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Waterproofing and Building Envelope
Bulk water control, capillary management, flashing, and moisture barriers that keep water out.
23 terms
Bulk water
Bulk water is rain or melting snow that can flow and soak materials.
Capillary action
Capillary action is water moving through tiny gaps and pores, even upward, like a paper towel soaking up a spill.
Capillary break
A capillary break is a gap or material layer that stops water from wicking from one surface to another.
Caulk
Caulk is a sealant used to close small gaps at joints and transitions.
Clearance to grade
Clearance to grade is the space between siding or wood materials and the soil.
Counterflashing
Counterflashing is flashing that covers and protects the top edge of step flashing, often at chimneys and masonry walls.
Drainage plane
A drainage plane is the layer that lets water drain down and out behind siding.
Drip edge
Drip edge is metal flashing at the roof edge that directs water away from the roof deck and fascia.
Flashing
Flashing is material that directs water away from seams and openings like windows, doors, roof edges, and deck connections.
Ice and water shield
Ice and water shield is a sticky waterproof membrane used in vulnerable roof areas like eaves and valleys.
Ice dam
An ice dam is a ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps melting snow and forces water under the roof covering.
Kickout flashing
Kickout flashing is a small piece at a roof-to-wall edge that kicks water into the gutter instead of down the wall.
Pan flashing
Pan flashing is a waterproof detail at the bottom of a window that directs any leaked water back out.
Penetrations
Penetrations are holes through walls or ceilings for pipes, wires, ducts, and vents.
Rainscreen
A rainscreen is an air gap behind siding that helps water drain and helps the wall dry.
Roof deck
The roof deck is the wood sheathing that the roofing materials attach to.
Roof penetration
A roof penetration is anything that passes through the roof, like a vent pipe, chimney, or skylight.
Roof pitch
Roof pitch is how steep a roof is.
Roofing underlayment
Roofing underlayment is the layer under shingles or metal that helps keep water off the roof deck.
Siding
Siding is the exterior cladding material that covers the walls of a house, protecting against weather and providing appearance.
Sill pan
A sill pan is a waterproof tray under a window that directs any leaked water back out.
Waterproofing (foundation)
Foundation waterproofing is the system that keeps ground water from entering a basement or crawlspace.
WRB (Weather-Resistive Barrier)
A WRB is a layer behind siding that helps keep wind-driven rain from getting into the wall.
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