Closed Cut Valley - A method of valley treatment
in which shingles from one side of the valley extend across the valley, while
shingles from the other side are trimmed 2 inches from the valley centerline.
The valley flashing is not exposed.
Closet Auger - A plumbing tool used for clearing obstructions
from toilet traps to the mouth of the waste pipe.
The closet auger has a large head sized for toilet traps. The rubber sleeve
at the end of the long handle protects the toilet from marring.
Closet Bend - A curved drain pipe that is located beneath
the base of the toilet and attached to a closet flange. A slotted closet flange,
or floor flange, holds the bend to the subfloor.
Closet Bolts - Bolts whose head is fitted to
a closet flange and that protrudes up through a toilet base. A nut is tightened
around it on the toilet base. Two (or four) bolts serve one toilet.
Closet Flange - A floor flange that's held to the floor
with screws or anchors where a toilet mounts directly above it attached with
closet bolts and the closet bend attaches below it.
Coal Tar - A viscous liquid mixture of hydrocarbon compounds,
derived, along with coke, from the destructive distillation of coal.
Coating - A layer of viscous asphalt applied to the base
material into which granules or other surfacing is embedded.
Code - Rules set forth by various government and private
sector bodies to determine minimum trade practices.
Cold Process Adhesive - Mastic prepared with SBS modifiers
to adhere laps, flashing and joints of built-up or low-slope roofing without
hot-mopping or torching equipment.
Cold-Method and Lap Cement - Special multipurpose
adhesive for low-sloped, cold-applied roof construction. Bonds 19" selvedge,
mineral surface and cap sheets to the underlayment. Doubles as an adhesive on
2" selvedge lap of mineral-, granule- or smooth-surfaced roofing. Available
in both summer and winter grades.
Collar - Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal
the roofing above the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.
Collar Tie - A horizontal board attached perpendicular
to rafters.
Common Rafter - Rafter that extends from the top plate
to the ridge. Generally set 12, 16, or 24 inches apart.
Compression Fitting - Used to join or connect pipes and
conduit by causing a ring to compress against the connecting tube when tightening
with a wrench.
Concealed Nail Method - Application of roll roofing
in which all nails are driven into the underlying course of roofing and covered
by a cemented, overlapping course. Nails are not exposed to the weather.
Concrete - A common construction material often used for
foundations, ground level floors, and sidewalks. Most concrete is made out of Portland cement, sand, and gravel or aggregate. It is commonly reinforced
with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh).
Concrete Block - A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8"
x 8" x 16" in size. Often used in low rise commercial and some residential
construction. The original design and use is attributed to the architect Frank
Lloyd Wright.
Concrete Board or WonderboardTM - A panel made out of
concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.
Concrete Grout - A mixture of 3/8-inch pea gravel,
sand, cement and water that you pour into the cells of concrete-block walls
to reinforce them.
Condensation - The change of water from vapor to
liquid when warm, moisture-laden air comes in contact with a cold surface.
Conductor (Electrical) - Anything that conducts or carries
electricity.
Conduit (Electrical) - Tubing used to protect wiring.
Construction Adhesive - Thick-bodied adhesive,
suited to a wide range of repair and construction tasks. Packaged in convenient
cartridges for caulking guns.
Continuity Tester - An electrical tool used to identify
and diagnose a circuit as either open or closed.
Contractor - A company licensed to perform certain types
of construction activities. In most states, the generals contractor's license
and some specialty contractor's licenses don't require of compliance with bonding,
workmen's compensation and similar regulations. Some of the specialty contractor
licenses involve extensive training, testing and/or insurance requirements.
There are various types of contractors:
- General contractor - responsible for the execution, supervision
and overall coordination of a project and may also perform some of the individual
construction tasks. Most general contractors are not licensed to perform all
specialty trades and must hire specialty contractors for such tasks, e.g.
electrical, plumbing.
- Remodeling contractor - a general contractor who specializes
in remodeling work.
- Specialty contractor - licensed to perform a specialty task
e.g. electrical, side sewer, asbestos abatement.
- Sub contractor - a general or specialty contractor who works
for another general contractor.
Construction Contract - A legal document which specifies
the what-when-where-how-how much and by whom in a construction project. A good
construction contract will include:
- The contractors registration number.
- A statement of work quality such as 'Standard Practices of
the Trades' or 'according to Manufacturers Specifications'.
- A set of Blue Prints or Plans
- A set of Specifications
- Any Allowances.
- A construction timetable including starting and completion
dates.
- A Fixed Price for the work , or a Time and Materials formula.
- A Payment Schedule.
- A written Warrantee
- A clause which outlines how any disputes will be resolved.
Coping Joint - The intersection of a roof slope and an
exterior vertical wall.
Copper Pipe - Used to
carry water to fixtures and appliances. Use Type M for most residential
work. Type L is required if the pipe is buried.
Counter Flashing - See Cap Flashing
Course - A row of shingles or roll roofing running the
length of the roof.
Convection - Air naturally circulated by differences
in temperature. Colder, denser air falls and displaces the lighter, warm air.
Cost Plus Contract - See Time
and Materials Contract
Covenants - Restrictions on how you can use or
modify your property, intended to preserve the character of the community.
Coverage - Amount of weather protection provided
by the roofing material. Depends on number of layers of material between the
exposed surface of the roofing and the deck; i.e. single coverage, double coverage,
etc.
Crawlspace - The interior area between the 1st floor
subfloor and the ground surrounded by a poured or block foundation. Most crawlspaces
should be at least 18 inches high.
Cricket - A saddle-shaped, peaked construction connecting
a sloping roof plane with a chimney. Designed to encourage water drainage away
from the chimney joint.
Cripple Stud - Short stud used as support in wall openings
that replaces a normal 93 inch or 96 inch stud.
Cripple Walls - In a wood-frame house, the section
of wall under the house between the concrete foundation and the floor joists.
Also called crawl space walls.
Crosscutting - Cutting across the wood grain;
to crosscut a board is to cut across its width.
Curb (Roofing) - The short elevation of an exterior wall
above the deck of a commercial flat roof.
Curb Roof - A roof with an upper and lower set of
rafters on each side, the under set being less inclined to the horizon than
the upper; a mansard roof.
Curing (Masonry) - A chemical reaction in cement-based
materials. The longer these materials stay damp, the stronger they get. Curing
is not the same as drying, which implies evaporation.
Curing (Paint) - The process of paint bonding
to a surface. Curing and drying are not the same.
Curtain Drain - a ditch sometimes filled with gravel and
a drain tile which diverts storm and drain water away from a structure.
Cutout (Roofing) - The open portions of a strip shingle
between the tabs.
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D
Deck - The surface, installed over the supporting
framing members, to which the roofing is applied.
De-humidistat - A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical
ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.
Designer - One who designs houses, interiors, landscaping
or other objects. When used it the context of residential construction it usually
suggests that a designer is not a licensed architect. Most jurisdictions don't
require an architectural license for most single family construction.
Diverter Valve - A device that changes the direction of
water flow from one faucet to another.
Dormer - A box like projection from the sloping plane
of a roof that frames a window.
Double Hung Window - A window with two vertically sliding
sashes. This is a very common older window design, was usually made out of wood
and tends to require frequent repairs.
Double Coverage - Application of asphalt roofing so that
the lapped portion is at least 2 inches wider than the exposed portion, resulting
in two layers of roofing material over the deck.
Downspout - A pipe for draining water from roof gutters.
Also called a leader.
Drip Edge - A non-corrosive, non-staining material used
along the eaves and rakes to allow water runoff to drip clear of underlying
construction.
Dry Rot - See Fungal Wood Rot
Drywall or Gypsum Wallboard (GWB) or Sheet rock or Plasterboard
- A wall finish consisting of a manufactured panel made out of gypsum plaster
and encased in a thin cardboard. Usually 1/2" thick and 4' x 8' or 4' x
12' in size. The panels are nailed or screwed onto the framing and the joints
are taped and covered with a 'joint compound'. 'Green board' type drywall has
a greater resistance to moisture than regular (white) plasterboard.
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E
Easement - A formal contract which 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.
Eaves - The horizontal overhang of the non-sloping
edge of a roof beyond a vertical wall.
Eaves 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.
Estimate - The anticipated cost of materials, labor, and
associated cost for a proposed construction, repair, or remodeling project.
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.
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F
Fascia - a vertical wood member, such as a cedar 1"
x 6", which is nailed to the ends of the rafters and is often the backing
of the gutter. Also known as the wood trim attached to the end of the rafters.
Feathering Strips - Tapered wood filler strips placed along
the butt edges of old wood shingles to create a level surface when re-roofing
over existing wood shingle roofs. Also called "horsefeathers."
Felt - Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used
as an underlayment or sheathing paper.
Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating - High-performance metallic
reflective barrier for prepared roofing, metal surfaces and exterior masonry.
Reflects sun's harmful rays, reduces energy costs in summer and winter while
prolonging surface life.
Fibered Roof and Foundation Coating - Combined application
for this special medium-viscosity-grade fibered material. Use as a roof or foundation
coating.
Fibered Roof Coating - Optimal protection for low-sloped
roofs. This thick, high-quality coating seals fine cracks and openings. Renews
and rejuvenates old composition roofing and prolongs roof life. Also performs
well on metal or concrete surfaces.
Fiberglass Mat - An asphalt roofing base material manufactured
from glass fibers.
Fixed Price Contract - A contract with a set price for
the work. See Time and Materials Contract.
Flapper Valve (Plumbing) - A valve that replaces a tank
stopper in a toilet. Creates a seal between the tank and the bowl.
Flashing - (1) Sheet metal or roll roofing pieces fitted
to the joint of any roof intersection, penetration or projection (chimneys,
copings, dormers, valleys, vent pipes, etc.) in order to prevent water leakage.
(2) The building component
used to connect portions of a roof, deck, or siding material to another surface
such as a chimney, wall, or vent pipe. Often made out of various metals, rubber
or tar and is mostly intended to prevent water entry.
Flashing Cement - See Asphalt Plastic Cement.
Flux - A material applied to the surface of copper pipes
and fittings to assist in the cleaning and bonding process.
Foundation Coating - High-quality below-grade moisture
protection. Used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing
to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion.
Footing - A widened below ground base of a foundation wall
or a concrete poured, below ground, base used to support foundations or piers.
Forced Air Heating - A common form of heating with natural
gas, propane, oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the furnace and
distributed through a set of metal plastic ducts to various areas of the house.
Framing - The structural wood and/or metal elements of
most homes. The floor and ceiling framing is called the joist work. Wall framing
is usually made out of 2" x 4" or 2" x 6" studs. See - rafters,
posts, and beams.
Free-tab Shingles - Shingles that do not contain factory-applied
strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive. See also self-sealing shingles.
Fungal Wood Rot - A common wood destroying
organism which develops when wood containing material is exposed to moisture
and poor air circulation for a long (6 month +) period of time. Often and incorrectly
referred to as dry rot.
Fuse - A device often found in older homes designed to
prevent overloads in electrical lines - see 'circuit breakers'.
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G
Gable - A sidewall that comes to a point at its intersection
with the ridge of two sloping roof planes set at the same length and angle.
Gable Roof - A type of roof with sloping planes of
the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Has a gable at each end.
Gasket (Plumbing) - A device used to seal joints
against leaks.
GFI or GFCI or Ground Fault Current Interrupter
- An electrical device used to prevent injury from contact with electrical appliances.
Required in new homes in: bathrooms, kitchen, garage, out of doors and in other
locations where one might be in contact with a grounded surface and an electrical
appliance. Most GFIs are located in the receptacle itself and can be identified
by the presence of a 'test' and a 'reset' button.
Girdle - A large principal beam or steel, reinforced concrete,
wood, or combination of these, used to support other structural members at isolated
points along its length.
Glass-Base - Roll roofing product built on a fiberglass
base sheet constructed with a heavyweight TAMKO fiberglass mat, coated with
weathering-grade asphalt. Used as a base sheet in select TAMKO modified asphalt
and fiberglass roofing systems and as an alternate for TAMKO Type 43 Coated
Base Sheet in any TAMKO specification. Hot-asphalt applied or mechanically fastened.
Glass-Seal - 3-tab self-sealing fiberglass shingles with
a traditional square-tab design. A thick layer of weathering-grade asphalt gives
them extra waterproofing protection. They are U.L. Class A fire rated and backed
by a 20-year limited warranty. Algae-resistant granules optional.
Granules - Crushed rock coated with ceramic material,
applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products to add color and
reduce ultraviolet degradation. Copper compounds added to these help make them
algae resistant.
Grout - 1) An hydrous mortar whose consistency allows it
to be placed or pumped into small joints or cavities, as between pieces of ceramic
clay, slate, or tile.
2) Various mortar mixes used in foundation work to fell
voids in soils, usually injected through drilled holes.
Gutter - The trough that channels water from the
eaves to the downspouts.
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H
Hip Roof - A type of roof formed by sloping roof planes
on all four sides, with no gables.
Hip Shingles - Shingles used to cover the inclined external
angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Heat Pump - A device which uses compression and decompression
of gas to heat and/or cool a house.
Hurricane Ties - Metal fasteners used to secure rafters
in structures subject to hurricane winds.
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I
Interlocking Shingles - Individual shingles that mechanically
fasten to each other to provide wind resistance.
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J
Jack Stud - A partial stud nailed next to full studs to
support the header at door (and some window) openings.
Jamb - An exposed upright member on each side of a window
frame, door frame or door lining.
Joint Compound - Plumbing: A material applied to threaded
connections to help prevent leaks
Carpentry: A wet gypsum
material applied to sheetrock joints
Joists - A structural framing member, such as a 2"
x 10" piece of lumber, which is usually spaced every 16" to 24"
apart. Floor joist supports the sub-floor and flooring. Ceiling joist holds
the ceiling sheetrock or wallboard. The joist runs perpendicular to beams.
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L
Labor Hour - A standard in which one person's labor is
performed in one hour.
Laminated Shingles - Shingles that have added dimensionality
because of extra layers or tabs, giving a shakelike appearance. May also be
called "architectural shingles" or "three-dimensional shingles."
Lap - To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with
another.
Lap Cement - An asphalt-based cement used to adhere overlapping
plies of roll roofing.
Lath and Plaster - The most common wall finish prior to
the introduction of drywall. Thin wood strips (lath) were nailed onto the framing
as a base for the sand/lime plaster.
Ledger - The wood or metal members attached to a beam,
studding, or wall used to support joist or rafter ends.
Level - Term use to describe any horizontal surface whereby
all sides are at the same elavation.
Level (Carpenter's Level) - A tool used to check for level.
Lintel - A horizontal supporting member, installed above
an opening such as a door or window, that serves to carry the weight of the
wall above it.
Load Bearing Wall - A wall which is supporting its own
weight and some other structural elements of the house such as the roof and
ceiling structures.
Low-slope Application - Method of installing asphalt shingles
on roof slopes between 2 and 4 inches per foot.
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M
Main Vent (or Stack) - Principal vent ot which branch vents
may be connected. (see stack)
Mansard Roof - A roof with two sloping planes of different
pitch on each of its four sides. The lower plane is steeper than the upper,
and may be almost vertical. See also gambrel roof.
Manufactured Wood - A wood product such as a truss, beam,
Glue LamTM or joist
which is manufactured out of smaller wood pieces and glued or mechanically fastened
to form a larger piece. Often used to create a stronger member which may use
less wood. See also Oriented Strand Board.
Manufacturers Specifications - The written installation
and/or maintenance instructions which are developed by the manufacturer of a
product and which may have to be followed in order to maintain the product warrantee.
Masonry Primer - An asphalt-based primer used to
prepare masonry surfaces for bonding with other asphalt products.
Mastic - See Asphalt Plastic Cement.
Mineral Stabilizers - Finely ground limestone, slate, traprock
or other inert materials added to asphalt coatings for durability and increased
resistance to fire and weathering.
Mineral-surfaced Roofing - Asphalt shingles and roll roofing
that are covered with granules.
Mobile Home Aluminum Roof Coating - Durable one-coat application
prolongs the life of mobile home roofs while reflecting sun's rays and providing
a decorative surface. Reduces energy costs.
Modified Bitumen Roof - A roof covering that is typically
composed of a factory-fabricated composite sheet consisting of a copolymer-modified
bitumen, often reinforced with polyester and/or fiberglass, and installed in
one or more plies. The membrane is commonly surfaced with field-applied coatings,
factory-applied granules or metal foil. The roofing system may incorporate rigid
insulation. Also see Torch Down Roof
Mudsill - A wood foundation member, usually a pressure
treated 2 x 4 or 2 x 6, bolted to the foundation and on which other farming
members can be attached.
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N
Nesting - A method of reroofing with new asphalt shingles
over old shingles in which the top edge of the new shingles is butted against
the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.
No-cutout Shingles - Shingles consisting of a single, solid
tab with no cutouts.
Nonfibered Aluminum Roof Coating - Thin but efficient
reflective barrier to reflect sun's harmful rays and prolong surface life. Also
works on metal surfaces.
Nonfibered Roof Coating - Easily applied, this thin
coating will give low-sloped roofs, as well as metal and masonry surfaces, added
protection. Steel or wooden fences and underground pipe may also be treated.
Nonfibered Roof and Foundation Coating - Dual purposed,
this thin-viscosity material doubles as a nonfibered roof or foundation coating.
Nonveneer Panel - Any wood-based panel that does not contain
veneer and carries an APA span rating, such as wafer board or oriented strand
board.
Normal Slope Application - Method of installing asphalt
shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
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O
Open Valley - Method of valley construction in which shingles
on both sides of the valley are trimmed along a chalk line snapped on each side
of the valley. Shingles do not extend across the valley. Valley flashing is
exposed.
Organic Felt - An asphalt roofing base material manufactured
from cellulose fibers.
Oriented Strand Board or OSB or Chip Board or Wafer Board
- A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue.
Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing.
Overhang - The portion of the roof structure that extends
beyond the exterior walls of a building.
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P
Pallets - Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping
bundles of shingles.
Parapet - A wall placed at the edge of a roof, especially
a flat roof, to prevent people from falling off.
Payment Schedule - A pre agreed upon schedule of payments
to a contractor usually based upon the amount of work completed. Such a schedule
may include a deposit prior to the start of work. Payments are often scheduled
for the beginning of the month and allow the contractor to subcontractors and
suppliers by the 10th of the month. There may also be a temporary 'holdout'
at the end of the contract for any small items which have not been completed.
Permit - A governmental authorization to perform a building
process as in:
- Zoning\Use permit - authorization to use a property for a specific
use e.g. a factory, a single family residence etc.
- Grading permit - authorization to change the contour of the
land.
- Septic permit - a health dept. authorization to build or modify
a septic system.
- Building permit - authorization to build or modify a structure.
- Electrical permit - a separate permit required for most electrical
work.
- Plumbing permit - a separate permit required for new plumbing
and larger modifications of existing plumbing systems.
Pier Block - A concrete block used to support foundation
members such as posts, beams, girders and joist.
Pitch - The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio
of the rise, in feet, to the span, in feet. See also slope. Also, a thick, oily
substance commonly obtained from tar, used to seal out water at joints and seams.
Pitch is produced from distilling coal tar, wood tar, or petroleum.
Pitch Pan or Pitch Pocket - A container, usually formed
of sheet metal, around supporting connections with roof-mounted machinery. Filling
the container with pitch, or better yet, plastic roof cement, helps seal out
water even when vibration is present.
Plans - See Blue Prints
Plastic Roof Cement - Ultimate protection for those tough
jobs is found in this specially formulated heavy-bodied material. Used as a
waterproofing medium in new construction and as a general-purpose exterior repair
and maintenance material. Stops roof and other leaks fast. Available in both
summer and winter grades.
Ply - The number of layers of roofing; i.e. one-ply, two-ply.
Ply Sheet - A layer in built-up roofing.
Post - A vertical framing member usually designed to carry
a beam. Often a 4" x 4", a 6" x 6", or a metal pipe with
a flat plate on top and bottom (see diagram).
Pressure Relief Valve - A device mounted on a hot water
heater or boiler which is designed to release any high steam pressure in the
tank and thus prevent tank explosions.
PVC (Polyvinyl Choride) or CPVC - A type of white
plastic pipe sometimes used for water supply lines.
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Q
Quick-setting cement - An asphalt-based cement used
to adhere tabs of strip shingles to the course below. Also used to
adhere roll roofing laps applied by the concealed nail method.
Quote or Quotation - A price provide by a contractor, sub-contractor,
or vendor to funish materials, labor and/or both. Quotes differ from
estimates in that an estimate is a best guess of the cost involved.
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R
Rafter - (1) The framing member which directly supports
the roof sheathing. A rafter usually follows the angle of the roof, and may
be a part of a roof truss.
(2) The supporting framing member immediately beneath
the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate.
Rafter Tail - The portion of a rafter that extends
past the building to form the eaves
Rake Edge - The overhang of an inclined roof
plane beyond the vertical wall below it.
Random-tab Shingles - Shingles on which tabs vary
in size and exposure.
Rebar - When concrete cracks it will separate or become
uneven, rebar is a rod of steel placed into the concrete, usually in square
feet one or two.
Resilient Flooring - A durable floor cover that has the
ability to resume its original shape.
Release Tape - A plastic or paper strip that is applied
to the back of self-sealing shingles. This strip prevents the shingles from
sticking together in the bundles, and need not be removed for application.
Relative Humidity - The amount of moisture in a volume
of air as a percentage of the maximum amount of moisture which can be held in
that air at a certain temperature - cold air can't hold as much moisture as
warmer air.
Ridge - The intersection of two roof planes, or the angle
formed by them.
Ridgeboards - Horizontal support at the ridge of a roof
to which opposing rafters are attached.
Ridge Cut - The end cut on a rafter that fits to the ridgeboard.
Ridge Shingles - Shingles used to cover the horizontal
external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Rise - The vertical distance from the eaves line to the
ridge.
Rise and Run - The angle of inclination or slope of a member
or structure, expressed as the ration of the vertical rise to the horizontal
run.
Riser - A vertical member between two stair treads.
Roll Roofing - Asphalt roofing products manufactured in
roll form.
Roof Deck - See Deck
Roofing Membrane - The layer or layers of waterproofing
products that cover the roof deck.
Roofing Tape - An asphalt-saturated tape used with asphalt
cements for flashing and patching asphalt roofing.
Rough Flooring - Materials used to form an unfinished floor.
Floor sheathing.
Rough Opening (R.O.) - Any framed, but unfinished opening.
Run - The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point
directly under the ridge. One half the span.
R Value - A measure of insulation's resistance to heat
flow. The higher the R Value the more effective the insulation. For example,
typical new home's walls are usually insulated with 6" of bat insulation
with an R value of R-19, and a ceiling insulation of R-28.
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S
Sash - The frame that holds the glass in a window, often
the movable part of the window. see.. double hung windows, and casement windows.
Saturant - Asphalt used to impregnate a felt-base material.
Saturated Felt - An underlayment, or water-resistant layer,
put down beneath shingles and made of felt impregnated with asphalt.
SBS-Modified - Asphalt that has been combined with SBS
(styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymers to increase its elasticity.
Scupper - (1 ) An opening for drainage in a wall, curb or
parapet.
(2) The drain in a downspout or flat roof, usually
connected to the downspout.
Self-sealing Shingles - Shingles containing factory-applied
strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive.
Selvage (Selvedge) - The portion of roll roofing overlapped
by the succeeding course to obtain double coverage.
Setback Thermostat - A thermostat with a clock which can
be programmed to various temperatures at different times of the day/week. Usually
used as the heating or cooling system thermostat.
Shading - Slight differences in shingle color that may
occur as a result of normal manufacturing operations.
Shake - A wood, usually cedar, roofing product which is
produced by splitting a block of the wood along the grain line. Modern shakes
are sometimes machine sawn on one side. See Shingle.
Sheathing - (1) Exterior-grade boards used as roof deck
material.
(2) Panels that lie between the studs and the siding of a structure.
Shed roof - A roof containing only one sloping plane. Has
no hips, ridges, valleys or gables. Also called a flat roof.
Shim - A tapered piece of wood used to level and secure
a structure.
Shingle - A machine sawn wood, usually cedar, roofing and
siding product. See Shake.
Single Coverage - Asphalt roofing that provides one layer
of roofing material over the deck.
Single Ply Roof - See Torch Down Roof
Skip Sheathing - The normal base for shake, shingle and
some tile roofs. 1" x 4" or similar sized boards are nailed at 90š
to the rafters leaving a space of about 4" between each row and allowing
for better ventilation.
Slab on Grade - A type of foundation with a concrete floor
which is placed directly on the soil. The edge of the slab is usually thicker
and acts as the footing for the walls. Common in California and 1940s and 50s
concrete block home.
Slope - The incline angle of a roof surface, given as a
ratio of the rise (in inches) to the run (in feet). See also pitch.
Smooth-surfaced Roofing - Roll roofing that is covered
with ground talc or mica instead of granules.
Soffit - (1) The finished underside of the eaves.
(2)
A small ceiling like space, often out of doors, such as the underside of a roof
overhang.
Soil Stack - A vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
Span - The horizontal distance from eaves to eaves.
Specialty Eaves Flashing Membrane - A self-adhering waterproofing
shingle underlayment designed to protect against water infiltration due to ice
damage or wind-driven rain.
Specifications or Specs - A narrative list of materials,
methods, model numbers, colors, allowances, and other details which supplement
the information contained in the blue prints.
Splash Block - A pad which is placed under the lower end
of a downspout and diverts the water from the downspout away from the house.
Usually made out of concrete or fiberglass.
Square - A unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet.
Square Foot - Coverage measured by multiplying width by
length. An area 5 foot long and 7 foot wide is equal to 35 square foot.
Square-tab Shingles - Shingles on which tabs are all the
same size and exposure.
Standard Practices of the Trade(s) - One of the more common
basic and minimum construction standards. This is another way of saying that
the work should be done in the way it is normally done by the average professional
in the field.
Starter Strip - Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that
provides protection by filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of
the first course of shingles.
Steep-slope Application - Method of installing asphalt
shingles on roof slopes greater than 21 inches per foot.
Step Flashing - Flashing application method used where
a vertical surface meets a sloping roof plane.
Strip Shingles - Asphalt shingles that are approximately
three times as long as they are wide.
Stud - Vertical member of a frame wall usually placed between
a bottom plate and a top plate, spaced every 16 inches or 24 inches apart. Provides
structural support for drywall and sheathing.
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T
Tab - The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by
cutouts.
Three-dimensional Shingles - See Laminated Shingles
Time and Materials
Contract - A contract which specifies a price for different elements of
the work such as: cost per hour of labor, overhead, profit etc. Such a contract
may not have a maximum price or may state a 'price not to exceed...'.
Torch Down Roof or Single Ply or Modified Bitumen - A newer
roofing material mostly used on flat roofs. This material usually comes in rolls
and is applied to the roof with an open flame or 'torch'.
Tongue and Grove - Lumber machined to have a groove on
one side and and a protruding tongue on the other side so that pieces fit snugly
together, with the tongue of one fitting into the groove of the other.
Treated Lumber - A wood product which has been impregnated
with chemicals to reduce damage from wood rot or insects. Often used for the
portions of a structure which is likely to be in ongoing contact with soil and
water. Wood may also be treated with a fire retardant.
Truss - A manufactured wood member often in the form of
a large triangle which is used to form the ceiling joists and rafters on the
top floor of a home. Primary frame of a roof system, generally built by a truss
builder and delivered to the job site in modular components for final assembly.
Tube and Knob Wiring - A common form of electrical wiring
used before W.W.II. When in good condition it may still be functional for low
amperage use such as smaller light fixture.
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U
U.L. - Underwriters Laboratories, a private research firm
located in the United States that attempts to classify and determine the safety
of various materials and products.
Ultraviolet Degradation - A reduction in certain performance
limits caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.
Underlayment - A secondary roofing layer that is waterproof
or water-resistant , installed on the roof deck and beneath shingles or other
roof-finishing layer.
UV Rays - Ultraviolet rays from the sun.
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V
Valley - The inward angle formed by two intersecting, sloping
roof planes. Since it naturally becomes a water channel, additional attention
to waterproofing it is desirable.
Valley ShieldTM - A quality underlayment for
added protection in the heavy water flow areas of your roof. This self adhering
product has a waterproof asphalt coating which offers excellent elongation and
recovery properties for accommodating roof expansion and contraction and structural
movement.
Vapor Retarder, Vapor Barrier - Any substance that prevents
the transmission of water vapor.
Vent - Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof
deck, such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit
for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.
Vent Sleeve - See Collar
Voltage - A measure of electrical potential. Most homes are wired with '110' and '220' volt lines. The '110'
volt power is used for lighting and most of the other circuits. The '220'
volt power is usually used for the kitchen stove. water heater and dryer.
(The terms '110' and '220' volts are a short hand, e.g. a '110' volt line
is usually rated at 117 volts plus or minus 10%).
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W
Wafer Board - See Oriented Strand Board
Warrantee - In construction there are two general types
of warrantees. One is provided by the manufacturer of a product such as roofing
material or an appliance. The second is a warrantee for the labor. For example,
a roofing contract may include a 30 year material warrantee a and a 5 year labor
warrantee. Many (but not all) new homes come with a one year warrantee.
Any major issues found during the first year should be communicated the builder
at once. Small items can be saved up and presented to the builder in a letter
on the 11 month anniversary of the closing. This gives the builder one month
to make the necessary corrections.
Watt - A measure of the electrical requirement of an appliance
calculated by multiplying voltage x amperage. For example: a 1600 watt hair
dryer which uses '110' volt power needs about 15 amps.
Wax Ring Job - Removing a toilet from the floor so that
a blockage can be manually removed or to replace a degraded wax ring. Replacing
a new wax ring on the bottom of the toilet to create a seal.
Wet- or Dry-Surface Plastic Roof Cement - Superior performance
in cold and wet applications. Performs as a general-purpose exterior repair
and maintenance material on damp or dry surfaces. Stops roof and other leaks
fast.
Woven Valley - Method of valley construction in which shingles
from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together
by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied. The valley flashing is
not exposed.
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Z
Zoning - A governmental process and specification which
limits the use of a property. (e.g. single family use, high rise residential
use etc.
Z-Ridge™ - A product designed to cover the ridge line
of a roof, designed by Elk Roofing Products®. Gives the roof lines more character.
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