damper: A movable plate that regulates the draft of a stove, fireplace, or furnace.

dead load: All the unmovable weight in a structure and the weight of the structure itself.

dimension lumber: Framing lumber that is 2 in. thick and from 4 to 12 in. wide.

doorjamb: Two vertical pieces held together by a head jamb forming the inside lining of a door opening.

doorstop: The strips on the doorjambs against which the door closes.

dormer: An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.

double-glazing: Making a pane of two pieces of glass with air space between and sealed to proved insulation.

double-header: Two or more timbers joined for strength.

double hung: Refers to a window having top and bottom sashes, each capable of movement up and down.

downspout: A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater from roof gutters.

dressed size: The actual size of lumber after jointing and surfacing.

drip cap: A molding placed on the exterior topside of a door or window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside of the frame.

drywall: Interior covering material, such as gypsum board or plywood, which is applied in large sheets or panels.

ducts: In a house, usually round or rectangular metal pipes for distributing warm air from the heating plant to rooms, or air from a conditioning device or as cold air returns. Ducts are also made of composition materials.

duplex outlet: Electrical wall outlet having two plug receptacle.

 

< Back to Definitions