GLOSSARY

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

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BLUSHING

A white or cloudy cast on high-gloss paint or transparent finish. May be caused by improper preparation, entrapped moisture, high humidity or heat.


BOARD UP

The temporary installation of barriers to secure roofs, windows, doors and other penetrations against intrusion or weather.


BORESCOPE

A device that can be inserted at an access point to focus on and view inaccessible surfaces, such as interior walls of ductwork. A monitor or camera can be attached to pictorially document internal surface conditions.


BOTTOM PLATE

Also sole plate. A horizontal timber which serves as a base for the studs in a stud wall or partition.


BOUND WATER

Water or _saps_ contained within the cell walls of structural wood materials. Bound moisture is given off gradually as the wood dries and it has a marked effect on how the wood will stain.


BOUNDARY LAYER

The layered air mass separating the surface of a material from ambient air. A saturated boundary layer at the surface of a wet material will inhibit additional evaporation from that surface unless it is _swept_ away continuously by air movers.


BRACE

A metal or wood member which is used to stiffen or support an assembly or structure; a strut which supports or fixes another member in position.


BRIC-A-BRAC

A miscellaneous collection of small articles commonly of ornamental or sentimental value, often fragile.


BRICK VENEER

A facing of brick laid against a wall and affixed with ties or mortar, but serving no structural purpose.


BRIDGING

A brace, or a system of braces, placed between joists to stiffen them, prevent twisting and help distribute the load.