Homeowner entity glossary

Fiberglass-mat or organic-mat roofing tiles surfaced with mineral granules in asphalt — the most-installed residential roof in the US.

Standing-seam or screw-down metal panels — most often galvanized steel, Galvalume, or aluminum — used as a long-lifespan residential roofing system.

The plywood or OSB sheathing nailed to the roof rafters that supports underlayment and shingles — the structural surface of your roof.

A self-adhered rubberized-asphalt membrane installed at roof eaves, valleys, and penetrations to block water intrusion from ice dams and wind-driven rain.

An electric HVAC system that moves heat in both directions — cooling like an AC in summer and heating by extracting outdoor heat in winter — using a reversing valve.

A fuel-burning or electric forced-air heater that warms air in a heat exchanger and distributes it through ductwork.

The sheet-metal, fiberglass, or flex piping that delivers conditioned air from an HVAC unit to each room and returns it for re-conditioning.

ACCA-standard room-by-room calculation that sizes a heating and cooling system to the actual heat gain/loss of a specific home.

Cross-linked polyethylene tubing used for hot and cold water distribution — flexible, freeze-resistant, and joined with crimp, clamp, or expansion fittings.

A storage-tank or tankless appliance that heats potable water for showers, faucets, dishwashers, and laundry — fueled by gas, electricity, or a heat pump.

An electric pump installed in a basement or crawlspace pit that automatically discharges groundwater away from the foundation when the water level rises.

The main breaker box that distributes incoming electrical service from the utility to individual circuits inside the home.

A ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacle that trips within 1/40th of a second when it detects current leaking to ground — required in wet locations.

An arc-fault circuit interrupter that detects the unique signature of an electrical arc and shuts off the circuit before it can ignite a fire.

Photovoltaic modules that convert sunlight into DC electricity, paired with an inverter to produce AC power for home use or grid export.

A lithium-ion energy storage system paired with rooftop solar that stores daytime production for use at night or during grid outages.

Insulated glazing units (IGUs) with two panes of glass separated by an argon- or krypton-filled spacer — the modern residential standard.

A home equity line of credit — a revolving, variable-rate loan secured by your home, with a draw period (typically 10 years) followed by a repayment period (10–20 years).

Replacing your existing mortgage with a larger one and taking the difference in cash — typically used to fund renovations or consolidate debt.

A fixed-rate, fixed-term second mortgage that delivers a lump sum upfront, secured by the equity in your home.

An FHA-insured renovation mortgage that lets buyers or owners finance the purchase or refinance plus the cost of repairs in a single loan based on after-improved value.

An annual service contract that pays for the repair or replacement of major home systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and appliances when they fail from normal use.

Extra liability coverage that sits on top of your home and auto policies, paying when an underlying policy's liability limit is exhausted.

A separate policy covering damage from rising water — issued through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private carrier — because standard homeowners insurance excludes flood.

Engineered stone countertops made from 90–95% crushed quartz bonded with resin pigments — non-porous, scratch-resistant, and consistent in pattern.

An electric cooktop that heats cookware directly via a magnetic field — no flame, no glowing element, and 85–90% energy efficient at the pan.

A curbless or low-curb shower enclosure — typically glass on at least one side — that replaces a traditional tub or step-in shower.

Luxury vinyl plank — a multi-layer vinyl flooring with a printed wood-look surface, clear wear layer, and click-lock or glue-down installation.

The motorized unit (chain, belt, or screw drive) that opens and closes a residential garage door — increasingly Wi-Fi-enabled with smartphone control.

A gravel-filled trench with perforated pipe that collects groundwater and directs it away from the foundation by gravity.