Cleanout 
Drainage system opening, which is fitted with a wye plumbing fitting, and used to remove obstructions. Alternately, the part of a fireplace from which ashes are removed. 

Cleanout Plug 
Plug that prohibits access to the cleanout fitting during times when it is not in use. 

Clear 
Grade of lumber describing the material as being "clear" of knots and defects. 

Clear Title 
Title to property without liens, defects or legal encumbrances of any kind. 

Clearance 
The clear space or distance between moving objects or mechanical parts or between a moving object and that which it passes through. 

Clear and Grub 
Clearance of all vegetation on a site in anticipation of grading or construction. 

Clear Lumber 
Grade of lumber describing the material as being "clear" of knots and defects. 

Clear Span 
Also called an allowable span, it's the distance of the span between supports. 

Cleat 
1. Length of material attached to a surface for traction. 
2. Piece of wood or metal, which is fastened to, a structural member to support or provide an attaching point for another member. 
3. Device with horizontal projections around which a rope can be wound to tie it off. 
4. Wedge fastened to a surface. 

Cleating Method, Joist Installation 
Installation of cleats on existing joists and beams to support additional joists that are added. 

Clerestory Window 
Window situated on top of a vertical structure to furnish air and light for the inside. Raised section of roof with windows. Wall of a church or any similar windowed wall, which rises above the roofs of the flanking aisles and contains windows for lighting the central part of the structure. 

Clevis 
U-shaped piece of iron with holes in the ends through which a pin is run to attach one thing to another. 

Client 
Individual or business paying for the professional services of another person or business. 

Clinch 
To fasten a nail or bolt that has been driven through something by bending or flattening the projecting end. 

Clinker Brick
A hard mass of fused stony matter or brick with its shape distorted due to the vitrification process. 

Clip 
Any of the various devices used to fasten things together. Small brick section, which is cut to a specific length. 

Clipped Header 
Also referred to as false header, brick is cut, up to half its size, to set up a pattern. 

Clockwise 
Moving in the direction of the hands on a clock. 

Close 
To bar entrance to or exit from something. The points at which the beginning and ending of the outer area of a survey come together. 

Close Grain 
Wood that has tightly space grain lines. 

Close-coupled Closet Tank 
Toilet tank, which is supported by the bowl. 

Closed-cut Valley 
Roof valley with the courses of shingles from one slope overlapping the valley, with the courses from the opposite slope cut along the valley centerline. 

Closed-end Lease 
Lease with monthly payments over a given period of time with no charge when the lease expires. At the expiration of the lease, the lessor sells the leased property for a gain or a loss. 

Closed-end Mortgage 
Mortgage in which the collateralized property cannot be used as security for another loan. 

Closed Circuit 
Complete and continuous electrical circuit. 

Closed Circuit Television 
Monitoring system of cameras that are interconnected so that remote areas can be check from one point, usually for security purposes. 

Closed Joint 
Weather sealed joint used between sections of concrete to allow differential movement between the sections while protecting from moisture. 

Closed Loop 
Continuously looped system used primarily in such instances as refrigeration so that the refrigerant can be circulated, compressed and expanded within the system. 

Closed Loop Contour Lines 
Contour line, which forms a closed loop, which shows either a depression or a mound. 

Closed Mortgage 
Mortgage in which the collateralized property cannot be used as security for another loan. 

Closed String Stairway 
Stairway that has finish stringers that cover the end of the risers and treads. 

Closed Valley 
Roof valley, with shingle courses meeting to cover the valley, which are interwoven and overlap in the valley to allow the water to run off. 

Closer/Closure 
Last masonry unit in a course. 

Closet 
Small room or cupboard used as storage for clothing, household supplies, linens, etc. 

Closet Auger 
Coiled spring cable, which has a crank handle on one, end and is used for clearing a plugged up toilet by maneuvering the auger down into the drain. Also called a snake. 

Closet Bend 
Plumbing fitting used to connect outlet of a toilet because of its 90-degree turn. 

Closet Flange 
Flange, also called a closet floor flange, which connects the closet bend to the water closet (toilet) by being set slightly above the subfloor surface so that the bottom of the toilet is flush with the finished floor. Attachment is made by cementing the flange to the closet bend by soldering or using a lead and oakum joint. The method of attachment depends on the type of drainage system material used. A wax gasket is fitted between the toilet and the closet flange. Bolts are tightened to hold the toilet in place and to compress the gasket to make a tight seal. Closet flanges are made of plastic or metal. 

Closet Floor Flange 
Flange, also called a closet floor flange, which connects the closet bend to the water closet (toilet) by being set slightly above the subfloor surface so that the bottom of the toilet is flush with the finished floor. Attachment is made by cementing the flange to the closet bend by soldering or using a lead and oakum joint. The method of attachment depends on the type of drainage system material used. A wax gasket is fitted between the toilet and the closet flange. Bolts are tightened to hold the toilet in place and to compress the gasket to make a tight seal. Closet flanges are made of plastic or metal. 

Closing 
Legal procedure in which property ownership is transferred. 

Closing Survey 
Using the measurements of a survey to find the area of a piece of land. 

Closing Costs 
Expenses incidental to the closing of title, which are in addition to the price of the property. These items include loan, title and appraisal fees. 

Closing Escrow 
All of the conditions of the purchase and sale agreement have been fulfilled and the escrow agent has prepared a written summary of the funds received in escrow and those funds are now paid out. 

Closing Statement 
Document detailing the final financial settlement and costs paid by both buyer and seller of a property. 

Closing of Title 
Legal procedure in which property ownership is transferred. 

Closure 
1. An object used to close off an opening. 
2. Material used to conceal joints. 
3. Cap that is used on the end of a length of pipe. 
4. Short masonry units placed at the ends of courses to maintain a bond pattern. 

Closure Strip 
Resilient material for filling voids between panels, etc. 

Clothesline Units 
The spring-rewind covers with retractable clotheslines. 

Cloud on Title 
A claim, lien or encumbrance, which, if valid, may impair the owner's title to the property. Property can be transferred but its market value may be reduced. 

Clouding 
Painted surface with uneven color or gloss. 

Cluster 
Grouping of things of the same sort. 

Cluster Housing 
Planned subdivision where detached housing is located in close proximity to each other and share common open space including recreation areas and parking. 

Clutch 
1. A device for gripping and holding. 
2. Mechanical device for engaging and disengaging a motor or engine.