Remodeling Terminology & Definitions · G

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.

gable

In house construction, the portion of the roof above the eave line of a double-sloped roof.

gable end

An end wall having a gable.

gloss enamel

A finishing material made of varnish and sufficient pigments to provide opacity and color, but little or not pigment of low opacity. Such enamel forms a hard coating with maximum smoothness of surface and a high degree of gloss.

gloss (paint or enamel)

A paint or enamel that contains a relatively low proportion of pigment and dries to a sheen or luster.

girder

A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.

girder truss

A truss member designed to carry other trusses and/or concentrated load openings.

grain

The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the fibers in wood.

grounds

Guides used around openings and at the floor line to strike off the plaster. They can consist of narrow strips of wood or of wide sub jambs at interior doorways. They provide a level of plaster line for installation of casing and other trim.

grout

Mortar made of such consistency (by adding water) that it will just flow into the joints and cavities of the masonry work and fill them solid.

gusset

A flat wood, plywood, or similar type of member used to provide a connection at intersection of wood members. Most commonly used at joints of wood trusses. They are fastened by nails, screws, bolts, or adhesives.

gutter or eave trough

A shallow channel or conduit of metal or wood set below and along the eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from the roof.

gypsum plaster

Gypsum formulated to be used with the addition of sand and water for base-coat plaster.