, in favor of persons supplying labor or materials for a building or structure, for the value of labor or materials supplied by them. In some jurisdictions, a mechanics lien also exists for the value of professional services. Clear title to the property cannot be obtained until the claim for the labor, materials, or professional services is settled. Timely filing is essential to support the encumbrance, and prescribed filing dates vary by jurisdiction.

A large, single concrete footing equal in area to the area covered by the footprint of the building.

Properties exhibited by a material's reaction to applied forces, such as tensile strength and compressive strength.

A pasty material used as a cement (as for setting tile) or a protective coating (as for thermal insulation or waterproofing) A doughlike compound available in many different formulations designed for use as sealants and adhesives.

A group of one or more chemicals that together comprise a component or input to a finished product. https://healthymaterialslab.org/tool-guides/hml-resources

The trademarked title of a uniform system for indexing construction specifications published by the Construction Specifications Institute and Construction Specifications Canada.