White Cap Construction Supply


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A-FRAME A structural system utilizing members which when fastened together resemble the letter A.
A/C CIRCUIT (Alternating Current) The flow of current through a conductor first in one direction then in reverse. It is used exclusively in residential and commercial wiring because it provides greater flexibility in voltage selection and simplicity of equipment desi
AAMA Architechtural Aluminum Manufacturer?s Association
Abrasive Any material used to wear away, smooth, or polish a surface; for example, sandpaper that is used to smooth wood.
Absorption Percentage of moisture absorption by weight after immersion in water.
Absorption (light) The light energy (wavelengths) not reflected by an object or substance. The color of a substance depends on the wavelength reflected.
Abuse-resistant drywall A heavy-duty type of drywall, available in 1/2- and 5/8-inch thickness, that has heavier paper than regular panels and a reinforced core.
ABOVE-GRADE The portion of a building that is above ground level
ABS A type of black plastic pipe used mostly for water water lines
ABSTRACT OF TITLE A summary of all deeds, wills, and legal actions to show ownership
ABUT Joining the ends of construction members
Accent Lighting A type of lighting that highlights an area or object to emphasize that aspect of a room''s character.
Accessible Designs Those that accommodate persons with physical disabilities.
Acid Demand The amount of acid required by a body of water to raise the pH to neutral (7).
Acid Etching Process of applying a solution of hydrochloric or muriatic acid and water to the exposed surface of Cast Stone in order to remove the cement film from the aggregates, achieving a fine-grained finish which simulates natural cut stone.
Acrylic A water-based plastic polymer that acts as the binder in acrylic paints.
Acrylic Resin Resins which have established a pre-eminent position among coating formulators, having shown superiority in such respects as color and gloss retention, alkali and oxidation (chalk) resistance, hardness, adhesive and cohesive strength, and overall film dur
Acrylic varnish A coating that contains the same medium used to make water-soluble paints and glazes.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) A plastic formulation (typically black in color) used for some rigid pond shells, also for drainpipe in plumbing systems.
Actual Dimension The exact measurements of a piece of lumber after it has been cut, surfaced, and dried. Example: A 2x4''s actual dimensions are 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches.
AC Alternating current. The type of current found in most home electrical systems in the United States.
ACCELERATOR Any material added to stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds up the natural set
ACOUSTICS The science of sound. In housing, acoustical materials used to keep down noise within a room or to prevent it from passing through walls.
ACRE 43,500 square feet
Adaptable Designs Those that can be easily changed to accommodate a person with disabilities.
Adapter A fitting that connects two pipes of different sizes or materials.
Addendum Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying the bidding documents
Adhesive Mastic A paste like cement used for applying floor and wall tiles; a waterproof caulking compound used in roofing.
Adhesive penetration The process where the adhesive soaks into the wallpaper substrate during the relaxing or booking period.
Adhesive viscosity The internal friction of an adhesive that restricts its tendency to flow or spread. The viscosity controls the amount of adhesive you can spread at a given thickness. Adhesive viscosity also affects drying time.
Adhesive volatility The evaporation time associated with a particular adhesive. Volatility increases during the hot summer months, especially if you are working on new construction and there is no air conditioning.
Adhesive wrinkles Wrinkles or ridges that occur immediately following the installation of wallpaper, caused by further expansion of the paper. Inadequate booking time is often a cause. Adhesive wrinkles normally dry out within 24 to 48 hours.
Adjustable Pliers Also called Channel Locks, Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, Pump Pliers - Gripping, bending, tightening, crimping
Adjustable Wire Stripper Used for stripping insulation from house wires. Spring-loaded handles open automatically after each squeeze. Adjustable stop nut lets you set the opening for an individual wire diameter
Adjustable Wrench Also called Crescent Wrench - You can set its jaws to the size of the nut you need to turn
Adsorption refers to the condensation of gas or vapor on the surface of a solid.
ADA The Americans with Disabilities Act which gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.
ADHESIVE FAILURE Loss of bond of a coating or sealant from the surface to which it is applied
ADOBE Construction using sun-dried units of adobe soil for walls; usually found in southwestern United States.
Aeration (also called core cultivation or aerifying) Introduction of air to compacted soil by mechanically removing plugs of topsoil. Aeration helps oxygen, water, fertilizer, and organic matter to reach roots.
Aerator The diverter/screen unit that is screwed onto the end of a faucet to control splashing.
Aerosol is a suspension in air (or gas) of minute particles of a liquid or a solid.
Agent One authorized by a client (principal) to act in his/her stead or behalf and owes the client a "fiduciary duty" (Trust).
Aggregates Crushed stone, gravel or other material used with cement and water to form concrete.
Agreement An arrangement between the parties regarding a method of action
AGA American Gas Association
Air Barrier An air-infiltration barrier or house wrap that can be used to protect a storage area in the attic from moisture and dust.
Air Barrier Tape A moisture-proof tape that covers the joint and sticks to the substrate. Duct tape or contractor''s tape work well.
Air chamber A vertical, air-filled pipe that prevents water hammer by absorbing pressure when water is shut off at a faucet.
Air pressure gauge Measures pressure buildup in a compressed air system
Air-Dried Lumber Lumber that is dried by being exposed to air, rather than an oven or kiln.
Air-entrained (concrete) Concrete which has been mixed with an admixture which causes tiny bubbles of air to be held in the mixture as the concrete sets. Air-entrained concrete is more workable and less vulnerable to frost.
Airless Spraying Process of atomization of paint by forcing it through an orifice at high pressure
Airway Space between roof insulation and roof boards for movement of air
AIR DUCT A pipe, usually made of sheet metal, that conducts air to rooms from a central source
AIR FILTERS Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers that are coated with adhesive liquid to which the particles of lint and dust adhere. These filters will remove as much as 90% of the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common filters are of the th
AIR INFILTRATION The amount of air leaking in and out of a building through cracks in walls, windows and doors.
AIR TRAP A U-shaped pipe filled with water and located beneath plumbing fixtures to form a seal against the passage of gases and odors
Alignment notch A cutout projection or slit on the ends or sides of shingles that acts as a guide in application to secure a proper exposure.
Alkaline soil Soil with pH higher than 7.0 (neutral). Alkalinity is reduced by adding acidic mulches, such as leaf mold or pine needles, or by adding products derived from sulfur or iron.
Alkalinity The characteristic of water that registers a pH above neutral (7).
Alkyds Resins used mostly in trim paints, inside and out, although some medium duty equipment and marine enamels employ these resins as binders.
All-over pattern An even distribution of pattern over a surface
Allen screw Screws with recessed hexagonal openings in their heads
Allen� Wrenches Also called Hex Keys, Allen� Keys - Turning Allen� screws, bolts with recessed, hexagonal openings
Alligation Fine cracks resembling alligator skin that appear in a primer-sealer coat. Alligation can result when there is grease, dirt, or wax buildup on a wall surface, when the temperature is low, or when the product is not thoroughly mixed.
Allowable span Distance allowed between two contact points for load-supporting lumber such as rafters, girders, beams, and joists.
Allowance(s) A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which haven't been specified or selected in the construction contract
Alternate Bid Amount stated in the bid to be added or deducted from the base bid amount proposed for alternate materials and/or methods of construction
Aluminum A lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal used for vertical and horizontal siding.
Aluminum-Oxide Sandpaper A tan-colored sandpaper that is commonly used on sanding belts and disks.
ALCOVE A recessed space connected at the side of a larger room
ALTERATION A change in, or addition to, an existing building
ALUMINUM WIRE Conductors made of aluminum for carrying electricity. Aluminum generally is limited to the larger wire sizes. Due to its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12 is not made. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than copper but not as good
Ambient Air is air to which the sensing element is normally exposed.
Ambient Lighting General illumination that surrounds a room. There is no visible source of the light.
Ammonia is a colorless, alkaline gas having a sharp pungent odor
Ampere, amperage, amps A unit of measurement that describes the rate of electrical flow. Amperes are measured in terms of the number of electrons flowing through a given point in a conductor in one second. Conductors are rated by their ampacity.
AMMETER Device to measure the current flowing in a circuit
Analyzer is an instrument which can determine qualitatively and quantitatively the components in a mixture
Angle Blocks Triangular blocks of wood attached with adhesive and nails to the underside of the stairs at the junction where the tread meets the riser.
Angle iron Structural steel bent at 90 degrees and used for fastening a range of framing connections.
Angle Square Often called by the brand name Speed Square. A durable triangular square used as a protractor and for scribing lines at 45 and 90 degrees.
Aniline dye A synthetic tinting medium made from coal-tar products, which can be dissolved in water or alcohol and used to change the color of wood.
Anode Rod A sacrificial rod composed of one or more metals installed in the water heater that protects the tank from corrosion helping extend the life of the tank
Anti-Scald Valve (Pressure-Balancing Valve) Single control fitting that contains a piston that automatically responds to changes in line water pressure to maintain shower temperature; the valve blocks abrupt drops or rises in temperature.
Antiquing Any technique used to make a painted surface look old; usually refers to a thin glaze that is applied to a surface, allowing the undercoat to show through.
ANCHOR BOLTS Bolts which fasten columns, girders or other members to concrete or masonry such as bolts used to anchor sills to masonry foundation. Foundation plates or sills shall be bolted to the foundation with not less than 1/2" diameter steel bolts embedded at lea
ANTI-WALK BLOCKS Elastomeric blocks that limit lateral glass movement in the glazing channel which may result from thermal, seismic, wind load effects, building movement, and other forces that may apply
Application for Payment Contractor's written request for payment for completed portions of the work and, for materials delivered or stored and properly labeled for the respective project
APRROACH The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway or the transition from the street as you approach a driveway
Arbor Garden structure that can support plants and serves as a transition between sections of a yard or as an architectural feature that complements the landscape.
Arc Any portion of a circle, such as those found in an archway or curved wall.
Arch bead A plastic or metal strip designed to finish curved drywall seams in arched doorways or windows.
Architect One who designs and supervises the construction of buildings or other structures
Architect-Engineer An individual or firm offering professional services as both architect and engineer
Architects Basic Services A recognized series of phases performed by an architect as follows: 1st Schematic Design Phase, 2nd Design Development Phase, 3rd Construction Document Phase, 4th Bidding or Negotiated Phase, 5th Construction Phase
Architectural Drawing A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the building
Architectural grade lumber The best-looking and most expensive grade of lumber.
Architectural scale A three-sided ruler, triangular in cross section, with feet-to-inch conversion scales that allow you to instantly convert measurements in feet to fractions of an inch in creating scaled" drawings on paper. See page 13.
Around-the-Corner Bit This ingenious bit lets you drill a 90-degree bend. You start a hole from one face of a stud and exit through the adjacent face. Drill pathways for electrical cable around inside wall corners
Art Deco A decorative style that was based on geometric forms. It was popular during the 1920s and 1930s.
Artificial break The point where the wallpaper or border ends against a decorative wood strip, spindle, or other object. This lets the wallpaper or border end without an obvious mismatch.
ARCH A curved structure that will support itself by mutual pressure and the weight above its curved opening.
ARCHITECTS RULE (ruler) Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also referred to as a "scale"
AREA WALL A wall surrounding an areaway.
AREAWAY A recessed area below grade around the foundation to allow light and ventilation into a basement window or doorway.
As-Built Drawings Contract drawings marked up to reflect changes made during the construction process
Asbestos A carcinogenic, fibrous mineral used in a variety of building materials. Home health risks arise when age, accidental damage, normal cleaning or remodeling activities cause the asbestos-containing material to crumble, flake, or deteriorate.
Ashlar Flat units square or rectangle in size, bonded and laid in mortar.
Asphalt A bituminous compound, dark brown or black in color, used in the manufacture of asphalt roofing shingles.
Asphalt shingle Shingles made of felt that has been soaked in asphalt; asphalt shingle tabs are coated with granular minerals.
Asphaltic Concrete A mixture of liquid asphalt and aggregate used as a paving material.
Astragal A vertical strip attached to the opening edge of one door in a pair, forming a jamb for the other door to close into.
ASHPIT The area below the hearth of a fireplace which collects the ashes.
ASHRAE American Society of Heating Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM Formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, now known by the initials; a nonprofit organization that publishes standards for various materials.
ASTRAGAL MOLD T-profiled molding usually used between meeting doors or casement windows
Atmospheric Combustion takes place when gaseous, liquid or solid fuels react at an elevated temperature with oxygen by burning, thus releasing heat
Atmospheric Pressure The pressure of the atmosphere at a specified place and time.
Attic The space between the rafters and the ceiling joists.
Attic ventilators Screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space located in the soflit area as inlet ventilators and in the gable end or along the ridge as outlet ventilators
ATRIUM An open court within a building
Auger Flexible metal cable used to clean out drains by fishing the cable into the drain and breaking up the clog. Hand and powered versions are available.
Auger Bit Also known as a Ship Auger. Used for boring large holes in wood. The spiral design and threaded tip of an auger make it pull itself through wood
Automatic Gas Valve The valve that controls the release of natural or propane gas to a heater. Also called a Combination Gas Valve.
Available lighting conditions The ambient light in a room, including natural light and artificial light. Imperfections in the wall surface or wallpaper are more evident as the ambient light increases.
Aviation snips Tin snips with a spring action for cutting sheet metal
Awl A pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or wood).
Awning Window A window with a single framed-glass panel. It is hinged at the top to swing out when it is open.
AWG American Wire Gauge, a system of sizing wire.
Axe A long handled tool with a heavy, double - or single bladed head, for chopping wood
AXIS Line around which something rotates or is symmetrically arranged