Basic Vocabulary
Building codes- local ordinances or laws which must be met in
constructing a building. In general building codes establish a minimal
standard. That is, building codes tell you how little you have to do.
Floating slab- a concrete slab which does not have footings
below the frost line. Is designed to move or "float" as sidewalks
do when the ground beneath it expands and contracts from freezing and thawing.
Footings and foundation- concrete base and wall for slab to
rest on. Makes slab rigid as compared with a floating slab.
Bag mix- refers to the number of bags of cement that are
mixed into each cubic yard of concrete.
Scoring/control joints- a cut about ½” deep in
the concrete slab used to address cracking (scoring is like the lines you find
in the sidewalk). Saw cutting with a masonry bladed also serves the same point
without a divot in the concrete allowing a caster wheel to roll over the cut
smoothly.
Curb- an elevation around the perimeter of the slab to rest
the walls on, much like a street curb. This prevents moisture from getting to
the wall frame and possibly causing rot-out.
Studs- the lumber, usually 2x4’s or 2x6’s that
make up the vertical framing of the walls.
Plates- the lumber, usually 2x4’s or 2x6’s
running horizontally on the top and bottom of the vertical framing of the
walls.
Double/triple studding- the use of multiple studs rather
than one to increase overall strength and to accommodate corners and framing
openings.
On center- the distance between two pieces of lumber. The
smaller the number the more studs, rafter or ties that you are getting.
Sheathing- the material (OSB) that goes over the framing
prior to putting on the exterior siding or roofing shingles.
Header- the framing above the doors and windows. Whenever an
opening is in a wall the load is redistributed via a header.
Rafter- lumber, usually 2x8’s, which make up the
framing of the roof. Needs special consideration also because if inadequate,
sag can develop.
Cross ties/joist- lumber, usually 2x6’s, which run
horizontal from one end of a rafter to the other. It extends across the top of
two walls and ties the rafter ends together. It is the base of the peak shape
outlined by a gable roof. Helps to hold rafters in place.
Service door- a regular walk-in door as you have in a house
which allows you to enter or exit without opening the garage door. ½
glass window doors as well as 42’ oversized and 6’ wide French
doors are also available.
Gable roof- a roof design which forms a peak like shape on
two ends. Some people call it a two sided roof.
Hip roof- a roof design that forms a pyramid like shape.
Some people call it a four sided roof.
Eaves- same as overhang or fascia and soffit.
Its purpose is to protect the walls from the elements, also holds the gutter.
Road base- a non expansive mix of gravel. Serves as the base
for concrete to protect against heaving.
Window- usually 4’0x3’0 white double pane vinyl
single slider. Normal colors include white and almond. Also available, picture,
bay and garden windows, double hung, low-e, and argon windows as well as
multiple sizes.
Engineered trusses- engineered rafter and crossties that are
certified for particular loads. These are required for certain garage sizes and
snow loads. Can also be used for vaulted ceilings, known as scissor trusses.
Drip edge- metal flashing used at the edge of the roof
overhang when no gutter is installed.
Seamless gutters- steel or aluminum gutters that are
fabricated at the jobsite. Seamless means that there aren't length joints
that might eventually leak.
Trim- lumber, usually 1x4's, used to finish around
openings and/or corners such as around window.
Overhead door- steel panel door, available as factory
insulated, multiple baked on finish colors, with or without windows, multiple
width and heights (standard 2 car is 16’ wide by 7’ high).
Wind bracing- metal straps used on single wall systems to
prevent wind shear.
Monolithic slab- a concrete slab that has the walls below
grade, curb and garage floor all poured in a single (mono) pour.
Electrical hook-up- Republic's standard hook-up
includes an interior light at the service door, interior light and three duplex
outlets.
Electrical upgrade- a service needed to bring the existing
electrical panel box up to at least current code, usually includes replacement
of old box with new.
Addition- any size new room attached to existing structure.
These can be single story, multiple story, multiple room, pop top, remodels,
full finish including plumbing, electrical, and drywall or shells only. Also
known as home modernizations, refurbishing, reconstruction, home remodel, and
home upgrade.
