Glossary

Glossary of 7847 Property Development Terms

R

R Factor Or Value - A measure of a materials resistance to the passage of heat. New property walls are usually insulated with 4" of batt insulation with an R value of R-13, and a ceiling insulation of R-30.

R Value - A measure of insulation that measures material resistance to the passage of heat, the higher the R value, the more insulating power it has.

Rabbet - A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.

Rabbet Plane - Has a wide blade which is ideal for trimming narrow dadoes and rabbets.

Raceway Cellular - The hollow spaces of cellular metal floors, together with suitable fittings, that are used as enclosures for electrical and telephone conductors.

Rack And Pinion - A system using two gears, one round, one flat to move a part, an example would be a drill press, a round gear connected to a handle works with a flat gear on the column to raise and lower the table.

Radial Arm Saw - Circular saw that runs on an overhead track, the track mechanism swings in relation to the table to make miter cuts.

Radial Drill Press - A drill press with the head mounted on a tube which is laterally and vertically adjustable, this type gives greater throat clearance but is not as solid as a conventional drill press so run out can be a problem.

Radial Saw - A circular saw which hangs from a horizontal arm or beam and slides back and forth. The arm pivots from side to side to allow for angle cuts and bevels. When sawing finish plywood, the good side should face up as the saw cuts on the down stroke.

Radiant Heat Transfer - The transfer of heat energy from a location of higher temperature to a location of lower temperature by means of electromagnetic radiation.

Radiant Heating - A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced hot water system with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling. Also electrically heated panels.

Radiant Panels - Panels with integral passages for the flow of warm fluids, either air or liquids. Heat from the fluid is conducted through the metal and transferred to the rooms by thermal radiation.

Radiation - Energy transmitted from a heat source to the air around it. Radiators actually depend more on convection than radiation.

Radiation Difuse - Indirect sunlight that is scattered from air molecules, dust and water vapor.

Radiation Direct - Solar radiation that comes straight from the sun, casting shadows on a clear day.

Radiation Energy Solar - Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.

Radiation Infrared - Electromagnetic radiation from the sun that has wavelengths slightly longer than visible light.

Radiation Reflected - Sunlight that is reflected from surrounding trees, terrain or buildings onto a surface exposed to the sky.

Radiation Thermal - Electromagnetic radiation emitted by a warm body.

Radiation Ultra Violet - Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths slightly shorter than visible light.

Radiation Ultraviolet - Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths slightly shorter than visible light.

Radiation UV - Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths slightly shorter than visible light.

Radiator - A heating unit which is supplied heat through a hot water system.

Radiator Baseboard - A heating unit installed along a baseboard in a building or structure, is usually hydronic (hot water or steam).

Radon - A naturally-occurring, heavier than air, radioactive gas common in many parts of the country. Radon gas exposure is associated with lung cancer. Mitigation measures may involve crawl space and basement venting and various forms of vapour barriers.

Radon System - A ventilation system beneath the floor of a basement and/or structural wood floor and designed to fan exhaust radon gas to the outside of the property.

Rafter - A sloping roof beam made of timber which forms the main body of the roof.

Rafter Anchor - A bolt or fastening device which attaches the rafters to the walls or rafter plate.

Rafter Board - The wooden structural member that makes up the sloping parallel beams used to support a roof.

Rafter Common - One of a series of rafters extending from the top of an exterior wall to the ridge of a roof.

Rafter Hip - A rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof angle.

Rafter Valley - A rafter that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle.

Rafters - One of the sloping beams that supports a pitched roof.

Rafters Blocked - Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed at the ends and at mid-span.

Rafters Lookout - The short wood members cantilevered over a wall to support an overhanging portion of a roof.

Raggle Block - A specially designed masonry block having a slot or opening into which the top edge of the roof flashing is inserted and anchored.

Rail - Cross members of panel doors or of a sash. Also, a wall or open balustrade placed at the edge of a staircase, walkway bridge, or elevated surface to prevent people from falling off. Any relatively lightweight horizontal element, especially those found in fences (split rail).

Rail Beam - A solid wood band attached to a horizontal structural member.

Rail Chair - A wood molding separating the dado or wainscot from the upper wall; usually at a convenient height to prevent chair backs from abrading the wall.

Rail Chalk - A trough mounted under a chalkboard to store chalk and erasers and to catch the chalk dust.

Rail Dado - Small piece of moulded wood affixed to a wall, usually about a third of the way up.

Railing Wall - A band of ornamental wood installed horizontally.

Railroad Tie - Black, tar and preservative impregnated, 6" X 8" and 6'-8' long wooden timber that was used to hold railroad track in place. Normally used as a member of a retaining wall.

Rails Check - Meeting rails sufficiently thicker than a window to fill the opening between the top and bottom sash made by the parting stop in the frame of double-hung windows. They are usually beveled.

Raised Grain - The roughened condition of sanded wood when the hard latewood rises above the soft earlywood when moisture is applied.

Rake -

• Trim members that run parallel to the roof slope and form the finish between the wall and a gable roof extension.
• The angle of slope of a roof rafter, or the inclined portion of a cornice.
• The angle at which the leading edge of the teeth are cut on a saw blade.

Rake Fascia - The vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave.

Rake Siding - The practice of installing lap siding diagonally.

Raking Bond - Bricks that are laid in a zigzag fashion.

Raking Cornice - The sloping mouldings of a pediment.

Ranch Casing - An architectural style of exposed millwork enclosure of cased beams, posts, pipes, and the exposed molding or lining around doors and windows.

Ranch House - A single story, one level property.

Random Orbit Sander - This tool spins like a disc sander but moves in a circular orbit, like an orbital sander. This action chews through wood grain but doesn’t leave cross-grain scratches. Can sand in any direction.

Range Kitchen - A stove with an oven and a flat top surface with burners powered by gas or electric current.

Rankin - Thermometer scale on which unit of measurement equals the Fahrenheit degree.

Rapid Start Ballast - A ballast that provides a low-voltage winding for preheating the electrodes and initiating the arc without a starting switch or the application of high voltage.

Raps Needle - Tiny rasps ideal for model-making or detailed carving and fitting. Come in varied shapes: rectangular, tapered, triangular, round, half-round and square. For metalwork, needle files are available.

Rasp Cabinet - The quickest way to remove woodworking stock is with this. Has a round and flat face.

Rasp Crancked Neck - Ideal for carefully shaping flat or slightly concave surfaces and is especially useful in woodcarving.

Rasp Keyway - A combination rasp for shaping wood.

Rasp Paternmaker - Like regular rasps that have individual teeth for fast cutting, these tools also are staggered and smaller to give a finer finished surface in wood. Also have cut edges for working in corners.

Rate Absorption -

The speed at which the real estate market can absorb new offerings of land or buildings during a specified period of time.
• 2. The amount of water absorbed when a brick is partially immersed for one minute; usually expressed in either grams or ounces per minute per 30 sq. in; also called suction or initial rate of absorption.

Rate Capped - The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up and down below that level.

Rate Of Application - The quantity (mass, volume or thickness) of material applied per unit area.

Rate Of Capitalisation - The rate of interest to be used in the capitalization process, reflecting risk and rates of return on alternative investments.

Rate Variable - The interest rate charged by the lender that can go up or down with the payments changing accordingly.

Rated Fire - Descriptive of materials that has been tested for use in fire walls.

Ratio Acid Test - A calculation of a firms liquidity position; that is the ratio of its quick assets (readily convertible to cash) to current liabilities.

Ratio Aspect - Ratio of length to width of a rectangular air grille or duct.

Ratio Water Cement - The proportion of water to portland cement, the number of gallons of water per 94 pound sack of cement, only a small amount of water is needed to hydrate the cement and complete the chemical reaction, all additional water is for workability only and too much of which will weaken the concrete or mortar.

Ratio WC - Water Cement Ratio

Raw Linseed Oil - The crude product processed from flaxseed and usually without much subsequent treatment.

Rcing Flame - An oxygen fuel gas flame wherein the portion used has a rcing effect, same as Carbonizing Flame.

Re Mortgage - Arranging for a new mortgage to replace your existing one.

Reactance Capacitive - The opposition or resistance to an alternating current as a result of capacitance, expressed in ohms.

Reaction Kauri - Test for solvent power of petroleum solvents.

Ready Mixed Concrete - Concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en route to a job and delivered ready for placement.

reatment Acoustical - The act or process of applying acoustical materials to walls and ceilings

Rebar - The steel reinforcement bars used to reinforce concrete slabs, beams or columns.

Rebate - A stepped recess along the edge of a workpiece that a piece of glass or a door would fit into.

Rebuild - Build again and/or replace existing building or portion of a structure.

Rebuild Cost - Required for insurance purposes and is the cost of completely rebuilding your home if it is destroyed.

Receivable Accounts - Money owed to the firm for services rendered or for reimbursements.

Receptacle - An electrical outlet. A typical household will have many 120 volt receptacles for plugging in lams and appliances and 240 volt receptacles for the range, clothes dryer, air conditioners, etc.

Receptacle Cable - An interrupting outlet box device installed in an electric supply circuit for the connection of electric cables.

Receptacle Electric - A mounted electrical outlet.

Receptacle Waste - A container for the temporary storage of rubbish.

Recessed Floor - Any floor constructed at a lower level than other floors, also known as a sunken floor.

Reciprocating Saw - An indispensable tool for contractors and remodelers, the "recip" saw will chew through most any cutting task. Ideal for demolition tasks, such as wall removal. Can cut through wood, metal or plastics easily. Great at cutting rough openings, cutouts for plumbing and heating ducts and can even prune tree branches.

Recommendation Agent - A product or service provider recommended by estate agents, mortgage brokers or building societies with whom they have often negotiated favourable terms and so can offer a special deal as part of the package. It should never be a mandatory requirement that you must use their selected firm or product, and if they do insist, then it might be worth complaining. Companies often receive financial incentives to recommend one particular firm, product or service - whilst this is perfectly legal, it means they don't necessarily have your best interests at heart.

Recording - The act of entering deeds and/or mortgage information into public record.

Recording Fee - A charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid to a city, county, or other appropriate branch of government.

Recovery Energy - Energy utilized which would otherwise be wasted

Recycle - Recovery and reuse of materials and resources.

Red Cadmium - Non fading red pigment made from cadmium and selenium metals, heat and alkali resistant.

Red Line Prints - Blueprints with changes marked and highlighted in red.

Red Sandstone - Sandstone in a red colour.

Redecorate - to upgrade the decoration in a property.

Redemption - The payment on a mortgage. Some lenders make a charge (redemption fee) if a mortgage is ended earlier than was first agreed.

Redemption Fee - The charge that some lenders will charge if a mortgage is paid off in advance of the scheduled ending date of the mortgage.

Redemption Penalties - Charges paid to the lender in compensation for lost interest if you redeem your mortgage ahead of schedule. During a discount period you will be severely penalised if you try to switch to another product or mortgage provider. Penalties can be stepped just like discounts, and can be particularly severe within the first year. This is to ensure that the costs that the lender endures in setting up the mortgage are always covered. Penalties can be a fixed sum of money, though are often proportion of the loan. With cash-back mortgages, you often have to repay the amount of money you received as cash-back.

Redemption Penalty Extended - This is where the redemption penalty continues beyond a fixed or capped rate period, effectively tying you in to the much higher variable rate for a period of time after the fixed or capped period. As a result you get stuck paying an uncompetitive rate that eats into the gains you may have made from having the fixed rate or capped rate in the first place.

Redemption Penalty Overhang - This is where the redemption penalty continues beyond a fixed or capped rate period, effectively tying you in to the much higher variable rate for a period of time after the fixed or capped period. As a result you get stuck paying an uncompetitive rate that eats into the gains you may have made from having the fixed rate or capped rate in the first place.

Redemption Statement - A statement advising of the outstanding balance on an existing mortgage.

Redesign - To alter or upgrade the design of a property.

Redevelopment - This can be of an area or building by either a private company or the council and involves improving an area through investment.

Redline Prints - Blueprints with changes marked and highlighted in red.

Reducer - A fitting with different size openings at either end and used to go from a larger to a smaller pipe.

Reducer Bell - In plumbing, a fitting shaped like a bell which has one opening of a smaller diameter used to reduce the size of the pipe in the line, and the opposite opening of larger diameter.

Reel Chalk - A carpenters implement consisting of a string reel and chalk in a container, used as a method of chalking a snap line and storing the string.

Reflected Radiation - Sunlight that is reflected from surrounding trees, terrain or buildings onto a surface exposed to the sky.

Reflection Angle - The angle that a reflected ray makes with the perpendicular to a surface at the point of incidence.

Reflective Glass - Glass with a metallic coating to reduce solar heat gain.

Reflective Insulation - Sheet material with one or both sun faces of comparatively low heat emissivity, such as aluminum foil. When used in building construction the surfaces face air spaces, reducing the radiation across the air space.

Refrigerant - A substance that remains a gas at low temperatures and pressure and can be used to transfer heat.

Refrigerated Case - A storage case kept cold by a mechanical device. For use to store perishable items.

Refrigerator Absorption - Refrigerator which creates low temperatures by using the cooling effect formed when a refrigerant is absorbed by chemical substance.

Refurbish - Make brighter and modern.

Regency - Property built between approximately 1800 and 1837.

Regional Directory Of Solicitors - This directory lists the law firms in your area, along with the type of work they specialise in. You can find one at any library and most citizens’ advice bureaux.

Register - A grill placed over a heating duct or cold air return.

Register of Sasines - The establishment where property transactions have been recorded in Scotland since 1617.

Registered Land - This is the database of land and property held at HM Land Registry.

Registered Social Landlord (RSL) - A housing association, individual or an organisation that is authorised to run housing associations and to provide housing as well as Homebuy and other shared ownership schemes.

Registration Fee - A fee paid to the Registers Of Scotland to register ownership of a property.

Registry Searches - This involves obtaining the title deed for the property, along with the Land Registry certificate. Careful scrutiny by your solicitor will hopefully confirm that the seller actually owns the property, has good title (i.e. is free to sell it) and that the sale includes any covenants associated with a property or its land.

Reglaze - To replace a broken window.

Reglet - A horizontal slot, formed or cut in a parapet or other masonry wall, into which the top edge of counter-flashing can be inserted and anchored. In glazing, a reglet is typically a pocket or keyway extruded into the framing for installing the glazing gaskets.

Rehabilitate - To bring a distressed property back to original or near original condition.

Reinforced Concrete - Concrete that has had a steel reinforcement inserted into it at time of pouring.

Reinforced Masonry - Masonry units, reinforcing steel, grout and/or mortar combined to act together to strengthen the masonry structure.

Reinforced Steel Number - A number designating the size of a steel reinforcing bar, approximately the bar diameter in eighths of inches; for example, a #5 bar is approximately 5/8 inch in diameter; a #9 bar is approximately 1-1/8 inch in diameter (9/8); bar numbers are rolled onto the bar for easy identification.

Reinforcement Box Culvert - Iron or steel rods that are embedded in the wet concrete of a rectangular shaped drainage system to give additional strength.

Reinforcement Butterfly - Strips of metal reinforcement placed diagonally over the plaster base at the corners of openings before plastering.

Reinforcement Masonry Wall - Steel reinforcing rods or mesh used in masonry walls between courses.

Reinforcing - Steel rods or metal fabric placed in concrete slabs, beams, or columns to increase their strength.

Reinforcing Accessory - Items used to facilitate the installation of masonry or concrete reinforcing.

Reinforcing Bar - A manufactured, usually deformed, steel bar, used in concrete and masonry construction to resist tensile stresses.

Reinforcing Beam - A horizontal member installed to strengthen and support the load of a structure.

Reinforcing Chair - Metal supports made of fabricated wire, made to hold reinforcing steel in place until concrete is poured.

Reinforcing Wall - To strengthen a wall by the addition of new or extra materials.

Reinstatement Value - The cost of rebuilding your home should it be destroyed.

Relative Heat Gain - The amount of heat gain through a glass product taking into consideration the effects of solar heat gain (shading coefficient) and conductive heat gain (U-value).

Relative Humidity - The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, expressed as a percentage of the maximum quantity that could be present at a given temperature. (The actual amount of water vapor that can be held in space increases with the temperature.)

Relief Bas - Sculpture or carving in which the figures project only slightly from the background surface with no undercutting.

Relief Valve - A device designed to open if it detects excess temperature or pressure.

Relief Valve P&T (Pressure And Temperature) - A safety valve installed on a hot water storage tank to limit temperature and pressure of the water.

Relief Valve Pressure And Temperature (P&T) - A safety valve installed on a hot water storage tank to limit temperature and pressure of the water.

Relocate - Move or become established in a new location.

Relocating - When you are moved from one area to another often due to your work. Sometimes it is referred to as a 'company relocation' as a job or company is moving. Under these circumstances the company usually helps to pay for some of the costs.

Relocation Agent - Specialist in finding houses, raising finances, organising surveys and completing negotiations.

Remedial Action - Steps you would like a provider/supplier of a service to carry out to rectify a complaint you may have made. This would be your first course of action in the event of complaint and takes the form of a letter of which you should keep a copy and note the date.

Remodel - To refurbish, redesign or redecorate.

Remortgage - Arranging for a new mortgage to replace your existing one.

Remote - Remote electrical, gas, or water meter digital readouts that are installed near the front of the property in order for utility companies to easily read the property owners usage of the service.

Removal Asbestos - A special trade or occupation for the removal and disposal of hazardous asbestos.

Removal Brick - The act or process of the demolition of a brick structure.

Removal Of Ceiling - The demolition and removal of ceiling materials in order to replace or remodel.

Removal Water Piping - The act or process of tearing out and carrying away old water piping systems.

Rendering - A coat of plaster or cement applied to a masonry surface.

Rendering Architectural - A drawing in perspective of a proposed structure.

Renovate - Restore to a previous or better condition.

Renovation Breakdown - A breakdown of all the anticipated costs on a construction or renovation project.

Renovation Costs - A breakdown of all the anticipated costs on a construction or renovation project.

Rent - The money paid by a tenant to a landlord for the right to occupy a property.

Rent Charge - A small charge reserved to a previous owner of land that is paid to him or his successors annually out of freehold land. It is not a rent.

Repayment - Money paid to a lender to partially or fully clear a debt.

Repayment Method - How you choose to pay back the money borrowed in the form of a mortgage to buy a house.

Repayment Mortgage - A mortgage that involves the repayment of both capital and interest in monthly installments and within a specified term of years.

Repayment Term - The period of time over which you will repay your mortgage to the lender.

Repayment Vehicle - The method with which you choose to invest or save money to allow you to pay back an interest-only mortgage at the end of the term.

Repellent Paper Water - A special paper treated to minimize wetting of the surface.

Repellent Water -

• 1. A finish that is resistant but not impervious to penetration by water.
• 2. A liquid that penetrates wood which, after drying, materially retards changes in moisture content and in dimensions without adversely altering the desirable properties of wood.

Replacement Ballast -

• The replacement of broken stone, slag, and sand in railroads and highways to keep railroad ties in place and to provide drainage.
• The replacement of the device that regulates current in a fluorescent lamp fixture.

Report Building - An official, detailed and professional survey of a property. This type of survey should not be mistaken for a simple valuation survey. A building report is recommended on older buildings or on buildings with obvious or suspected structural problems.

Report Electrical - depth report detailing the electrical integrity of a building.

Report Plumbing - An in-depth report detailing the plumbing integrity of a building.

Report Roofing - An in-depth report detailing the roofing integrity of a building.

Report Structural - An in-depth report detailing the structural integrity of a building.

Repose Angle -

• The natural angle that a pile of a material, such as earth, sand, or gravel will assume.
• The angle at which a body will slide down an inclined plane impelled only by gravity.

Repossession - When the mortgage lender takes away a borrower's home because he has fallen too far behind on mortgage repayments.

Representative Of Architect - A more or less continuous architects representative on the jobsite; reports to the architect; formerly called Clerk of the Works.

Rerquirements Of Bidding - The group of documents issued to general contractors who are bidding a construction project, other than the contract documents; bidding requirements include the Advertisement or Invitation to Bid, Instructions to Bidders, Supplementary Instructions to Bidders, the bid form, and other sample bidding and contract forms.

Rescission - When the sale of a property is cancelled or revoked.

Reserve Price - Properties for sale by auction are normally offered subject to a reserve in which case the property is withdrawn if the highest bid does not reach the reserve price.

Resident Permits - Often required in inner cities to park a vehicle. Failure to obtain a permit can lead to a fine.

Residual Building - A real estate appraisal technique where a reasonable return on the land is first dcted from the income, the balance being attributable to the improvements.

Residual Land - A real estate appraisal technique where a reasonable return on the improvements is first dcted from the income, the balance being attributable to the land.

Resins Acrylic - Family of synthetic resins made by polymerizing esters of acrylic acid; synthetic resins of excellent color and clarity used in both emulsion and solvent-based paints.

Resistance - The internal structure of wires even in the best conductors opposes the flow of electric current and converts some current into heat. This internal friction-like effect is called resistance and is measured in ohms. Resistance equals Voltage divided by Amperage.

Resistance Abrasion - Ability of a surface to resist being worn away by rubbing and friction.

Resistent Core Water - A special gypsumboard core formulation with additives to rce water absorption, water resistant gypsum backing board is recommended for use as a base for ceramic tile in bathrooms and other wet areas.

Resistent Gypsumboard Water - A gypsumboard designed for use in locations where it may be exposed to occasional dampness, plasterboard that has had a chemical treatment to make it resistant to moisture, but not necessarily waterproof.

Resorcinol Glue - A glue that is high in both wet and dry strength and resistant to high temperatures. It is used for gluing lumber or assembly joints that must withstand severe service conditions.

Restoration Water Pipe - To install new linings in pipes to improve the condition of existing water pipes, usually includes the cleaning and removal of built up scale or debris out of the existing pipe and the relining with a compatible material.

Restore - To bring a distressed property back to original or near original condition.

Retaining Wall - A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion.

Retention - This relates to monies withheld by lenders until certain mortgage conditions are met. This will normally relate to repairs or improvements to the property that the lender is insisting on.

Retentions - Amounts withheld from progress billings until final and satisfactory project completion.

Retentivity Water - That property of a mortar which prevents the rapid loss of water to masonry units of high suction, it prevents bleeding or water gain when mortar is in contact with relatively impervious units.

Retrofitting - The application of a solar heating or cooling system to an existing building.

Return - In heating and cooling systems, a vent that returns cold air to be warmed. In a hot air furnace system, it is located near an inside wall.

Reuse Adaptive - Adapting an old or historical building for a new purpose.

Reveal - The area of masonry or framing visible between the outer face of a wall and a door or window built or setback from that wall.

Review Of Rate - The interest rate you are charged can be reviewed either annually or on a monthly basis. This feature does not affect fixed rate mortgages during the fixed period, or capped rate products when the rate is above the cap level.

Revisionary Bonus - A bonus paid annually on an endowment mortgage which is dependent on the performance of the investment fund you are using to repay your mortgage.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) - Revolutions per Minute.

Rhone - A type of roof gutter.

Ribbon Girt - Normally a 1 X 4 board let into the studs horizontally to support the ceiling or second-floor joists.

RICS (Royal Institute Of Chartered Surveyors) - Professional body for surveyors which sets a code of practice for its members.

Ridge - The horizontal edge that is the result of two sloping roof surfaces meeting each other.

Ridge Beam - A horizontal structural member usually 51mm (2 inches) thick, supporting the upper ends of rafters.

Ridge Board - The board against which the tips of rafters are fastened, the top line of a roof.

Ridge Boston - Applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge or at the hips of a roof as a finish.

Ridge Cap - The top course of roof shingles that overlap on another across a roof ridge.

Ridge Cut - A plumb (level) vertical cut at the upper end of a roof or rafter that attaches and transfer load to the ridge boards.

Ridge Finish Boston - A method of applying asphalt or wood shingles at the ridge or at the hips of a roof as a finish.

Ridge Pole - The horizontal beam at the ridge of a roof, to which rafters are attached.

Ridge Shingles - Shingles used to cover the ridge board.

Ridge Vent - A single or continuous roof vent located at eh ridge level of the roof.

Ridge Ventilation - Ventilation at the ridge level of a roof.

Ridgeboard - A decorative board standing on edge, along the ridge of a roof.

Ridgepole - The horizontal beam at the ridge of a roof, to which rafters are attached.

Rifflers - Tools for shaping and smoothing details that other files can't handle. One end is fine, the other end is coarse

Right Angle Drill - Allows you to reach around a corner or into a confined space to bore holes or drive screws. Great for smaller jobs such as drilling pilot holes or driving screws inside a cabinet.

Right Of Way - The legal term for the right to use someone else's property such as a shared driveway or a footpath.

Right To Buy - The right of council tenants to buy their rented property from the council.

Rights Air - The right to use the space above a piece of real property.

Rights Solar - A legal issue concerning the right of access to sunlight.

Rigid Insulation Board - A structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fibre in and 25/32-inch thickness. It can be obtained in various size sheets and densities.

Rigid Metal Conduit - This conduit resembles plumbing pipe, protecting wires from damage.

Rim Joist - A joist that runs around the perimeter of the floor joists and home.

Ring Backing - Backing in the form of a ring, generally used in the welding of piping.

Rip Cut - A cut which runs through the length of a board parallel to the grain.

Rip Hammer - Great for rough carpentry work, this 22-oz. hammer has a straight ripping claw. Many workers prefer fiberglass-handled tools because they are virtually unbreakable and more shock-absorbent.

Rip Saw - Hand saw used to cut along the grain (the length of the material).

Rise -

• refers to the vertical height of a single stair step or the vertical height of an entire flight of stairs.
• The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge. Also the vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (and not to exceed 7").

Riser - Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads of stairways.

Riser And Panel - The exterior vertical pipe (riser) and metal electric box (panel) the electrician provides and installs at the Rough Electric stage.

Rising Damp - Dampness persisting and rising within the foundations, floors and walls of a property.

Rising Property Market - A period where property prices are rising as the level of demand increases.

Risk Insurance Builders - Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction, including extended coverage that may be added for the contract for the customer's protections.

Rivets Pop - Fasteners used to join pieces of metal that are installed by either compressed-air-assisted or hand-operated guns. Unique in that they are installed from one side of the work.

Road Base - An aggregate mixture of sand and stone.

Robertson Head - A screw head requiring a driver with a square tip, also referred to as a socket head.

Rock 1 - 2 - 3 - When referring to drywall, this means to install drywall to the walls and ceilings with nails and screws, and before taping is performed.

Rock Asphalt - Porous rock such as sandstone or limestone that has become impregnated with natural asphalt through geologic process; also called Rock Asphalt.

Rock Asphalt - Porous rock such as sandstone or limestone that has become impregnated with natural asphalt through geologic process.

Rock Wool - A material used for insulating buildings, produced by sending a blast of steam through molten slag or rock, common types now in use include rock wool, glass wool and slag wool.

Rod Backer - In glazing, a polyethylene or polyurethane foam material installed under compression and used to control sealant joint depth, provide a surface for sealant tooling, serve as a bond breaker to prevent three-sided adhesion, and provide an hour-glass contour of the finished bead.

Rod Backing - A foam plastic rod inserted in a joint to be sealed, to regulate the depth of sealant.

Rod Grounding - Rod used to ground an electrical panel.

Rod Lag - A large diameter rod with a square or hexagonal head.

Rod Levelling - A rod with graduated marks for measuring heights or vertical distances between given points and the line of sight of a leveling instrument. They are longer than a yardstick and are held by a surveyor in a vertical position.

Roll - To install the floor joists or trusses in their correct place. (To roll the floor means to install the floor joists).

Roll Roofing - Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form. 36-inch wide rolls with and 108 square feet of material. Weights are generally 45 to 90 pounds per roll.

Rolled Steel Joint (RSJ) - A steel beam that is formed in the shape of the letter I.

Rolling - To install the floor joists or trusses in their correct place. (To roll the floor or rolling means to install the floor joists).

Roman Blinds - Soft fabric blinds which gather into pleats when raised.

Romex - A nonmetallic sheathed cable consisting of two or more insulated conductors having an outer sheath of moisture resistant, nonmetallic material. The conductor insulation is rubber, neoprene, thermoplastic or a moisture resistant flame retardant fibrous material. There are two types: NM and NMC - described earlier.

Rone - A type of roof gutter.

Roof Adhesive - A bonding agent used to cement roof materials.

Roof Asphalt - A roof system which uses asphalt materials as a covering.

Roof Barrel Shell - A scalloped roof structure of reinforced concrete that spans in one direction as a barrel vault and in the other as a folded plate.

Roof Barrell - A roof design, which in cross section is arched.

Roof Bond - A legal guarantee that a roof installed is in accordance with specifications and will be repaired or replaced if it fails within a certain period of time due to normal weathering.

Roof Built Up - A roof composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt. The top is finished with crushed slag or gravel. Generally used on flat or low-pitched roofs.

Roof Butterfly - A roof assembly which pitches sharply from either side toward the center.

Roof Cable - A circular structure in which the internal stresses of the members are subjected primarily to tensile stresses.

Roof Cavity - Either a small loft or another form of attic or loft space that can be insulated to help the building retain heat.

Roof Cold Patch - In roofing, a roof repair done with cold-applied material.

Roof Felt - Layer of weatherproofing between the Sarking and Tile/Slate or other roofing materials of a roof.

Roof Gable - An angled roof that is triangular in shape.

Roof Gambrel - A roof with two pitches, designed to provide more space on upper floors. The roof is steeper on its lower slope and flatter toward the ridge.

Roof Hipped - A roof that slopes on the ends as well as the sides.

Roof Hot Patch - In roofing, a roof repair done with hot-applied material.

Roof Jack - Sleeves that fit around the black plumbing waste vent pipes at, and are nailed to, the roof sheeting.

Roof Joist - The rafters of a flat roof. Lumber used to support the roof sheeting and roof loads. Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used.

Roof Lean To - The sloping roof of a building addition having its rafters or supports pitched against and supported by the adjoining wall of a building.

Roof Mansard - A roof that is set-back from a building frontage. Mansard roofs are usually behind a parapet and rise in two pitches to form loft or attic space.

Roof Mounted Power Vent - A vent that includes a fan to speed up air flow.

Roof Patch - In roofing, a roof repair done with applied material.

Roof Pent - A small roof protruding from a facade, separating stories.

Roof Pitch - The angle or the slant of a roof surface.

Roof Pitched - A roof which has one or more surfaces sloping at angles greater than necessary for drainage.

Roof Removal Built Up - The act or process of removing many layers of old roofing material.

Roof Run - The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under the ridge. One half the span.

Roof Sarking - A reflective foil laminate that is installed inside roofs. It has many benefits including weather proofing, insulation and reduction of dust and sound.

Roof Sheathing - The boards or sheet material fastened to the roof rafters on which the shingle or other roof covering is laid.

Roof Shed - A roof containing only one sloping plane.

Roof Sheeting - The wood panels or sheet material fastened to the roof rafters or trusses on which the shingle or other roof covering is laid.

Roof Slat Box - A side gable with one side long and extending down to the first floor and the other side short covering the second floor.

Roof Slate - Roof constructed of material made of a fine-grained metamorphic rock.

Roof Spread - Outward bowing of a wall due to the pressure of the roof.

Roof System - General term referring to the waterproof covering, roof insulation, vapor barrier, if used and roof deck as an entity.

Roof Thatched - A roof made of Thatch (see Thatch).

Roof Truss - Any frame or structure with diagonal members that can withstand compression including girders and other roof support systems.

Roof Valley - The V created where two sloping roofs meet.

Roof Vent - Ventilation originating at the roof level and usually allows for air to circulate into the attic or loft area and allows heat and moisture to escape from the building.

Roof Walkway - A permanent aisle for safe access across a roof, also serves as a protection for the roofing material when maintenance is being done.

Roofer - A tradesman that is trained to work on, build, repair, install and erect roofing.

Roofers - The roof boards nailed to rafters or purling.

Roofing Cold Patch - In roofing, a roof repair done with cold-applied material.

Roofing Engineer - A qualified professional that specialises in roof engineering.

Roofing Hot Patch - In roofing, a roof repair done with hot-applied material.

Roofing Patch - In roofing, a roof repair done with applied material.

Roofing Plans - Drawn plans detailing the roofing layout in a building.

Roofing Report - An in-depth report detailing the roofing integrity of a building.

Roofing Roll - Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form. 36-inch wide rolls with and 108 square feet of material. Weights are generally 45 to 90 pounds per roll.

Roofing Shake - A wood roofing material, normally cedar or redwood that is produced by splitting a block of the wood along the grain line, modern shakes are sometimes machine sawn on one side. See Shingle.

Roofing Survey - An in-depth survey detailing the roofing integrity of a building.

Rooflight - A window fitted flush into a sloping roof. The better known name is the trade name VELUX windows.

Root Ball - The soil and earth that clings to roots of a dug up tree that is later to be planted in a different location.

Rotary Planer - A power hand tool with rotating blades that smooths the surface of material.

Rough - In hardware, metal fastenings on cabinets which are usually concealed, like staples.

Rough Carpentry - The preliminary framing, boxing, and sheeting of a wood frame building.

Rough Electrical - Work performed by the Electrical Contractor after the plumber and heating contractor are complete with their phase of work. Normally all electrical wires and outlet, switch, and fixture boxes are installed (before insulation).

Rough Framing - The wooden structural framework of a building including the framing of walls, floors, ceilings and roof joists.

Rough In - The installation of all parts of the plumbing system that can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures, including drainage, water supply, vent piping, and the necessary fixture supports.

Rough Lumber - Any lumber that has been sawn but not planed.

Rough Opening - An opening in a building framework for the insertion of windows, doors stairways or other openings.

Rough Plumbing - All plumbing that should be done before the finish trades (sheetrock, painting, etc), including all waste lines and supply water lines that are in the walls or framing of the building. See also: Plumbing, Sub Rough, and Finish Plumbing.

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.

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.

Round File - Standard file for cleaning up or enlarging holes and shaping tight internal curves. Works on metal or wood.

Round Quarter - Wood molding with a cross section in the shape of a quarter circle.

Router - Portable power tool that, when fitted with one of a myriad of bits, can do such things as cutting cabinet joints (dado, rabbet, etc.), trim plastic laminate, shape decorative edges, mill moldings and carve signs and plaques.

Router Plunge - A router that can be pushed down to insert the bit in the material.

Row House - A dwelling that is attached to its neighbour by way of common walls.

Royal Institute Of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) - Professional body for surveyors which sets a code of practice for its members.

RPI - An index of the average level of prices in the UK. Insurance companies often link contents insurance policies to it.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) - Revolutions per Minute.

RSJ (Rolled Steel Joint) - A steel beam that is formed in the shape of the letter I.

RSL (Registered Social Landlord) - A housing association, individual or an organisation that is authorised to run housing associations and to provide housing as well as Homebuy and other shared ownership schemes.

Rub Burlap - A finish obtained by rubbing burlap to remove surface irregularities from concrete.

Rubber Bonded Cushioning - Rubber or latex cushioning adhered to the carpet at the mill.

Rubber Cushion Bonded - Rubber or latex cushioning adhered to the carpet at the mill.

Rubber Elastic - An elastic rubber-like substance, such as natural or synthetic rubber.

Rubber Emulsion Paint - Paint, the vehicle of which consists of rubber or synthetic rubber dispersed in fine droplets in water.

Rubber Laminated - Several layers of rubber bonded together with adhesive under pressure.

Rubber Mallet - Use these mallets to strike blows without damaging the surface. Useful for assembling furniture parts, setting dowel pins, metalwork, etc.

Rubber Tired Roller - A roller with rubber tires commonly used for compacting trimmed subgrade or aggregate base or clay type soils.

Rubble - Masonry construction using stones of irregular shape and size.

Rule Zigzag Folding - Classic woodworking rule that is better for measuring longer runs.

Ruler Architects - Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also referred to as a scale.

Run -

• Roofing - The horizontal distance between the eaves and the ridge of the roof, being half the span for a symmetrical gable roof.
• Stairs - The net width of a step or the horizontal distance covered by a flight of stairs.

Run Kiln - Brick or structural clay tile from one kiln which have not been sorted or graded for size, burning, or colour variation.

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.

Rung Ladder - A horizontal round member used as a step on a ladder.

Running Bond - Brickwork consisting entirely of stretchers, lapping of units in successive courses so that the vertical head joints lap.

Rusticated Stone - Stonework, sometimes roughly finished, distinguished by having the joints deeply sunk.

Rustication - Stucco or stone blocks with large angled joints.

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