Arc Exam

Fire chamber

The area in a fireplace where the fire is contained.

Shallow fire chamber

A fire chamber that is not deep enough, causing smoke to enter the room.

Hearth

The part of the fireplace that protects the floor from sparks.

Smoke shelf

A shelf above the damper that deflects cold air and directs smoke upward.

Damper

A device that regulates the flow of air and prevents down drafts of cold air when the fireplace is not in use.

Flue liner

The lining inside the flue, typically made from clay.

Flue

The passage through which smoke and gases escape from the fireplace.

Flue size

The size of the flue, which should be at least 1/10 the sectional area of the fireplace opening.

Minimum clearance

The minimum distance required between the chimney and framing.

Lintel

A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening in a fireplace.

Saddle or cricket

A structure that blocks water from entering the chimney.

Fireplace classification

Fireplaces can be classified into five basic designs:two-face opposite, two-face adjacent, single-face, three-face, and prefabricated metal.

Stairs

Structures that connect different levels of a building.

Main stairs

Stairs that connect the first and second floor or a split foyer to the first floor.

Open stair

A stair without a wall on one or both sides.

Stair types

Straight run, L, U, Winder, Spiral, and Circular.

Treads

The horizontal members of each step.

Risers

The vertical faces that run from one tread to another.

Stringers

The vertical members that support the treads and risers.

Stair width

The recommended width for main stairs is 3'.

Total rise

The total floor-to-floor vertical height of the stairs.

Total run

The total horizontal length of the stairs.

Headroom

The minimum vertical clearance required for stairs.

Balusters

Vertical members that support the handrail on open stairs.

Newels

The main posts of the handrail at the top, bottom, and points where the stairs change direction.

Residential structure divisions

A residential structure can be divided into living area, sleeping area, and service area.

Living area

The part of a residential structure dedicated to activities such as living and entertaining.

IRC

International Residential Code, a set of regulations for residential construction.

Traffic circulation

The movement of people within a house.

Living room

The center of activity in a residential structure.

Dining room

A space for meals and gatherings.

Entryways

Main, service, and special purpose entryways.

Foyer

A space to greet people at the entrance of a house.

Family room

A space for hobbies or play.

Porch

An outdoor space without a roof.

Sleeping area

The part of a residential structure dedicated to bedrooms.

Master bedroom

The main bedroom in a split bedroom plan.

Bedroom size

The recommended minimum size for a bedroom is 70 square feet.

Closet

A space for storing clothes and personal items.

Bathroom

A space for personal hygiene.

Kitchen

A space for food preparation and cooking.

Work triangle

The path between the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a kitchen.

Kitchen designs

Straight line, L shape, corridor, island, U shape, and peninsula.

Laundry room

A space for washing and drying clothes.

Garage

A space for parking vehicles.

Floor plan

A drawing that shows the location and dimensions of everything in a building.

Stairs on floor plan

The direction of flight, width, and number of risers of the stairs.

Interior walls

Walls within the structure.

Exterior walls

Walls that form the outer boundary of the structure.

Concrete

A mixture of sand, stone, gravel, and water used in construction.

Foundation plan

A section view that provides information for building the foundation.

Basement plan

A combination of a foundation and floor plan for houses with basements.

Brick ledge

A 4" wide ledge for supporting bricks in masonry construction.

Floor trusses

Structural members used to support the floor.

Hidden line

A dashed line used to indicate footings on a floor plan.

Center line

A line used to indicate the position of a supporting beam.