Home Building Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

M

Millwork
Ready-made windows, doors, and various woodwork trim materials.

Monolithic Slab
A type of concrete floor foundation, in which the footings and floor concrete are poured together, forming a continuous unified foundation.

Mortar Dam
An undesirable buildup of mortar in the cavity between brick and exterior wall, caused by sloppy application of mortar, which when severe enough can block function of weep holes.

Mud
See “joint compound.”

N

Nail Pop
Loosening of a nail in finished drywall, causing a noticeable cracking of wall surface.

O

On-Center (O.C.)
Also known as “center to center.” A method of measure in framing, with the measure being from the center of one entity to the center of another entity. Example: walls measure 12’-6” apart, center to center.

One-Write
A type of check writing journal, in which information is carbon-copied on a single ledger.

Open-Web Truss

A type of floor or ceiling joist, in which 2x4 lumber pieces form the top and bottom plates and are joined together with precision cut smaller 2x4 pieces, forming a load-bearing truss.

Owner’s Association

A volunteer group of subdivision residents who interpret and enforce agreed upon
subdivision covenants and building guidelines.