Glossary 323
Flashing A thin, impervious sheet of material placed in construction to prevent water penetration or
to direct the flow of water. Flashing is used especially at roof hips and valleys, roof penetrations, joints be-
tween a roof and a vertical wall, and in masonry walls to direct the flow of water and moisture.
Floor Joist Structural member for the support of floor loads.
Floor Plan A horizontal section taken at approximately eye level.
Flue Liner A terra-cotta pipe used to provide a smooth flue surface so that unburned materials will
not cling to the flue.
Flush Even, level, or aligned.
Footings Weight-bearing concrete construction elements poured in place in the earth to support
a structure.
Forging The process of shaping heated metal by hammering or other impact.
Format The general makeup or style of a drawing.
Foundation Plan A drawing that graphically illustrates the location of various foundation mem-
bers and conditions that are required for the support of a specific structure.
Frame Lines The outline of transverse plane sections of a hull.
Framing Connectors Metal devices, varying in size and shape for the purpose of joining wood
framing members together.
French Curve An instrument used to draw smooth irregular curves.
Frieze A decoration or ornament shaped to form a band around a structure.
Frost Line The depth at which frost penetrates the soil.
Full Section A sectional view that passes entirely through the object.
Furred Ceiling The construction for a separate surface beyond the main ceiling or wall that pro-
vides a desired air space and modifies interior dimensional conditions.
Furring Wood strips attached to structural members that are used to provide a level surface for
finishing materials when different-sized structural members are used.
Gable A type of roof with two sloping surfaces that intersect at the ridge of the structure.
Galvanized Steel products that have had zinc applied to the exterior surface to provide protection
from rusting.
Gambrel Roof A barn-shaped roof.
Gauge The thickness of metal or glass sheet material.
General Conditions (When used by contractors) Construction project activities and their asso-
ciated costs that are not usually assignable to a specific material installation or subcontract. Example:
temporary electrical power. (When used by everyone else) The contract document (often a standard
form) that spells out the relationships between the parties to the contract. Example: the AIA Document
A201.
General Contract Any contract (together with all riders, addenda and other instruments referred
to therein as “contractor or any other person, which requires the general contractor or such other per-
son to provide, or supervise or manage the procurement of, substantially all labor and material needed
for completion of the Improvements.
Girder A horizontal structural beam for the support of secondary members such as floor joists.
Glue-Laminated Beams A beam comprised of a series of wood members glued together.
Grade The designation of the quality of a manufactured piece of wood.
Grading The moving of soil to effect the elevation of land at a construction site.
Gravel Stop A metal strip used to retain gravel at the edge of built-up roofs.