In terms of building materials, what term describes a material that is not intended for structural framing?

The term that describes a material not intended for structural framing is non-load bearing. Non-load bearing materials are utilized in construction to provide functional and aesthetic purposes without contributing to the structural support of the building. For example, drywall and many partitions serve to define spaces and provide insulation but do not carry weight from above.

In contrast, structural materials are designed to support loads and are crucial to the integrity of the building, such as beams, columns, and trusses. Composite refers to materials made from two or more constituents with significantly different physical or chemical properties, which remain distinct within the finished structure but can serve various purposes, including structural support. Insulative relates to materials primarily serving to reduce heat transfer, which can be integral to energy efficiency but again does not define their role in structural framing. Non-load bearing distinctly captures the essence of materials that solely serve as non-structural components in construction.