glossary list

Wind Washing by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

The effect of wind-driven air movement through air permeable insulation reduces its insulating value . . .

Water Resistant Barrier by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

A sheet, spray- or trowel-applied membrane or material layer . . .

Sourced Drained by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

Another term for a face sealed system . . .

Sheathing Membrane by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

A generic term for a membrane layer that prevents the resists the passage of liquid water and possibly air and vapor . . .

Sealant by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

A flexible, polymer-based elastomeric material . . .

Semi-rigid Insulation by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

Board material which provides thermal resistance comprised of mineral fibers . . .

Rigid Insulation by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

Rigid board material which provides thermal resistance . . .

Radiation by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

A form of energy in electro-magnetic radiation . . .

Psychrometrics by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

The study of air and its energy and water vapour contents.

Joints by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

An interface between elements . . .

Flashing by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

A waterproof material used to redirect or shed drained water, or occasionally to act as a capillary break . . .

Expansion Joint by John Straube — last modified 2006/06/11

A structural separation between building elements . . .

Building Enclosure by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2007/05/22

A building enclosure is the component (typically comprised . . .

Mold by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2006/12/05

Mold is one type of fungus which is different from plants, animals and . . .

EIFS (external insulation finishing system) by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2006/12/05

A combination of insulation and stucco system cladding for . . .

Spectrally Selective Glazing by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2006/12/05

These types of window systems reduce solar gain while still providing daylighting . . .

Hygroscopic by Building Science Corporation — last modified 2006/12/05

Materials that change their permeability characteristics as relative humidity . . .

Hydrophobic by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2006/12/05

Materials that do not change their permeability as a function of relative . . .

Commissioning by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2006/12/05

Prior to occupancy, testing and inspections should note any problems and they . . .

Vapor Permeance Classes by Joseph W. Lstiburek — last modified 2007/05/21

Test procedure for determining vapor permeance class is...