Related Terms

AGGREGATE - Crushed stone, slag or water-worn gravel that comes in a wide range of sizes that is used to surface built-up roofs.

ANGLE IRON – A piece of iron that forms a right angle and is used to span openings and support masonry at the openings. In brick veneer, they are used to secure the veneer to the foundation. Also known as shelf angle.

CORROSION - The deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals or other agents or media.

COURSE - A single layer of brick or stone or other building material.

CURING – In concrete application, the process in which mortar and concrete harden. The length of time is dependent upon the type of cement, mix proportion, required strength, size and shape of the concrete section, weather and future exposure conditions. The period may be 3 weeks or longer for lean concrete mixtures used in structures such as dams or it may be only a few days for richer mixes. Favorable curing temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees F. Design strength is achieved in 28 days.

CURING AGENT – One part of a multi-part sealant which, when added to the base, will cause the base to change its physical state by chemical reaction between the two parts.

GRAVEL - Loose fragments of rock used for surfacing built-up roofs, in sizes varying from 1/8" to 1 3/4".

MORTAR
A mixture of sand, lime and water used to cement stones and bricks together. When it dries it becomes very hard. The early Mormons used the same mud, in more liquid form, for mortar that they used to make adobe.

MORTAR TYPES - Type M is suitable for general use and is recommended specifically for masonry below grade and in contact with earth, such as foundations, retaining walls and walks. Type M is the strongest type. Type S is suitable for general use and is recommended where high resistance to lateral forces is required. Type N is suitable for general use in exposed masonry above grade and is recommended specifically for exterior walls subject to severe exposures. Type 0 is recommended for load-bearing walls of solid units where the compressive stresses do not exceed 100 lbs. per square inch and the masonry wall not be subjected to freezing and thawing in the presence of excessive moisture.

PORTLAND CEMENT - A mixture of certain minerals which when mixed with water form a gray colored paste and cure into a very hard mass.

SEPARATION – In concrete application, what happens to concrete when it is dropped directly with a flat chute causing the concrete to separate, usually occurring at a 1:2 slope.