Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter

Electrical circuit breakers designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in home electrical wiring.  They are usually located in the main electric panel and have been required by the NEC since 2001.  For more information on AFCIs please use this link.  http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/afcifac8.pdf

CPVC

Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) pipe is a thermoplastic pipe and fitting material used in plumbing applications - primarily for water supply piping.  It is tan in color and can handle higher temperature water than PVC.

Chimney cricket

A peaked-shaped structure on the roof behind the chimney.  It is constructed of a small, false roof behind a chimney to divert rainfall around the chimney.

Counter flashing

A strip of sheet metal often built into masonry and turned down over other flashing; used to prevent water from entering the joints and the exposed upturned edges of the step or base flashing on a roof.

Gable Vent

GFCI    

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter – This is a type of electrical outlet designed to cut off electrical power when it detects the potential for electrical shock at the outlet.  For more information on GFCIs please use this link. http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/99.html

Grade

This refers to the level of the ground around the home where it comes in contact with the house.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

IRC

2009 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings   http://www.iccsafe.org/

J Flashing

J flashing (usually a galvanized metal product) is a one piece flashing component that has been installed along the joints between the roof deck and chimneys, dormers, side walls and vertical projections to prevent the intrusion of water in the transition between the roof and vertical surface. It is not approved for this application by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association or under the IRC.

NEC

2008 National Electric Code

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association    http://www.nfpa.org/

PEX

Cross-linked polyethylene.  Is a type of flexible pipe used in plumbing applications for water supply.  It is usually blue for cold water applications and red for hot water applications.

Power Roof Vent

Purlin

A brace that runs perpendicular to the roof rafters supported by vertical bracing used to prevent the roof rafters from sagging.  It should be the same size as the rafters it is supporting (i. e. 2x6 purlins for 2x6 roof rafters).  The purlin in the picture below is too small (2x4 purlin supporting 2x6 rafters).

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride pipe.  Is a type of plastic pipe used in plumbing applications for water supply, as well as drain and vent piping.  It is generally white in color when used for water supply.

Ridge Vent

Roof Hawk

Soffit Vent

Step Flashing

Step flashing, usually a galvanized metal product, is installed along the joints between the roof deck and chimneys, dormers, side walls and vertical projections to prevent the intrusion of water in the transition between the roof and vertical surface. Step flashing fits to each course of shingles and appears to “step” up the roof and vertical surface.

T & P

Temperature & Pressure Relief valve.  This is a safety valve on the water heater designed to prevent the water heater from overheating and/or over pressurizing and exploding.

TREC

Texas Real Estate Commission      http://www.trec.state.tx.us/index.asp

Turbine Vent

Wet location outlet cover

This is a type of outlet cover that allows an electric cord to be plugged into the outlet and still maintain its weather proof characteristics.