APPENDIX/GLOSSARY
Open-Cell Foam - a foam that will absorb water and air because the walls are not complete and run
together.
Panel - (1) a portion of a surface flush with, recessed from, or sunk below the surrounding area: (2)
a usually flat and rectangular piece of construction material made to form part of a surface (as of a
wall, ceiling, or floor).
Parapet - that portion of the vertical wall of a building which extends above the roof line.
Preformed Sealant - a sealant that is preshaped by the manufacturer before being shipped to the
job site.
Preshimmed Sealant - a sealant in tape or bulk form having encapsulated solids or discrete
particles that limit its deformation within a joint under compression.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive - adhesive that retains tack after release of the solvent so that it can
be bonded by simple hand pressure.
Primer - a compatible coating designed to enhance adhesion.
Purlin - a horizontal structural member which supports roof covering.
R-Value - a measure of the insulating value of a substance, or measure of a material's resistance to
the flow of heat. It's reciprocal is referred to as an U-value.
Sandwich Panel - a panel assembly used as covering; consists of an insulating core material with
inner and outer panels or skins.
Seal (noun) - a material applied in a joint or on a surface to prevent the passage of liquids, solids,
or gases.
Sealant - a material that has the adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal. Sometimes
defined as an elastomeric material with a movement capability greater than + 10%.
Sealant Backing - a compressible material placed in a joint before applying a sealant.
Sealer - a surface coating generally applied to fill cracks, pores, or voids in the surface.
Sealing Tape - a preformed, uncured or partially cured material which when placed in a joint, has
the necessary adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal.
Shelf Life - the length of time a sealant or adhesive can be stored under specific conditions and still
maintain its properties.
Shop Drawing - a drawing prepared by the fabricator based on a working drawing and used in a
shop or on a site for assembly.
Shrinkage - percentage weight loss or volume loss under specified accelerated conditions.
Silicone Rubber - a synthetic rubber based on silicon, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Silicone
rubbers are widely used as sealants and coatings.
PAGE B-5
Previous Page
