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Aluminum Wire: A conductor made of aluminum for carrying electricity. Aluminum is generally limited to the
larger wire sizes. Due to its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12 is not made. Aluminum is
lighter and less expensive than copper, but does not conduct as well. It also breaks easily.
Amortization: A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.
Ampacity: Refers to the how much current a wire can safely carry. For example, a 12 gauge electrical copper
wire can safely carry up to 20 amps.
Amperage: The rate of flow of electricity through wire - measured in terms of amperes.
Amps (AMPERES): The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor.
Anchor Bolts: In residential construction, bolts used to secure a wooden sill plate to a concrete or masonry
floor or wall. In commercial construction, bolts which fasten columns, girders or other members to concrete or
masonry such as bolts used to anchor sills to masonry foundation.
Angle Iron: A piece of iron that forms a right angle and is used to span openings and support masonry at the
openings. In brick veneer, they are used to secure the veneer to the foundation. Also known as shelf angle.
Angle Stop: A shutoff valve in which the inlet connects to the water supply pipe in the wall and the outlet
angles 90 degrees upward toward the faucet or toilet.
Annealing: In the manufacturing of float glass, the process of controlled cooling done in a Lahr to prevent
residual stresses in the glass. Re-annealing is the process of removing objectionable stresses in glass by re-
heating to a suitable temperature followed by controlled cooling.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service
charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.
Anti-Scald: A valve that restricts water flow to help prevent burn injuries. See Pressure Balancing Valve and
Thermostatic Valve. In some areas, plumbing codes require anti-scald valves. Speak to a professional in your
area for more information and help with code requirements.
Anti-Siphon: A device that prevents waste water from being drawn back into supply lines and possibly
contaminating the water supply.
Anti-Walk Blocks: Elastomeric blocks that limit lateral glass movement in the glazing channel which may
result from thermal, seismic, wind load effects, building movement, and other forces that may apply.
Antiquated: No longer in use, useful or functioning, as in most home inspection associations. Obsolete.
APA Plywood: (APA=American Plywood Association) Plywood that has been rated by the American Plywood
Association. For example, number one APA rated exterior plywood contains no voids between laminate layers.
Aperature: The opening in pipes.
Appliance: A household device operated by use of electricity or gas. Not included in this definition are
components covered under central heating, central cooling or plumbing.
Appraisal: An expert valuation of property.
Approach: The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway or the transition from the
street as you approach a driveway.
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At Guardian Real Estate Inspections our NACHI Certified Home Inspectors proudly provide residential and commercial inspections throughout Central Ohio, including but not limited to:
Columbus, Pickerington, Lancaster, Pataskala, Newark, Granville, Delaware, Logan, Worthington, Hilliard, Dublin, Gahanna, Grove City, Groveport, Bexley, Whitehall, Circleville, Baltimore,
Marysville, Powell, Westerville, Upper Arlington, Millersport, Etna, Buckeye Lake, Hebron, Bremen, Thornville, Amanda, Stoutsville, New Lexington, Junction City, Washington Court House,
Carroll, Canal Winchester, Ostrander, Chillicothe, Johnstown, West Jefferson, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Hocking, Madison, Perry, Pickaway, Union counties, in Ohio
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