Remodeling Terminology & Definitions · F

The following is a list of industry related terminology which we at The Remod Squad® thought might be helpful to both homeowners and professionals alike. Definitions will be continually added to this list.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world's forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way. Landowners and companies that sell timber or forest products seek certification as a way to verify to consumers that they have practiced forestry consistent with FSC standards. Independent, certification organizations are accredited by FSC to carry out assessments of forest management to determine if standards have been met. These certifiers also verify that companies claiming to sell FSC certified products have tracked their supply back to FSC certified sources.

facia or fascia

A flat board, band, or face used sometimes by itself but usually in combination with moldings, often located at the outer face of the cornice.

fire-resistive

In the absence of a specific ruling by the authority having jurisdiction, applies to materials for construction not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and that will withstand such fires without serious impairment of their usefulness for at least 1 hour.

fire-retardant chemical

A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard spread of flame.

fire stop

A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space. In a frame wall, this will usually consist of 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs.

firewall

In construction, a firewall consists of a windowless, fireproof wall (or a wall of substantially heavier construction than other walls in a building) built to prevent fire from spreading beyond one section of a building. Such firewalls form the built-up equivalent of firebreaks in a landscape.

fishplate

A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridgeline.

flagstone (flagging or flags)

Flat stones, from 1 to 4 inches thick, used for rustic walks, steps, floors, and the like.

flashing

Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage.

flat grain

Flat-grain lumber has been sawed parallel to the pith of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings, i.e., the rings form and angle of less than 45-degrees with the surface of the piece.

flat paint

An interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and dries to a flat or lusterless finish.

flue

The space or passage in a chimney through which smoke, gas, or fumes ascend. Each passage is called a flue, which together with any others and the surrounding masonry makes up the chimney.

flue lining

Fire clay or terra-cotta pipe, round or square, usually made in all ordinary flue sizes an din 2-foot lengths, used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work around the outside. Flue lining in chimneys runs from about a foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.

fly rafters

End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.

footing

A masonry section, usually concrete, in a rectangular form wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports.

foundation

The supporting portion of structure below the first-floor construction, or below grade, including the footings.

frame construction

A type of construction in which the structural parts are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support. In codes, if masonry veneer is applied to the exterior walls, the classification of this type of construction is usually unchanged.

frieze

In house construction, a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.

frostline

The depth of frost penetration in soil. This depth varies in different parts of the country. Footings should be placed below this depth to prevent movement.

fungi

Microscopic plants that live in damp wood and cause mold, stain, and decay.

fungicide

A chemical that is poisonous to fungi.

furring

Strips of wood or metal applied to a wall or other surface to even it and normally to serve as a fastening base for finish material.