Valley- The "V" shaped area of
a roof where two sloping roofs meet. Water drains off the roof
at the valleys.
Valley flashing- Sheet metal that lays
in the "V" area
of a roof valley.
Valuation- An inspection carried out for the benefit of the mortgage
lender to ascertain if a property is a good security for a loan.
Valuation fee- Th fee paid by the prospective borrower for the
lender's inspection of the property. Normally paid upon loan application.
Vapor barrier- A building product installed on exterior walls and
ceilings under the drywall and on the warm side of the insulation.
It is used to retard the movement of water vapor into walls and
prevent condensation within them. Normally, polyethylene plastic
sheeting is used.
Variable rate- An interest rate that will vary over the term of
the loan.
Veneer- Extremely thin sheets of wood. Also a thin slice of wood
or brick or stone covering a framed wall.
Vent- A pipe or duct which allows the flow of air and gasses to
the outside. Also, another word for the moving glass part of a window
sash, i.e. window vent.
Vermiculite- A mineral used as bulk insulation and also as aggregate
in insulating and acoustical plaster and in insulating concrete
floors.
Veterans Administration (VA)- A federal agency that insures mortgage
loans with very liberal down payment requirements for honorably
discharged veterans and their surviving spouses.
Visqueen- A 4 mil or 6 mil plastic sheeting.
Void- Cardboard rectangular boxes that are installed between the
earth (between caissons) and the concrete foundation wall. Used
when expansive soils are present.
Voltage- A measure of electrical potential. Most homes are wired
with 110 and 220 volt lines. The 110 volt power is used for lighting
and most of the other circuits. The 220 volt power is usually used
for the kitchen range, hot water heater and dryer.
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