Tab -  The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.

Talc -  See back surfacing.

Telegraphing -  A shingle distortion that may arise when a new roof is applied over an uneven surface.

Three-dimensional shingles -  See laminated shingles.

Top lap - That portion of the roofing covered by the succeeding course after installation.

TAPING - Applying joint tape over embedding compound in the process of joint treatment of drywall.

TEAR OFF - In roofing, a term used to describe the complete removal of the built up roof membrane and insulation down to and exposing the roof deck.

TEXTURE PAINT - One which may be manipulated by brush, trowel or other to give various patterns.

THERMAL MOVEMENT - The measured amount of dimensional change that a material exhibits as it is warmed or cooled.

THERMAL SHOCK - The stress built up by sudden and appreciable changes in temperature.

THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL - Solid material which is softened by increasing temperatures and hardened by decreasing temperatures.

THREE PHASE – In electrical contracting, a wiring system consisting of 4 wires and used in industrial and commercial applications. This system is suitable for installations requiring large motors. It consists of three hot wires and one ground wire. The voltage in each hot wire is out of phase with the others by 1/3 of a cycle, as if produced by 3 different generators.

THW - Moisture and heat resistant thermoplastic conductor. It is flame retardant, moisture and heat resistant and can be used in dry or wet locations.

TIE-IN - In roofing, a term used to describe the joining of a new roof with the old.

TILT-UP WALL - Cast concrete units which are preformed which, when cured, are tilted to their vertical position and secured by mechanical fasteners to prior erected structural steel. May be pre-cast.

TINTED GLASS – Glass with colorants added to the basic glass batch that give the glass color as well as light and heat-reducing capabilities. The color extends throughout the thickness of the glass.

TITLE 24 - A federal set of laws that mandates the construction industry to conserve energy.

TOE BEAD – Sealant applied at the intersection of the outboard glazing stop and the bottom of the glazing channel must be sized to also provide a seal to the edge of the glass.

TONGUE AND GROOVE - A type of flooring where the tongue of one board is joined to the groove of another board

TOOLING – The operation of pressing in and striking a sealant in a joint to press the sealant against the sides of a joint and secure good adhesion; the finishing off of the surface of a sealant in a joint so that it is flush with the surface.

TOP MOPPING - The finished mopping of hot bitumen on a built-up roof.

TOP PLATE - Top horizontal member of a frame wall.

TORCHING - Applying direct flame to a membrane for the purpose of melting, heating or adhering.

TRANSIT - A surveyors instrument used by builders to establish points and elevations both vertically and horizontally. It can be used to line up stakes or to plumb walls or the angle of elevation from a horizontal plane can be measured.

TREMIE - A tube with removable sections and a funnel at the top used in concrete application. The bottom is kept beneath the surface of the concrete and raised as the form is filled and is used to pour concrete underwater.

TRUSS - A major supporting structure usually made of timber.

TUCK POINTING - The re-grouting of defective mortar joints in a masonry or brick wall.

TW – Moisture-resistant thermoplastic conductor that can be used in dry or wet locations and has no outer covering and is not heat-resistant.

TWO-PART SEALANT – A product composed of a base and curing agent or accelerator, necessarily packages in two separate containers which are uniformly mixed just prior to use.

TEAR OFF - A term used to describe the complete removal of the built up roof membrane and insulation down to and exposing the roof deck.

THERMAL MOVEMENT - The measured amount of dimensional change, a material exhibits as it is warmed or cooled.

THERMAL SHOCK - The stress built up by sudden and appreciable changes in temperature.

THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL - Solid material which is softened by increasing temperatures and hardened by decreasing temperatures.

TIE-IN - A term used to describe the joining of a new roof with the old.

TILT-UP WALL - Cast concrete units which are preformed which, when cured, are tilted to their vertical position and secured by mechanical fasteners to prior erected structural steel. May be pre-cast.

TOP MOPPING - The finished mopping of hot bitumen on a built-up roof.

TORCHING - Applying direct flame to a membrane for the purpose of melting, heating or adhering.

TRUSS - A major supporting structure usually timber for roof decks.

TUCK POINTING - The re-grouting of defective mortar joints in a masonry or brick wall.