Glossary terms of buildings

Laser levels

The laser level is a device for measuring the differential levels of a building or structure.

Infiltrometers

The infiltrometer is a device whose function is to assess the air leakage in a building, according to a protocol of energy efficiency.

Infrared camera

Device used to capture and image deficient areas in thermal building envelope.

Moisture detectors

Instrument used to evaluate the moisture content of materials and ambient air.

Microbiological air samplers

This device is used to collect air samples for further laboratory analysis.

Drain camera

This equipment is used in order to evaluate the condition of a french drain.

Sclerometers

A sclerometer is used to measure the mechanical properties of concrete to determine its quality.

Rebar locators

Equipment used to locate reinforcement and other metal pieces found in a concrete structure.

Common parts

Common parts are considered the property of all occupants of a building (for example: corridors, staircases, underground parking, etc.).

APCHQ

APCHQ, Provincial Association of Home Builders of Quebec Inc, is an organization that represents and promotes the industry of residential construction in Quebec.

ACQC

The ACQC, Consumer Association for Quality in Construction, is an organization that protects the public interest in construction and residential renovation in Quebec.

Construction defects

Construction defects correspond to poor workmanship. They can be visible or not.

Defective execution

We call “defective execution” a work that was not performed according to standards, or is poorly done.

Common areas

Common areas are considered the property of all occupants of a building (for example: corridors, staircases, underground parking, etc.).

Private parts

A private part is considered as a common-ownership unit. The expert will examine for example, the floors, walls and ceilings, doors and windows mechanism, electric system, plumbing and ventilation device.

Latent defect

A latent defect is a serious defect, invisible and unknown at the time of the acquisition of a building.

NBC

The NBC, or National Building Code, is considered as a benchmark concerning construction standards, and good practice regarding building science.

Envelope

The envelope refers to the outer covering of a building and includes the following: foundations, roofing, exteriors walls and windows.

Electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is defined as a disruption of electrical and magnetic field.

Infrared spectrum

The spectrum represents the decomposition of electromagnetic radiation according to its different components.

Heat losses

Heat losses are leaks in the insulation of a building. These threaten the efficiency, in addition to being a source of discomfort for the occupants of the building.

Posts

Posts are used to stabilize and improve a building foundation, in order to prevent subsidence. This technique is called posting.

Water table

The water table is an underground layer of porous gravel, water-soaked and located at shallow depth.

Bacteria

Bacteria are living organisms and pathogens, which occur when the air can cause health problems for occupants of a building.

Yeasts

Yeasts are a type of fungus from the fermentation of organic matter. They are harmful to the quality of ambient air and can cause health problems.

Moulds

Moist conditions favour the proliferation of moulds and fungi. An unventilated atmosphere releases an odour of “mildewed” characteristic. The moulds develop especially in the presence of prolonged moisture and deprived of light. As a matter of fact, mould mould spores are not resistant to ultraviolet rays.

AIBQ

The AIBQ, or Association of Building Inspectors of Quebec, is recognized as a reference for building inspection. The AIBQ imposes rules and requirements necessary for recognition of professional inspectors, in addition to ensuring the protection of the pu