Glossary

purlin

A purlin is a piece of metal or wood that helps hold up a roof. It is placed on top of the roof, running side to side. It helps distribute the weight of the roof evenly so the roof doesn't fall down. The purlin is made of strong materials like steel or wood to make sure it can do its job properly.

rafter

A rafter is a long, sloping piece of wood or metal that helps support a roof. It runs from the ridge or peak of the roof to the wall of the building, and helps hold up the weight of the roof and everything on it. The rafters are positioned on the top of the building and run from the peak of the roof to the walls. They can be made of different materials like wood, steel, or aluminum, depending on how strong they need to be and what the roof is made of.

ridgeboard

A ridgeboard is a long piece of wood or metal that runs along the peak of a roof. It helps support the roof and keep it in place. The ridgeboard is positioned at the highest point of the roof and runs from one end of the roof to the other. It can be made of different materials like wood, steel, or aluminum, depending on the size and type of the roof. The ridgeboard helps make the roof strong and keeps it from collapsing.

rooftile

A roof tile is a flat piece of material, like clay or concrete, that is used to cover the roof of a building. It is positioned on top of the roof, covering the entire surface. Roof tiles come in different shapes and sizes and can be made of various materials like clay, concrete, or metal. The purpose of roof tiles is to protect the roof and the building from the elements, like rain, wind, and snow. They also help make the roof look nice and can last a long time if they are made of strong, durable materials.

batten

A batten is a narrow strip of wood or metal that is used to hold roofing material in place. It is positioned on top of the roof and runs parallel to the ridge of the roof. Battens can be made of different materials like wood, steel, or aluminum, depending on the type of roof and how strong they need to be. The purpose of battens is to provide a secure and stable base for the roofing material, such as tiles or shingles, to be attached to. This helps keep the roofing material in place and makes the roof strong and durable.

insulation

Roof insulation is material, like foam or fiberglass, that is used to keep the inside of a building warm or cool. It is positioned on top of the roof, between the roof and the ceiling. Roof insulation can be made of different materials like foam, fiberglass, or recycled materials, depending on the type of roof and the climate. The purpose of roof insulation is to help regulate the temperature inside the building by keeping the heat in during the winter and keeping it out during the summer. This helps keep the building more comfortable and can also save energy and lower energy bills.

bay

A bay is a space or area in a building that sticks out from the main structure, like a big window or a large room with a lot of windows. Bays are positioned on the outside of a building and can be found on the walls, roof, or floor. They can be made of different materials like wood, steel, or brick, depending on the type of building and the design. The purpose of a bay is to provide more light and space inside the building, and also to make the building look more interesting and attractive.

soffit

A soffit is the underside of an architectural element, such as a roof overhang or an archway. It is positioned on the bottom of the roof overhang or the bottom of an archway, and can be made of different materials like wood, metal, or plastic, depending on the type of building and the design. The purpose of a soffit is to protect the underside of these architectural elements from the elements and to make the building look finished and neat. A soffit can also provide ventilation to the attic or other spaces in the building.

floor joist

A floor joist is a long, sturdy piece of wood or metal that supports the floor of a building. It is positioned horizontally under the floor, running from one wall to another. Floor joists can be made of different materials like wood, steel, or concrete, depending on the type of building and the weight it needs to support. The purpose of floor joists is to provide a strong base for the floor and to distribute the weight of the floor and the things on it evenly across the building. This helps make the floor stable and prevents it from collapsing.

roof joist

A roof joist is a long, sturdy piece of wood or metal that supports the roof of a building. It is positioned horizontally and runs from one wall to another, supporting the weight of the roof and the things on it. Roof joists can be made of different materials like wood, steel, or concrete, depending on the type of building and the weight it needs to support. The purpose of roof joists is to provide a strong base for the roof and to distribute the weight of the roof evenly across the building. This helps make the roof stable and prevents it from collapsing.

newel

A newel is a large, sturdy post at the base or top of a staircase that provides support for the stairs and the railings. It is positioned vertically at the beginning or end of the stairs. Newels can be made of different materials like wood, metal, or stone, depending on the style of the staircase and the building. The purpose of a newel is to help make the stairs strong and stable and to provide a place for the railings to be attached, helping to keep people safe as they go up and down the stairs.

tread

A stair tread is the flat, horizontal surface that you step on when you go up or down the stairs. It is positioned on each step of the staircase. Stair treads can be made of different materials like wood, stone, or concrete, depending on the style of the staircase and the building. The purpose of a stair tread is to provide a safe, non-slippery surface for people to step on as they go up and down the stairs, helping to prevent accidents and falls. The stair tread also helps to distribute the weight of the person walking on the stairs evenly across the stair, making the stairs strong and stable.

riser

A stair riser is the vertical part of a step between two treads in a staircase. It is positioned vertically and runs between each step of the staircase. Stair risers can be made of different materials like wood, stone, or concrete, depending on the style of the staircase and the building. The purpose of a stair riser is to provide a stable surface for the person to step on, helping to keep the person from falling as they go up and down the stairs. The height of the stair riser determines the height of each step, which affects the steepness and safety of the staircase.

winder

A stair winder is a staircase that turns a corner, forming a triangle shape instead of a straight line. The treads are wider on one side than on the other, allowing the staircase to change direction. It is positioned in the corner of a building, where the staircase changes direction. Stair winders can be made of different materials like wood, stone, or concrete, depending on the style of the staircase and the building. The purpose of a stair winder is to provide a way for people to go up or down the staircase when the staircase changes direction, allowing people to access different levels of the building. Stair winders are often used in small spaces where a straight staircase would take up too much room.

landing

A landing is a flat, horizontal platform in a staircase that provides a place for people to pause or change direction when going up or down the stairs. It is positioned between flights of stairs or at the top or bottom of a staircase. Landings can be made of different materials like wood, stone, or concrete, depending on the style of the staircase and the building. The purpose of a landing is to provide a safe, stable place for people to rest when they are going up or down the stairs, especially if the staircase is long or steep. Landings also allow people to change direction if they need to go a different way when they reach the landing, making it easier to access different parts of the building.

wall

A stud wall is a type of wall made of vertical wooden or metal beams called studs. The studs are spaced evenly apart and attached to horizontal beams called plates to form the structure of the wall. It is positioned in buildings as a load-bearing wall that supports the weight of the roof, floor, and other elements of the building. Stud walls can also be used as non-load bearing walls to divide rooms or spaces within a building. The purpose of a stud wall is to provide stability and support to the building, as well as to create separate rooms or spaces. Stud walls are typically covered with drywall, paneling, or other materials to form the finished surface of the wall.

ensuite

An ensuite is a small bathroom that is attached to a bedroom. It is positioned within a building and is usually only accessible from the bedroom it is connected to. The purpose of an ensuite is to provide convenient and private access to a bathroom for the person using the attached bedroom. An ensuite typically includes a toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub, and may also include additional features like a bidet or a vanity. Having an ensuite can increase the value of a home and can make a bedroom more comfortable and convenient to use.

chimney

A chimney is a vertical structure that is used to vent smoke, gases, and fumes out of a building. It is positioned on the roof or the side of a building, and extends above the roofline. The purpose of a chimney is to provide a safe and efficient way for smoke and other harmful by-products from heating systems, fireplaces, and stoves to be removed from the building. Chimneys are typically made of brick, stone, or metal, and are designed to withstand the heat and corrosive chemicals produced by combustion. By venting smoke and other fumes through the chimney, a chimney helps to prevent indoor air pollution and to make the indoor environment safer and healthier.

rooflight

A rooflight is a type of window that is positioned on a building's roof. It is designed to let light into the building by letting the natural light in. The purpose of a rooflight is to provide natural light to the interior spaces of a building, which can help to improve the quality of the indoor environment by reducing the need for artificial lighting. Rooflights are typically made of glass or other transparent materials and are designed to be weather-tight and energy-efficient. They can be installed on the roof of any type of building, and can be used to bring light into the attic, loft, or other areas of a building where natural light is limited or absent. By improving the amount of natural light in a building, rooflights can help to reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and enhance the overall quality of the indoor environment.

doors

French doors are a type of door that consists of a frame with two parallel doors that open outwards. They are positioned between two indoor rooms, or between the interior of a building and the outside. The purpose of French doors is to provide access between rooms, or to bring natural light and a view of the outdoors into the building. French doors are typically made of wood, metal, or a combination of both, and can be designed with or without windows. They are often used as a stylish and functional alternative to traditional hinged doors, and can be used to create a more open and welcoming indoor environment. When opened, French doors provide a clear and unobstructed opening, which can help to improve the flow of air, light, and people between rooms.

sidelights

Sidelights are narrow windows that are positioned on either side of a door, such as a front door. They are designed to provide additional natural light and a view of the outside, while also improving the aesthetic appearance of the door. Sidelights can be made of glass, wood, metal, or a combination of materials, and can be designed to match the style of the door and the overall building. They are often used in residential and commercial buildings to enhance the natural light, improve visibility, and add a touch of elegance to the entrance. Sidelights are positioned directly adjacent to the door, and are typically the same height or slightly shorter than the door itself. They can be installed either in a single or double configuration, depending on the size and style of the door and the building.

doors

Sliding doors are doors that move horizontally on tracks instead of opening inward or outward like traditional doors. They are typically positioned between two rooms or between the interior of a building and the outside, and are used to provide easy access and a clear view. Sliding doors are made of a variety of materials including glass, wood, metal, or plastic, and can be designed to match the style and decor of the building. The doors are positioned on tracks that allow them to slide open and closed, making them a convenient and space-saving alternative to traditional doors. They are commonly used in homes, offices, and other buildings, and are often used as patio doors, closet doors, or room dividers. By sliding open, sliding doors allow for increased natural light and air flow, making them a popular choice for modern and eco-friendly buildings.

roof

A bonnet roof is a type of roof that is sloped on one side and flat on the other. It is positioned on top of a building and serves to protect the interior from weather and provide additional space for the attic or storage area. The bonnet roof is made of a variety of materials including wood, metal, asphalt shingles, or tile, and can be designed to match the style and decor of the building. The sloped side of the bonnet roof allows rain and snow to easily run off, while the flat side provides extra headroom in the attic. This type of roof is commonly used on homes, garages, and other buildings, and can add visual interest and architectural detail to the exterior of a building.