Water-proof material designed to prevent penetration by water or direct water off the building; for example, a thin sheet metal used at the top of the foundation, around windows, doors, chimneys and at roof intersections.
Glossary
Fire resistance rating
The time in minutes or hours that a material, or assembly of materials, will withstand the passage of flames and transmission of heat in specific test conditions.
Glossary
Fire barrier
A fire-resistant wall, door or similar barrier that prevents the spread of fire within a building. Canada's building code specifies certain types of fire barriers in new-built homes.
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Glossary
Finish grading
Final adjustments to the ground surrounding a new building or buildings, which should slope away from the foundation to ensure proper drainage. Often includes manual application and raking of topsoil.
Glossary
Fibreglass
Thinly woven glass filaments made into sheets or embedded in plastic. Large, lightweight sheets are used as thermal insulation in homes.
Glossary
Fenestration
The architectural arrangement of openings like doors, windows and skylights in a building.
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Glossary
Felt paper
Used in roofing or siding, it is a layer of bitumen-soaked paper that goes between the roofing materials or facing to prevent moisture penetration.
Glossary
Exterior trim
Exterior mouldings and other pieces used to cover unprotected edges or joints or to connect elements like the roof and the wall.
Glossary
False/dropped ceiling
A non-structural ceiling that may be used to alter the look of a room and to provide a space for wiring, lights, ventilation systems or plumbing.
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Glossary
Facing
The external layer of wall that is exposed to weather and is visible from the outside. It is laid over the structural wall.
Glossary
Expansion joint
A joint in a concrete or masonry structure that is designed to expand without damaging the structure.
Glossary
Neo-classic
Neo-classic is a house design style dating from 1812-1840 that used the square Georgian style but added more artistic details and embellishments around exterior doors and windows. These details were often adapted from classic Greek and Roman designs.
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Glossary
Escutcheon
A plate around an opening, for example the plate a doorknob is attached to.
Glossary
Ensuite
A private room attached to a room. In residential homes it normally refers to a bathroom attached to a bedroom.
Glossary
Mid-century modern
Mid-century modern is a housing style that evolved from the post-war period starting in the 1950s and expressing the new reality of suburban living in the nuclear, not extended, family. Homes typically featured open-concept interiors, ample windows and a carport or garage.
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Glossary
Balustrade
A balustrade is a protective barrier around stairs, openings between floors, balconies or other areas where a person might fall. It consists of balusters (the uprights) and a railing on top.
Glossary
Engineered wood product
A manufactured product like plywood that consists of many layers of wood fibres or other products mixed with adhesive and stacked crosswise with natural wood often used for the top and bottom layer. The crisscross layers provide extra stability compared to solid wood and can be used in place of lumber in construction.
Glossary
Thermal storage
Ability to store excess heat for later release. Concrete is a good material for thermal storage and is used in some types of home construction as a heat source.
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