Banner Elk Builders - Lehmann Construction Glossary

Paul Lehmann's Home Building Dictionary

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Damper

The metal door inside the chimney of a fireplace.

Deadbolt

A security lock installed on exterior entry doors and unlike latches, have square ends. A single cylinder deadbolt is controlled by a key on one side and a thumb-turn or other lever on the opposite side. A double cyclinder deadbolt requires a key to control either side.

Dedicated Circuit

An electrical circuit that is dedicated to serving power to only one appliance or a set of electic heaters or smoke detectors.

Default

The term used when someone is in breach of their mortgage contract.

Doorjamb, Interior

The surrounding case of a door with which it opens and closes.

Dormer

Opening in a sloped roof from which the framing projects and creates a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.

Double Glass

Often in doors and windows, double glass uses two panes of glass with a sealed air space between. Also known as Insulating Glass.

Double Hung

Windows featuring two vertically sliding sashes, both moving up and down.

Downspout

Carries rainwater from the roof's horizontal gutters. Is ususally made from a metal pipe.

Draw

The amount of money available to the contractor under a fixed payment schedule loan. Draws are based on the amount of progress completed on the project.

Drop in Sink

A sink that is mounted to the surface of a counter top and whose rim is visible. A sink where the rim is not visible on the counter top is known as an under mount sink.

Dry In

The stage of construction where the black roofing felt or tar paper is applied to the roof.

Ducts

Tunnels and pipes installed for distribution of warm or cold air from the furnace to the rooms of the house.

Dura Rock

Panels of fiberglass and concrete used as a ceramic tile backing material. Common on bathtub decks.

DWV

Stands for drain waste vent and is the section of plumbing that carries water and sewer gases out of the home.