Expressions in the construction field
- coraliefortin076
- May 15
- 4 min read
In the world of residential construction in Quebec, the vocabulary used on construction sites is colorful, technical, and sometimes intimidating for future homeowners. That's why at Plan Maison Québec, we believe it's essential to familiarize yourself with this specialized language to help you better understand each step of your project.
Let's discover some typical construction site expressions and advanced technical terms you might encounter when working with professionals like us.
Colorful expressions that say a lot
The world of construction is full of witty expressions that make communication both lively and precise. For example, when we say a wall is "in the butter," it means it's perfectly straight and well aligned. Conversely, a "crooked" structure is poorly assembled or misaligned, which could lead to long-term integrity issues.
A construction site that drags on doesn't move forward, often due to logistical issues, a shortage of materials, or an inefficient contractor. At Plan Maison Québec, we ensure that your projects never fall into this category by ensuring rigorous and consistent monitoring.
Anglicisms: an inevitable legacy
The construction industry is no exception to the influence of English. Terms like "plywood," "stud" (a wood or metal stud in a wall), "tape," or "breaker" are widely used on construction sites, often without translation.
At Plan Maison Québec, our teams know how to navigate between these two languages to ensure that clients understand every detail of their project. We believe that transparency also involves translating and explaining technical terms.
Advanced technical terms to know
Beyond the jargon, certain technical terms are essential to understand to monitor the design and implementation of your project. Here are some key concepts you may hear during a discussion with our designers or engineers.
1. Shear wall: This is an interior load-bearing wall whose role is to take part of the structural load and transmit it to the foundations. It is essential in multi-story homes and must be considered during the planning phase.
2. I-beam (or I-joist): This beam, often made of engineered wood, is used for its strength and lightness. Its "I" shape allows for excellent load distribution over long spans, making it ideal for open floors.
3. Floating slab: Unlike load-bearing slabs, a floating slab does not rest on a deep foundation. It is poured directly onto compacted soil, often used for garages or unoccupied basements. It “floats” on an insulating layer, so to speak.
4. Airtightness: This is the ability of the building envelope to prevent air leaks between the interior and exterior. Proper airtightness improves the building's energy performance. At Plan Maison Québec, we design our plans with this crucial requirement in mind, especially in Quebec's climate.
5. Weather barrier (or air barrier): Unlike a vapor barrier, a weather barrier protects the structure from water and wind infiltration while allowing interior moisture to escape. It is generally placed outside the insulation, under the sheathing.
6. Thermal bridge: This is an area in the building envelope where the insulation is broken, creating a heat leak. This can lead to condensation, mold, and reduced energy efficiency. Plan Maison Québec strives to limit these bridges through rigorous design.
7. Point load: A point load is a load concentrated on a single point of a structural element, such as the base of a post. It must be precisely calculated to avoid localized overloads. Our engineers take this into account when designing foundations.
8. Battening and counter-battening: A technique used to create an air gap between the weather barrier and the exterior cladding. It promotes wall ventilation and extends the lifespan of the materials. This is a standard in modern buildings designed by Plan Maison Québec.
9. Deflection: This term refers to the curvature a beam can assume under load. It is tolerated up to a certain threshold, beyond which the structure must be reinforced. Structural plans take this into account to ensure long-term stability.
10. Elastomeric Membrane: Used primarily for waterproofing flat roofs, this two-ply membrane is heat-welded to provide superior protection against infiltration. It is often specified in garage or roof terrace projects carried out by our team.
A better understanding for a better controlled project
Knowing these technical terms not only helps you better understand what professionals are doing on your construction site, but it also allows you to ask relevant questions and avoid costly misunderstandings. When you work with Plan Maison Québec, our role is also to educate you, simply explaining what each stage of construction entails.
Conclusion: building with Plan Maison Québec means building with confidence
Understanding the technical terms and expressions used in residential construction gives you a real advantage. It allows you to actively participate in your project, better interpret plans, anticipate needs, and communicate effectively with the various stakeholders.
At Plan Maison Québec, we don't just provide you with a plan: we build solid support, rooted in transparency, education, and expertise. Whether you're planning a house, a cottage, or a garage, you can count on us to transform your ideas into a concrete project, mastered from A to Z.
Make Plan Maison Québec your trusted partner for sustainable, thoughtful, and well-explained construction.
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