G

Gable: A sidewall that comes to a point at its intersection with the ridge of two sloping roof planes set at the same length and angle.

Gable roof: A type of roof with sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Has a gable at each end.

GFI or GFCI or Ground Fault Current Interrupter: A electrical device used to prevent injury from contact with electrical appliances. Required in new homes in: bathrooms, kitchen, garage, out of doors and in other locations where one might be in contact with a grounded surface and an electrical appliance. Most GFI are located in the receptacle itself and can be identified by the presence of a 'test' and a 'reset' button.

Glass Base: Roll roofing product built on a fiberglass base sheet constructed with a heavyweight TAMKO fiberglass mat, coated with weathering-grade asphalt. Used as a base sheet in select TAMKO modified asphalt and fiberglass roofing systems and as an alternate for TAMKO Type 43 Coated Base Sheet in any TAMKO specification. Hot-asphalt applied or mechanically fastened.

Glass-Seal: 3-tab self-sealing fiberglass shingles with a traditional square-tab design. A thick layer of weathering-grade asphalt gives them extra waterproofing protection. They are U.L. Class A fire rated and backed by a 20-year limited warranty. Algae-resistant granules optional.

GPF: Abbreviation for "gallons per flush", used in discussing water consumption for toilets.

Grade level: The surface contour of the land around a foundation.

Granules: Crushed rock coated with ceramic material, applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products to add color and reduce ultraviolet degradation. Copper compounds added to these help make them algae resistant.

Gravity operated toilet: A toilet which relies on the natural downward pressure (or "head") of water in a toilet tank to flush the toilet effectively.

Grout: A type of mortar that is used to fill the joints and cavities found between pieces of masonry, ceramic or natural stone. Often used to fill the joints between ceramic floor tiles and bathroom tiles.

Gutter: The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.

H

Header: A beam of wood placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in order to accommodate an opening such as a staircase through a floor or a window opening in a wall.

Hearth: The inner floor of a fireplace, usually made of firebrick, stone or tiles.

Hip roof: A type of roof formed by sloping roof planes on all four sides, with no gables.

Hip shingles: Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.

Heat pump: A device which uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool a house.

Hollow core door: A door composed of sheets of thin material with a hollow core that has been filled with a stiffening material. As opposed to a solid core door which is made of a solid material throughout.

Hose bib: A water tap or facet with a treaded end that enables a hose to be attached.

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning.

I

I-beam: A type of load bearing beam made of metal or composite wood whose cross section is shaped like the letter I. Used for wide open spans.

Insulation: Any material that offers resistance to heat transmission. When insulation is placed in walls, ceilings or floors it reduces the loss or gain of heat from outside sources.  Fiberglass and wool are usually what the products of choice.

Interlocking shingles: Individual shingles that mechanically fasten to each other to provide wind resistance.

Compiled from multiple sources by: DLM Builders

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