Sugar Mountain Home Builders - Lehmann Construction Glossary

Paul Lehmann's Home Building Dictionary

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Facing Brick

Brick used on the outside of a wall. The exposed side usually has a textured finish.

Fascia

A term that can be used to describe flat vertical surfaces in a home. Most commonly used to describe the surface immediately below the edge of the roof where the gutters will be attached.

Faux Painting

Requires a base coat and often many other colors painted over top to achieve the desired look , can be used on wall and other surfaces.

Felt

Tar paper installed on the roof under the shingles.

Fire rated or fire resistive

Refers to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and can withstand such fires for at least 1 hour. Drywall used in such areas as party walls and garages are described as fire rated.

Fixed Rate Mortgage

A mortgage where the buyers rate does not vary over time. The rate is fixed for the term of the loan.

Flashing

Sheet metal or other material used in wall and roof construction to protect the home against water leakage.

Flat Paint

An interior paint that dries to a flat, lusterless finish.

Flatwork

Common term for driveways, sidewalks, basements and other concrete floors.

Flue

Pipe through which the fumes from a furnace, fireplace or gas water heater escape. Also known as a B Vent, flue pipes are made from double walled, galvanized sheet metal.

Foam Insulation

A type of insulation that is used to fill the spaces in exterior concrete walls that are not already filled with concrete. Foam insulation is a good value because it provides a good sound barrier and fills all cavities of the wall. This can also help to prevent bugs and other pests from entering the home.

Footer

The thick concrete pad that is the groundwork of the home and supports the foundation wall .

Foundation

The supporting portion of the home or structure. Constructed below the first floor and often below grade.

Foundation Wall

Concrete block walls built on the footer.

Framer

The framer is a specific contractor that does all work related to the wooden structure of the home. This includes erecting the frame, installing lumber, flooring, interior walls, backing , trusses, rafters, decking, stairs, soffits and all beams. This work is done according to the blueprints and must meet local building codes and regulations.

Framing

Lumber used for studs, joists, rafters and other structural members of a building.

French Drains

This type of drain is installed under the surface of the ground to aid in the movement of water flow outside the home. These are also known as under drains.

Frieze Bands

A plain or decorated band placed between the top of the exterior siding and the soffit of the cornice. It is often made of a different texture than the adjacent wall surface in order to be more prominent. Frieze Bands can also be found inside the home just below the ceiling.

Frost Line

Measured as the depth of frost penetration into soil. Also considered to be the depth at which the earth will freeze and swell. This depth varies depending on what part of the country you are in.