Spread Foundation
A foundation that distributes the load over a large area.
Square-tab shingles
Shingles on which tabs are all the same size and exposure.
Spreading Rate
The area over which a paint can be spread expressed in square feet per gallon.
Spire
A tall pyramidal roof built upon a tower or steeple.
Split Ring Connector
A ring-shaped metal insert placed in circular recesses cut in joining wood members that are held together with a bolt or lag screw.
Square
A unit of measure-100 square feet-usually applied to roofing and siding material. Also, a situation that exists when two elements are at right angles to each other. Also a tool for checking this. In roofing, 100 square feet of roofing material.
Specifications or Specs
A narrative list of materials, methods, model numbers, colors, allowances, and other details which supplement the information contained in the blue prints. Written elaboration in specific detail about construction materials and methods. Written to supplement working drawings.
Spoil Bank
An area where soil from the excavation is stored.
Speed of Sound
Varies with atmospheric pressure and temperature, but is the same at all frequencies. For most architectural work, the speed of sound should be taken as 1,130 ft./second.
Splash block
Portable concrete (or vinyl) channel generally placed beneath an exterior sill cock (water faucet) or downspout in order to receive roof drainage from downspouts and to divert it away from the building.
Stabilizers
Additives used to stabilize plastic by helping it resist heat, loss of strength, and the effect of radiation on the bonds between the molecular chains.
Squeegee
Fine pea gravel used to grade a floor (normally before concrete is placed).
Stair landing
A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change direction. Normally no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square.
Stair carriage or stringer
Supporting member for stair treads. Usually a 2 X 12 inch plank notched to receive the treads; sometimes called a "rough horse."
Stained-Glass Window
A window made of small colored glass pieces joined with leaded canes.
Stain
A solution of coloring matter in a vehicle used to enhance the grain of wood during the finishing operation.
Stack (trusses)
To position trusses on the walls in their correct location.
Standing Seam
The vertical seam formed when two sheets of metal roofing are joined.
Standard practices of the trade(s)
One of the more common basic and minimum construction standards. This is another way of saying that the work should be done in the way it is normally done by the average professional in the field.
Stair rise
The vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (and not to exceed 7 ½").