You may not realize it, but just about every part in your home has a name. Sometimes, a very odd name! Just for fun, here’s a list of some of the more unusual ones, along with where you can find them. (Also, some make really good high-scoring Scrabble words!)
Purlin
These pieces of lumber run perpendicular to the roof rafters and are used to support the roof framing.
Corbel
A decorative piece of wood or stone used to support an opening.
Not to be confused with Corbelling, which is the process of laying bricks so they are offset, creating a shaped edge.
Quoin
Corner block on masonry or stucco houses.
And if your house didn’t come with quoin blocks, you can now use the stick-on version!
Reglet
The groove into which counter flashing is inserted on a masonry wall.
Plenum
The space above the furnace through which warm air passes to be distributed to the ductwork.
Cripple Wall
A short framed wall between the foundation and first floor framing.
Weir
The highest point of the bottom of the trap arm (also called the trap weir or the crown weir).
Drip Leg
A short length of pipe extending below the natural gas intake on a furnace. Designed to catch dirt or impurities in the gas before they reach the furnace.
Ufer
A type of grounding system whereby metal rods are incorporated into the footings, rather than having copper pipe or connection to the water supply pipe.
that’s good to know. so those are the terms. impressive!