A rain gutter is a narrow trough which collects run-off rain from the roof and directs it to another location.

In an HVAC system, a device used to exchange heat produced by the heating system to the building air, without the building air and the heat source coming into contact with each other.

In home inspections, the high loop is commonly referred to as a method of attaching the drain line to the underside of the counter top. This creates an air break, intended to keep dirty drain water from an overflowing sink from possibly backing up into the dishwasher.

ice dam: an area of ice that forms (typically) at the bottom area of the roof over the soffit area. The water from melting snow (over the warm area of the roof) re-freezes when it gets to the colder area of the roof over the soffit. This can cause water to get under roofing materials which can eventually leak into the …

in-use cover: cover designed to protect electrical outlets and switches in wet locations; allows for a cord to be plugged into the outlet while still maintaining a water-proof seal.  

insulation: any number of different types of materials used to restrict the movement of heat into or out of the house. Common materials used for residential insulation include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam.

A terminal that is installed on the grounding electrode conductor that allows for connection of system ground wires from telephone, cable and satellite systems.

joist: any of the small wooden lumber or metal beams arranged parallel to one another, and used to support the roof, ceiling or floor of a house.

kick-out flashing: an angled piece of metal flashing, installed at the bottom intersection of a wall and eave of the roof, intended to direct water the water running off the roof away from the wall.

Kitec brand pipe was initially intended to be a bendable style of polyethylene pipe, used for hot and cold water lines in structures. The pipes were typically orange colored (for hot water) and blue colored (for cold water). Problems developed with this product, sometimes leading to pipe failure and flooding of structures. A class action lawsuit soon followed these failures. …