Glulam

Related terms

• Beam

  A primary horizontal member that carries loads from joists or framing across a span to posts or walls. Opening up a floor plan usually me…

• Bond

  A surety bond is a guarantee from a third party that the contractor will complete the work (performance bond) or pay subs and suppliers (…

• Grade Beam

  A reinforced concrete beam at or below grade that spans between piers or footings to distribute structural loads.

• Girder

  A large primary beam that carries other beams or joists. The main load-collecting member, often mid-span under a floor down to columns.

• Helical Pier

  A screw-in steel pile driven to stable soil to underpin or support a foundation. A common engineered fix for settlement without large exc…

• Frost Line / Frost Depth

  The depth to which ground freezes locally. Footings must bear below it (in central Ohio ~32 in.) so frost heave can't lift the structure.

• Hydrostatic Pressure

  Water-table pressure pushing against foundation walls and slabs — the driving force behind most basement leaks and wall bowing.

• Frost Heave

  Upward soil movement when moisture freezes and expands, lifting shallow footings, slabs, and steps. Prevented by footing depth and drainage.