Construction Terms U, Construction terminology U
Construction Terms U speaks to construction terms U and construction phrases U.
It is quite simply a list of common home and commercial building construction terminology used by architects, consultants and contractors of all kinds enabling them to speak the same language.
U Factor A measure of the thermal conductance of a material or assembly, the mathematical reciprocal of R value.
Unbonded Construction Posttensioned concrete instruction in which the tendons are not grouted to the surrounding concrete.
Underwriters' Laboratories An independent testing agency that checks electrical devices and other components for possible safety hazards. A label on a product or manufactured item showing the material is regularly tested by, and complies with the minimum standards of the Underwriter's Laboratories specification for safety and quality.
Uncoursed Stone Masonry Stone masonry laid without continuous horizontal joints, random.
Undercoat A coating applied prior to the finishing or top coats of a paint job. It may be the first of two or the second of three coats. Sometimes called the Prime coat.
Undercourse A course of shingles laid beneath an exposed course of shingles at the lower edge of a wall or roof in order to provide a waterproof layer behind the joints in the exposed course.
Underfire The floor of a firebox in a fireplace.
Underground plumbing The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a basement floor.
Construction Terms U
Underlayment A ΒΌ" material placed over the subfloor plywood sheeting and under finish coverings, such as vinyl flooring, to provide a smooth, even surface. Also a secondary roofing layer that is waterproof or water-resistant, installed on the roof deck and beneath shingles or other roof-finishing layer.
Underpinning The process of placing new foundations beneath an existing structure.
Underwriter
A person who reviews and evaluates an application for a loan or
insurance policy. Unsecured LoanA loan in air, with no asset pledged as
collateral or security for it.
Unfinished Bolt An ordinary carbon steel bolt.
Uniform
Building Code (UBC)
The Uniform Building Code is one of the family of codes and related
publications published by the International Conference of Building Officials
(ICBO) and other organizations, such as the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), which have similar goals as far as code publications are
concerned. The Uniform Building Code is designed to be compatible with these
other codes, as together they make up the enforcement tools of a jurisdiction.
Construction Terms U
Uniformly Graded Soil A special instance of a well sorted soil in which the soil particles are mostly of one size.
Uniform Settlement Subsidence of the various foundation elements of a building at the same rate, resulting in no distress to the structure of the building.
Unit and Mullion System A curtain wall system consisting of prefabricated panel units secured with site applied mullions.
Union A plumbing fitting that joins pipes end-to-end so they can be dismantled.
Unit
Price Contract
A written contract wherein the owner agrees to pay the contractor a specified
amount of money for each unit of work successfully completed as set forth in
the contract.
Unit
Prices
A predetermined price for a measurement or quantity of work to be performed
within a specific contract. The designated unit price would include all labor
materials, equipment or services associated with the measurement or quantity
established.
Unit System A curtain wall system consisting entirely of prefabricated panel units.
Construction Terms U
Unreinforced Constructed without steel reinforcing bars or welded wire fabric.
Up Down Construction A sequence of construction activity in which construction proceeds downward on the sublevels of a building at the same time as it proceeds upward on the superstructure.
Upside Down Roof A membrane roof assembly in which the thermal insulation lies above the membrane.
U Stirrup An open top, U shaped loop of steel bar used as reinforcing against diagonal tension in a concrete beam.
Utility easement The area of the earth that has electric, gas, or telephone lines. These areas may be owned by the homeowner, but the utility company has the legal right to enter the area as necessary to repair or service the lines.
Construction Terms U
Verbal Quotation
A written document used by the contractor to receive a subcontract or material
cost proposal over the telephone prior to the subcontractor or supplier sending
their written proposal via mail or facsimile.
Vendor
One that sells materials or equipment not fabricated to a special design.
Return from Construction Terms U to Home Page
Return from Construction Terms U to Construction Terminology
Hard copy and E book for sale. Introduction to Building Mechanical Systems. Click here.