Remodeling Terminology & Definitions · D

The following is a list of industry related terminology which we at The Remod Squad® thought might be helpful to both homeowners and professionals alike. Definitions will be continually added to this list.

dado

A rectangular groove across the width of a board or plank. In interior, decoration, a special type of wall treatment.

deadbolt

A deadbolt is a locking mechanism that mounts much like a door knob. Most exterior doors are locked with a door knob, and also a deadbolt. The deadbolt bore hole is directly above the door knob hole. When a lever is turned, a solid steel cylinder is inserted deep into the door jamb to securely lock the door. Deadbolts are available as single or double cylinders.

decay

Disintegration of wood or other substance through the action of fungi.

deck paint

An enamel with a high degree of resistance to mechanical wear, designed for use on such surfaces as porch floors.

density

The mass of substance in a unit volume. When expressed in the metric system, it is numerically equal to the specific gravity of the same substance.

dewpoint

Temperature at which a vapor begins to deposit as a liquid. Applies especially to water in the atmosphere.

dimension lumber

Yard lumber from 2 inches to, but not including 5 inches thick and 2 or more inches wide. Includes joists, rafters, studs, plank, and small timbers.

direct nailing

To nail perpendicular to the initial surface or to the junction of the pieces joined. Also, termed face nailing.

Dolly Varden siding

Beveled wood siding that is rabbeted on the bottom edge.

doorjamb

The surrounding case into which and out of which a door closes and opens. It consists of two upright pieces, called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb.

dormer

An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.

downspout

A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater from roof gutters.

drainage plane

Water repellent products such as housewrap or building paper, carefully installed behind the wall cladding, that drain potentially damaging water safely back to the exterior. A proper drainage plane uses thoughtful design and installation of products such as house wrap, building paper, pan flashing and kick–out flashing, shingle fashion, to prevent deterioration of the exterior wall system.

dressed and matched

Boards or planks machined in such a manner that there is a groove on one edge and a corresponding tongue on the other. Also referred to as tongue and groove.

dressed size lumber

The dimension of lumber after shrinking from green dimension and after machining to size or pattern.

drier paint

Usually oil-soluble soaps of such metals as lead, manganese, or cobalt, which, in small proportions, hasten the oxidation and hardening (drying) of the drying oils in paints.

drip

(a) A member of a cornice or other horizontal exterior-finish course that has a projection beyond the other parts for throwing off water. (b) A groove in the underside of a sill or drip cap to cause water to drop off on the outer edge instead of drawing back and running down the face of the building.

drip cap

A molding placed on the exterior topside of a door or window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside of the frame.

drop siding

Usually 3/4-inch thick and 6 and 8 inches wide with tongued-and-grooved or shiplap edges. Often used as siding without sheathing in secondary buildings.

dry-wall

Interior covering material, such as gypsum board or plywood, which is applied in large sheets or panels.

ducts

In a house, usually round or rectangular metal pipes for distributing warm air from the heating plant to rooms, or air from a conditioning device or as cold air returns. Ducts are also made of asbestos and composition materials.