Home Inspection Terms – Glossary – Eaves to Exterior Wall
Eaves:
Eaves are the horizontal, lower edge of a roof which projects beyond the building wall.
Eaves Closure: That component of a tile roofing system which is used to seal the openings along the eaves of a structure under the first layer of tile. Also called closure tile.
Eaves Flashing: Additional layer of roofing material applied at the eaves to help prevent damage from water back-up.
Edging Strips: Boards nailed along eaves and rakes after cutting back existing wood shingles to provide secure edges for reroofing with asphalt shingles.
Efflorescence: A white powdery substance appearing on masonry wall surfaces. It is composed of soluble salts which have been brought to the surface by water or moisture movement.
Egress: A way out, an exit or outlet.
Electrical Breaker: An electrical safety device used to prevent circuit overload. Breakers, if tripped, can be reset.
Electrical Heating: Any of several methods that convert electrical energy into usable heat.
Electrical Outlet: A point on the wiring system where current can be taken to activate equipment.
Elevation: A geometric projection of a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizon, e.g., of the external upright parts of a building from front, side or rear view.
Elevator: A raising and lowering mechanism that moves on tracks up and down a shaft between the floors of a building and is equipped with a car or platform to transport passengers and freight.
Ell: An extension of building at right angles to its length.
Embedment: Embedded: Set firmly into a surround mass.
Equivalent: Having an equal value, amount or force.
Escutcheon: Decorative metal piece that fits over or around a pipe protruding from a wall, or over a faucet body, or around a lockset on the face of a door.
Estimated: Roughly, broadly from experience, not from calculations. Not to be taken as exact.
Etching: Marks on a marcite of a swimming pool either thumbnail or Sarasota.
Excellent: New or in exceptional condition given its age and function, showing negligible or no sign of wear and/or usage.
Exposed Nail Method: Application of roll roofing in which all nails are driven into cemented, overlapping course of roofing. Nails are exposed to the weather.
Exposure: That portion of the roofing exposed to the weather after installation.
Extension Cord Wiring: Electrical cord designed for temporary use installed as a permanent electrical wire.
Exterior Finish: The outside finish of a structure that includes roof and wall covering, gutters and or window frames; any protective outer cover.
Exterior Fixture: An outside item, e.g., areaway, canopy, marquee, platform, loading dock, that is permanently attached to and part of the building structure.
Exterior Grade Plywood: Type of plywood approved by the American Plywood Association for exterior use.
Exterior Surface Drain: A covered catchment basin located in the driveway, lawn or patio to carry away surface water.
Exterior Wall:
An exterior wall is an outer wall, except a common wall that serves as a vertical enclosure of a building.
