Home Improvement Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the roofing, siding, window, drywall, flooring and remodeling terms you will see in home improvement quotes.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are roofing shingles made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules, installed in overlapping courses on sloped roofs.
Read the definition of Asphalt ShinglesRoofingDrip Edge
A drip edge is a bent metal flashing installed along the eaves and rakes of a roof that directs water away from the fascia and into the gutters.
Read the definition of Drip EdgeInteriorsDrywall
Drywall, also called gypsum board or wallboard, is a panel made of a gypsum core faced with paper or fiberglass, fastened to studs or joists to form interior walls and ceilings.
Read the definition of DrywallSidingFiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is exterior cladding made from a mix of cement, sand and cellulose fibers, formed into planks or panels that resist rot, insects and fire.
Read the definition of Fiber Cement SidingRemodelingLead-Safe Renovation (RRP Rule)
Lead-safe renovation refers to work practices required by the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule when contractors disturb painted surfaces in homes built before 1978, which may contain lead-based paint.
Read the definition of Lead-Safe Renovation (RRP Rule)WindowsLow-E Glass
Low-E glass, short for low-emissivity glass, has an ultra-thin, nearly invisible metal or metal-oxide coating that cuts the radiant heat passing through the window while still letting daylight in.
Read the definition of Low-E GlassInteriorsLuxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a multi-layer vinyl flooring made in plank shapes, with a printed design layer that imitates wood and a clear wear layer on top.
Read the definition of Luxury Vinyl PlankRemodelingMHIC License
An MHIC license is a home improvement license issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, which Maryland law requires for contractors and salespeople who perform or sell home improvement work on residential property in the state.
Read the definition of MHIC LicenseRoofingRoof Flashing
Roof flashing is thin metal or other waterproof material installed where a roof meets a wall, chimney, skylight, vent or valley to direct water away from the joint.
Read the definition of Roof FlashingRoofingRoof Underlayment
Roof underlayment is a water-resistant sheet, such as felt or synthetic material, installed over the roof deck and under the shingles as a secondary barrier against water.
Read the definition of Roof UnderlaymentWindowsU-Factor
U-factor is the rate at which a window, door or skylight conducts non-solar heat, as rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council; the lower the U-factor, the better the unit insulates.
Read the definition of U-FactorSidingVinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is exterior wall cladding made mainly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), manufactured in panels that interlock and hang loosely on nails so they can expand and contract.
Read the definition of Vinyl SidingHave a question about your project?
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