A

Abrasive Surface Tile

A floor tile that's been made rough to be slip-resistant.

ABS

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene; a plastic commonly used for piping. This plastic has a high resistance to heat, impacting and chemicals.

Accelerator

A material added to concrete, grout, mortar or plaster, to shorten setting time and increase
strength.

Acrylic

A transparent plastic material commonly used in sheets for as a substitute for window glass and used in skylights.

Acrylic Paint

A type of paint similar to latex. Containing high pigment levels, dries fast and has good color retaining abilities.

Active Door

When referring to a pair of doors, it's the leaf that opens first and the door to which locks are adapted.

Allowance

A budget set aside for expenses that arise during the course of a construction project such as accessories, fixtures and the like.

Architect

A licensed professional who designs or renovates commercial or residential buildings.

Asbestos

A material formerly used in construction. Exposure to asbestos over a long period of time has been proven to cause cancer. Asbestos removal is recommended for today's remodeling.

Awning

A sheet of canvas or metal material stretched over a frame to shelter a window or doorway.

Awning Window

A window that is hinged at the top.