Glossary of Home Inspection Terms

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Terms Beginning with “N”

  • nailer: A piece of lumber secured to non-nailable decks and walls by bolts or other means, providing a suitable backing onto which roof components may be mechanically fastened.
  • natural finish: A transparent finish that does not significantly alter the original color or grain of the natural wood. A natural finish is typically achieved using sealers, oils, varnishes, water-repellent preservatives, and other similar materials.
  • neat plaster: A base coat plaster that does not contain aggregates and is used where the addition of aggregates on the job is desired.
  • NEC (National Electrical Code): A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes that are backed by law may differ from some codes in the NEC.
  • neoprene: A synthetic rubber having physical properties that closely resemble those of natural rubber, and used in weather-resistant products, such as paints, adhesives, gaskets, etc. It is made by polymerizing chloroprenes, which are produced from acetylene and hydrogen chloride.
  • nesting: A method of re-roofing with new asphalt shingles over old shingles in which the top edge of the new shingles is butted against the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.
  • neutral wire: Carries electricity from an outlet back to the service panel; usually color-coded white. See also hot wire and ground.
  • newel: Any post to which the end of a stair railing or balustrade is fastened.
  • NFPA: National Fire Protection Association, which sets standards for fire-rated building products.
  • nipple: A short pipe coupling that is threaded on both ends and installed between fittings.
  • NM (non-metallic): A flame-retardant type of Romex cable, which is a non-metallic sheathed cable that contains several conductors. Its use is limited to dry locations.
  • NMC (non-metallic conduit): A type of Romex® cable, which is a non-metallic sheathed cable that contains several conductors. NMC may be used in damp or corrosive locations, as well as dry areas.
  • no-cutout shingles: Shingles consisting of a single solid tab with no cutouts.
  • nominal size: Size used for identification only; not literal dimensions.
  • non-bearing wall: A wall supporting no load other than its own weight.
  • non-combustible: A substance that does not burn when subjected to fire.
  • non-destructive: Describes a method of examining the interior of a component whereby no damage is done to the component itself.
  • non-drying: A sealant that does not set up or cure. See also butyl. Also called non-curing.
  • non-fibered aluminum roof coating: Thin but efficient barrier that reflects the sun's harmful rays and prolongs a roof surface's service life. Also used on other metal surfaces.
  • non-fibered roof and foundation coating: Dual-purpose, thin-viscosity material that doubles as a non-fibered roof and foundation coating.
  • non-sag: A sealant formulation having a consistency that permits application in vertical joints without appreciable sagging or slumping.
  • non-skinning: Descriptive of a product that does not form a surface skin.
  • non-staining: Characteristic of a compound that will not stain a surface.
  • non-veneer panel: Any wood-based panel that does not contain veneer and carries an APA span rating, such as waferboard and oriented strand board.
  • normal operating controls: The operating controls for devices that can be operated by ordinary occupants, such as thermostats, as they require no specialized skill, knowledge or tools.
  • normal slope application: Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
  • nosing: The projecting edge of a molding or drip usually applied to the projecting molding on the edge of a stair tread.
  • notch: A crosswise rabbet at the end of a board.
  • note: A formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating the terms of repayment.
  • nozzle: The tubular tip of a caulking gun through which the compound is extruded.
  • nuclear meter: A device used to detect moisture by measuring slowed, deflected neutrons.