Lumber reviews

Conductivity - The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material.

Delamination - Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture.

Firebrick - Highly heat-resistant brick for lining fireplaces and boilers.

Grain - The direction of fibers in lumber or other materials.

Ground iron - The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath the basement floor. Cast iron was once used, but black plastic pipe (ABS) is now widely used.

Panel - Wood, glass, plastic, or other material set into a frame, such as in a door. Also, a large, flat, rectangular building material such as plywood, hardboard, or drywall.

Premium - Amount payable on a loan.

Rafter - Lumber used to support the roof sheeting and roof loads. Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used. The rafters of a flat roof are sometimes called roof joists.

Run - The horizontal distance a ramp or stairway traverses. Also see rise.

Semigloss paint or enamel - A paint or enamel made so that its coating, when dry, has some luster but is not very glossy. Bathrooms and kitchens are normally painted semi -gloss

Wafer board - A manufactured wood panel made out of 1" - 2" wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing.