Glossary

Construction Dictionary and Glossary of Construction Terms

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L

Term	Definition
Label Service (UL)	Program allowing a manufacturer to place Underwriters Laboratories Inc. labels on his products that have met UL requirements. A UL representative visits the manufacturing location to obtain samples of the products for testing by UL. In some cases, samples are also purchased on the open market for testing. The public is thereby assured that products bearing the UL label continually meet UL specifications.
Leaks (Sound)	Small openings at electrical boxes and plumbing, cracks around doors, loose-fitting trim and closures all create leaks that allow sound to pass through, reducing the acoustical isolation of a wall, floor or ceiling system.
Ledger Strip	Strip fastened to the bottom edge of a flush girder to help support the floor joists.
Life-Cycle Costing	Selection of the most economical material and systems based on initial costs, maintenance costs and operating costs for the life of the building.
Limiting Height	Maximum height for design and construction of a partition or wall without exceeding the structural capacity or allowable deflection under given design loads.
Lintel	Horizontal member spanning an opening such as a window or door. Also referred to as a Header.
Live Load	Part of the total load on structural members that is not a permenant part of the structure. May be variable, as in the case of loads contributed by the occupancy, and wind and snow loads.
Load	Force provided by weight, external or environmental sources such as wind, water and temperature, or other sources of energy.
Loudness	Subjective response to sound pressure, but not linearly related thereto. A sound with twice the pressure is not twice as loud. See Decibel.
Louver	Opening with slanted fins (to keep out rain and snow) used to ventilate attics, crawl spaces and wall openings.