A horizontal beam fastened above the lower ends of rafters to add rigidity.
Collar joint
A long, vertical mortar joint which is between masonry wythes; joint between back-to-back bricks.
Collar tie
Structural element, consisting of a horizontal beam connecting together two rafters supporting the roof. Tie beams are connected at the lower ends of the rafters, as opposed to collar beams, which are connected approximately one foot above the wall plates.
Collateral
(1) Property that must be pledged for a loan and which may be seized if the borrower defaults. (2) Accompanying or existing in a subordinate, corroborative, or indirect relationship. (3) Side by side or parallel in time, rank, importance, etc. (4) An addition to.
Collateral loan
Loan secured by the pledge of specific collateral such a borrowing $20,000 against a savings account of $50,000.
Collateral security
Additional security supplied by borrower to obtain a loan.
Collection
Series of steps by a lender taken to bring delinquent mortgage current.
Collector
The component of a solar energy heating system that collects solar radiation, and that contains components to absorb solar radiation and transfer the heat to a heat transfer fluid (air or liquid).
Collector efficiency
The ratio of solar radiation captured and transfered to the collector (heat transfer) fluid.
Collector fluid
The fluid, liquid (water or water/antifreeze solution) or air, used to absorb solar energy and transfer it for direct use, indirect heating of interior air or domestic water, and/or to a heat storage medium.
