Sound Absorption
Conversion of acoustic or sound energy to another form of energy, usually heat.
Sonotube
Round, large cardboard tubes designed to hold wet concrete in place until it hardens.
Solvents
Liquids used in paint and other finishing materials that give the coating workability and that evaporate, permitting the finish material to harden.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
Expressed in decibels, the SPL is 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the sound pressure to a reference pressure of 20 micropascals. See Decibel.
Spacing
The distance between individual members or shingles in building construction.
Sound Insulation, Isolation
Use of building materials or constructions that will reduce or resist the transmission of sound.
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
Single-number rating for evaluating the effectiveness of a construction in isolating audible airborne sound transmission across 16 frequencies. Higher numbers indicate more effectiveness. Tested per ASTM E90.
Sound attenuation
Sound proofing a wall or subfloor, generally with fiberglass insulation.
Sound Intensity
Amount of sound power per unit area.
Space heat
Heat supplied to the living space, for example, to a room or the living area of a building.
Span Rating
Number indicating the distance a sheet of plywood or other material can span between supports.
Span-
The clear distance that a framing member carries a load without support between structural supports. The horizontal distance from eaves to eaves.
Spandrel Beam
Horizontal member, spanning between exterior columns, that supports the floor or roof.
Spec home
A house built before it is sold. The builder speculates that he can sell it at a profit.
Special Units
Concrete masonry units that are designed and made for a special use.
Spandrel Wall
Exterior wall panel, usually between columns, that extends from the window opening on one floor to one on the next floor.
Span
Distance between supports, usually a beam or joist.
Specifications
A written document in which the scope of the work, materials to be used, installation procedures, and quality of workmanship are detailed.
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the weight of one cubic foot of a material to the weight of one cubic foot of water.
Specific Adhesion
Bonding dense materials using the attraction of unlike electrical charges.