Glossary Terms

Blocking

Blocking generally consists of small wood pieces placed between framing members to provide a base for attaching finish products to. (Cabinets, trim, towel bars, etc…)

BPI generally stands for Building Performance Institute which is a group that certifies individuals on “building performance” measures. Another “BPI” floating out there is the Building Performance Index (or as many say the BullS*** Performance Index) is a unique system being pushed by a few individuals as a way to “measure” the actual energy savings […]

BTU

BTU or British Thermal Unit equals the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound (16 ounces / .45 KG) of water one degree Fahrenheit. One common comparision is a wooden kitchen match basically expends one BTU.

Capillary Action

Capillary Action is a natural force that essentially allows liquids to defy gravity & pass through porous materials like concrete. In scientific terms it is the movement of water within the spaces of a porous material due to the forces of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension or put simply “wet goes to dry.”

Capillary Break

A capillary break is a space or item used to break the flow of water via

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide or CO is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of a fuel. For More

CAZ

The CAZ or Combustion Appliance Zone is essentialy where your gas-fired appliances are located.

CDD

CDD or Cooling Degree Day, is a unit used for estimating /modeling the energy needed for cooling a building. The standard practice is to take the average daily temprature and subtract that from 65° (a day with an average temprature of 85 would equal 20). The annual CDD combines all the days with an average temperature above […]

Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the local municipality after all inspections have been passed & fees paid and is required before anyone can occupy and live within the home.

CFL

CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Light