- 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.
Dayton, Ohio Home Inspectors
Gas Line Dirt Legs
Gas and particularly natural gas piping may have traces of sediment or particulates in it, especially if work has been done to the underground piping under the street. To trap any contaminates before they flow into the appliance, blocking the burner and creating problems for the home owner a series of dirt legs are installed. […]Read More about Gas Line Dirt Legs
Thermostat Placement Is Crucial
A badly placed thermostat plays havoc with the heating and cooling of a house. In this case the wall light creates a warm zone beside the thermostat causing it to register hotter than the rest of the house. This means that it reaches what it registers as the set temperature shutting the furnace down before […]Read More about Thermostat Placement Is Crucial
Bath Overflow Loose
All too often the overflow on the bathtub is loose or worse yet loose and the gasket damaged. If the bath is filled up to the overflow and it is loose the water will go down behind the tub which if it’s on the second floor could damage the ceiling. The water can also create […]Read More about Bath Overflow Loose
Bonding Gas Piping
A bonding wire is often mistaken for a ground wire, it does not go to ground but back to the electric panel. When it is connected to black iron *(steel)* piping the paint under the clamp must be removed with a rasp or sandpaper to make a good contact, paint reduces the contact rendering the […]Read More about Bonding Gas Piping
High Efficiency Furnaces In Attic
High efficiency furnaces recognisable by the white PVC flue pipe, installed in an unheated attic is not your best choice of location, it may be the only place to put it which does not change the fact that it is not ideal. Yes, many builders and furnace installers are installing them in the attic without […]Read More about High Efficiency Furnaces In Attic
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 707
Xenia, OH 45385
Address (No walk-ins)
120 West Second Street
Dayton, OH 45402
