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Precision Inspections > Real Estate Pro
Glossary of Common Terms Found In Home Inspection Reports
Amperage rating: In home inspection, the current capacity of the electrical service supplied to a home. For example, a 100-amp or 200-amp service.
Anti-oxidant compound: A grayish paste applied to aluminum wiring connections to prevent aluminum oxide from forming which can increase the resistance at the connection.
Asbestos: A natural mineral fiber found in the earth that when refined was used in home products including insulation. The EPA lists asbestos fibers as a health hazard. Asbestos siding left undisturbed is not hazardous.
Asphalt shingles: Fiberglass or felted mats impregnated with asphalt and covered with a granular material that are used as roof shingles.
Auxiliary condensate line: A back up second drain to the main condensate line from an air conditioning system often found in attics. If the primary line becomes clogged, it can prevent condensate from leaking onto ceiling.
Backflow preventer: A small plumbing device often used on hose bibs to prevent waste water from being siphoned into the supply system.
Balusters: The vertical supports in the railing of a staircase and/or guardrail. Modern building practices recommend balusters be placed no more than 4 inches apart to prevent small children from falling through.
Batts: Fiberglass insulation pre-made in different widths and thicknesses to fit between studs and joists.
Bow: A vertical outward curve in a wall from top to bottom.
Branch circuit wiring: The distribution wiring that runs from the electrical panel to outlets, switches, and fixtures in the home.
Brick ties: Metal fasteners used to attach an outer brick veneer wall to the wood framework of a house.
Brick veneer: An outer wall made of brick which is attached to the inner wood wall framework of a house with brick ties. The brick veneer does not in itself provide structural support to the home.
Bulge: An outward curve in a wall in both horizontal and vertical directions at the same time.
Carbon monoxide: Abbreviated as CO, it is a toxic gas that is invisible and odorless. It is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels.
Casement window: A vertically hinged window that opens outward.
Caulking: A joint sealing material used to seal interfaces between building components such as windows, doors and walls.
Cellulose insulation: A loose fill insulating material often blown into attics that is made of recycled newspaper or wood fibers treated with a fire retardant.
Chimney cap: The concrete covering at the top of the chimney between the flue and the chase.
Chimney chase: The outer walls of a chimney.
Chimney flue: The inner channel in a chimney that carries combustion products out of the home.
Circuit breaker: A protective device located in the electrical panel that “trips”, stopping the flow of current in a circuit when it is overloaded.
Collar ties: Horizontal boards in the attic that hold opposite sides of the roof together to prevent rafter sag and rafter spread.
Columns: Vertical supports that transfer the weight of the structure above to the structure below which could be another floor or foundation or footings.
Combustion air: Air which contains oxygen that mixes with fuel such as wood, oil, or gas allowing the fuel to burn.
Composition board: Boards made from pressing wood fibers and glue together under pressure.
Condensate line: The drain piping that carries condensate from an air conditioning evaporator to an area outside the home.
Condensate tray: A tray under an air conditioning unit meant to collect condensation not carried away by the main condensate line. (Useful if main condensate line becomes clogged.)
Course: A row of bricks or other siding material.
Cricket: To prevent water from pooling in front of a chimney, it is small peaked roof perpendicular to the main roof slope constructed at the high side of a chimney.
Cross connection: A plumbing connection such as a hose that could allow waste water to be siphoned back into the supply system.
Damper: A metal plate in the throat or at the top of a fireplace that can be closed when the fireplace in not in use.
Dead Load: The weight of the building materials in a structure.
Deck: An independent structure or platform that may or may not be attached to the house.
Dormer: A structure having its own roof and walls built out from the roof slope.
Double hung window: A window with two sashes in which both move up and down.
Double tapping: Attaching a second wire to a fuse or breaker for the purpose of adding more circuits to the electrical system. Not allowed except for breakers approved for double tapping.
Downspout: The vertical piping that carries rainwater from the gutter to the ground.
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