Ventilation is the process of exchanging or replacing air inside your house, with air from outside to improve indoor air quality. The most common form of ventilation is attic ventilation to release moist, warm air. Learn more about ventilation‘s role in protecting your home and family.
For other home construction concepts, explore our library and homeowner glossary.
VA Insurance Mortgage – Insurance available to veterans of the U.S. military from the Veterans Administration. Eligible borrowers must pay a premium of 1 % of the loan amount to get a VA insured loan. The loan is then backed by the government in case of borrower default.
Valley – The depression where two roof slopes intersect. This part of the roof is challenging when leaves, pine needles or snow and water collect.
Valuation – An estimation of value of a property, as determined by various factors. See appraisal.
Vapor Barrier – Any material used to prevent the passage of water vapor.
Vapor Migration – The movement of water vapor from a region of high vapor pressure to a region of lower vapor pressure.
Vapor Retarder – A layer of material or a laminate used to appreciably reduce the flow of water vapor into the roofing system. 
Venetian Window (left) – Also known as a Palladian window, is a three part window. The middle window is a large, arched window, with smaller rectangular windows on each side.
Vent – Any outlet for air that protrudes through the roof deck, such as a pipe or stack. Any device installed on the roof, gable or soffit for the purpose of ventilating the underside of the roof deck.
Vent Pipe (also called a Plumbing Pipe, and a Vent Stack on the roof) – The pipes running from plumbing waste pipes to the outdoors, usually through the roof. The vent pipes allow sewer gases to be released outside the house.
Vent Sleeve (Also called a Collar) – Pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening.
Ventilation – Creates a positive flow of air that allows the house to “breathe” and helps prevent moisture build-up year-round.
Verge – The edge of tiles, slates or shingles, projecting over the gable of a roof.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring – Resilient flooring, available in roll form, providing an installation with few seams.
Vinyl No-Wax – A surface that protects the color and pattern of the floor, but needs floor polish to maintain a high gloss.
Vinyl Tile – Resilient flooring available in flat pieces usually measuring 12″ x 12″ which can be installed as individual units.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – VOC is an acronym for volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma and upper respiratory infections.
