Glossary of Terms Describing Building Features
A to Z
Bargeboard
A board fixed to a gable end of a roof to hide the end of the roof timbers.
Fascia board
A long flat surface, usually of wood, covering the ends of rafters.
Flashing
Metal strip used to prevent water penetration at the junction of a roof with a wall.
Gable
The triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof.
Gully
An artificial channel, gutter or drain.
Grating
A framework of parallel or crossed metal bars.
Hopper
A container tapering downwards.
Mortar
A mixture of lime with cement, sand and water, used in building to bond bricks or stones.
Pitch
Downwards slope of a roof.
Rafter
Each of the sloping beams forming the framework of a roof.
Soffit
The under-surface of a roof where it extends out beyond the walls of a building. Also the under-surface of an architrave, arch or balcony.
