Flood-Level Rim: The edge of a fixture from which water overflows.

Floor Area, Gross: The floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls.

Floor Area, Net: The actual occupied area not including accessory areas, such as corridors, stairways, restrooms, mechanical rooms and closets.

Flue: A passage through which gases move from the fire chamber to the outer air.

Flush Bolts: Bolts installed flush with the surface of the door in the lock stile on the inactive lead of a pair of doors or to secure a door at the top or bottom.

Footings: Wide pours of cement reinforced with rebar (reinforcing bar) that support foundation walls, pillars and posts. Footings are part of the foundation and are typically poured before the foundation walls.

Form: A temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening; also referred to as formwork.

Foundation: The base upon which the structure or wall rests (usually masonry, concrete or stone), and generally partially underground.

Framing: The structural wood and/or metal elements of most properties. The floor and ceiling framing is called the joist work. Wall framing is usually made of 2x4 or 2x6 studs. See also rafters, posts, and beams.

Fully Adhered: A term used to describe a membrane that is glued to the substrate without penetrating the membrane.

Function: The action for which an item, component or system is specially fitted or used, or for which an item, component or system exists; to be in action or perform a task.

Functional: Performing, or able to perform, a function.

Functional Drainage: The emptying of a plumbing fixture in a reasonable amount of time without overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously.

Functional Flow: A reasonable flow of water supply at the highest and farthest fixture from the building main when another fixture is operated simultaneously.

Further Evaluation: A degree of examination beyond that of a typical and customary, non-intrusive physical examination.

Fusible Link: A form of fixed-temperature heat-detecting device sometimes used to restrain the operation of an electrical or mechanical control until a certain temperature is reached, usually signifying a fire.

Gabion Wall: A retaining wall or structure made of wire cages or baskets filled with rock, concrete, or sometimes sand and soil.

Gable: The end of a building, as distinguished from the front or rear. Also, the triangular end of an exterior wall from the level of the eaves to the ridge of a double-sloped roof.

Gambrel Roof: A type of roof whose slope is broken by an obtuse angle so that the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope; a double-sloped roof having two pitches.

Garbage: The animal or vegetable waste resulting from preparation or consumption of food.

Gas Sorption: Devices used to reduce levels of airborne gaseous compounds by passing the air through materials that extract the gases. The performance of solid sorbents is dependent on the airflow rate, concentration of the pollutants, presence of other gases or vapors, and other factors.

Gasket: A weatherstripping material that seals gaps and openings in windows and doors. It’s typically rubber or silicone material.

Girder: A main horizontal beam made of steel, reinforced steel, or wood upon which floor joists rest and used to support other structural members or concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.

Glass Pane: A transparent or translucent panel typically set within a door. A common source of water infiltration if the gasket fails.

Grab Bars: Vertical or horizontal handholds above the height of the ladder for the user’s safe transition to a landing.

Gravity Retaining Wall: A type of retaining wall designed to hold back soil primarily through its own weight without additional reinforcement.

Grease: Animal fat, vegetable shortening or oil used in preparing food or resulting from cooking.

Grille: A component of the ventilation system that returns air to the HVAC system.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit.

Grounded: Connected to the earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.

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