Definitions

We believe a well-informed client is a key element in establishing a relationship of accountability and integrity. In order to support this, we have put together the following list of terms commonly used in construction.

Anchor Bolt

A metal bolt that is embedded in a masonry wall and is used to attach structural objects such as wooden or metal plates.

Angle Iron

An “L” shaped structural steel element typically used to support masonry above door and window openings.

Bearing Wall

A wall that that supports a vertical load in addition to its own weight.

Block

A concrete masonry unit often contacting hollow cells.

Bond Beam

A course of hollow concrete masonry units which form a continuous channel in which reinforcing steel can be placed and filled solid with grout or mortar. Bond beams serve as lintels or as a reinforcement to strengthen a wall.

Brick

A masonry unit made of clay or shale that has been burnt in a kiln.

Brick Veneer

A brick wythe attached to the structural face of a building, but not structurally bonded to the wall. Veneer walls are typically not load bearing walls.

Caulk

A material used to seal cracks or joints that are susceptible to water penetration.

Cavity Wall

A masonry wall built of 2 wythes. It is designed to provide an uninterrupted and continuous air space within the wall. The individual wythes are tied together with non-corrosive metal ties.

Chimney Lining

A tubular, clay unit used inside a chimney to facilitate hot gases and smoke.

Compressive Strength

The amount of downward force, often referred to as load, that can be applied to a masonry wall before it breaks.

Coping

A masonry unit laid on top of a wall as the finishing course. The coping protects the underneath wall from water penetration. The coping serves both an ornamental and protective function.

Corbeling

The projection of masonry units to create a shelf, ledge or aesthetic design.

Dead Load

The constant load of a given structure due to the permanent members, supports, and attachments that comprise the structure.

Efflorescence

A white deposit visible on the surface of masonry. Water soluble salts emerge from within the masonry wall. The white, powdery substance is itself harmless and can be removed by cleaning the brick, however it is often indicative of recurring moisture within the wall which can damage the structure over time and lead to mold growth.

Expansion Joint

A separation or space between adjoining walls that allow for small movements of the structure. These movements are relative, typically imperceptible and can be caused when parts of the building settle or when parts of the structure expand or contract.

Firebox

The combustion chamber where a fire occurs in a fireplace.

Firebrick

Brick made of highly fire-resistant clay and used to build fireplaces, ovens and kilns.

Firewall

A wall extending from the foundation through the roof that is built using fire resistant materials and is meant to prevent the spread of fire.

Flashing

A material placed in mortar joints and across air spaces in cavity walls to prevent water penetration and facilitate proper water drainage. Flashing is made of an impermeable, durable and easily formable material such as stainless steel, plastic, or rubber.

Flue

A passageway that carries smoke, gases, and fumes from a chimney.

Flue Lining

A fire-proof, clay piping used to line the flue of a chimney.

Gothic Arch

A sharp- pointed arch comprised of two arc segments.

Grout

A liquid concrete mixture comprised of portland cement, lime, and aggregates that is poured into reinforced masonry walls for additional strength.

Lateral Support

Permanent or temporary supports that brace a structure. These include columns, beams, floors, roofs, and cross-walls.

Lintel

A horizontal metal beam placed over wall openings to support the weight of the masonry.

Muriatic Acid

Acid used to clean masonry walls. Water and acid are mixed to create a solution that cleans masonry stains and particles.

Parapet Wall

The portion of a wall that extends above the roof line. Parapet walls are structurally vulnerable and susceptible to water penetration, thusly they must be carefully built to ensure stability and water resistance.

Parging

Applying a layer of mortar to the back of a wall to waterproof the wall and enclose any cracks.

Roman Arch

A semi circular arch first employed in ancient Roman architecture.

Rumford Fireplace

A fireplace designed by Sir Benjamin Thompson. It uses a taller, more shallow firebox, a smaller damper, and a wider flue. Thompson used his knowledge of physics to create a fireplace that generated better draft and more heat.

R-Value

An index of heat value that measures the resistance a building, section, or building material has to heat flow.

Smoke Chamber

The area of the fireplace above the damper where smoke, gases, and fumes are collected, compressed, and funneled into the above flue for expulsion.

Tuck-Pointing

Cutting and grinding out old, deteriorated mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar in order to weatherize the wall and restore its structural and aesthetic integrity.

Weepholes

Small openings in mortar joints above flashing created to properly drain accumulated water.