My Architect Glossary

20 Single Family House Components terms

Hi, my name is Guillaume, and I am 20 years old. My program is Architectural Technology, and I am in my second semester. My Architect glossary would be for new architects that needs to translate written quotes from French to English. Some words are hard to remember so here is a glossary for that. This glossary has 20 terms and it features pictures of specific words to help understand. To find the words and definitions, I searched on different web sites such as Wikipedia and Linguee. Take a look at my glossary, it could help you in your work, and you could learn something new.

anchor bolt
noun
Anchor bolts are used to connect structural and non-structural elements to the concrete.
Example: Method for fixing anchor bolts in concrete, in which an undercut bore hole is made, a composite material is introduced and the anchor bolt inserted and, prior to loading, the composite material [...]
fr: boulon d'ancrage
anchor bolt example
bottom plate
noun
A Bottom Plate is the piece of timber which sits on the floor and forms the bottom of the wall, carrying the stud loads to the floor joists.
Example: The "2 by 4' (1.22 m)'s or 6' (1.83 m)'s" that lay on the sub floor upon which the vertical studs are installed.
fr: lisse basse
bottom plate example
cornice
noun
An ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling.
Example: A medallion cornice defines the first floor and the garret floor.
fr: corniche
cornice example
double top plate
noun
Bearing walls use the double top plates to transfer loads from joists above through the wall studs, through the sole plates, through the floor system to the beams, columns, foundations, and footings.
Example: Joints in top plates have to be located over the studs.
fr: sablière double
double top plate example
fascia
noun
Fascia is an architectural term for a vertical frieze or band under a roof edge, or which forms the outer surface of a cornice, visible to an observer.
Example: After the guides, which served as form work, have been removed and a fascia must be installed at the lowest end of the roof.
fr: fascia
fascia example
flashing
noun
Sheet metal used in waterproofing (as at roof valleys or hips or the angle between a chimney and a roof).
Example: The flexible base flashing combines one of the stainless steel cone with a flexible lead base which can be easily formed on site to [...]
fr: solin
flashing example
floor joist
noun
A joist is a horizontal structural member used in framing to span an open space, often between beams that subsequently transfers loads to vertical members. When incorporated into a floor framing system, joists provide stiffness to the sub floor sheathing, allowing it to function as a horizontal diaphragm.
Example: Otherwise, if floor joist spacing exceeds 16" on center, the plywood sheets must be strengthened to achieve a total thickness of 1 7/8" (3 X 5/8").
fr: solive de plancher
floor joist example
fondation wall
noun
The masonry or concrete walls below ground level that serve as the main support for a structure. Foundation walls also form the sides of a basement area.
Example: This will allow moisture in the foundation wall an escape from route.
fr: mur de fondation
fondation wall example
footing
noun
A foundation footing is an infrastructure work, generally made of reinforced concrete, which takes up the loads of a structural member of a construction and which transmits and distributes these loads on the ground (trunk bottom or seat level).
Example: After they have attained sufficient strength, a mobile crane sets the panels on footings.
fr: semelle de fondation
footing example
jack stud
noun
A jack stud is a stud that has been cut down to be placed above and/or below an opening.
Example: Minimum bearing length is 1-1/2" (at least one jack stud or cripple is required) unless otherwise noted for a specific table.
fr: poteau nain
jack stud example
lintel
noun
A horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window.
Example: Jenkins licensed to sell tea was hidden under the LINTEL of the new door.
fr: linteau
lintel example
plywood
noun
A type of strong thin wooden board consisting of two or more layers glued and pressed together with the direction of the grain alternating, and usually sold in sheets of four by eight feet.
Example: An extremely versatile product, plywood is used for a wide range of structural, interior and exterior applications - from a form work through to internal paneling.
fr: contraplaqué
plywood example
rafter
noun
One of several internals beam extending from the eaves to the peak of a roof and constituting its framework.
Example: Had my head up between ceiling joists nailing rafters glanced off the rafter.
fr: chevron
rafters example
ridge
noun
Contractors Association defines the ridge as "the highest point on a roof, represented by a horizontal line where two roof areas intersect.
Example: So, the ridge is basically the peak of a roof.
fr: faîte
ridge example
rim joist
noun
In the framing of a deck or floor system, a rim joist is attached perpendicular to the joists, and provides lateral support for the ends of the joists while capping off the end of the floor or deck system. ... It is also confusingly called a header (header also refers to other framing components) or rim board.
Example: If no fascia is being used, the entire perimeter of the deck should be fastened to the rim joist with screws.
fr: solive de rive
rim joist example
soffit
noun
The underside of an architectural structure such as an arch, a balcony, or overhanging eaves.
Example: This method of construction will also help stop leakage into the soffit if water should back up the eave.
fr: soffite
soffit example
sole plate
noun
A horizontal timber at the base of a wall frame.
Example: For exterior walls, nailing of the bottom wall plate or sole plate to joists or blocking but it is vague whether the reference to floor joists includes rim joists or rim boards.
fr: lisse d'assise
sole plate example
stud
noun
An upright support in the wall of a building to which sheathing, drywall, etc., are attached.
Example: It can be used to replace fiberglass between the studs; it can also be applied in a layer about 25 mm (1") thick over the [...]
fr: montant
stud example
timber
noun
Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Example: Construction timber measuring 2x4 and 2x6 was sorted here prior to being shipped by train.
fr: bois de construction
timber example
windowsill
noun
A ledge or sill forming the bottom part of a window.
Example: My windowsill, which you also have a picture of, is molding, and if you push a little too hard on the wood your finger goes through it.
fr: appui de fenêtre
windowsill example