Glossary

Construction and acoustic terminology used in this project. This glossary will be expanded as the project progresses.

Acoustic Terms

STC (Sound Transmission Class): A rating of how well a building partition (wall, floor, ceiling) attenuates airborne sound. Higher is better. STC 50 means a 100dB sound is reduced to ~50dB on the other side.
Decoupling: Physically separating building elements to prevent sound vibration transfer. Example: double stud walls with an air gap.
Flanking: Sound that bypasses a barrier by traveling through adjacent structures (floors, ceilings, ducts). The weak link in sound isolation.
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): Dense, flexible material used to add mass to walls for sound blocking without adding thickness.
Green Glue: Viscoelastic damping compound applied between drywall layers to convert sound energy to heat.
Room-Within-a-Room: Construction technique where interior surfaces are isolated from the outer structure. Gold standard for sound isolation.

Slab-on-Grade: Concrete slab poured directly on the ground, serving as both foundation and floor.
Rebar: Steel reinforcing bars placed in concrete to add tensile strength.
Vapor Barrier: Plastic sheeting placed under concrete to prevent moisture from wicking up through the slab.
Curing: The chemical process of concrete hardening. Requires moisture and time (typically 7-28 days for full strength).

Stud: Vertical framing member in a wall, typically 2x4 or 2x6 lumber.
Plate: Horizontal framing member at top (top plate) or bottom (sole plate) of a wall.
On Center (OC): Measurement from the center of one stud to the center of the next. Standard is 16" OC.
Header: Horizontal beam above doors/windows that transfers load around the opening.
Sheathing: Panels (plywood, OSB) attached to exterior of framing for structural rigidity.

R-Value: Measure of thermal resistance. Higher R-value = better insulation. R-19 is common for 2x6 walls.
Batt Insulation: Pre-cut sections of fiberglass or mineral wool insulation sized to fit between studs.
Rigid Foam: Dense foam boards (XPS, EPS, polyiso) used for continuous insulation.

Rough-In: Installing electrical boxes and running wires before drywall goes up.
Circuit: A complete path for electrical current, protected by a breaker.
Subpanel: Secondary electrical panel fed from the main panel, useful for outbuildings.

Permit: Official approval from local building department to perform construction work.
Inspection: Review by building inspector at key stages (foundation, framing, electrical, final).
Code: Building regulations that specify minimum standards for construction.
Setback: Required distance between a structure and property lines, per local zoning.

Accessory Building: An enclosed accessory structure with a roof, used or intended for supporting or sheltering a use. Differs from "accessory structure" (broader term including non-enclosed structures).
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit): A secondary living space with sleeping accommodations, kitchen facilities, or plumbing. The drum studio is NOT an ADU.
Impervious Cover: Surfaces that don't absorb water (roofs, concrete, etc.) - often limited by code to manage stormwater runoff.
Lot Coverage: The impervious area of a lot, including parking spaces, driveways, sidewalks, rocked areas, and equipment pads.