Understanding Remodeling Jargon

Posted by Ben Thompson on 04.17.16

Every industry has its own jargon, and that’s especially true of the remodeling and construction industry. At Thompson Remodeling, we make sure that our clients understand their project plans, the design and construction process, and do our best to avoid using a lot of remodeling jargon. That being said, if you are going to remodel, it’s always helpful to know the common terms used in the industry as sometimes there’s just no other way to say it!

Thompson Remodeling’s beginner’s guide to remodeling jargon.

Bearing partition: a wall that supports a vertical load and its own weight. The exterior walls of a house are bearing partitions.

Elevation: a 2 or 3 dimensional drawing that shows the front and sides of a home or building.

Gable: the section of wall that sits beneath the area where two slopes of roof connects, typically a triangular shape.

Girder: a large wood or steel beam that provides load support.

Header: a horizontal support that reinforces openings in wall structures; for example over a door or window.

Joist: parallel, horizontal framing used to support floors and ceilings.

Lintel: similar to a header, but made of steel and used for brick construction.

Pitch: the measure of a slope or inclination found in a roof or stair.

Saddle Or Cricket: on a sloped roof these peak shaped structures are placed directly behind the chimney to prevent water and debris from collecting. The peak will redirect the water and debris around the chimney and off the roof.

Soffit: inside the home a soffit is a boxed extension of the ceiling used to hide plumbing, electrical, or HVAC equipment. It can also serve as a decorative element. Outside the home, a soffit is the space underneath where the roof and side of a house meet.

Stud: Vertical pieces of wood or metal within a wall structure to connect the top and bottom plates to create strength. They are typically 16 to 24 inches apart.

Truss: a triangular system of beams or bars used to support a roof or attic space.


 

Next week we will be dedicating our blog to window jargon!

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