Caisson- A 10" or 12" diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded into bedrock 3 - 4 feet. The structural support for a type of foundation wall, porch, patio, monopost, or other structure. Two or more "sticks" of reinforcing bars (rebar) are inserted into and run the full length of the hole and concrete is poured into the caisson hole.

Chamfer Strip - An insert that is triangular or curved, placed in an inside corner to produce a rounded or flat beveled edge at the right angle corner of a construction member.

Canopy- A roof-like structure projecting more than 300mm (11 3/4 in.) from the face of a building.

Cant Strip - A beveled piece of material placed where the roofing material turns up such as at the intersection of a parapet wall and the roof deck. It is used to soften the angle that must be covered by the roofing membrane.

Cantilever - A projecting elements, such as a beam or porch, supported at a single point or along a single line by a wall or column, stabilized by counterbalancing downward force around the point of fulcrum.

Cap - The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, moulding, or fireplace.

Cap Flashing - The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

Capital- The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount borrowed.

Capillary Action - The act of a liquid clinging to a horizontal surface.

Capital and Interest - A repayment loan and the most conventional form of home loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the amount borrowed (or capital or principal) plus the interest charged on capital.

Capped Rate - The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up and down below that level.

Carbon Monoxide - Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any fuel. CO is poisonous and symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu: headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

Carport- An open-sided shelter used for vehicles, usually formed by a roof projecting from the side of a building.

Carriage Bolt - A bolt with a round smooth head that is threaded; a bolt with a square neck directly under the head to prevent its rotation.

Casement- Frames of wood or metal enclosing part (or all) of a window sash. May be opened by means of hinges affixed to the vertical edges.

Casement Window - A window with hinges on one of the vertical sides and swings open like a normal door.

Casing- Wood trim moulding installed around a door or window opening.

Catch Basin - Large underground container, with a grate on the top, for collection of storm water run-off. It catches or collects dirt and other debris and prevents them from polluting streams and lakes.

Caulking- (1) A flexible material used to seal a gap between two surfaces e.g. between pieces of siding or the corners in tub walls. (2) To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt plastic cement to prevent leaks.

Cavity Wall - Double masonry wall having an air space between the wythes.

CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) - A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to protect it from termites, other wood boring insects, and decay caused by fungus.

Celotex ™ - Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheathing.

Ceiling Joist - One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls. Also called roof joists.

Cement- The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland cement. Also, any adhesive.

Centerset- Style of bathroom faucet having combined spout and handles, with handles 4 inches apart, center-to-center. Also a single-handle faucet installed on 4 inches center-to-center faucet holes.

Central Air Conditioner - A unit that cools an entire house by removing heat from the inside air and releasing it outside.

Ceramic Tile - A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower enclosures and on counter tops.

Ceran Top - Brand name for a type of specialty glass used in flat-surface cook tops. The burners are placed under the glass and cooking utensils are placed on top of the glass.

Certificate of Occupancy - A certificate issued by Local Authority that establishes that the building is at a stage where it complies with its particular standards.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) - A rating that expresses the amount of air a blower or fan can move. The volume of air (measured in cubic feet) that can pass through an opening in one minute.

Chain Link - A fence made from steel posts and chain link fencing.

Chair Rail - A wooden moulding placed along the lower part of the wall to prevent chairs, when pushed back, from damaging the wall. Also used as decoration..

Chalk Line - A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.

Chamfer- A beveled edge.

Change Order - A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the construction Contract.

Chase- A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel in a wall, or through a ceiling for something to lie in or pass through.

Chimney- A primarily vertical shaft enclosing at least 1 flue for conducting flue gases to the outdoors.

Chimney Effect - The tendency of heated air or gas to rise in a duct or other vertical passage, such as in a chimney, small enclosure, or building, due to its lower density compared to the surrounding air or gas.

Chip Board - A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing. Also called OSB(Oriented Strand Board) or wafer board.

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) - A wood preservative used for timber treatment since the mid-1930's. It is a mix of copper, chromium, and arsenic formulated as oxides or salts. It preserves the wood from decay fungi, wood attacking insects, including termites, and marine borers. It also improves the weather-resistance of treated timber and may assist paint adherence in the long term.

Circle Cutter - An adjustable scribe tool for cutting circular patterns or openings for lighting fixtures and other devices in gypsum board.

Circuit- The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground.

Circuit Breaker - A device which looks like a switch and is usually located inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box. It is designed to (1) shut of the power to portions or all of the house and (2) to limit the amount of power flowing through a circuit (measured in amperes). 110 volt household circuits require a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 or a maximum of 20 amps. 220 volt circuits may be designed for higher amperage loads e.g. a hot water heater may be designed for a 30 amp load and would therefore need a 30 amp fuse or breaker.

Cladding- The lightweight outer skin of a building that does not carry any weight or support the building, but does keep wind and rain out. A term used to describe the siding or materials covering the exterior of a building.

Clapboard- Tapered horizontal boards used as siding, thickest on their bottom edge; each overlaps the one below. Also know as weatherboard or siding.

Clean Out - An opening providing access to a drain line. Closed with a threaded plug.

Clear Span - The distance between the inside faces of the supports of a structural member.

Clear Title - A title that is not burdened by liens or legal questions is considered to be clear.

Clerestory Roof - Roof style consisting of two sides that slope in opposite directions with a vertical wall section extending between the peaks. The vertical wall contains windows that provide light and/or ventilation into the building.

Clerestory Window - A window (usually narrow) placed in the upper walls of a room, usually at an angle, to provide extra light

Clipped Gable - A gable cutback near the peak in a hip-roof form.

Closed Cut Valley - A method of roof valley treatment in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley as shingles from the other side are trained two inches from the valley center line. The valley flashing is not exposed.

Closet Auger - A flexible rod with a curved end used to access the toilet's built-in trap and remove clogs.

Closet Bend - A curved fitting mounted immediately below the toilet that connects the closet flange to the toilet drain.

Closet Flange - An anchoring ring that attaches to the closet bend and secured to the floor. The heads of closet bolts, used to secure the toilet in place, insert into slots in the closet flange.

Closure- A device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation or an exterior wall, such as a door, a shutter, wired glass or glass block, and includes all components such as hardware, closing devices, frames and anchors.

Clip Ties - Sharp, cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete foundation wall (that at one time held the foundation form panels in place).

CMHC- An acronym for the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This Federally run institution provides banks and lenders with mortgage insurance (which is not the same as life or property insurance). If a borrower defaults on their mortgage loan or there is a foreclosure on the property, CMHC assumes responsibility and reimburses the bank or lender the entire mortgage amount. This insurance is typically required when a borrower has less than 25% equity or down payment and it must be paid in advance (or it can be added to the mortgage).

CO- An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy". This certificate is issued by the local municipality and is required before anyone can occupy and live within the home. It is issued only after the local municipality has made all inspections and all monies and fees have been paid.

Coffered Ceiling - A coffered ceiling generally follows the underside of the roof planes up to a specific height where the ceiling is then flattened.

Cold Air Return - The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating.

Column Footing - Concrete support for a column; commonly known as individual footing, generally square or rectangular in shape.

Collar - Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roofing above the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.

Collar Tie - Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure.

Column- A vertical structural compression member which supports loads.

Combustion Air - The duct work installed to bring fresh, outside air to the furnace and/or hot water heater. Normally 2 separate supplies of air are brought in: One high and One low.

Combustion Chamber - The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation.

Common Rafter - Full length rafter that extends from the top wall plate to the ridge.

Compaction- Good compaction will ensure minor settling after construction. Proper compaction is very important to construction.

Compound Miter - A miter (angle) cut with the saw blade sloped at a specified angle (i.e. 22°, 45°).

Compression Web - A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and top chords and which provides downward support.

Compressor - A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).

Concrete- The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to make garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh).

Concrete Block - A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size.

Concrete Board - A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.

Concrete Frost Wall Foundation - This is the most common type of foundation for a custom garage. Prior to pouring the foundation, the site needs to be cleared and footing trenches are dug below grade in according to code (4’ below grade for Ontario) This type of foundation is built using a continuous footing that is set below frost level. A continuous concrete wall or concrete block wall is then built on top of the footing that will typically be exposed above finished ground level about (6” minimum) for water protection. A finished concrete slab is then poured on compacted gravel for a smooth finish inside the garage. Ontario Building Code dictates the thickness of the slab, thickness of the footing, width of the footing, sizing of the wire mesh, thickness of the layer of gravel or sand.

Condensate- The liquid phase produced by the condensation of steam or any other gas.

Condensation- Beads or drops of water (and frequently frost in extremely cold weather) that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a building. Use of louvers or attic ventilators will reduce moisture condensation in attics. A vapor barrier under the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls will reduce condensation.

Condensing Unit - The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat.

Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions (CC and Rs) - The standards that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

Condominium- A structure containing two or more housing units. The interior space of each unit is individually owned while the remaining property (land, building, and other amenities) is owned in common by all the owners of the individual units.

Conduction- The direct transfer of heat energy through a material.

Conductivity- The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material.

Conduit, Electrical - A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed

Construction Contract - A legal document which specifies the what-when-where-how-how much and by whom in a construction project.

Construction Drywall - A type of construction in which the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of sheet materials or wood paneling as contrasted to plaster.

Construction, Frame - A type of construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.

Continuity Tester - A device that tells whether a circuit is capable of carrying electricity.

Contractor- The responsibility for actually building an architect's design rests with the contractor, who commits to a particular price for the work, usually in competition, employs the workforce, and contracts out such specialist work as may be necessary.

Control Joint - Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete floors to "control" where the concrete should crack.

Convection- Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it. Also see radiation.

Convertibility - The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate schedule to a fixed rate schedule.

Cooling Load - The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer.

Coped- Removing the top and bottom flange of the end(s) of a metal I-beam. This is done to permit it to fit within, and bolted to, the web of another I-beam in a "T" arrangement.

Coped Joint - Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface

Corbel- The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.

Cordwood Construction (also called "cordwood masonry," "stackwall construction" or "stackwood construction") is a term used for a natural building method in which "cordwood" or short lengths pieces of debarked tree are laid up crosswise with masonry or cob mixtures to build a wall.

Corner Bead - A strip of formed sheet metal placed on outside corners of drywall before applying drywall compound.

Corner Boards - Used as trim for the external corners of a house or other frame structure against which the ends of the siding are finished.

Corner Braces - Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and strengthen the wall.

Cornice - Overhang of a pitched roof , usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit and appropriate trim mouldings.

Counter Flashing - A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and used to prevent moisture entry.

Counterfort- A foundation wall section that strengthens (and generally perpendicular to) a long section of foundation wall.

Course- A row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof. Parallel layers of building materials such as bricks, or siding laid up horizontally.

Cove Base - A flexible strip of plastic or synthetic rubber used to finish the junction between floor and wall.

Cove Moulding - A moulding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners.

Crawl Space - A shallow space below the living quarters of a house, normally enclosed by the foundation wall and having a dirt floor.

Credit Rating - A report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to determine a borrower's credit habits.

Cricket- A second roof built on top of the primary roof to increase the slope of the roof or valley. A saddle-shaped, peaked construction connecting a sloping roof with a chimney. Designed to encourage water drainage away from the chimney joint.

Cripple- Short vertical "2 by 4's or 6's" frame lumber installed above a window or door.

Cripple Rafter - Rafters that cut between valley and hip rafters.

Cross Bridging - Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting.

Cross Tee - Short metal "T" beam used in suspended ceiling systems to bridge the spaces between the main beams.

Cross Ventilation - The effect that is provided when air moves through a roof cavity between the vents.

Crown- The upward bow, curve or rise along the length of a board. Deck boards are set on end with the crown up. Over time, the crown will sag and the board will straighten.

Crown Moulding - A moulding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered, especially at the roof and wall corner.

Cul-de-Sac- A dead-end street, often with a broad circle at the end.

Culvert- Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18" in diameter) that is installed beneath a driveway and parallel to and near the street.

Cup Escutcheon - Lock trim that creates a recess in a door face and does not protrude beyond the door face.

Cupping - A type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their edges.

Curb- The short elevation of an exterior wall above the deck of a roof. Normally a 2 by 6 box (on the roof) on which a skylight is attached.

Curb Appeal - The look or appeal of a house when viewed from the street or sidewalk.

Curb Stop - Normally a cast iron pipe with a lid (@ 5" in diameter) that is placed vertically into the ground, situated near the water tap in the yard, and where a water cut-off valve to the home is located (underground). A long pole with a special end is inserted into the curb stop to turn off/on the water.

Cut-In Brace - Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2 by 4's, cut in between each stud diagonally.