The A-Z of housing terms from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

A rubble stone, or rubble trench foundation is an ancient construction practice, popularized in the early 20th century by American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959.)  Loose stone or rubble reduce the volume of concrete and promote drainage, however this practice is not suitable for some soil conditions, or for excavated basement areas which will not support the rubble from both side of the foundation wall.  Other probelms include poor, or unsuitable mixtures of cement including lime mortar, the use of un-washed, native sand and other aggregates, and the use of salts to promote curing in cold weather.

​​Partition separation is cracking that develops between interior partition walls and ceilings or floors, usually characterized by gaps opening in winter and closing in summer.

The subterranean termite Reticulitermis flavipes (Kollar) is probably the most destructive and widely distributed species in North America.  This species has acclimatized to southern Ontario to such a degree that 27 municipalities report some degree of infestation. ​