ACQ (Ammonium Copper Quaternary)
A commonly used pressure treatment wood preservative.
ACZA (Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate)
A new pressure-treated wood preservative.
Adhesion
The ability of a waterproof material to bond to a substrate or other material during movement or stress.
Adhesive Strength
The ability of sealants to bond to a particular substrate, including
adhesion during substrate movement.
Aggregate
(1) crushed stone, crushed slag, or water-worn gravel used for
surfacing a built-up roof; (2) any granular mineral material.
Algae Discoloration
A type of roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly called
fungus growth.
Alligatoring
The cracking of the surfacing bitumen on a built-up roof, producing a pattern of cracks similar to an alligator's hide; the cracks may not extend through the surfacing bitumen.
AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association)
AAMA is an industry organization — a source performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for windows, doors and skylights.
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Application Rate
The quantity (mass, volume or thickness) of material applied per unit area.
Architectural Shingles
See Laminated Shingles.
Aromatic Solvents
Hydrocarbon solvents comprised of organic compounds which contain
an unsaturated ring of carbon atoms, including benzene, naphthalene
and their derivatives.
Asbestos
A group of natural fibrous impure silicate materials.
Asphalt
A waterproofing agent applied to roofing materials during manufacture.
Based on natural oil or a petroleum component called bitumen,
which liquefies when heated and is impervious to water.
Asphalt Felt
An asphalt-saturated felt.
Asphalt Mastic
A mixture of asphaltic material and graded mineral aggregate that can be poured when heated, but requires mechanical manipulation to apply.
Asphalt Plastic Roofing Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. Also known as flashing cement or mastic; should conform to ASTM D-4586.
Asphaltite
A natural asphalt found below ground level.
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ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials. A voluntary organization
concerned with development of consensus standards, testing procedures
and specifications.
Back Nailing
The practice of blind-nailing roofing felts to a substrate in addition to hot-mopping to prevent slippage.
Back Surfacing
Fine mineral matter applied to the back side of shingles to keep them from sticking.
Back water lap joint
A non-water shedding seam between building materials.
Baffles
Device to help achieve a ventilation space between insulation and roof sheathing. It helps ensure air flow from the eave vents in attics and cathedral ceilings.
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Bald Roof
A smooth-surfaced roof.
Band Board
Perimeter floor joist that sits atop the sill in a wood floor framing system.
Band Joist
Vertical member that forms the perimeter of a floor system in which the floor joists tie in. Also known as the rim joist.
Base Flashing
That portion of the flashing attached to or resting on the deck to direct the flow of water onto the roof covering. Blisters or bubbles that may appear on the surface of asphalt roofing after installation.
Base Ply
The bottom or first ply in a built-up roofing membrane when additional
plies are to be subsequently installed.
Base Sheet
A product intended to be used as a base ply in a built-up roofing
system.
Bead
A small amount of mastic, caulking or flashing cement applied
to the waterproofing membrane at a termination, generally the
width of a 1/2" caulking gun orifice.
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Bitumen
Any of various flammable mixtures of hydrocarbons and other substances, occurring naturally or obtained by distillation from coal or petroleum, that are a component of asphalt and tar and are used for surfacing roads and for waterproofing.
Bituminized
Impregnated with bitumen. Example: bituminized fiber pipe.
Bituminous
Containing or treated with bitumen.
Bituminous Emulsion
(1) a suspension of minute globules of bituminous material in
water or in an aqueous solution; (2) a suspension of minute globules
of water or of an aqueous solution in a liquid bituminous material
(invert emulsion).
Bituminous Grout
A mixture of bituminous material and fine sand that will flow
into place without mechanical manipulation when heated.
Blind Nailing
The use of nails that are not exposed to the weather in the finished
roofing.
Blister
(1) A raised portion of a roofing membrane resulting from local
internal pressure; (2) The similarly formed protuberances in coated
prepared roofing.
Blocking
Wood built into a roofing system above the deck and below the membrane and flashing to a) stiffen the deck around an opening, b) act as a stop for insulation, c) serve as a nailer for attachment of the membrane or flashing.
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Bond
The adhesive and cohesive forces holding two roofing components in intimate contact.
Bottom Plate (Sole Plate)
The lowest horizontal member of a wall that rests on the rough
floor, to which the studding is nailed.
Brick mold trim/Brick molding
The wood molding covering the gap between brick masonry and a door or window frame.
Building Paper
A heavy, asphalt-impregnated paper used as a lining and/or vapor
barrier between sheathing and an outside wall covering.
Bundle
A package of shingles. There are 3, 4 or 5 bundles per square.
Butt Edge
The lower edge of the shingle tabs.
CA-B (Copper Azole)
A new pressure-treated wood preservative.
Cant Strip
A beveled strip used under flashings to modify the angle at the
point where the roofing or waterproofing membrane meets any vertical element.
Cap Flashing
See Flashing.
Cap Sheet
A granule-surfaced, coated felt used as the top ply of a built-up
roofing membrane.
Capillary action/Capillarity
The rising of water above the horizontal plane of the water table.
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Cationic Emulsion
An emulsion in which the emulsifying system establishes a predominance
of positive charges on the discontinuous phase.
Caulk
To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt cement to prevent leaks.
Caulking
A composition of vehicle and pigment, used at ambient temperatures
for filling joints, that remains plastic for an extended time
after application.
Cavity
The empty space between studs or joists to place insulation batts.
CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)
A historical and widely used pressure-treated wood preservative in residential construction prior to 01/01/2004.
Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. Also known as flashing cement or mastic; should conform to ASTM D-4586. Same as Asphalt — Flashing Cement.
Chalk Line
A line made on the roof by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
Class "A"
The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing as per ASTM E-108.
Indicates roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire
originating from sources outside the building.
Class "B"
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
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Class "C"
ASTM fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing material
is able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources
outside the building.
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.
Coating
A layer of viscous asphalt applied to the base
material into which granules or other surfacing is embedded.
Cold Applied
Capable of being applied without heating as contrasted with hot-applied.
Cold Joint
A plane of weakness in concrete caused by an interruption or delay
in the pouring operation, permitting the first batch to start
setting before the next batch is added, with the result that the
two batches have little or no bond.
Collar
Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.
Collar Beam
A horizontal tie beam in a roof truss that connects two opposite
rafters at a level considerably above the wall plate.
Compatibility
The ability of two or more substances to exist in harmony when
mixed together or when brought into intimate contact without any
adverse physical or chemical reaction.
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Condensation
The change of water from vapor to liquid when warm, moisture-laden
air comes in contact with a cold surface.
Construction Joint
A butted joint formed in a structural slab, so that one pour can be ended and another started at a later time.
Coping
A covering on top of a wall exposed to the weather, usually sloped to carry off water.
Corrosion
The major type of deterioration of metals. Often called oxidation, it is a chemical reaction of pure metal with oxygen or other elements.
Counterflashing
That portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
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 Vent
An opening to allow the passage of air through the unexcavated
area under a first floor. Ideally there should be at least two
vents per crawlspace.
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Creep
The time-dependent part of a strain resulting from stress.
Cricket
A peaked saddle construction at the back of a chimney to prevent accumulation of snow and ice and to deflect water around the chimney.
Cross Bracing
A system of bracing by the use of ties. Typically used between floor joists to prevent them from twisting.
Cure
A process whereby a waterproof material attains its final performance properties. This process can occur through evaporation or heat or chemical reactions.
Curing Time
The period between application and the time when the material
reaches its design physical properties.
Cutback
Solvent-thinned bitumen used in coldprocess roofing adhesives,
flashing cements, and roof coatings.
Cutoff
A detail designed to prevent lateral water movement into the insulation where the membrane terminates at the end of a day's work. Also used to isolate sections of the roofing system. It is usually removed before the continuation of the work.
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Cutout
The open portions of a strip shingle between the tabs.
Dampproofing
Treatment of a surface or structure to resist the passage of water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure.
Dead Level
Absolutely horizontal, or zero slope.
Dead Level Roofing
A roofing system applied on a surface with a 0 to 2% incline.
Deck
The surface, installed over the supporting framing members, to
which the roofing is applied.
Delamination
Separation of envelope materials from the applied substrate due to movement or improperly applied materials.
Direction Change
A change in the orientation of the principal dimension or of the support of adjoining units of the roofing system.
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Door / window flange
A rib or rim on an object for strength, for guiding, or for attachment to another object.
Door/window jamb
The vertical member on each side of a door/window frame.
Dormer
A framed window unit projecting through the sloping plane of a
roof.
Downspout
A pipe for draining water from roof gutters. Also called a leader.
Drain Pan
Receptacle comprising a shallow container intended to catch and collect liquid from (1) a device containing liquid which is expected to be removed from the device or leak from the device, or (2) a wet article placed within the container.
Drainage Plane
The area within a wall or roof that is designed to carry water away from structure.
Drip Edge
A non-corrosive, non-staining material used along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.
Eave Vents
Vent openings located in the soffit under the eaves of a house to allow the passage of air through the attic and out the roof vents.
Eaves
The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof.
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Edge Curl
An upward-curled sidelap or endlap.
Edge Venting
The practice of providing regularly spaced protected openings at a roof perimeter to relieve water vapor pressure in the insulation.
Elasticity
The measure of a sealant's ability to return to its original shape
and size after being compressed or elongated. As with elongation,
elasticity is measured as a percentage of its original length.
Envelope
A continuous membrane edge seal formed at the perimeter and at penetrations by folding the base sheet or ply over the plies above and securing it to the top of the membrane. The envelope prevents bitumen seepage from the edge of the membrane.
Equilibrium moisture content
(1) the moisture content of a material stabilized at a given temperature
and relative humidity, expressed as percent moisture by weight;
(2) the typical moisture content of a material in any given geographical
area.
Expansion Joint
A joint designed to accommodate movement in the structure or components
of the system due to thermal or stress-load variation.
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Exposure
That portion of the roofing exposed to the weather after installation.
Exposure 1 Grade Plywood
Type of plywood approved by the American Plywood Association for exterior use.
Faced Insulation
Insulation with an attached vapor retarder (kraft paper or foil-backed paper).
Facia (Fascia)
(1) The board connecting the top of the siding with the bottom
of a soffit; (2) A board nailed across the ends of the rafters
at the eaves.
Factory Square
10 m2 (108 ft2).
Fallback
A reduction in bitumen softening point, sometimes caused by refluxing
or overheating in a relatively closed container. See also Softening
point drift.
Feathering Strips
Tapered wood filler strips placed along the butts of old wood shingles to create a level surface when reroofing over existing wood shingle roofs. Also called horsefeathers.
Felt
Fibrous material saturated with asphalt and used as an underlayment of sheathing paper.
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Fiber Glass Insulation
An energy-efficient glass fiber product for heat and noise insulation.
Fiber Glass Mat
An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from glass fibers.
Fine Mineral Surfacing
Water-insoluble inorganic material, more than 50% of which passes
the 500 pm (No. 35) sieve, used on the surface of roofing.
Finger Blisters
Finger-shaped blisters or wrinkles in the plies of a built-up roofing or waterproofing membrane.
Finger Wrinkles
See Finger Blisters.
Fishmouth
(1) A half-cylindrical or half-conical opening formed by an edge wrinkle of the membrane; (2) In shingles, a half conical opening formed at a cut edge.
Flashing
Pieces of metal or roll roofing used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys. Galvanized metal flashing should be minimum 26-gauge.
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Flashing Cement
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. Also known as mastic; should conform to ASTM D-4586. Same as Asphalt — Cement.
Flat Ceiling
A ceiling with no change in elevation.
Foil-Faced Vapor Retarder
Created by coating a foil-backed paper with a thin layer of asphalt adhesive. The coated side of the foil-backed paper is then applied to the unfaced insulation material. The asphalt adhesive bonds the foil-backed paper and the insulation together.
Fungus
A type of roof discoloration caused by algae. Commonly called fungus growth. Also called algae discoloration.
Furring Strips
Flat pieces of lumber used to build up an irregular framing to an even surface, either the leveling of a part of a wall or ceiling.
Gable
The upper portion of a sidewall that comes to a triangular point at the ridge of a sloping roof.
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Gable End Walls
The triangular end of an exterior wall above the eaves.
Gable Roof
A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Contains a gable at each end.
Gable Vents
A louver mounted in the top of the gable to allow the passage of air through the attic.
Gambrel Roof
A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different pitch
on each side of the ridge. The lower plane has a steeper slope
than the upper. Contains a gable at each end.
Glass Felt
Glass fibers bonded into a sheet with resin and suitable for impregnation in the manufacture of bituminous waterproofing, roofing membranes and shingles.
Glass Fibers
Glass in a strand form. The ingredients are essentially the same as those found in any glass product, such as a window pane or drinking glass.
Glass Mat
A thin mat of glass fibers with or without a binder.
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Grace Ice & Water Shield
The leading self-adhered membrane roofing underlayment offers premium leak protection for sloped roofs subject to the effects of ice dams or wind driven rain. The membrane is designed to be applied to the roof deck prior to the application of the finished roof coverings (shingles, tile, metal).
Granules
Ceramic-coated, colored crushed rock that is applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products.
Gutter
The trough that channels water from the eaves to the downspouts.
Head Flashing
Flashing installed above the
window head detail just below adjacent facing material that the
window abuts.
Head Lap
Shortest distance from the butt edge of an overlapping shingle
to the upper edge of a shingle in the second course below. The
triple coverage portion of the top lap of strip shingles. Hip
The inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two
sloping roof planes. Runs from the ridge to the eaves.
Hip Roof
A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on
each of four sides. Contains no gables.
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Hip Shingles
Shingles used to cover the inclined external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Holiday
An area where a liquid-applied material is missing.
Horsefeathers
Tapered wood filler strips placed along the butts of old wood
shingles to create a level surface when reroofing over existing
wood shingle roofs. Also called feathering
strips.
Hot stuff or "hot"
A roofer’s term for hot bitumen.
Hydrostatic pressure
Pressure applied to envelope materials by various heights of water
at rest.
Ice Dam
Condition formed at the lower roof edge by the thawing and re-freezing
of melted snow on the overhang. Can force water up and under shingles,
causing leaks.
Incline
The slope of a roof expressed in percent or in the number of vertical units of rise per horizontal unit of run.
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Inset Staple
Stapling to the inside portion of the stud or rafter.
Insulate
To prevent the passage of heat, sound or electricity into or out of.
Insulated Ceiling (IC)
Marking on recessed lighting fixture indicating that it is designed for direct insulation contact.
Insulation
Material used in insulating.
Insulation Density
Denser products have more fibers per square inch, providing greater insulating power through higher R-values.
Interlocking Shingles
Individual shingles that mechanically fasten to each other to provide wind resistance.
Joist
Parallel beam set from wall to wall to support the floor or ceiling.
Joist Hanger
A metal angle or strap used to support and fix the ends of wood joists or rafters to beams or girders.
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Kick Out Flashing / Rain Diverter Flashing
The section of flashing (usually located at lowest point of roof) that directs water away from wall.
Knee Walls
Walls of varying length. Used to provide additional support to roof rafters with a wide span.
Kraft-Faced Vapor Retarder
Created by coating kraft paper with a thin layer of asphalt adhesive. The coated side of the kraft paper is then applied to the unfaced insulation material. The asphalt adhesive bonds the kraft paper and the insulation together.
Laminated Shingles
Strip shingles containing more than one layer of tabs to create
extra thickness. Also called three-dimensional shingles or architectural
shingles.
Lap
To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.
Lath
Strips of metal or wood used as a base for plaster or stucco.
Leader
See Downspout.
Ledger board
(1) One of multiple boards attached horizontally across a series of vertical supports, as in the construction of a fence. (2) A ribbon strip.
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Lot
In roofing: (1) Production lot - all material produced in one eight-hour shift of the same type (and color when applicable); (2) Delivery lot - all material of the same type delivered at one time by one truck or railroad car.
Low Slope Application
Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 2 and 4 inches per foot.
Mansard Roof
A type of roof containing two sloping planes of different pitch on each of four sides. The lower plane has a much steeper pitch than the upper, often approaching vertical. Contains no gables.
Masonry
Brick, stone, concrete, etc., or masonry combinations thereof,
bonded with mortar.
Mastic
An asphalt-based cement used to bond roofing materials. Also known as flashing cement; should conform to ASTM D-4586.
Membrane
A flexible or semiflexible roof covering or waterproofing, whose primary function is the exclusion of water.
Metal Flashing
Frequently used as through-wall, cap- or counter flashing. See Flashing.
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Metal Flue
A metal channel through which hot air, gas, steam or smoke may pass.
Metal Insulation Supports
Sixteen- or 24-inch wire rods or crisscrossed wire to hold floor insulation in place.
Mildew (Mold)
Surface mold, often a green-black loose powdery mass. May occur on both interior and exterior surfaces and is evidence of improper ventilation or condensation.
Mineral Spirits
A refined petroleum distillate have a low aromatic hydrocarbon
content, with volatility, flash point, and other properties making
it suitable as a thinner and solvent in paints, varnishes, and
similar products.
Mole Run
A meandering ridge in a membrane not associated with insulation
or deck joints.
Nailing
(1) exposed-nailing of roofing wherein nail heads are bare
to the weather; (2) concealed from the weather. See also Blind nailing.
Negative side waterproofing
An application wherein the waterproofing system and the source
of hydrostatic pressure are on opposite sides of the structural
element.
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Neoprene
A synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) used in liquid- or sheet-applied
elastomeric roofing membranes or flashing.
Nesting
A method of reroofing with new asphalt shingles over old shingles
in which the top edge of the new shingle is butted against the
bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.
No Cut-Out Shingles
Shingles consisting of a single solid tab with no cutouts.
Noncombustible
The material will not burn.
Normal Slope Application
Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
NRCA
National Roofing Contractors Association
One-on-One
The application of a single ply of roofing over the substrate,
followed by the
application of a second single ply over the first (phased application).
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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
Composed of hydrocarbons or their derivatives, or of plant or animal matter.
Organic Felt
An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from cellulose fibers.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
A structural panel made of wood strands sliced in the long direction and bonded together with a binder under heat and pressure.
Overhang
That portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.
Overlay Shingle
A one-piece base shingle to which overlay pads, consisting of an additional layer of asphalt and granules, are applied in random patterns to simulate two-piece laminated shingles.
Parapet
A wall or top portion of a wall extending above an attached horizontal surface such as a roof, terrace or deck. Often used to separate combustible adjoining room areas or to provide a safety barrier at a roof edge.
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Parapet Flashing
Flashing installed at the base of a parapet, usually at ceiling level. It is also used on the roof side of parapets as part of roof or counter flashing.
Parge
In masonry construction, a coat of cement mortar on the face of
rough masonry.
Permeability
The ability of a waterproofing material or substrate to allow
the passage of water vapor through itself without blistering.
Permeance
The rate of water vapor transmission per unit area at a steady
state through a membrane or assembly, expressed in ng/Pa s m2
(grain/ft2 h in. Hg).
Phased Application
The installation of a roofing or waterproofing system during two
or more separate time intervals; a roofing system not installed
in a continuous operation.
Pinhole
A tiny hole in a film, foil or laminate comparable in size to one made by a pin.
Pitch
The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise, in feet, to the span, in feet.
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Ply
A layer in a built-up roofing membrane.
Polyethylene Vapor Barrier
Plastic film used to prevent moisture from passing through unfaced insulation. Both 4- and 6-mil polyethylene are preferred because they are less likely to be damaged during construction.
Pond
A surface that is incompletely drained.
Positive Side Waterproofing
An application wherein the waterproofing system and the source
of hydrostatic pressure are on the same side of the structural
element.
Pot Life
The length of time a waterproof material or system is workable
or applicable after having been activated.
Primer
A thin liquid bitumen applied to a surface to improve the adhesion
of heavier applications of bitumen and to absorb dust.
Rafter
The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping
from the ridge to the wall plate.
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Rafters
A sloping, parallel beam that supports a pitched roof.
Rake
The inclined edge of a sloped roof over a wall.
Random-Tab Shingles
Shingles on which tabs vary in size and exposure.
Recovering
The process of covering an existing roofing system with a new
roofing system.
Reentrant Corner
An inside corner of a surface, producing stress concentrations
in the roofing or waterproofing membrane.
Reglet
A groove in a wall or other surface adjoining a roof surface for
the attachment of counterflashing.
Reinforced Joint
A concrete joint bridged by reinforcing steel embedded in both
joining parts.
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Relative Humidity
The ratio of the mass per unit volume (or partial pressure) of
water vapor in an airvapor mixture to the saturated mass per unit
volume (or partial pressure) of the water vapor at the same temperature,
expressed as a percentage.
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.
Reroofing
The process of recovering or replacing an existing roofing system. See also Recovering.
Resilient Channels
Metal channels used to further inhibit sound transmission through
wall and ceiling framing.
Ridge
The uppermost horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Ridge Shingles
Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Ridge Vent
A vent mounted along the entire ridge line of the roof to allow the passage of air through the attic or cathedral ceiling.
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Ridging
An upward, tenting displacement of a membrane, frequently over an insulation joint.
RIPCORD®
A patented Grace technology that provides split of the release paper in half. It enables proper integration of the flashing with the other key moisture protection elements of the wall.
Rim Joist
Perimeter joist for wood floor framing system. Usually referred to in conjunction with composite wood floor joists.
Rise
The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge.
Roll Roofing
Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form.
Roof
The outer cover and its supporting structures on the top of a
building.
Roof Cement
See Flashing Cement.
Roof Vent
A louver or small dome mounted near the ridge of the roof to allow the passage of air through the attic.
Roofing System
An assembly of interacting components designed to weatherproof, and normally to insulate, a building's top surface.
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Rubber
A material that is capable of recovering from large deformations quickly and forcibly. It can be, or already is, modified to a state in which it is essentially insoluble (but can still swell) in boiling solvents such as benzene or methyl ethyl ketone.
Run
The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.
R-Value
The measure of heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation material's ability to resist the flow of heat through it.
Saddle
In roofing, a small structure that helps to channel surface water
to drains. Frequently located in a valley, a saddle is often constructed
like a small hip roof, or like a pyramid with a diamond-shaped
base. See also Cricket.
Sales Square
The quantity of prepared roofing required to cover 9.3m2 (100 ft2) of deck.
Saturated Felt
An asphalt-impregnated felt used as an underlayment between the deck and the roofing material.
Scuttle
A hatch that provides access to the roof from the interior of
the building.
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Sealant
A mixture of polymers, fillers, and pigments used to fill and
seal joints where moderate movement is expected; unlike caulking,
it cures to a resilient solid.
Self-Sealing Shingles
Shingles containing factory-applied strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive.
Selvage
An edge or edging that differs from the main part of a fabric or a granule-surfaced roll roofing.
Shading
Slight differences in shingle color that may occur as a result
of normal manufacturing operations.
Shark Fin
An upward-curled felt sidelap or endlap.
Sheathing
Exterior grade boards used as a roof deck material.
Shed Roof
A roof containing only one sloping plane. Has no hips, ridges, valleys or gables.
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Shelf Life
The maximum time packaged and unopened waterproofing materials can remain usable.
Shingle
(1) A small unit of prepared roofing designed for installation with similar units in overlapping rows on inclines normally exceeding 25%; (2) To apply any sheet material in overlapping rows like shingles.
Sill
The horizontal member of the bottom of a window or exterior door frame.
Skater's Cracks
Curvilinear cracks in a roofing membrane that appear to relate
neither to the direction of application of the membrane components
nor the substrate components.
Slippage
Relative lateral movement of adjacent components of a built-up
membrane. It occurs mainly in roofing membranes on a slope, sometimes
exposing the lower plies or even the base sheet to the weather.
Slope
The degree of roof incline expressed as the ratio of the rise,
in inches, to the run, in feet.
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Smooth-surfaced Roof
A built-up roof without mineral aggregate surfacing.
Soffit
The finished underside of the eaves.
Softening Point
The temperature at which a bitumen becomes soft enough to flow
as determined by an arbitrary, closely defined method.
Softening Point Drift
A change in the softening point during storage or application.
See also Fallback.
Soil Stack
A vent pipe that penetrates the roof.
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Solvent
Liquid, usually volatile, which is used in the manufacture of
water repellents and paints to dissolve or disperse the constituents
(i.e., resins, solids) and which evaporate during drying.
Split
A membrane tear resulting from tensile stress.
Spud
To remove the roofing aggregate and most of the bituminous top
coating by scraping and chipping.
Square
A unit of roof measure covering 100 square feet.
Stapling Flange
A protruding edge on faced insulation used to staple the insulation to the framing.
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.
Step Flashing
(1) The technique of sealing a joint between metal and built-up
membrane with one or two plies of felt or fabric and hot- or cold-applied
bitumen; (2) The technique of taping joints between insulation
boards or deck panels.
Strip Shingles
Asphalt shingles that are approximately three times as long as
they are wide.
Stringers
A horizontal timber used to support joists or other cross members.
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Stripping
Strip flashing: (1) the technique of sealing a joint between
metal and built-up membrane with one or two plies of felt or fabric
and hot- or coldapplied bitumen; (2) the technique of taping joints
between insulation boards or deck panels.
Structural
A term applied to those members in a structure that carry an imposed
load in addition to their own weight.
Stucco
A cement plaster used to cover exterior wall surfaces; usually
applied over a wood or metal lath base.
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Stud
An upright post in the framework of a wall for supporting an approved interior material such as gypsum wallboard.
Sub Facia
An unexposed board nailed across the ends of the rafters at the eaves to which the facia is nailed as the finished exposure.
Subfloor
The structural material that spans across floor joists. It serves as a working platform during construction and provides a base for the finish floor.
Substrate
Structure or envelope components to which waterproofing materials
or systems are applied.
Tackiness
Stickiness of a waterproofing material’s exposed surface
after installation or during its final curing stage.
Thermal Insulation
A material applied to reduce the flow of heat.
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Thermal Movement
Movement, either expansion or contraction, caused by temperature
changes.
Tie-off
In waterproofing, the transitional seal used to terminate a waterproofing
application at the top or bottom of flashing or by forming a watertight
seal with the substrate, membrane, or waterproofing system(s).
T-joint
The condition created by the overlapping intersection of three
or four sheets in the membrane.
Top Plate
The horizontal member nailed to the top of the studding of a wall.
Traffic Surface
A surface exposed to traffic, either pedestrian or vehicular,
also described as finish wearing surface.
UL
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
UL Label
Label displayed on packaging to indicate the level of fire and/or wind resistance of asphalt roofing.
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Underlayment
A roofing underlayment is a self-adhered rubberized membrane that
goes under shingles to prevent water penetration. It is the one
piece of a roofing system that is expressly designed to be waterproof.
Unfaced Insulation
Insulation with no attached vapor barrier.
Valley
The internal angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Vapor Barrier
Any material used to prevent the passage of water vapor.
Vapor Migration
The movement of water vapor from a region of high vapor pressure
to a region of lower vapor pressure.
Vapor Retarder
A layer of material or a laminate used to appreciably reduce the
flow of water vapor into the roofing system.
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.
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Vent Sleeve
Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around
the vent pipe opening. Also called a collar.
Ventilation
Creates a positive flow of air that allows the house to "breathe" and helps prevent moisture build-up year-round.
Vinyl Siding Institute
Is the trade association for manufacturers of vinyl siding and suppliers of raw materials, equipment or services to the vinyl industry. See http://www.vinylsiding.org
Water Repellent System
An exterior coating system for above grade concrete or masonry that temporarily repels water but is not intended to prevent the passage of moisture under hydrostatic pressure.
Waterproofing
Prevention of moisture flow due to water pressure.
Wax
Any of various unctuous, viscous or solid heatsensitive substances,
consisting essentially of high molecular weight hydrocarbons or
esters of fatty acids, characteristically insoluble in water but
soluble in most organic solvents.
Weather Resistive Barrier (WRB)
The surface or surfaces of a wall system responsible for preventing water infiltration to the building interior. Materials commonly referred to as WRB are felt, building paper, and housewrap.
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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