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Glossary
remodeling: Changing an existing space into a
new form.
rendering: A full-color presentation drawing
created by adding materials, surface textures,
and lights to a 3D model.
renewable energy source: A source of energy
that can supply electricity or other forms of
energy from continually replenished sources.
renovation: The process of returning a run-down
home or structure to a desirable condition.
residential building designer: A specialist
who is familiar with the complex process of
planning and designing a residential structure
while complying with local ordinances and
building codes.
resistivity: The ability of a material to resist
the transfer of heat or cold. Also called the
R-factor or R-value.
restoration: A type of renovation that involves
returning a home to the “look and feel” of
its original state, often by employing new or
improved materials.
résumé: A document that summarizes your job
qualifi cations, experience, and education.
reverse osmosis system: A water treatment
system in which line pressure forces water
through a thin, semipermeable membrane
that removes contaminants; the purifi ed water
is collected in a small storage tank, while the
contaminants that were unable to pass through
the membrane are drained away.
R-factor: A common term for resistivity, the
ability of a material to resist the transfer of
heat or cold.
ribbon: A horizontal member notched into
the studs to support the joists on the second
fl oor level in balloon framing with solid sill
construction.
rigid paving system: A paving system with
a well-compacted subgrade, a properly
prepared base, a reinforced concrete slab, a
mortar setting bed, and pavers with mortar
joints between them.
rim joist: A framing member resting on the sill,
placed perpendicular to the fl oor joists and
to which the fl oor joists are attached. Another
term for band joist.
preservation: A type of renovation that
concentrates on stabilizing and preserving
the original materials and structures of a
building.
primitives: 3D objects such as boxes, cones,
and spheres that can be placed together to
construct 3D models.
property lines: The lines that defi ne the
boundaries of a building site or plot of land.
proportion: Size relationship of one part to
another, or to the whole object.
R
radial system: A ductwork system in which
round ducts radiate in all directions from
the furnace.
radiant heat: Heat that passes through the air
with no assistance from air fl ow.
radiant stove: A stove that warms a room using
radiant heat only.
radon: An invisible, odorless, tasteless, radioactive
gas produced by the decay of uranium.
radon mitigation: The process of reducing radon
levels in a building.
rafter: A roof framing member that is
perpendicular to the top wall plate and extends
from the ridge of the roof to the plate or beyond.
rails: The horizontal members that separate
panels in a panel door.
rake: The extension of a gable roof beyond the
end wall of the house; also called a gable end.
receptacle outlet: A general-purpose device
that allows electricity to be drawn off an
electric circuit for various purposes, such
as radios, hair dryers, and chargers for cell
phones. Also called a receptacle.
reclaiming: Salvaging materials instead of
throwing them away when they have fulfi lled
their purpose.
recycling: Processing or reprocessing used
materials or waste to make them usable again,
either for the same purpose or a different
purpose.
register: An outlet cover that includes a damper
that can be used to regulate air fl ow; used
only for supply air.
reinforcement bars (rebar): Steel bars used to
reinforce concrete.
relative humidity: The ratio of water vapor in
the air to the amount required to saturate the
air at a given temperature.