Easement     A formal contract that allows a party to use another party's property for a specific purpose. e.g. A sewer easement might allow one party to run a sewer line through a neighbors property.  

 

Eave     The horizontal overhang of the nonsloping edge of a roof beyond a vertical wall.  

 

Eave flashing     Additional layer of roofing material applied at the eaves to help prevent damage from water backup.

 

Edging strips     Boards nailed along eaves and rakes to provide secure edges for reroofing with asphalt shingle after cutting back existing wood shingles.  

 

Electrical entrance package     The entry point of the electrical power including: (1) the 'strike' or location where the overhead electrical lines connect to the house, (2) The meter which measures how much power is used and (3) The 'panel', 'circuit breaker box 'or 'fuse box' where the power can be shut off and overload devices such a fuses or circuit breakers and located.  

 

Electrical permit     - a separate permit required for most electrical work.  

 

Entablature     The upper section of a wall or story that is usually supported on columns or pilasters and that traditionally consists of an architrave, a frieze and a cornice 

 

Estimating     The process of calculating the cost of a project. This can be a formal and exact process or a quick and imprecise process.  

 

Expansion joint     A joint that allows for expansion and contraction during temperature changes.  

 

Exposed aggregate     A method of finishing concrete which washes the cement/sand mixture of the top layer of the aggregate - usually gravel. Often used in driveways, patios and other exterior surfaces.  

 

Exposed nail method     Application of roll roofing in which all nails are driven into the cemented, overlapping course of roofing. Nails are exposed to the weather.  

 

Exposure     The portion of the roofing exposed to the weather after installation.  

 

Exposure I grade plywood     Type of plywood approved by the American Plywood Association for exterior use.