Ballast - A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.
Bracing - In a stick-built roof system it is the W-shaped structural member which provides support to the roof rafter.
Class "C - " Minimum fire rating issued by the Underwriters' Laboratories for roofing materials.
Coping - A cap at the top of a wall that's rounded or beveled to shed water. Also, a curved cut made so that one contoured moulding can join neatly with another.
Draw - The amount of progress billings on a contract that is currently available to a contractor under a contract with a fixed payment schedule.
Eaves - The horizontal exterior roof overhang.
Plumb - True vertical. Also see level.
Slab, door - A rectangular door without hinges or frame.
Slope - The incline angle of a roof surface, given as a ratio of the rise (in inches) to the run (in feet). See also pitch.
Three -dimensional shingles - Laminated shingles. Shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving a shake -like appearance. May also be called "architectural shingles".
Tongue and groove - A style of lumber in which the pieces interlock to form a strong solid formation.
Trim (plumbing, heating, electrical) - The work that the "mechanical" contractors perform to finish their respective aspects of work, and when the home is nearing completion and occupancy.
Tub trap - Curved, "U" shaped section of a bath tub drain pipe that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gasses from entering the home through tubs water drain.
Weatherstrip - Narrow sections of thin metal or other material installed to prevent the infiltration of air and moisture around windows and doors.
Y - A "Y" shaped plumbing fitting.
ú Building permit - Authorization to build or modify a structure.
