Valance – A decorative board across a window head, fastened to the wall, used to conceal the top of window curtains.

Valley – The internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping surfaces of a roof.

Valley Rafters – Defined under “Rafter Types”.

Vanity – A counter or cabinet to support a basin or sink in a bathroom or lavatory.

Vapor Barrier – Material used to retard the passage of water vapor or moisture. The performance is rated in Perms.

Vehicle – Defined under “Paint”.  

Veneer – A thin piece of layer of wood of uniform thickness applied to a back-up material.

Veneer (Masonry) – A non-load-bearing facing of masonry which is securely attached to a backing.

Vent (Gas) – A pipe connecting a gas appliance to conduct the products of combustion to the outside air.

Venting System – Defined under “Plumbing Terms”.

Verge Board – Sometimes referred to as barge board; the board under the verge of bales, sometimes moulded.

Vermiculite – A mineral closely related to mica, having the property, wen heated, of expanding to form light-weight material with insulating properties. It is used as bulk insulation and also as an aggregate in plaster.

Vitreous Tile – A glazed tile. See “Tile”.

Voltage – Defined under “Electrical Terms”.