A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Face masonry – Masonry, which upon completion requires no further surface applications
Face brick– The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these have a finished texture.
Fall (Flat concrete roofs) – Slope of a flat roof
Fascia– Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia.
Fascia (Timber Roof Structures) – trim Board applied to the ends of truss overhangs
Fascia board (Fixing Roof Tiles) – A member that is fixed to the rafter ends, the wall face or the wall plate immediately below the eaves
Fastener (Fixing Roof Tiles) – A bolt with a nut, or a screw
Female– Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another (male) part can be inserted. Internal threads are female.
Ferrule– a ring or cap, typically a metal one, that strengthens the end of a handle, stick, or tube and prevents it from splitting or wearing. Also a metal band strengthening or forming a joint.
Fill (Foundations) – Material placed in an excavation after foundations have been cast, or material used to raise the levels in the construction of slab-on-the-ground foundations or floor slabs.
Final set (Cement plaster) – The condition at, which the plasticity of a mix permits little or no movement under the trowel. Trowelling after the final set has the effect of either polishing or in other cases of weakening or disrupting the surface.
Fire brick- Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high temperatures. Used in a fireplaces etc.
Fireplace chase flashing pan– A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. It’s purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.
Fire-resistive or Fire rated– Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour.
Fire retardant chemical– A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the spread of flame.
Fishplate (gusset)– A piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridge line. Sometimes called a gang nail plate.
Fish tape– A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling wires through conduit.
Flagstone (flagging or flags)– Flat stones used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick).
Flashing – A building element used on a joint between two materials designed to catch and drain rainwater to prevent it penetrating the interior. Inadequate or incorrect flashing is a major cause of leaking roofs.
Flashing (Fixing Roof Tiles) – A strip of flexible impervious material that is used to exclude water from the junction between a roof covering and another part of the structure
Flat roof (Flat concrete roofs) – A roof graded with slight falls
Flatwork– Common word for concrete floors, driveways, basements, and sidewalks.
Flexible joints (Drainage) – A joint that allows small relative longitudinal movements between adjustment pipes without the occurrence of fracture or leakage
Floating– The next-to-last stage in concrete work, when you smooth off the job and bring water to the surface by using a hand float or bull float.
Floor Joists (Timber Floors) – Horizontal beams, which are the primary structural members in the construction of a suspended timber floor.
Flooring board (Timber Floors) – A softwood board of face side width not less than 50mm and not more than 140mm, which may be tongued on the one edge and grooved on the opposite edge.
Fluorescent lighting– A fluorescent lamp is a gas-filled glass tube with a phosphur coating on the inside. Gas inside the tube is ionized by electricity which causes the phosphur coating to glow. Normally with two pins that extend from each end.
Flue– Large pipe through which fumes escape from a gas heater or fireplace.
Flue collar– Round metal ring which fits around the heat flue pipe after the pipe passes out of the roof.
Flue damper– An automatic door located in the flue that closes it off when the burner turns off; purpose is to reduce heat loss up the flue.
Flute (Fixing Roof Tiles) – The upstand between the troughs of box-ribbed sheeting.
Form– Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
Formwork (Concrete) – Temporary works required to support and shape the concrete during placing
Foundation– The substructure that supports a building.
Foundation wall (Foundations) – The section of walling from the top of the foundation and extending up to the damp-proof course or top of ground floor slabs.
French drain (soak away) (Drainage) – A conventional absorption field that comprises a trench is filled with suitable material and that is used for the disposal of liquid effluent from a septic tank or wastewater.
Front putty (Glazing) – A fillet of glazing compound formed on the platform of the rebate in front of and in contact with the glazing material.