Remodeling & Construction Termonology

[ABC]
[DEF]
[GHI]
[JKL]
[MNO]
[PQR]
[STU]
[VWX]
[YZ]
[other]

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 Shield: 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 Barrier: Moisture resistant materials used to stop or slow the movement of moisture through a surface. Often applied on the inside face of exterior walls to prevent condensation forming in interior living areas. Examples are Tyvek and tar paper.
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.
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%).

W
Warranty: In construction there are two general types of warranties. One is provided by the manufacturer of a product such as roofing material or an appliance. The second is a warranty for the labor. For example, a roofing contract may include a 30 year material warranty a and a 5 year labor warranty.
- Many (but not all ) new homes and remodels come with a one year warranty. Any major issues found during the first year should be communicated to the builder/remodelor at once. Small items can be saved up and presented to the builder/remodelor in a letter on the eleventh month anniversary of the closing. This gives the builder/remodelor one month to make the necessary corrections.
Water closet: A plumbing fixture having a water-containing receptor which receives liquid and solid body waste and, upon actuation (flushing), conveys the waste through a trap way into a gravity drainage system.
Water saving toilet: A classification of toilet that uses no more than 3.5 gallons and no less than 1.6 gallons per flush.
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.
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.

X
X-Rays: Harmful radiation emitted by some special medical devices that requires special shielding to be built into the walls around the device, generally accomplished with special material, lead (pb) sheets.
Compiled from multiple sources by: DLM Builders

Back to top
Go back to "Termonology Home" page
|