In a concrete or mortar mixture, the ratio fo the amount of water (minus that held by the aggregates) to the amount of cement used.

A process used to drive off the remaining water from clay products before they are fired in the kiln.

Coatings formulated with water as the solvent.

A rubber or plastic diaphragm placed across a joint in cast concrete to prevent the passage of water through the joint.

The steady-state vapor flow in a given time through a given area of a body, normal to specified parallel surfaces, under specific conditions of temperature and humidity at each surface.

A liquid applied to wood to give the wood water repellant properties

Brick made in a mold that was wetted before the clay was placed in the mold.

The connection point where the home water line connects to the main municipal water system.

The location of the underground water, and the vertical distance from the surface of the earth to this underground water. The level below the ground where the soil is saturated with water.

The rate of water-vapor transmission through a given area of flat material of a given thickness induced by a given vapor pressure difference between the two surfaces under specified temperature and humidity conditions.

Narrow sections of thin metal or other material installed to prevent the infiltration of air and moisture around windows and doors.

Wave is one complete cycle of sound vibration passing through a medium (such as air) from compression through rarefaction and back to compression again. The physical length of this cycle is termed the wavelength. Wavelengths in air vary from about 1&1/16" for a 20,000-cycle per sec. (see Frequency) sound, to approximately 56&1/2' for a 20-cycle per sec. sound -- the two approximate extremes of human hearing sensitivity. There are waves outside of this range, but generally, they cannot be heard by humans.

The ability of a plastic to resist deterioration due to moisture, ultraviolet light, heat, and chemicals found in the air.

The unit of measurement of electrical power or rate of work. It is a pressure of one volt flowing at the rate of one ampere.

A mortar joint finished so the mortar slopes outward, allowing water to shed away from the joint.

A steel alloy that forms a natural self-protecting rust.

A value that reflects the ability of clay masonry units to resist the effects of weathering.

Changes in the strength, color, surface, or other properties of a material due to the action of the weather.

A material used to make a surface impervious to the penetration of water.

Work on a building exterior in order to reduce energy consumption for heating or cooling. Work involving adding insulation, installing storm windows and doors, caulking cracks and putting on weather-stripping.