TopFloorStore.com ®

a Torgo Software ® company (since 1996)

• Contact Us
• My Shopping Cart

Construction Terms and Slang

Click on a letter to go to the appropriate set of definitions (e-mail us if we forgot a term!)

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 

Eave
The part of a roof which projects out from the side wall, or the lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall.

Edge Clearance
Nominal spacing between the edge of the glass product and the bottom of the glazing pocket (channel).

Edge Grain (Vertical)
Edge-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately at right angles to the growth rings; i.e., the rings form an angle of 45 or more with the surface of the piece.

Edge Metal
A term relating to brake or extruded metal around the perimeter of a roof.

EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio; is figured by dividing BTU hours by watts.

Efflorescence
The process by which water leeches soluble salts out of concrete or mortar and deposits them on the surface. Also used as the name for these deposits.

EIFS
Exterior Insulating and Finish System; exterior wall cladding system consisting primarily of polystyrene foam board with a textured acrylic finish that resembles plaster or stucco.

Elastomer
An elastic rubber-like substance, such as natural or synthetic rubber.

Elastomeric
Of or pertaining to any of the numerous flexible membranes that contain rubber or plastic.

Electrolytic Coupling
A fitting required to join copper to galvanized pipe and gasketed to prevent galvanic action. Connecting pipes of different materials may result in electrolysis.

Elevation
A side of a building.

Emissivity
the measure of a surfaces ability to emit long-wave infrared radiation.

EMT
Electrical Metallic Tubing- This electrical pipe, also called thin-wall conduit, may be used for both concealed and exposed areas. It is the most common type of raceway used in single family and low rise residential and commercial buildings.

Emulsion
In roofing, a coating consisting of asphalt and fillers suspended in water.

End Dams
Internal flashing (dam) that prevents water from moving laterally within a curtain wall or window wall system.

End Lap
The amount or location of overlap at the end of a roll of roofing felts in the application.

EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. A single ply membrane consisting of synthetic rubber; usually 45 or 60 mils. Application can be ballasted, fully adhered or mechanically attached.

Excavate
Dig the basement and or all areas that will need footings/foundations below ground.

Expansion Coefficient
The amount that a specific material will vary in any one dimension with a change of temperature.

Expansion Joint
A device used to permit a structure to expand or contract without breakage. In residential construction, a bituminous fiber strip used to separate blocks or units of concrete to prevent cracking due to expansion as a result of temperature changes. Also used on concrete slabs.

Exterior Glazed
Glazing infills set from the exterior of the building.

Exterior Stop
The molding or bead that holds the light or panel in place when it is on the exterior side of the lite or panel.

Extrusion
An item formed by forcing a base metal (frequently aluminum) or plastic, at a malleable temperature, through a die to achieve a desired shape.

Eyebrow
A flat, normally concrete, projection which protrudes horizontally from a building wall; Eyebrows are generally located above windows.