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VI. Glossary |
Blocking: Short pieces of wood which are nailed perpendicular to, and in between, floor joists, studs, or rafters to stiffen these members and to provide backing for nailing of sheathing.
Cripple wall: A short stud wall, not a full story in height, extending from the top of the foundation to the bottom of the first floor. The purpose of the wall is to provide a level for the floor and to keep wood framing members away from the ground.
Foundation sill plate: A horizontal piece of wood that is bolted on the foundation and transfers the weight of the building to the foundation; usually of redwood or treated wood.
Shear wall: A wall which is designed to brace a house against side to side earthquake or wind forces. In wood frame houses, it is usually constructed by nailing plywood panels to wood studs according to an engineered pattern.
Sheathing: The structural "skin" of a building, made out of wooden panels or boards nailed to studs, joists, or rafters for supporting finish material or siding. When designed to do so, sheathing can act to keep the house rigid and standing in an earthquake.