| Laminated Shingles |
Shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving a shake-like appearance. May also be called "architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles."
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| Laminating |
Bonding together two or more layers of materials.
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| Landing |
A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change direction. Normally no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square.
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| Lap |
To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.
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| Latch |
A beveled metal tongue operated by a spring-loaded knob or lever. The tongue's bevel lets you close the door and engage the locking mechanism, if any, without using a key. Contrasts with dead bolt.
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| Lateral |
The underground trench and related services (i.e., electric, gas, telephone, sewer and water lines) that will be buried within the trench.
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| Lath |
A building material of narrow wood, metal, gypsum, or insulating board that is fastened to the frame of a building to act as a base for plaster, shingles, or tiles.
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| Lattice |
An open framework of criss-crossed wood or metal strips that form regular, patterned spaces.
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| Leech Field |
A method used to treat/dispose of sewage in rural areas not accessible to a municipal sewer system. Sewage is permitted to be filtered and eventually discharged into a section of the lot called a leech field.
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| Let-In Brace |
Nominal 1 inch-thick boards applied into notched studs diagonally. Also, an "L" shaped, long (@ 10') metal strap that are installed by the framer at the rough stage to give support to an exterior wall or wall corner.
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| Level |
True horizontal. Also a tool used to determine level.
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| Lien |
An encumbrance that usually makes real or personal property the security for payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation.
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| Light |
Space in a window sash for a single pane of glass. Also, a pane of glass.
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| Limit Switch |
A safety control that automatically shuts off a furnace if it gets too hot. Most also control blower cycles.
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| Lineal Foot |
A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1" x 12" x 16' = 16 board feet, 2" x 12" x 16' = 32 board feet.
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| Lintel |
A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening such as a door or window.
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| Load Bearing Wall |
Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall that is aligned above a support beam or girder. Normally, any wall that has a double horizontal top plate.
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| Lookout |
A short wood bracket or cantilever that supports an overhang portion of a roof.
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| Louver |
A vented opening into the home that has a series of horizontal slats and arranged to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, snow, light, insects, or other living creatures.
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| Lumens |
Unit of measure for total light output. The amount of light falling on a surface of one square foot.
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