Terms of the Trade

Instead of a line or a cross, their top features a square.

It has a tapered point on one end.

Roofing materials that capture solar power are finally here.

These low viscosity oils are good for small cleanup jobs.

It's a gel that removes metal oxides from the joints.

These nifty devices pull water straight out of the air.

These double-layered exteriors help trap heat in a building.

These nifty craft projects are made from layers of paper.

A stick-built home is built on-site instead of in a factory.

It's a triangular cut connecting a wooden rafter to a wall.

These concrete chunks are made with air pockets inside.

The use of grey water reduces the need of a fresh water supply for tasks such as crop and landscape irrigation.

These systems use bacteria to turn waste into energy.

They cover the tops of curtains, making an elegant accent.

It can be a cabinet, stand, or short stool.

A mini bog is a container for plants that need swampy soil.

These specialty covers protect your outdoor plants.

They use electromagnetism to regulate machine fluid flow.

Measure your existing paint to get a perfect color match.

They combine parts elegantly, but are difficult to repair.

Make sure to clear your new panels with your energy company.

Plant potting mixes without soil offer some advantages.

These agents help plant cuttings grow new roots.

It's among the cheapest and most common types of insulation.

In a nutshell, it's how fast an object or space will cool.

It's a central element cooling systems.

They transfer heat from air to water vapor.

A double pole breaker can deliver 240 volts instead of 120.

This popular siding is made with laminated wood elements.

A nail set can push a nail in without damaging the surface.

It's a rule governing the use of a property by a non-owner.

This little phrase comes up surprisingly often.

Structural loads are measured in several different ways.

This versatile substance comes from tiny algae fossils.

Prefabricated buildings are increasingly common.

OC spacing refers to the centers of construction elements.

Don't let this uncommon reading spook you.

A circ pump (short for “circulating” or “circulator”) is a machine that keeps liquids or gasses moving in a sealed system.

An abutment is a joint between two surfaces, and is usually used in roofing terminology to describe a joint between a roof and a wall.

Many times a downspout ends with just an elbow.

Use an impact driver for quick drilling.

The higher the grade, the finer the sandpaper.

Get into those tight spaces with this technique.

A storm sash can be handy to keep out the weather, but they can be difficult to remove.

Use a brake caliper tool when changing brake pads on your car.

Air hammers use highly pressurized air to strike the desired object.

Spotted spurge is a rogue lawn weed that can become a serious nuisance in your lawn or flowerbeds.

Insulation can lower a home's heat loss by up to 75 percent!