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Damper A mechanical device used with heating systems to regulate the movement of air
  through vent piping or supply ducts.

Damper In a fireplace, a metal plate that closes the throat when the fireplace is not in use.

Dead load The weight of a structure itself, its sheathing and wall coverings, and other
  integral components.

Deadman In a tie-back, a cross piece spiked to the anchor post at the end in the soil, used
  to anchor a wooden retaining wall to the soil.

Deadman In a tie-back, a cross piece spiked to the anchor post at the end in the soil, used
  to anchor a wooden retaining wall to the soil.

Deck An independent structure or platform that is attached to the house.

Deck An independent structure or platform that is attached to the house.

Decorative fireplace A false fireplace designed to imitate the look of a real fireplace.

Dedicated circuit A circuit provided for the sole use of a large appliance such as the
  refrigerator or dishwasher.

Delamination A deterioration process during which the layers in the laminated plywood
  panel begin to separate.

Delamination A deterioration process during which the layers in the laminated plywood
  panel begin to separate.

Desulfovibrio bacteria Bacteria that live in hot water in the presence of magnesium,
  causing hot water to smell like rotten eggs. Can contaminate water heaters.

Desulfovibrio bacteria Bacteria that live in hot water in the presence of magnesium,
  causing hot water to smell like rotten eggs. Can contaminate water heaters.

Detachment With veneer or stucco wall cladding, the separation of the siding material from
  its attachment to the house.

Detachment With veneer or stucco wall cladding, the separation of the siding material from
  its attachment to the house.

Dielectric connector A type of connector used between two dissimilar metal pipes that
  prevents metal-to-metal contact between the pipes and stops the flow of electricity along the
  pipes.

Dip tube In a water heater, the tube that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank.

Dip tube In a water heater, the tube that sends cold water to the bottom of the tank.

Dormer A structure built out from the roof slope having its own roof and walls.

Double course An application of wood shingles or shakes where an undercourse, not
  exposed to the weather, is covered completely by a top course.

Double course An application of wood shingles or shakes where an undercourse, not
  exposed to the weather, is covered completely by a top course.

Double hung window A window with two sashes which both move.

Double hung window A window with two sashes which both move. Eave The overhang or
  lower portion of the roof that extends beyond the outer wall.

Double hung window A window with two sashes which both move. Eave The overhang or
  lower portion of the roof that extends beyond the outer wall.

Double tapping Adding wires at fuses or breakers for the purpose of adding more circuits
  to the electrical system. Not allowed, except with breakers approved for double tapping.

Downspout The vertical piping connected to gutters that carries rainwater from the roof to
  the ground.

Draft air The air required to insure discharge of exhaust gas from a heating system through
  the flue.

Draft diverter A device built into a furnace that protects the heating system from excessive
  updrafts and chimney downdrafts.

Draft hood A device on top of a boiler that

Draft hood A device on top of a water heater that prevents backdrafts from the chimney
  sending exhaust gases into the home.

Draft hood A device on top of a water heater that prevents backdrafts from the chimney
  sending exhaust gases into the home.

Drain pipes Any discharge pipes in the DWV system.

Drain pipes Any discharge pipes in the DWV system.

Drain tile Flexible, perforated plastic piping used in footing drains.

Drain valve On a water heater, a valve at the base of the tank used to drain water.

Drain valve On a water heater, a valve at the base of the tank used to drain water.

Drain, waste, and vent system Piping that carries water and waste from home's fixtures
  to the sewer or septic system. Abbreviated
DWV.

Drip edge A flashing laid at the eaves and rakes to direct water flow into the gutters or off
  the roof.

Drip loop: Slack in electrical wires at the masthead which prevent water from running into
  the conduit.

Drum trap A canister-shaped unvented trap used under fixtures such as bathtubs and
  laundry sinks.

Dry base boiler A boiler with the heat exchanger set above the combustion chamber.

Dry laid A stone foundation laid stone upon stone without mortar or footings.

Dry vent A vent in the home's DWV system that carries only air and water vapor.

Drywall A premanufactured plaster sheet covered with paper, used as a wall and ceiling
  facing.

Drywell A buried gravel pit that accumulates water and allows it to seep into the ground
  slowly.

Drywell A buried gravel pit that accumulates water and allows it to seep into the ground
  slowly.

DWV See Drain, waste, and vent system.

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