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TACK-FREE: A curing phase of polyurethane foam wherein the material is no longer sticky.
TACK-FREE TIME: The time between the start of mixing the two SPF-forming components and the time that the surface of the foam can be touched with a wooden stick without it sticking.
TEAR STRENGTH: The maximum force required to tear a specimen, the force acting substantially parallel to the major axis of the test specimen. Values reported as a stress per unit of thickness.
TENSILE STRENGTH: The tensile (pulling or stretching) force necessary to rupture a material sample divided by the sample’s original cross sectional area. Units are usually kPa or psi or lb/in2.
TERMINATION: The treatment or method of anchoring and/or sealing the free edges of the membrane in roofing or waterproofing system.
THERMAL BARRIER: A material applied over spray polyurethane foam (and other foam plastics) designed to slow the temperature rise of the foam during a fire situation and delay its involvement in the fire. With certain exceptions, building codes require that SPF be separated from interior spaces with a thermal barrier. Building codes define thermal barriers as those specifically listed in the code (such as ½-inch gypsum wallboard) or those tested in accordance with NFPA 275 (meeting both the Temperature Transmission Fire Test and the Integrity Fire Test).
THERMAL BRIDGE: A thermally conductive material that penetrates or bypasses an insulation system such as a metal fastener or stud.
THERMAL CONDUCTANCE (C): A unit of heat flow that is used for a specific thickness of material or for materials of composite construction, such as laminated insulation. C=k/thickness. Units are W/m2•°K (Btu/hr•ft2•°F).
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (k): The heat energy that will be transmitted by conduction through 1 sq. ft of 1 in. thick homogeneous material in 1 hr when there is a difference of 1 degree Fahrenheit perpendicularly across the two surfaces of the material. Units are W/m•°K (Btu•in/hr•ft2•°F).
THERMAL MOVEMENT: Changes in the dimension of a material as a result of temperature changes.
THERMAL RESISTANCE (R): An index of a material’s resistance to heat flow; it is the reciprocal of thermal conductance (C) or the thickness divided by THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (k). (See also R-VALUE; THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY).
THERMAL SHOCK: The stress-producing phenomenon resulting from sudden temperature drops in a roof membrane, for example, a rain shower following brilliant sunshine.
THERMOGRAPHY: See INFRA-RED THERMOGRAPHY.
THERMOPLASTIC: A polymer that softens and/or melts when heated. Polystyrene is an example of a thermoplastic material.
THERMOSET: A polymer that irreversibly cures to its finished state through a catalytic reaction. Unlike thermoplastic foam, a thermoset foam cannot be melted. Polyurethane spray foam and polyisocyanurate board foam are examples of thermoset materials.
THINNER: A liquid used to reduce the viscosity of coatings or mastics. Thinners evaporate during the curing process. Thinners may be used as solvents for cleanup of equipment.
THIXOTROPIC: Having the property of decreasing viscosity with increasing shear stress. A coating is thixotropic if it thins with stirring or pumping, but thickens again when movement ceases.
TIE-IN LINES: The starting or stopping point at which new foam is applied to foam that had been sprayed earlier.
TINT: A color produced by the introduction of small amounts of a colored pigment.
TOXICITY: The quality, property, or degree of being poisonous or toxic.
TRANSITION MATERIAL: A material (typically a tape or membrane) or a combination of materials used between adjacent building-envelope components to provide continuity for an air barrier or water resistive barrier assembly.
TREEBARK SURFACE TEXTURE: See POPCORN SURFACE TEXTURE.
TWO-COMPONENT SYSTEM: A coating or polyurethane foam formed by the mixing and the reaction of two different materials.
TWO-PART SYSTEM: See TWO-COMPONENT SYSTEM.go to top
