Dictionary

SASH to SUMP PUMP

Sash - Frame that holds the glass in a window

Sash Balance - The mechanism usually a spring designed to hold the window sash any desired level.

Self-sealing Strip - Factory applied adhesive that bonds shingle courses together when exposed to the heat of the sun after application.

Service Drop - The overhead service connection from the utility pole to the house.

Service Panel - See load center.

Settling - Movement as a building settles after construction. Problematic when settling is uneven and cracks occur in the foundation walls.

Shading - Slight differences in shingle color that may occur as a result of normal manufacturing operations.

Shake - Usually refers to Cedar, a shingles that is split from a block of wood, used for roofing or siding.

Sheathing - The exterior finish between the framing and the exterior siding, or the trusses and the roofing.

Shingles - Any asphalt, asbestos, wood or slate roof covering bed is made to standard lengths and widths.

Short Circuit - Result of the hot and neutral wires being crossed, improper wiring, a wet appliance etc. Not good!

Side Light - A narrow fixed glass window to the right or left of the door.

Siding - The exterior covering on the outside of the frame building, vinyl, wood, shingles, plywood sheets.

Sill Plate - The first component of the framing, bolted to the foundation walls, supports the building while anchoring it to the foundation.

Slab-on-Grade - Concrete slab foundation, built on ground level, no crawl space or basement.

Smoke Chamber - Large area in the chimney above the fireplace. Funnels smoke into the chimney liners / flue.

Soffit - Area under the roofs overhang, situated between the wall and the gutter.

Soil Stack - A pipe that vents the sewer or waste water plumbing, usually vents through the roof.

Span - The horizontal distance from eaves to eaves.

Splash Block - Concrete or plastic form, placed on the ground under a downspout to disburse water away from the house.

Square - Unit of roof measurement covering 100 square feet. 10ftx10ft.

Square Tab Shingles - Shingles on which tabs are all the same size and exposure.

Stair Tread - The "flat step" on a stairs.

Stair Riser - Back of the step, between two steps.

Starter Strip - Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cutout's and joints of the first course of shingles.

Step Flashing - Flashing most commonly seen at the joint between the roof and a brick chimney. As the roof goes up the flashing is cut into the next highest brick, giving it a stair step appearance.

Stile - Vertical edge member of the window sash.

Studs - Vertical framing members usually 2"x4".

Stucco - Exterior plaster tight finish made with Portland cement.

Structural Integrity - The ability of the structure to function as required.

Stud - Typically the vertical structural components of a wall. Usually 2"x4" wooden members.

Sub-contractor - Contractors or trades people working for a general contractor.

Sub Floor - Concrete floor, or the flooring installed over joists to provide a solid surface for carpet, tiles, Etc. Can be OSB, plywood or T&G.

Sump Pump - Pump in the basement or crawl space connected to a drainage system under the house. Works automatically, keeping area from flooding.

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