Exterior Remodeling Glossary

A

Exterior Weather Barriers

Air Barrier

An air barrier is a material or system intended to limit uncontrolled air movement through a building assembly.

B

Exterior Construction

Building Envelope

The building envelope is the collection of exterior systems that separate the inside of a home from outdoor weather.

D

Construction Conditions

Drywall Nail Pops

Drywall nail pops are small raised spots, cracks, or loosened compound on interior walls or ceilings where drywall fasteners or mud have moved.

E

Exterior Construction

EPS Insulation

EPS insulation is expanded polystyrene rigid foam insulation used in some wall, roof, and exterior assemblies.

Exterior Remodeling

Estimate

An estimate is a written breakdown of proposed work, materials, quantities, assumptions, and expected pricing for a project.

F

Exterior Construction

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is a common insulation material made from fine glass fibers and used in attics, walls, and other building cavities.

Exterior Remodeling

Flashing Tape

Flashing tape is a self-adhering tape used to help seal and protect joints, window openings, door openings, and wall transitions.

I

Industry Standards

IRC Building Code

The IRC, or International Residential Code, is a model building code used by many jurisdictions for one- and two-family residential construction.

M

Industry Standards

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer specifications are the written product requirements that explain how materials should be installed and used.

P

Exterior Construction

Polyiso Insulation

Polyiso insulation is a rigid foam insulation board commonly used in commercial and low-slope roofing assemblies.

T

Exterior Construction

Tapered Insulation

Tapered insulation is sloped insulation used on low-slope or flat roofs to help direct water toward drains, scuppers, gutters, or roof edges.

V

Exterior Weather Barriers

Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is a material intended to limit water vapor movement through a building assembly.

W

Exterior Weather Barriers

Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB)

A water-resistive barrier, or WRB, is a layer behind siding that helps resist water that gets past the exterior cladding.

X

Exterior Construction

XPS Insulation

XPS insulation is extruded polystyrene rigid foam insulation commonly used where durable board insulation is needed.