V
Valley- The "V" shaped area of a roof where two sloping
roofs meet. Water drains off the roof at the valleys.
V
alley
flashing- Sheet metal that lays in the "V"
area of a roof valley.
Valuation- An inspection carried out for the benefit of the mortgage
lender to ascertain if a property is a good security
for a loan.
Valuation
fee- The fee paid by the prospective borrower
for the lender's inspection of the property. Normally
paid upon loan application.
Vapor
barrier- A building product installed on exterior
walls and ceilings under the drywall and on the warm
side of the insulation. It is used to retard the movement
of water vapor into walls and prevent condensation within
them. Normally, polyethylene plastic sheeting is used.
Variable
rate- An interest rate that will vary over the
term of the loan.
Veneer- Extremely thin sheets of wood. Also a thin slice of
wood or brick or stone covering a framed wall.
Vent-
A pipe or duct which allows the flow of air and gasses
to the outside. Also, another word for the moving glass
part of a window sash, i.e. window vent.
Vermiculite- A mineral used as bulk insulation and also as aggregate
in insulating and acoustical plaster and in insulating
concrete floors.
Veterans
Administration (VA)- A federal agency that insures
mortgage loans with very liberal down payment requirements
for honorably discharged veterans and their surviving
spouses.
Visqueen- A 4 mil or 6 mil plastic sheeting.
Void- Cardboard rectangular boxes that are installed
between the earth (between caissons) and the concrete
foundation wall. Used when expansive soils are present.
Voltage- A measure of electrical potential. Most homes are wired
with 110 and 220 volt lines. The 110 volt power is used
for lighting and most of the other circuits. The 220
volt power is usually used for the kitchen range, hot
water heater and dryer.