blistering: The process and occurrence of a void or unhindered area between the plies or between the substrate, mainly caused by the expansion of trapped air, water vapor, moisture, or other gases.

blueberry blister: A term used to describe a small raised spot on the roof covering’s surface, which forms when liquid or vapor is trapped in asphalt in a BUR system.

bonding: the permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity, and the capacity to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed.

boot: A flexible material or metal that is used as flashing.

branch circuit: the circuit conductors between the final over-current device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).

breathing zone: area of a room in which occupants breathe as they stand, sit, or lie down.

BRI: Building-Related Illness.

building: the primary building subject of the commercial inspection.

building code: rules and regulations adopted by the governmental authority having jurisdiction over the construction and/or remodeling of the commercial property.

building department: local authority having jurisdiction over the construction, alteration and use of a property.

building envelope: the enclosure that defines the heated/cooled area of a building, namely, the exterior walls and roof.

building systems: components, assemblies and systems that are a part of the overall building and property such as pavement, flatwork, structural components, roofing, exterior walls, plumbing, HVAC, electrical components, fire prevention, etc.

building-related illness: diagnosable illness whose symptoms can be identified and whose cause can be directly attributed to airborne building pollutants (e.g., Legionnaire’s disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis).

built-in: permanently installed.

built-up roofing (BUR): Also called tar-and-gravel roofing, BUR is a roofing system composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch or asphalt, and finished on top with a smooth surface, crushed slag or gravel.

BUR: built-up roofing

buttress: An architectural element and supporting member that is built against or projecting from a wall, often found in gothic-style buildings and barrel vaults.

cantilever: A projecting beam or other structure supported at only one end. Also, any part of a structure that projects beyond its main support and is balanced on it.

CCI: Certified Commercial Inspector

CCPIA: Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association

ceiling joist: One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported, in turn, by larger beams, girders or bearing walls. Also called a roof joist.

ceiling plenum: space below the flooring and above the suspended ceiling that accommodates the mechanical and electrical equipment and that is used as part of the air distribution system. The space is kept under negative pressure.

CFM: Cubic feet per minute.

chimney: a structure containing one or more flues for removing gases to the outside atmosphere.

circulation path: an interior or exterior passageway people use to move through a building and use its components, including hallways, ramps, and stairways.

cladding: something that covers or overlays, often used to describe exterior wall coverings or metal that covers windows, doors or fascia for weather protection.

cleanout: an accessible opening in the drainage system used for the removal of possible obstructions and for inspections; an opening in a chimney that provides access to the flue for cleaning purposes.

clear floor space: the unhindered area providing wheelchair mobility.

clear span: The unobstructed and unsupported distance between two supports of a beam.

clear width: the measured distance between walls or fixed points.

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