Glossary of Architectural Terms

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Gable - A triangular area of an exterior wall formed by two sloping roofs.

Gambrel - A roof where each side has two slopes; a steeper lower slope and a flatter upper one; a 'barn roof'. Often found in Colonial revival houses in the "Dutch" style.

Gazebo - A small summerhouse or pavilion with a view, or a belvedere on the roof of a house.

Girder - A strong, wooden member spanning foundation walls designed to support joist ends.

Girt - Supports the second floor joist in two-story construction.

Grounds - Wooden strips of plaster thickness found behind inside window and door casings and baseboards to provide adequate nailing surface.

Glass Block - A window type formed by a compilation of small translucent cubes of glass.

Gutter - A metal or plastic trough along the edge of a roof that collects water off the eave and carries it to the down spout.