L
Laminated shingles - Shingles that have added
dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving
a shake-like appearance. May also be called "architectural
shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles."
Laminating- Bonding together two or more layers of materials.
Landing- A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination
of a flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change
direction. Normally no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square.
Lap- To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.
Latch- A beveled metal tongue operated by a spring-loaded
knob or lever. The tongue's bevel lets you close the
door and engage the locking mechanism, if any, without
using a key. Contrasts with dead bolt.
Lateral
(electric, gas, telephone, sewer and water)- The underground trench and related services (i.e., electric,
gas, telephone, sewer and water lines) that will be
buried within the trench.
Lath- A building material of narrow wood, metal, gypsum, or
insulating board that is fastened to the frame of a
building to act as a base for plaster, shingles, or
tiles.
Lattice- An open framework of criss-crossed wood or metal strips
that form regular, patterned spaces.
Ledger
(for a Structural Floor)- The wooden perimeter
frame lumber member that bolts onto the face of a foundation
wall and supports the wood structural floor.
Ledger
strip- A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom
of the side of a girder on which joists rest.
Leech
field- A method used to treat/dispose of sewage
in rural areas not accessible to a municipal sewer system.
Sewage is permitted to be filtered and eventually discharged
into a section of the lot called a leech field.
Let-in
brace- Nominal 1 inch-thick boards applied into
notched studs diagonally. Also, an "L" shaped,
long (@ 10') metal strap that are installed by the framer
at the rough stage to give support to an exterior wall
or wall corner.
Level- True horizontal. Also a tool used to determine level.
Level
Payment Mortgage- A mortgage with identical monthly
payments over the life of the loan.
Lien- An encumbrance that usually makes real or personal property
the security for payment of a debt or discharge of an
obligation.
Light-
Space in a window sash for a single pane of glass. Also,
a pane of glass.
Limit
switch- A safety control that automatically shuts
off a furnace if it gets too hot. Most also control
blower cycles.
Lineal
foot- A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1
inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples:
1" x 12" x 16' = 16 board feet, 2" x
12" x 16' = 32 board feet.
Lintel- A horizontal structural member that supports the load
over an opening such as a door or window.
Load
bearing wall- Includes all exterior walls and
any interior wall that is aligned above a support beam
or girder. Normally, any wall that has a double horizontal
top plate.
Loan- The amount to be borrowed.
Loan
to value ratio- The ratio of the loan amount
to the property valuation and expressed as a percentage.
E.g. if a borrower is seeking a loan of $200,000 on
a property worth $400,000 it has a 50% loan to value
rate. If the loan were $300,000, the LTV would be 75%.
The higher the loan to value, the greater the lender's
perceived risk. Loans above normal lending LTV ratios
may require additional security.
Lookout- A short wood bracket or cantilever that supports
an overhang portion of a roof.
Louver- A vented opening into the home that has a series of
horizontal slats and arranged to permit ventilation
but to exclude rain, snow, light, insects, or other
living creatures.
Lumens- Unit of measure for total light output. The amount of
light falling on a surface of one square foot.