Most homes have an attic between the roof and the top floor’s living space. The exceptions are homes where cathedral ceilings and/or flat roofs cover the entire home and that’s rare. While most home owners only use the attic for storage, often this space can be finished to provide a playroom or additional bedrooms. Rooms on this floor will be smaller due to the slope of the roof but you can create more space through the use of dormers which also add architectural interest to a home’s exterior. Learn home terms in our homeowner glossary.
Above-grade – Refers to finishing living space where the floor is not in contact with the ground and there is at least 18 inches of well ventilated space below the floor, i.e. basements are below grade because they site on concrete which is on the ground.
Abrasion Resistance – Resistance to being worn away by rubbing or friction; related more to toughness than to hardness. A necessary quality for floor finishes, enamels and varnishes.
Abrasive – Used for wearing away a surface by rubbing. Examples are powdered pumice, rotten stone, sandpaper, sandpaper and steel wool.
Acoustical tile –Special tile for walls and ceilings made of mineral, wood, vegetable fibers, cork, or metal. Its purpose is to control sound volume, while providing cover.
Acrylic Impregnation – Liquid acrylic (and stain) injected throughout the surface layer of wood to fortify the fibers for added durability.
Adhesion – The capacity of waterproof material to bond to a substrate or other material during applied stress.
Adhesive Strength – The capacity of a sealant to bond and stay bonded to a specific substrate, especially during substrate movement.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) – Also known as variable rate mortgage, an ARM is a mortgage with interest rates that may fluctuate up or down periodically, according to the index upon which it is based. Most ARMs will have a limit on the amount that the rate can vary.
Aerosol – A product feature that uses compressed gas to spray the product from its container, i.e. you can buy paint and foam insulation in aerosol cans but you need to practice using them. With pain, you may apply too much and it won’t dry properly and if you spray too much foam into gaps around windows, it can press too hard against the sides impacting window operation.
Agency – A legal relationship between two or more persons whereby one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of the other(s). See dual agency and single agency.
Agent – Generally, someone who acts on behalf of another for a fee such as buyer’s agent who represents only the buyer in a real estate transaction.
Air Conditioning – Refers to the process of lowering air air temperature and humidity within an enclosed area for the comfort of people in this space. Homes may have window, wall or central air conditioning (condenser shown here) to help homeowners keep their homes cool during hot weather. To learn to select and maintain a home air conditioner, visit HomeNav.com.
Air Duct – Pipes that carry warm air and cold air to rooms and back to furnace or air conditioning system.
Airless Spray – A spray that increases the fluid pressure of paint by means of a pump that causes atomization with air, resulting in higher film build and little or no over-spray.
Algae Discoloration – A type of roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly called fungus growth that occurs on roofs, siding and other flat surfaces on the exterior of homes.
Alkali – A substance such as lye, soda or lime that can be highly destructive to paint films.
Alkyd – Synthetic resin modified with oil for good adhesion to a clean surface and good gloss, color retention and flexibility. Slow drying.
Alternative Energy– An umbrella term used to describe any non-traditional energy source (wind power, solar energy) that replaces more traditional sources that use fossil fuels.
Aluminum Paint – A paint that includes aluminum particles and gives a metallic finish when dried.
Anchoring – Mechanical bonding of a coating to a rough surface as contrasted with adhesion, which is chemical bonding.
Anti-Corrosive Paint – Metal paint designed to inhibit corrosion. Applied directly to metal.
Alligatoring – The cracking of the surfacing bitumen on a built-up roof, producing a pattern of cracks similar to an alligator’s hide; the cracks may not extend through the surfacing bitumen.
Aluminum Paint – A paint that includes aluminum particles and gives a metallic finish when dried.
American Society of Landscape Architects – is the professional organization for landscape architects to stay current with new products and trends in their industry.
Amortization – The process of repaying a debt through regular payments of principal and interest.
Ampere – The rate of flow of electricity through electric wires.
Anchoring – Mechanical bonding of a coating to a rough surface as contrasted with adhesion, which is chemical bonding.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) – The true rate of interest, stated as a yearly percentage, for a loan over its projected life.
Anti-Corrosive Paint – Metal paint designed to inhibit corrosion. Applied directly to metal.
Application Rate – The quantity (mass, volume or thickness) of material applied per unit area.
Appreciation – Increase in value of a property, not including increases from improvements.
Architectural Shingles (Also see Laminated Shingles) – Strip shingles containing more than one layer of tabs to create extra thickness. Also called three-dimensional shingles or architectural shingles.
Area way – An open area below ground level that lets light in through foundation windows and doors. These windows also help with ventilation in the basement.
Arroyo – An arroyo is a dry gulch or creek that fills with water after a heavy downpour.
Asbestos – A group of natural fibrous impure silicate materials.
Ash Dump – A trap door used to drop ashes into a storage ashpit located below the fireplace.
Asphalt – A waterproofing agent applied to roofing materials during manufacture. Based on natural oil or a petroleum component called bitumen, which liquefies when heated and is impervious to water.
As-Is Agreement – An agreement in which a property is sold without warranty in whatever condition it is in at the time the contract is signed.
Assessment – Tax or charge levied against a property by the government or condominium association. Assessments are used to pay for extraordinary improvements not covered by normal taxes or fees, like a new roof or local improvements, e.g. sidewalks, curbs sewers, etc.
Assignment Clause – A sales contract with an assignment clause allows the buyer to transfer the interest in the property (e.g. the right to buy it at the given rates and terms) to another party.
Attic Rafter Vents – When installing insulation in an attic, you need to first install attic rafter vents to make sure there are open airways for ventilation.
Austrian shade – A fabric window treatment that pulls up like a Roman shade but with soft, billowing folds.