Home Inspection Gloossary: Brick Veneer ===> Bypass Door
The last of the "B" Entries in the Home Inspector's Glossary
This post wraps up the entries for the letter “B” in our evolving home inspection glossary, bringing together key terms inspectors use and encounter in the field — from Brick Veneer to Bypass Door. Entries are organized alphabetically, each with inspector-focused notes and related terms for further exploration.
Brick Veneer
A non-structural layer of brick installed on the exterior of a framed building for aesthetic appeal and weather protection. Unlike solid masonry walls, brick veneer is supported by the structure behind it and is separated from it by an air gap to allow for drainage and ventilation. The veneer is typically anchored to the framing with metal ties or fasteners.
Inspector’s Note: Brick veneer is often mistaken for solid brick masonry. Inspectors can usually distinguish veneer by the absence of header bricks (which extend through the wall in solid construction) and the presence of weep holes near the bottom course. Common concerns include cracking, missing or clogged weep holes, bowing veneer, and improper flashing or support.
Related Terms: Weep Hole, Lintel, Wall Tie, Exterior Cladding, Solid Masonry
Building Paper
A heavy paper, felt, or fiber sheet material used in building construction to provide a moisture barrier. Building paper has historically been used behind exterior siding, under roofing materials as underlayment, or between subfloors and finished flooring.
Inspector's Note: Home inspectors may encounter building paper in older homes or during renovations. It is important to distinguish it from modern plastic-based housewraps, specialized roofing underlayments (e.g., ice and water shield), and flashing membranes.
Asphalt-saturated tarpaper was often used as an underlayment beneath hardwood floors in early construction to limit dust, reduce squeaks, and offer minimal vapor resistance. Rosin paper later became a common alternative for dust control.
Related Terms: Housewrap, Roofing Underlayment, Flashing (Base Flashing)
Building Permit
A formal authorization issued by a local jurisdiction allowing the construction, alteration, repair, or demolition of a structure in accordance with applicable building codes.
Inspector’s Note: Permit records may offer insight into past structural changes or system replacements. While home inspectors are not responsible for verifying permit status, awareness of typical permit-triggering projects can guide recommendations. These projects include:
- Major remodels or additions
- Re-roofing, structural repairs, foundation work
- HVAC replacements or fuel-type conversions
- Tankless or high-efficiency appliances
- Electrical service upgrades or panel replacements
- PV systems or electric vehicle charging installations
When major alterations appear inconsistent with standard construction, lack of permits may be a factor. In such cases, it may be prudent to recommend clients consult the building department.
Related Terms: Scope of Work, Code Compliance, Renovation, Alteration, Main Service Panel (Electrical), Heat Pump, Photovoltaic System
Built-in Appliance
A permanently installed appliance integrated into the home’s cabinetry or structure and typically hardwired or plumbed in. Examples include:
- Wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers
- Undercounter refrigerators, ice makers
- Wine coolers or basement bar equipment
Inspector’s Note: Watch for missing disconnects, inaccessible service points, moisture damage, or improperly sealed penetrations.
Related Terms: Appliance Wiring, Disconnect, Kitchen, Laundry Area, Dedicated Circuit
Built-Up Beam (or Girder)
A structural beam created by fastening two or more plies of dimensional lumber together side-by-side to achieve greater strength.
Inspector’s Note: Built-up beams are common in floor systems and roof framing. Inspectors should look for:
- Loose or missing fasteners
- Separation between plies
- Sagging
- Improper bearing support
In some cases, a flitch plate (steel) may be added to increase span capacity.
Built-Up Roof (BUR)
A multi-ply roofing system composed of asphalt-saturated felt and hot asphalt or tar, often finished with gravel or mineral surfacing. Common on flat or low-slope roofs.
Inspector's Note: Inspect for…
- Ponding water
- Surface cracking
- Blistering
- Loss of gravel
- General membrane deterioration
BUR systems may leak in freeze-thaw climates or where drainage is poor.
Bullnose Corner Bead (Drywall)
A rounded drywall corner bead that replaces the standard 90-degree angle, often found in contemporary or southwestern interiors.
Inspector's Note: Though decorative, bullnose corners can complicate trim termination and are harder to patch cleanly. Common defects include:
- Joint compound cracking
- Bead loosening
- Impact damage in high-traffic areas
Related Terms: Corner Bead, Drywall, Joint Compound, Inside Corner Tape
Bump Test
A quick field test to verify that a gas detector (e.g., combustible gas or CO) responds to a known concentration of test gas.
Inspector’s Note: Bump testing does not calibrate the instrument but confirms basic function. Frequent testing of gas detectors adds credibility and reduces reliance on faulty equipment.
Related Terms: Calibration, Calibrate, Gas Detector, Combustion Analyzer
Bundle (Roofing)
A packaged unit of roofing shingles. Typically, three bundles = one roofing square (100 sq ft), though it varies by material and manufacturer.
Inspector’s Note: Estimating shingle quantity is not required, but familiarity helps during roof replacement discussions.
Bushing
A fitting or insert used to:
- Reduce an opening
- Guide wiring or piping
- Prevent abrasion
Common in plumbing, electrical, and mechanical contexts.
Inspector’s Note: Examples include…
- Threaded pipe bushings
- Electrical conduit bushings
- Flexible wire routing in metal boxes
Related Terms: Reducer (Plumbing), Reducer (Electrical)
Butt Glazing
A method of joining two glass panels edge-to-edge using sealant (often silicone) without metal framing between them. Often seen in high-end or commercial designs.
Inspector’s Note: Rare in typical residential inspections. If present, watch for…
- Failed sealant
- Moisture intrusion
- Cracked or stressed glass
Butt Joint
A basic joinery method where two materials meet end-to-end or edge-to-edge without overlapping. Found in framing, drywall, and trim.
Inspector’s Note: Common issues include…
- Visible gaps or cracking
- Separation in drywall or trim
- Cosmetic imperfections
Butterfly Roof
A roof design in which two surfaces slope inward toward a central valley — the inverse of a gable.
Inspector’s Note: Watch for…
- Ponding
- Debris buildup
- Membrane failure near valley
- Poor drainage
Typically seen in mid-century modern or desert modern homes.
Buttering (Glazing)
Applying sealant or adhesive to a surface before assembly. In glazing, it ensures contact between window frame and glazing stop.
Inspector’s Note: Home inspectors rarely observe this directly, but failure can lead to:
- Drafts
- Loose stops
- Water intrusion
Butyl (Butyl Rubber)
A synthetic rubber valued for its flexibility and impermeability. Used in:
- Sealants
- Flashing tapes
- Glazing compounds
- Roofing membranes
Inspector’s Note: Often used in older joints, such as:
- Windows and siding overlaps
- Pool coping
- Concrete expansion joints
Signs of failure include:
- Shrinkage
- Loss of adhesion
- Dirt sticking to degraded sealant
BX Cable
Armored electrical cable (Type AC) with flexible metal sheathing, often used in early-to-mid 20th century homes.
Inspector’s Note: Key considerations inculde…
- Adequate grounding (some used the armor as ground)
- Insulation deterioration
- Difficulty modifying or retrofitting BX due to rigidity
“BX” is a legacy brand name but still commonly used in the field.
Bypass
An unintended air pathway through the building envelope that allows conditioned air to escape or unconditioned air to enter — bypassing thermal boundaries like insulation or air barriers.
Inspector’s Note: Bypasses reduce comfort and efficiency and are often hidden. Indicators include:
- Dust streaking
- Insulation discoloration
- Infrared patterns
- Blower door test results
Common bypass sites:
- Attic hatches
- Kneewalls
- Plumbing/electrical penetrations
- Chimneys
- Soffits
Related Terms: Air Leakage, Air Barrier, Stack Effect, Insulation, Blower Door Test
Bypass Door
A door with two panels that slide past one another along parallel tracks. Most common in closet applications.
Inspector’s Note: Bypass doors are often confused with general “sliding doors,” but do not recess into walls like pocket doors. Watch for:
- Damaged rollers
- Misaligned tracks
- Limited accessibility
Related Terms: Sliding Door, Closet, Pocket Door, Roller Track