glossary

 A/C

 Abbreviation for air conditioner and air conditioning 

ABS

Acronym for acrylonitrile   butadiene styrene; rigid black plastic pipe used only for drain lines

AFCI

An Arc Fault   Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is an advanced circuit breaker that breaks the   circuit when it detects a dangerous electric arc in the circuit it protects   to prevent electrical fires.

ASBESTOS

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of soft and flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion. These qualities make the mineral useful, but they also make asbestos exposure highly toxic.

Asbestos is an effective insulator, and it can be used in cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials to make them stronger. But when asbestos dust is inhaled or ingested, mineral fibers can become permanently trapped in the body.

Over decades, trapped asbestos fibers can cause inflammation, scarring and eventually genetic damage.

 For more information go to: 

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/asbestos/ or 

https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/asbestos

CO

 Carbon Monoxide - a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, 

GFCI 

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a safety device that protects a person from electrical shock.

HVAC 

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning 

Leaks 

Leaks, when referred anywhere within this report, implies that there is potential for damage to the interior structure of the home, finishings or personal property due to the ongoing exposure to water.

OSB 

Oriented strand board (OSB), is a type of engineered lumber similar to particle board, formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands (flakes) in specific orientations.

Safety 

Safety, when referred to anywhere within this report, implies that the action and/or repair should be completed in order to prevent danger, risk, damage or injury to a person(s).

TPR 

The thermostat in a water heater shuts off the heating source when the set temperature is reached. If the thermostat fails, the water heater could have a continuous rise in temperature and pressure (from expansion of the water). The temperature and pressure could continue to rise until the pressure exceeds the

pressure capacity of the tank (300 psi). If this should happen, the super-heated water would boil and expand with explosive force, and the tank would burst. The super-heated water turns to steam and turns the water heater into an unguided missile. To prevent these catastrophic failures, water heaters are  required to be protected for both excess temperature and pressure. Usually, the means of protection is a combination temperature- and pressure-relief valve (variously abbreviated as T&P, TPV, TPR, etc.). Most

of these devices are set to operate at a water temperature above 200° F and/or a pressure above 150 psi. Do not attempt to test the TPR valve yourself! Most water heating systems should be serviced once a year as a part of an annual preventive maintenance inspection by a professional heating and cooling contractor. From Plumbing: Water Heater TPR Valves

Vacuum Breaker 

The vacuum breaker on the cold water supply line to a water heater, prevents the tank from being siphoned dry (if it doesn't have this built-in on the interior) and it prevents the tank from collapsing in a negative pressure situation.

WETT 

Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT Inc.) is a non- profit training and education association managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by holders of valid WETT certificates. Through its administrative designate, WETT Inc. functions as the national registrar of the WETT program. Through professional training and public education, WETT Inc. promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada. For more information go to https://www.wettinc.ca

Water Ingress 

Water ingress into the home has the potential to cause damage to the structure, finishings and personal belongings. Water Management Ensuring all forms of water can flow properly and are directed away from the foundation and/or interior of the home. Improper management can cause water ingress or potential safety issues with water build-up around the home.

Water intrusion

Water intrusion is the unwanted movement of water or vapor into areas of any building where it can then cause damage. As an example, a leak in your roof would be a definite instance of water intrusion, because it constitutes an encroachment of water into your house that is both unwanted and potentially damaging.

Water Management

Ensuring all forms of water can flow properly and are directed away from the foundation and/or interior of the home. Improper management can cause water ingress or potential safety issues with water build-up around the home.

Weather dependent

 Air conditioners are not tested when the overnight temperature is consistently below 15 degrees Celsius