Structural

Damp Proofing

Structural · definition

An asphaltic coating that resists soil moisture (not liquid water pressure). The minimum builder treatment — less protective than true waterproofing.

Source: American Concrete Institute — ACI Concrete Terminology

  • Dead Load

    The permanent weight of the structure itself — framing, finishes, roofing. The baseline load every member is sized for.

  • Curing

    Maintaining moisture and temperature while concrete gains strength. Concrete reaches most of its strength over ~28 days; rushing it weake…

  • Deflection

    How much a beam or joist bends under load. Code limits it (e.g., L/360) so floors don't feel bouncy or crack finishes even when not at ri…

  • Crawl Space Encapsulation

    Sealing a crawl space with a heavy vapor barrier (and often a dehumidifier) to control moisture, mold, and wood rot affecting the structu…

  • Differential Settlement

    Uneven sinking of parts of a foundation, the cause of most serious structural cracking, sticking doors, and sloping floors.

  • Crack Monitoring

    Tracking a foundation crack's width over time (e.g., with a tell-tale gauge) to judge whether movement is active or stable before choosin…

  • Efflorescence

    White mineral deposits left on masonry or concrete as water migrates through and evaporates. A sign of moisture movement to investigate,…

  • Control Joint

    A tooled or cut groove that pre-determines where concrete will crack as it shrinks, keeping cracks straight and hidden rather than random.

Where this term fits in a remodel

The pillar guides set terms like this one in context — what the work involves, what drives its cost, and where it sits in the sequence of a project. Pricing a specific house takes a defined scope and an on-site assessment.

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