HomeGlossary Of Architectural terms

Rabbet,
notch cut in edge of board to reduce its thickness or form tongue see also "dado"
Rake,.
diagonal edge of roof. Two intersecting rakes form a gable
Ramp,
a curve or casement of an angle, sometimes required at the end of a wreath or an adjoining straight rail.
Refrigerant,
an easily condensable gas/vapor that boils at low temperature with a high latent heat
Ridge,
in roofing: the top edge of a roof surface
Rim lock,
a cheap type of lock installed back in the days when locksets had to be mortised into the door instead of the modern drilled method
Rise,
the vertical distance between treads
Riser,
1. the board forming the vertical portion of the front of a step
2. compartment or duct for the vertical passage and distribution of air
Run,
1. the horizontal distance from the first to the last riser in a flight of stairs
2. the depth of the treads
Rosette,
block of wood used at corners of doors and windows to eliminate miter cuts or to add visual impact. Usually routed w/ a circular pattern -hence the name. 
Sash,
movable portion of window
Scab,
see "Cleat"
Schedule,
A listing of components used and how often. (eg. Door & Window schedules: a listing specifying what brand and model number of window or door is located in various openings. -this ensures homeowner satisfaction)
Silicone,
1. a waterproof, flexible caulk
2. a release agent used in mold making
3. a waterproofing sealer used in electrical connectors, as a saturant in natural fabrics, and as a brushable liquid 
Sill,
horizontal board at bottom of window or door, angled to shed water.
Snow Jack,
rigid bracket used to prevent snow from sliding off slick roofs. 
Soffit,
1, exterior exposed underside of roof assembly. see also "plancher"
2, box-like structure fastened along joint of ceiling and wall.
3, the underside of an arch or molding
Softwood,
any wood coming from a coniferous tree. Not always soft.
Spandrel,
the angle formed by a stairway
Stile,
vertical member of the framework of a door, window, or cabinet. Accepts the rail.
Stool,
flat board on inside of window at bottom. The part on which cats can be found sitting.
Stringer, (Closed)
boards set on edge, supporting a staircase enclosed by walls on both sides
Stringer, (Open)
boards set on edge, supporting a staircase exposed on one or both sides
Subcontractor,
an independent contractor who works for and is only liable to a general contractor. 
Tenon,
tab protruding from the end of  a board, cut to fit an associated mortise.
Terrace,
leveled earthen surface 
Tongue,
ridge projecting along edge of board meant to fit in a groove of some sort 
Transit,
similar to a builder's level, but with the added functionality of an adjustable azimuth, simplifying slope layouts of drainage tile and similar applications.
Transom,
window above doors or other windows. designed to afford ventilation while maintaining security in warm weather.
Tray Ceiling,
a ceiling composed of an open box, or surrounded by soffits. see also "coffered ceiling" 
Troffer,
a fluorescent light fixture that is set upon a drop ceiling grid
Tudor,
a style of architecture having roofs with chipped corners and stucco walls with exposed bridgework
Turpentine,
this vehicle is the distilled sap of the long leafed pine. It dries with a gummy residue
Varnish,
a vehicle. There are 2 types of varnish, spirit & oleo resinous. shellac is the most important spirit varnish, it consists of a resin dissolved in a volatile solvent. Oleo resinous varnishes are resins combined with linseed oil, and the product is dissolved in turpentine or benzene
Vehicle,
Liquid that holds pigments in suspension as a component of paint
Veneer,
a thin sheet of material overlaying a surface to imply that it is constructed of the same. Often an exotic or expensive wood.  
Vestibule,
Boxlike passageway similar in configuration to an air-lock having two doorways and serving the same purpose.
Wainscot,
wall covering of lower portion of wall usually 32" - 48" tall often topped w/ chair rail to disguise rough edges
Wall base,
type of molding located along joint between wall and floor. Serves to strengthen wall against impact and hide rough edges of original flooring  as well as provide a straight-edge for plaster application
Wall cove,
modern version of wall base. For use on gypsum wallboard or fiberglass paneling only. Although wall is not strengthened, gap between wall and floor is covered. Composed of vinyl.
Well,
the area occupied by a flight of stairs
Well hole,
the opening in the floor at the top of a flight of stairs
Well staircase,
a winding staircase enclosed by walls resembling a well
Winders, 
steps not parallel to each other
Window pocket,
small cavities at either side of a window jamb within which counterweights travel
Wreath,
the whole of a heliacally curved hand rail
Wreath piece,
a portion of a wreath
Yankee Gutter,
gutter sunk into eaves of roof to avoid hiding beauty of  box cornice.