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Key Points & Project Terms: Façade (Renovations)
The following is a list of useful terms to use when researching additional Façade information on each of the topics discussed:
Architectural Details
A wide range of facade elements such as cornices, moldings, facade sculpture which, as part of older buildings, could project into the public right of way
Architectural Terracotta
A hard-burnt glazed or unglazed clay unit used in building construction as cladding or veneer for exterior walls; terracotta unit can be plain or ornamental, machine-extruded or hand-modeled and is usually larger than brick or facing tile
Cavity Wall
An exterior wall, usually of masonry, consisting of an outer and inner wythe separated by a continuous air space, but connected together by wire or sheet-metal ties; the air space provides thermal insulation
Cladding
A protective or insulating layer fixed to the outside/exterior walls of a building or another structure
Coping
A protective cap, top, or cover of a wall, parapet, pilaster, or chimney; coping is often made out of stone, terracotta, concrete, metal, or wood; coping may be flat, sloping, double-beveled or curved to shed water to protect masonry below from penetration of water from above
Cornice
A projection that crowns or finishes part of the building element to which it is affixed; the exterior trim of a structure at the meeting of the roof and wall, usually consisting of bed molding, soffit, fascia and crown molding
Curtain Wall
The outer skin of a building; nonbearing wall of glass, metal, or masonry attached to the structural frames of a building exterior
Lintel
A horizontal structural member (such as a beam) over an opening for doors and windows, which carriers the weight of the wall above; lintels are usually made out of steel, pre-cast concrete, stone or woods
Netting
Generally composed of mesh, side ropes, ties and other components; netting is used at various construction sites, especially high-rise buildings; netting is installed on scaffolding to protect pedestrians and workers from falling debris
Parapet Wall
A continuous extension of the exterior wall, installed entirely above the roof of the building
Pilasters
Rectangular or semicircular projection from wall surface for reinforcement or use as a simulated pillar in entrances and other door openings; pilasters may also be installed as projections of the exterior wall itself
Pointing and Repointing
The mortar between the joints of masonry units such as bricks, stone etc.; repointing involves removal and replacement of existing with new mortar
Railings
A structure consisting of rails and their sustaining posts, balusters, or pillars, constituting an enclosure or line of division, as a balcony rail or roof rail
Scaffold
A temporary platform supporting workers and materials attached to the face of a building structure providing access to work areas above the ground
Sidewalk Shed
A site safety structure installed over a public sidewalk to protect pedestrians from falling objects during the erection or repair of a building
Suspended Scaffold
A scaffold consisting of outriggers from which wire cables are wound on winches on the scaffold platform
Veneer
A non-structural outer wall, membrane or skin of a building such as a single wythe of non-structural brick
Window Sill
A horizontal member at the base of a window opening made out of stone, sheet-metal wood or other material
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