Jamb Blocks - A concrete block that is shaped to go around the jamb
Drain Tile - A buried drainage system used to run-off storm or sewer away from the foundation. Typically made of black, plastic tubing with holes
Parging - A thin coat of plaster used to smooth a masonry surface
Polyethelene – Vapor barrier sheeting, generally 6 mil, used to block moisture
Forms – Wood or plastic molds used to create footings from poured concrete
Unexcavated – Undisturbed earth that has not been dug out or filled
Footing - Lowest member of foundation system used to spread the loads of structure across supporting soil
Live Load - Load from all movable objects within a structure including loads from furniture and people. External loads from snow and wind are also considered live loaded.
Dead Load - Weight of building materials or other immovable objects in a structure
Stem Wall - A concrete block or brick foundation wall constructed on top of the footer
Rebar - Reinforcing steel used to strengthen concrete
Settlement - Sinking foundations, cracked or buckled walls and uneven floors caused by unstable soil and extreme moisture with lack of proper drainage
Monolithic - Concrete construction created in one pour
Structural Reinforcement – Rebar, steel forms, keyways or any other material used to strengthen foundation systems
Piers - Concrete or masonry foundation pillar support used to support the floor system
Columns/Posts - Vertical structural support, usually round and made of steel
Girders - Horizontal support member at the foundation level
Frost Line - Depth to which soil will freeze
Foundation Wall – The vertical wall that extends from the top of the footing up to the first-floor level of the structure. Helps spread the load being supported
CMU – (Concrete Masonry Unit) Concrete Blocks used in foundation walls and piers
Aggregates - Stone, gravel, cinder, or slag used as one of the components of concrete
Modular Brick – Brick that is identified by a nominal size that includes an allowance for the thickness of a standard mortar joint
Stretchers - A course of masonry laid horizontally with the end of the unit exposed