Water Cutoff: see Cutoff.

 

Water Stop: a diaphragm used across a joint as a sealant, usually to prevent the passage of water.

 

Water Table: the level within the ground below which the soil is saturated with water.

 

Waterproof: the quality of a membrane, membrane material, or other component to prevent water entry.

 

Waterproofing: treatment of a surface or structure to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure.

 

Weather Infiltration: the negative condition where rain or snow penetrate the roof. The condition is typically wind-driven.

 

Weep Holes: small openings whose purpose is to permit drainage of water that accumulates inside a building component (e.g., a brick wall, skylight frame, etc.).

 

Weld: to join pieces of metal together by heat fusion.

 

Wind Clip: a steep-slope roofing attachment device that fits over the butt end of tile, slate, and stone to help secure individual roofing units from wind-uplift.

 

Wind Uplift: the force caused by the deflection of wind at roof edges, roof peaks or obstructions, causing a drop in air pressure immediately above the roof surface. This force is then transmitted to the roof surface. Uplift may also occur because of the introduction of air pressure underneath the membrane and roof edges, where it can cause the membrane to balloon and pull away from the deck.

 

Woven Valley: a method of valley construction in which shingles or roofing from both sides of the valley extend across the valley and are woven together by overlapping alternate courses as they are applied.

 

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