ADHESIVE
A sticky liquid or paste used to fasten items together by surface attachment.

ADJUSTABLE SHELF STANDARD
Metal pieces, often 6′ long, into which shelf brackets or clips are inserted so you can adjust shelf spacings.

ALLOWANCES (IN ESTIMATING)
When an exact item is not specified the estimator often “allows” a reasonable amount of money so the owner can pick out a style, color, etc. later. If the owner picks something cheaper than the allowance they get a refund or credit. If they pick something more expensive they pay the difference.

ANCHOR BOLT
Bolts with an angle on the end, used to fasten the sill plate to a foundation wail.

ANGLE TRIM
Sheet metal bent in the proper shape to finish” corners, junctions, etc. in a metal building or with metal siding.

APRON
Interior wood member that goes under a window stool for a finished tools. Many windows are trimmed all around with casing (Picture cased). No sill is used and therefore no apron is required.

ASH DUMP
A rectangular metal item placed in a masonry fireplace floor, that can be “opened” allowing ashes to fall down into an ash dump area in the base of a fireplace. (Not all fireplaces have this).

ASPHALT SHINGLES
individual pieces of roofing over-lapped to form a watertight covering. The “old” style is to have an “organic” (heavy felt) base covered with granules. Newer styles have a fiberglass mat saturated with asphalt and covered with granules. Various weights and shapes are available.

ATTIC ACCESS PANEL
An opening is placed in the ceiling or gable end of a home providing access to the attic. This is closed with the attic access panel which can be bought ready made or built by a carpenter.

AWNING WINDOW
A window hinged at the top, swinging outside.

BALUSTER
Small vertical members of a wood stair or railing that support the top rail.

BALUSTRADE
A unit made up of balusters, top rail, corner posts, and possibly a bottom rail. Used as the edge of porches, stairs, etc.

BASE
A “finish” trlm member often used at the junction of wall and floor. Wood and vinyl are common.

BASE SHOE
A trim member used at the junction of floor and wall. Often in conjunction with the base trim.

BATT
Fiberglass insulation cut to length to fit in a wall or between ceiling joist or lower truss chords.

BATTEN
Narrow strips of wood or metal used to cover joints in siding or paneling.

BATTER BOARDS
A pair of boards, nailed to stakes, at right angies to each other at the corners of a building. These assist in locating the corners of the building for excavation and layout purposes.

BEAM
A structural member carrying building loads from one support to another. Sometime called a “girder”.