Rough sill
The framing member at the bottom of a rough opening for a window. It is attached to the cripple studs below the rough opening.
Rows
Related to carpets, the number of tufts per inch.
Rough opening
The horizontal and vertical measurement of a window or door opening before drywall or siding is installed.
Roughing-in
- The initial stage of a plumbing, electrical, heating, carpentry, and/or other project, when all components that won't be seen after the second finishing phase are assembled. See also Heat Rough, Plumbing Rough, and Electrical Rough.
Room Cavity Ratio
A relationship between the height of a room, its perimeter, and the height of the work surface above the floor divided by the floor area.
Run, roof
The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.
Run, stair
the horizontal distance of a stair tread from the nose to the riser.
Rough Framing
Structural elements of a building or the process of assembling elements to form a supporting structure where finish appearance is not critical.
Roof valley
The "V" created where two sloping roofs meet.
Sabin
Measure of sound absorption of a surface, equivalent to 1 sq. ft. of a perfectly absorptive surface.
Safing Off
Installation of fire safety insulation around floor perimeters, between floor slab and spandrel panels. Insulation helps retain integrity of fire resistance ratings.
Safing
Fire stop material in the space between floor slab and curtain wall in multi-story construction.
Sales contract
A contract between a buyer and seller which should explain: (1) What the purchase includes, (2) What guarantees there are, (3) When the buyer can move in, (4) What the closing costs are, and (5) What recourse the parties have if the contract is not fulfilled or if the buyer cannot get a mortgage commitment at the agreed upon time.
Saddle
A small second roof built behind the back side of a fireplace chimney to divert water around the chimney. Also, the plate at the bottom of some—usually exterior—door openings. Sometimes called a threshold. A ridge in a roof deck that divides two sloping parts, diverting water toward roof drains.
Sand float finish
Lime that is mixed with sand, resulting in a textured finish on a wall.
Sanitary Sewer
A sewer system designed for the collection of waste water from the bathroom, kitchen and laundry drains, and is usually not designed to handle storm water. A sewer that receives sanitary sewage without the infusion of other water such as rain, surface water, or other clear water drainage.
Sanitary Sewage
Waste material containing human excrement and other liquid wastes.
Sapwood
The wood near the outside of the log just under the bark.
Sandstone
A sedimentary rock formed from sand.
Sack mix
The amount of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete mix. Generally, 5 or 6 sack is required in a foundation wall.