Jobsite Talk
Construction slang and terminology can be overwhelming.
Learn terms and phrases to give you confidence on the jobsite and speak the language.
Jobsite Talk Translations
More Construction Jargon
Rock and Tape refers to hanging drywall and finishing the joints and screw holes. "Rock" comes from the drywall brand "Sheetrock." Tape is used at joints between drywall and is embedded in drywall compound to create a smooth transition.
The Springline is the horizontal centerline of a pipe.
Sparky is the nickname for an electrician.
A Yo-Yo is slang for a safety device called a self-retracting lifeline (SRL). Although it doesn't function like a yo-yo, it kind of looks like a yo-yo. It functions much like your seatbelt. The cable or webbing extends and retracts when used in a slow manner. It locks when a certain speed or force is achieved, stopping a fall.
"Green" concrete refers to concrete which was recently poured. It's not actually the color green. Another definition of green concrete (much less common) is concrete produced in a more sustainable way compared to conventional concrete. This could mean using recycled material in the mix and/or using less energy in production.
"Hoggin' Out" refers to excavation. You might hear an excavation contractor say they were "hoggin' dirt."
A "Level 5" finish refers to the highest level of drywall finish, typically seen in museums or areas where imperfections will be really noticeable. In a typical commercial building, it's common to see a Level 4 finish. Each level (0-5) is defined by the amount of drywall compound applied to the joints.
Two-Blocking refers to a dangerous situation during crane operation when the hook block comes in contact with the boom tip/sheave. This applies a very high tensile load to the hoist line and can result in the hoist line failing and the load and block dropping. Proper training is critical and anti-two-blocking devices are available. Two-blocking is also slang when someone is being delayed by another trade/person (they can't move or proceed).
A “round ladder” is a bucket turned upside down and used as a step stool. Sometimes newbies are given the difficult task of finding the “round ladder.” (Construction Education does not recommend using a bucket as a ladder. Use the right tool for the job.)
A “Blue Stake” request or “Blue Staking” refers to locating and marking existing underground utilities on a site before you dig. Each type of utility (water, sanitary sewer, electric, gas, etc.) has a designated color of paint and flag.
Concrete blankets are spread over recently poured concrete when the air temperature is cold. Concrete generates heat during heat of hydration. The blankets help trap that heat, maintaining the appropriate curing temperature for the concrete.
“Batt Insulation” is a pre-cut strip of insulation, typically made of fiberglass, which fits in the cavity between studs or joists. “Roll Insulation” is the same idea, but a much longer strip of insulation in a roll. Other options for insulation typically include spray foam, rigid foam and blown-in. Insulation is primarily used to reduce heat transfer and improve acoustic transmission.
A “pier cap” is a transition between a caisson or drilled pier and a column above. A column bears on a pier cap. By forming a pier cap after the caisson is placed, it allows for precise placement of anchor bolts, rebar and top-of-concrete which have very tight tolerances. The equivalent structural component with a pile (or group of piles) would be a “pile cap.”
An allowance refers to money set aside for a scope which is not defined yet. A contractor is usually asked to carry the allowance in their budget and it will be reconciled when the scope is defined. For example, a contractor might be asked to include a $100k allowance for landscaping. If the actual cost is lower than $100k, the difference is typically returned to the owner. If the actual cost is higher than $100k, the owner should provide the difference to the contractor in the form of a change order. Allowances are used between the general contractor and subcontractors as well.
