Real Estate Glossary

Our glossary is the largest dictionary of real estate and construction terms on the Internet with almost 10,000 definitions.
 
Sa - San - Sav - Sc - Scre - Se - Secu - Sem
Set - Sh - Shel - Si - Sim - Sl - Sm - Sol - Sp - Spi
Spr - St - Stap - Step - Str - Stri - Su - Sup
Sandblaster
Machine which wears away a coating, by use of sand, grit or other substance in a high-pressure air stream as it hits the surface. The air pressure and the size and shape or opening of the nozzle help to vary the force or coverage of the stream. Different abrasive materials, in different sizes, can be used depending on the reason for the use, such as whether it is a delicate or sturdy surface.
Sand Cone Test
Test used for comparison of the densities of a soil sample with a Proctor test sample of soil from the same area. The Proctor test sample weight, with 100 percent density, known as the factor, is used to determine the correct portion of water that must be in soil for optimum compaction.
Sander
Vibrating power device which smoothes a surface, wearing away excess material, by moving sandpaper over it.
Sander, Belt
A straight line power sander, which moves a revolving belt with an abrasive coating over the surface of the material in question. Since it works very quickly, it must be kept moving to avoid making grooves and it must be worked in the direction of the grain.
Sander, Orbital
Vibrating sander that moves in a circular motion along the surface, which removes sanding marks with a finer sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
Sander, Straight Line
Vibrating sander that moves in a back and forth motion, in the direction of the grain, at a slower speed than with a belt sander.
Sanding
To smooth or polish with sand, sandpaper or other abrasives.
Sanding a Trench
Placing sand evenly, along the bottom of a trench with a loader, to provide a smooth and uniform surface for supporting pipe along the length of the trench, protecting it from damaging materials.
Sanding Block
Block, hand held and covered with abrasive material, used to sand flat surfaces.
Sanding Drum
Cylindrical motor powered sander, with sandpaper around the circumference, which is used to sand contours and curves.
Sanding Sealer
Sealer that fills in pores and hardens the surface wood fibers so that a smooth surface is obtained when sanded. This type of sealers is often used on oak and pine.
Sanding Wheel
Metal disc, with adhesive-backed sandpaper attached, that is mounted on a power saw instead of the circular saw blade. Used for sharpening tools, shaping tile or sanding wood, it is more precise when mounted on a fixed shaft.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is used to smooth surfaces and eliminating small amount of material. The abrasive coating of crushed garnet, aluminum oxide, flint, etc. is glued to one side of paper or a thin flexible material.
Sand Sawn Finish Limestone
Limestone which has a moderately smooth sawn surface.
Sandstone
Sedimentary rock, used most often as decorative facing, which is quartz particles adhered together with silica, iron oxide and calcium carbonate.
Sandwich Lease
Lease held by a lessee who becomes a lessor by subletting. Typically, the sandwich leaseholder is neither the owner nor the user of the property.
Sandwich Panel
Insulation covered on each side by a material, such as metal.
Sapwood
Lighter colored wood that is found in the outer part of a tree, next to the bark. It contains living, dead and dying cells and lacks resistance to decay.
SARA
see Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.
Sanitary Sewer
House drain that carries waste away from the house to a septic system or a municipal sewer system.
Sash
Frame surrounding a door or window to block adverse weather. It may be made of wood, metal, or other material. The frame may be fixed or moveable.
Sash Balance
Counterbalance for the weight of the window sash, which is usually accomplished by the use of sash weights, making it easier to open and close or to remain in a certain position.
Sash Bar
Also referred to as muntins, these bars divide window openings.
Sash Block
Masonry block that holds a window or doorframe by use of a ¾ inch groove.
Sash Lift
Handle that is fastened to the bottom section of a double-hung window for use with opening and closing.
Sash Lock
Lock which allows window to be secured against opening.
Sash Weights
Double hung windows have cylindrical weights to counterbalance the weight of the sash, making it easier to open and close or remain in a certain position. The weights are normally held by non-stretching cords.
Satellite Cities
Subordinate neighborhoods that are tied to an urban area economically.
Satin Finish
Finish which has the appearance of satin cloth and is often used on metal fixtures, especially bathroom.
Satisfaction
Fulfillment of a person's needs or desires. Discharge of an obligation through payment or rendering of service.
Satisfaction of Lien
Release and discharge of a lien on property after the terms of the lien have been met.
Satisfaction of Mortgage
Written statement of the lender that the buyer of real estate has paid off the entire mortgage.
Satisfaction Piece
Instrument for recording and acknowledging final payment of a mortgage loan.
Saturated
Thoroughly soaked. Filled with the maximum that can be absorbed.
Saturated Felt
Felt, which is used under shingles and behind shower walls, because it is water resistant due to having been saturated with an asphalt compound.
Saturated Steam
Steam at the temperature that matches its pressure where any rise in pressure or drop in temperature will turn some of the steam to water.

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            Amy Taylor
                Owner, Realtor
 Buy or Sell Today, LLC w/KW

  4310 Prince William Parkway Ste. 200
           WOODBRIDGE, VA  22192
              Office: (703) 357-9200 
               Cell: (757) 777-7031
       amytaylor@buyorselltoday.com
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