International Conference of Building Officials, responsible for The Uniform Building Code. An organization that produces a widely-used model building code in the US.

Ice formed at the transition from a warm surface to a cold surface, such as along the overhang of a house. The build-up of ice is the result of ice or snow melting on the roof area over the warmer, living area of a building and then refreezing when it runs down and reaches the overhang.

The minimum temperature at which a material will combust.

A roof assembly’s ability to withstand the impact from falling objects such as hail. The relative susceptibility of plastics to fracture under stresses applied at high speeds.

To saturate; in roofing, asphalt impregnated fiber glass roofing felts are fiber glass mats that have been completely permeated with asphalt bitumen.

The use of an infrared camera to detect moisture in roof insulation.

Involving neither organic life nor the products of organic life; relating to compounds not containing hydrocarbon groups.

Material used to inhibit an insects ability to enter a building through openings in a roof such as vents.

Material used to help maintain a certain temperature in a building by reducing the flow of heat to and from that building. It is often added to buildings for comfort and energy efficiency, Soundproofing, also known as acoustic insulation, any means of reducing the intensity of sound and Thermal insulation, materials used to reduce the rate of heat transfer

The part of a ventilation system used to draw fresh air in. Usually vents installed in the soffit or along the eaves of a building.

A waterproof material usually installed between adjacent rows of wood shakes to help with the roof’s waterproofing characteristics.

Atmospheric pressure inside a structure that correlates to the number and location of openings and air leaks.

A variation of the "Protected Membrane Roof Assembly" in which Styrofoam® brand insulation is used. IRMA® and Styrofoam® are registered trademarks of the Dow Chemical Company.

(Institute of Roofing and Waterproofing Consultants) Professional Membership includes over 1200 skilled individuals, whose specialties include designing, repairing and managing roofing, waterproofing and exterior wall assemblies. Many also specialize in forensic investigation, expert witness testimony and construction document preparation.

A highly reactive organic chemical containing one or more Isocyanate groups. A basic component in Sprayed Polyurethane Foam systems and some polyurethane coating systems.