Term
Definition
- PM 1 like
- Preventive Maintenance
- Pneumatic Concrete 0 likes
- Concrete that is poured from equipment power-driven by compressed air
- Pneumatic Hoist 1 like
- Hoisting system that works with compressed air
- Pneumatic System 1 like
- Mechanical equipment that is power-driven by compressed air
- Pneumatic Tool1 like
- A tool that is power-driven by compressed air
- Pneumatic Tube System1 like
- A system of tubes in a building or building complex wherein message capsules are sent via compressed air
- Pneumatically Driven Fastener 1 like
- Pin or threaded stud that uses compressed air to penetrate material
- Pneumatics 0 likes
- The study of compressible gases and air, their characteristics, and how they react when contained
- Poch 0 likes
- A technique used by drafters to allow for better understanding and readability of their drawings; sections are shaded such as the walls on floor plans or elevations
- Pock Marks 0 likes
- Craters; pits
- Surface flaws in gypsum board that appear as small depressions; frequently resulting from small gravel or dirt which depressed the surface of paper
- Pocket, Pitch 0 likes
- See Pitch Pocket
- Point 1 like
- Geometric unit that does not have a dimension
- One tuft of pile in a carpet
- A sharp tip of a tool
- Point of Inflection 0 likes
- The point in a structural element at which the bending moment shifts from positive to negative
- Point Weight 0 likes
- See Felt Mill Ream
- Pointing 0 likes
- The process of troweling mortar into a joint after laying the masonry units
- The process of adding mortar into the joints of brickwork or other masonry units in order to fill holes or other gaps left during the original work
- Pointing Trowel1 like
- A mason‘s tool used for pointing bricks and stone
- Points 0 likes
- A fee that is levied for making a loan; each point equals one per cent of the total loan amount
- Polarity 1 like
- The property of having two poles that have opposing qualities
- A positive or negative electrical state
- Polarized Plug2 likes
- An electric plug which has prongs arranged specifically so that it is only possible to plug something in correctly
- Polarizing 1 like
- A method for distinguishing electrical wires by certain colors; a way of ensuring that hot wires are only connected to hot wires and that neutral wires run back to the ground terminals in continuous circuits
- Pole0 likes
- A stake
- Opposing points on the axis of a sphere
- An electric cell has two poles or terminals, battery or dynamo
- A guidance point
- The apex of an angle co-ordinate
- Police Equipment 0 likes
- Paraphernalia used by law enforcement workers to perform their duties
- Police Power 1 like
- The power that of a state to control its citizens and property in the interests of the security, health, and welfare for all citizens
- Police Station 0 likes
- A building where police officers work
- Polish1 like
- To rub a material to make it smooth and shiny
- To trowel a plaster finish coat to make it smooth and shiny
- Polished Plate Glass 1 like
- Glass that is ¼ inch or thicker; produced by grinding and polishing both sides
- Pollution 0 likes
- Contamination of the environment by toxic or harmful substances
- Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) 0 likes
- Toxic environmental pollutant that is employed in electrical transformers
- Polychromatic 0 likes
- Many colors
- Polychrome Finish 0 likes
- Finish that is produced by blending many colors
- Polyester Floor 2 likes
- Flooring material that is made from a synthetic resin which polymerizes during the curing process; has adhesive properties, chemically resistant and strong
- Polyethylene 0 likes
- Plastic sheeting; an ethylene polymer; a thermoplastic which can be employed in insulation and packaging
- Polyethylene Pipe1 like
- Pipe that is made from a thermoplastic, organic compound
- Polyethylene Vapor Barrier1 like
- A thermoplastic membrane sheet employed as protection, and to stop air or moisture from passing through
- Polyethylene Wrap1 like
- A sheet form thermoplastic organic compound that protects concrete during curing and can be used as a temporary arena for various construction purposes
- Polymer 0 likes
- A compound that is made up of one or more large molecules which are formed from recurring units of smaller molecules
- Polymerization 0 likes
- A chemical process in which two or more smaller molecules join to form larger molecules made up of repeating elements of the original molecules
- Polyphase Motor 1 like
- Electrical motor employed with a three- or four-phase circuit
- Polypropylene Pipe 1 like
- A strong plastic pipe that is resistant to heat and chemicals
- Polypropylene Plastics 0 likes
- Plastics that are based on polymers where basically the sole monomer is propylene
- Polystyrene1 like
- A plastic that is based on a resin which is made by polymerization with styrene as the sole monomer; a plastic foam board that is employed for insulation
- Polyurethane1 like
- Polymers that contain urethane, employed in plastics, foams, paints, rubbers and adhesives
- Different types of polymers employed in flexible and rigid foams, resins and elastomers
- Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) 0 likes
- A synthetic resin that is widely used in water paints
- White woodworking glue
- Polyvinyl Acetate Latex (PVA Latex) 0 likes
- Latex that is largely made up of vinyl acetate
- Polyvinyl Butyral 1 like
- Plastic film that serves as a layer between two layers of laminated glass
- Polyvinyl Chloride1 like
- A strong transparent and solid polymer used for pipes, flooring, fittings as well as many plastic products
- A synthetic resin that is used in fluid bed coatings and solvent type coatings; PVC can also be used in water paints
- Ponded Roof 1 like
- Flat roof that is designed to hold water which then functions to cool the building below
- Ponding 0 likes
- Static water puddles on a roof typically because of poor drain systems or deck deflection; also called Birdbaths
- Water puddles that collect on concrete paving or asphalt, typically a result of uneven finishing or inadequate sloping
- Pool1 like
- A body of water; or bath, hot tub, hydro, pond, lido, spa, splasher, and thermae, bath house, and pool house
- Pool Cover2 likes
- Made of materials such as UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. They are transparent or opaque, and come in different colors.
- Pool Enclosure Kit1 like
- Resource to cover a pool.
- Pool Equipment1 like
-
Supplies and apparatus that are used to maintain and operate a pool
- Pool Filter (without valve)1 like
- A Swimming Pool filter is defined by the medium inside the filter tank that provides filtration and there are three types – sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth.
- Pool Heater1 like
- A pool heater is used to increase the temperature of swimming pools leverage their value and extend the swimming season.
- Pool Heater (Electronic Propane)2 likes
- The electronic ignition is a modern option for a pool heater. These pool heaters require an electrical hook up. The ignition turns on and off the pilot light when needed and does not attract pests.
- Pool Heater (Solar)1 like
- Heat radiation from the sun collected by heat-absorbing panels through which water is circulated used for heating swimming pools.
- Pool Ladder1 like
- A ladder that is employed to get in and out of a swimming pool
- Pool Light1 like
- A light installed on the wall of a pool to increase visibility at night
- Pool Liner1 like
- Waterproof layer that lines the inside of a pool; generally made of flexible vinyl
- Pool Plumbing 0 likes
- Plumbing pipes, valves, and fixtures that carry or use water and chemicals in a pool
- Pool Pump1 like
- A mechanical device which makes water flow under pressure for filtration or circulation.
- Pool Shell 1 like
- The structure of a pool floor and its walls; also called Pool Tank
- Pool Steps1 like
- A series of flat steps in a pool, on which to place one’s foot when moving from one level to another.
- Pool Valve2 likes
- A device for controlling the passage of fluid through a pipe or duct in a pool, particularly an automatic device permitting movement in one direction.
- Pop Rivet1 like
- Metal fastener used to join pieces of sheet metal, inserted manually by a pneumatic or spring-loaded gun; may occur from one side
- Pop-Off Valve1 like
- A safety valve which opens spontaneously when pressure is greater than a preset point
- Pop-Up Drain1 like
- The section of a sink drain system that functions via a link to open or close the drain
- Pop-Up Head 0 likes
- A watering head that retreats to become level with the ground when it is inactive; part of a system for watering lawns
- Porcelain1 like
- Ceramic coating, like china, that is added to surfaces composed of cast iron or steel; when it serves as a finish for metal fixtures it is referred to as vitreous enamel
- Porcelain Cleat 1 like
- An electrical insulator, ceramic in nature
- Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) 1 like
- P. O. Box 920330, Norcross, GA 30010, Tel: (770) 676-9366, URL: www.porcelainenamel.com/
- Porcelain Mullite 0 likes
- Vitreous ceramic which has technical applications
- Porcelain Receptacle 1 like
- A basic electric lighting fixture with a bulb holder; may or may not have a switch operated by a pull chain
- Porcelain Sink1 like
- A wash basin that is constructed from steel or cast iron, coated with tough, impermeable, white, glazed ceramic
- Porosity 0 likes
- The state of being penetrable to liquids
- Voids or gas pockets in metal
- Ratio of the total volume of voids in a given substance to the total volume, (including voids) generally indicated by a percentage
- Degree of continuity or integrity in some material
- Porous Woods 1 like
- Hardwoods that have vessels or pores that are sufficiently large to be visible with the naked eye
- Portable Bleacher1 like
- An open stand of tiered seats; can be transported from place to place between events
- Portable Stage 0 likes
- A transportable elevated platform employed at various speaking and entertainment events
- Portable Torch Kit1 like
- Used to weld iron and steel pipes or fabricate metal artwork and brazing, cutting, bending and forming.
- Portal Frame 0 likes
- An inflexible frame; two columns with a beam secured with moment assemblies
- Portcullis 1 like
- A heavy, latticed iron or iron-bound wood grille that moves up and down vertical grooves to obstruct an entrance or gateway to a castle
- Porte Cochere 0 likes
- A roof structure next to a building entrance and part of a driveway that shelters vehicle passengers
- Portland Cement1 like
- Hydraulic cement produced by heating crushed limestone and clay until they form a brick and then crushing it to a pulverized powder; cement used most often in construction; Portland refers to a type of cement, not a brand name
- Portland Cement Grout 1 like
- Portland cement mixed with water and fine aggregates and employed in cracks, joints and areas as a fill or sealer
- Portland Cement Plaster 1 like
- Portland cement and plaster binder; used in moist areas or on outside surfaces
- Portland Cement-Lime Plaster 0 likes
- Portland cement mixed with lime in appropriate amounts
- Portland Pozzolan Cement 1 like
- The resulting product when pulverizing together Portland cement clinker and pozzolan; a uniform mixture of fine pozzolan with Portland cement
- Positioned Weld 1 like
- A weld that is made in a joint that is especially positioned to facilitate the weld
- Positioner 0 likes
- Wire device that maintains reinforcing steel in position in a masonry wall
- Positive Drainage 0 likes
- When all possible loading deflections of a roof have been taken into account and increased roof slope has been applied to make sure that within 24 hours after rainfall, a roof is totally drained of water
- Positive Moment 1 like
- Consequence of a beam‘s bending moment when the higher part of the beam is compressed and the lower part is tensed; compare with Negative Moment
- Positive Pressure 0 likes
- Condition where more air enters than exits a given area, there is more air pressure in that area than in areas that surround the space
- Condition where sanitary drainage or vent piping system pressure is larger than atmospheric pressure; also called Plus Pressure
- Post 0 likes
- A timber that is positioned on its end so that it can support a wall, girder, or other component of the building
- Post Cap1 like
- A connection between a wooden post and a girder; made of metal
- Fitting which sits on top of a wood post to shield it from the weather
- Post Light1 like
- A lighting fixture that has been installed on a post
- Post Line 1 like
- A line indicating the external face of a foundation; also a line to indicate fence posts or the line of piers for a deck
- Post-and-Beam 0 likes
- When only a few large posts and beams are employed to support an entire structure; contrast with stud framing
- Post, Treated 0 likes
- See Treated Post
- Postformed Plywood 0 likes
- When flat plywood is reshaped via steaming or plasticizing agents into a curve
- Pot Hole 1 like
- A disruption in the surface of a road where a part of the road material has broken away, leaving a hole
- Potable Water1 like
- Water that is drinkable
- Potassium Alum 0 likes
- Used in sand filter operations, as a flocculent to clump small particles together
- Potential Energy 1 like
- The ability of a body to perform work due to its position in relation to others
- Potentiometer2 likes
- Instrument for measurement and regulation; works by discerning small variations in electrical resistance
- Pouch1 like
- A pouch is a small bag or other flexible container, generally carried in a pocket or connected to a belt. See Nail Apron
- Pound 0 likes
- A unit of weight that is equivalent to 16 ounces; 0.4536 kilograms
- Beat or strike repeatedly
- Poundal 0 likes
- A unit of force that is equivalent to the force that would accelerate a one pound mass one foot per second
- Pour Point 0 likes
- The minimum temperature where a liquid will flow
- Poured in Place 0 likes
- Concrete that is cured and poured in its final position
- Powder Room 1 like
- A bathroom, which typically contains just a toilet and hand basin; normally near the front entrance so that it’s convenient for guests
- Power 0 likes
- Source of energy such as electricity
- Rate at which some work is performed or energy discharged
- Power Driven Fastener1 like
- A fastener that connects to concrete, steel, or masonry by means of a power charge cartridge
- Power Element 0 likes
- Of a temperature-operated regulator, the sensitive element
- Power Factor 1 like
- The ratio of real power to apparent power
- Correction coefficient for the voltage values and changing current of A-C power
- Power Inverter1 like
- An electrical power converter that transforms direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
- Power of Attorney 0 likes
- A legal term which describes the authority of one person to act on behalf of another; the agent is referred to as an attorney-in-fact, but is not necessarily a licensed attorney
- Power Stretcher1 like
- A carpet layer’s tool; similar to the knee kicker, but with larger teeth in a patent head that are adapted to accommodate the depth of bite; stretches larger pieces of carpet than those extended with the knee kicker
- Power Tool1 like
- A device powered by electric current
- Power Vent2 likes
- Frequently mounted on roofs, has a fan that accelerates air flow
- Power-Assisted Door 1 like
- A door with a mechanism which, upon activation of a switch or a continuous force applied to the door, facilitates opening of the door
- Pozzolan 0 likes
- A siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material which, in itself, possesses little or no cementitious value but which will, in finely divided form and in the presence of water, react chemically with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperature to form compounds possessing cementitious characteristics; also spelled puzzolan

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Our newsletter is packed with huge discounts and construction tips from experts. Be one of the first to have them delivered to your inbox.
Dig Deep Into Construction Resources
AB - AF,
AG - AT,
B - BA,
BE - BI,
BL - BM,
BO,
BR,
BS - BY,
C - CA,
CB - CH,
CI - CO,
CP - CT,
CU - CY,
D - DE,
DF - DM,
DO,
DR - DY,
E - EL,
EM - EQ,
ER - EY,
FA - FH,
FI,
FL,
FM - FU,
GA - GL,
GM - GR,
GS - GY,
HA - HI,
HO - HY,
I - IM,
IN - IR,
J - JU,
K - KY,
LA - LAL,
LAM - LAN,
LAP - LU,
MA,
MB - ME,
MF - MI,
ML - MO,
MP - MY,
NA,
NB - NH,
NI - NY,
OA - OL,
ON - OR,
OS - OZ,
P - PA,
PC - PE,
PH - PIN,
PIP - PLI,
PL,
PM - PO,
PP - PR,
PS - PZ,
Q,
RA,
RB - RE,
RF - RI,
RM - RO,
RP,
S - SC,
SD - SE,
SG - SI,
SK - SO,
SP - SS,
ST - STO,
STR - SY,
T - TC,
TE - TH,
TI - TM,
TO,
TP - TY,
U,
V - VG,
VI - VU,
W - WA,
WC - WY,
X,
Y,
Z