Thermal Movement (Composite)

Related terms

• Contract

  The legally binding agreement between owner and contractor that defines scope, price, schedule, and responsibilities. A remodel should ne…

• Gapping

  Seasonal spaces opening between boards when wood loses moisture in dry months. Some movement is normal; excessive gapping signals humidit…

• Trim / Casing (Exterior)

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

• Stucco

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

• Tropical Hardwood (Ipe)

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

• Structural Screw

  An engineered, code-listed screw rated for structural connections (ledgers, posts), replacing lag bolts in many deck details.

• Under-Deck Drainage

  A membrane or panel system below the joists that channels water away, creating dry usable space under an elevated deck.

• Stone Veneer

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