Structural Screw

Related terms

• Stucco

  A cement plaster applied in coats over lath, traditional (three-coat) or one-coat synthetic. Durable but crack- and moisture-detail sensi…

• Stone Veneer

  Natural or manufactured stone facing applied to a wall. Manufactured (adhered) veneer is lighter/cheaper; both demand a proper drainage p…

• Thermal Movement (Composite)

  Composite/PVC boards expand and contract with temperature more than wood; gapping and fastening must follow the maker's spec or boards bu…

• Starter Strip

  The first course's anchoring strip at the bottom of the wall that locks in the first siding row at the correct angle.

• Trim / Casing (Exterior)

  The boards around windows, doors, and corners (wood, PVC, composite). PVC/composite trim resists the rot that plagues painted wood trim.

• Stair Stringer

  The notched or solid sloped member carrying deck stair treads. Stringer span, spacing, and attachment are common failure points.

• Tropical Hardwood (Ipe)

  Dense, durable hardwood decking (ipe, cumaru) that lasts decades but is heavy, hard to fasten, costly, and needs sourcing diligence.

• Splash Block / Drain Extension

  A block or pipe directing downspout discharge away from the foundation — the cheapest defense against basement and crawl-space water.