- Above Grade
- Any part of the structure or site feature that is above the finished ground level.
- Abutment
- The structure designed to receive thrust, supporting structure. Especially of a bridge or arch.
- Aggregate
- Course material; gravel, crushed stone or sand with which cement and water are mixed to form concrete.
- Air Barrier
- Material used to retard the passage of air.
- Air-dried
- Refers to lumber that has been seasoned or dried naturally as opposed to kiln dried.
- Air Duct
- Pipe, tube, or box section constructed to move air from the handling unit to the area in which it is needed.
- Algae Discoloration
- Roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly called fungus growth.
- Amps (Amperage)
- Measurement of electricity, the higher the number of amps the more electricity you have available to you.
- Anchor Bolts
- Bolts that secure the sill plate, which is first component of the framing of the house, to the foundation walls.
- Apartment
- A room or rooms used as living quarters. Dwelling unit of a multifamily house.
- Apartment Building
- Dwelling comprising of three or more living units with shared entrances.
- Apron
- The piece of trim below the windowsill, installed to cover the rough edge of the wall finish. The area created by the extension of a concrete garage floor beyond the face of the building.
- Air Space
- Cavity or space in walls, windows or other enclosed parts of the building between structural members.
- Airway
- Space left between roof insulation and roof deck to allow the unobstructed movement of air.
- Alteration
- Any change that does not alter the total square footage.
- Artificial Stone
- Concrete unit artificially colored and shaped to resemble natural stone.
- Architectural Shingles
- (Laminated shingles) Strip shingles containing more than one layer of tabs to create extra thickness. Also called three-dimensional shingles or architectural shingles.
- Asbestos Cement
- Fire resistant waterproof building material made from cement and asbestos. Used in corrugated sheets, shingles, pipes etc.
- Asphalt
- Bituminous compound used in construction for waterproofing, roofing, and driveway paving.
- At Grade
- Term applied to any part of the structure or feature that is located at the same level as the adjacent finished ground level.
- Atrium
- Interior enclosed court into which other rooms open.
- Attic
- The inside space between the ceiling and roof.
- Attic Access
- Hatch or door to the attic area.
- Attic Vents
- Ventilators inserted in the roof, at the gable ends or the soffits to provide air flow to the attic area, necessary to keep the attic area cool and dry.