Building inspectors can uncover problems that should be addressed in remodeling and also monitor compliance with building codes during construction.
Remodeling Glossary
Having trouble relating to some of the construction or remodeling jargon that you're not used to? Don't worry, you're not alone. Use the handy locator below to search the glossary for terms you'd like to understand better. It is alphabetized, and easy to use.
| R Value | A measure of insulation. A measure of a material's resistance to the passage of heat. The higher the R value, the more insulating 'power' it has. For example, typical new home's walls are usually insulated with 4' of batt insulation with an R value of R-1. |
| Rabbet | A groove cut in a board to receive another board. |
| Radiant Heat | A heating system utilizing hot water, steam pipes, or electric resistance coils to heat the floors, walls or the ceiling of a room. |
| Radius Window | A window with an arched top. |
| Radon | A naturally-occurring radio active gas common in many parts of the country often associated with lung cancer. Mitigation measures may involve crawl space and basement venting and various forms of vapor barriers. |
| Rafter | The framing member directly supporting the roof sheathing. A rafter usually follows the angle of the roof and may be a part of a roof truss. |
| Rail | The top and bottom horizontal members of the framework of a window sash. |
| Rebar | Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers, and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen concrete. Comes in various thickness' and strength grade. |
| Red-Lined Prints | Blueprints that reflect changes and that are marked with red pencil. |
| Reinforcing Bar | Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers, and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen concrete. Comes in various thickness' and strength grade. |
| Relative Humidity | The ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air at a specific temperature to the maximum amount that the air could hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage. |
| Resilient Channels | Metal channels used to further inhibit sound transmission through wall and ceiling framing. Create a break in the vibration path from drywall to the framing. |
| Ridge Board | A horizontal board that serves as the apex of the roof structure. |
| 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. |
| Right hand swing | Describes the way in which the door is hung on the jamb. Right Hand describes the side of the door the handle is on as it is pulled toward you. |
| Riser | The board between one stair tread and the next that is the upright section of a stair. |
| Roof Certification | A written opinion given by a roofing contractor or inspector, estimating the remaining useful life of a roof system (roofing, venting, flashing...). |
| Roof Valley | The 'V' created where two sloping roofs meet. |
| Roof Vent | A louver mounted in the top of the gable to allow the passage of air through the attic. |
| Rosettes | Plate behind lever or knob that holds the lever or knob in place. |
| Rough opening | The framed opening in a wall into which a window or door unit is to be installed. |
