CONSTRUCTION & URBAN PLANNING GLOSSARY
Standardized architectural, structural, and regulatory definitions. Clarifies essential abbreviations (POT, CUT, RH, AC), building physics metrics (U-value, thermal bridges), and Romanian construction law frameworks (Legea 50/1991, Legea 10/1995).
U-value (Coeficient de Transfer Termic U)(Thermal Transmittance (W/m²·K))
RO: Coeficient de Transfer Termic (U)
The rate of heat transfer through one square meter of a building element (wall, roof, window, slab) divided by the temperature difference across the element. Measured in W/(m²·K). Lower U-values indicate superior thermal insulation.
Romanian nZEB regulations (Normativ C 107) enforce maximum permissible U-values: exterior walls U ≤ 0.18 - 0.20 W/m²K, flat roofs U ≤ 0.12 - 0.15 W/m²K, windows Uw ≤ 0.85 - 1.10 W/m²K.
Thermal Bridge (Punte Termică)(Punte Termică Liniară / Punctuală)
RO: Punte Termică
A localized area of a building envelope where the thermal resistance is significantly lower than the surrounding wall, typically occurring at reinforced concrete column-slab intersections, balcony penetrations, and window frame perimeters.
Thermal bridges lead to localized interior surface cooling, high winter heat loss, condensation risk, and toxic mold growth. Mitigated through continuous exterior insulation (ETICS) and structural thermal break balcony connectors (Isokorb).
Vapor Barrier (Barieră Contra Vaporilor)(Barieră de Vapori cu Rezistență Ridicată (Sd > 100m))
RO: Barieră de Vapori
A low-permeability membrane installed on the warm interior side of thermal insulation to prevent warm, humid indoor air from penetrating into the insulation layer and condensing into liquid water.
Mandatory in flat roofs, timber frame walls, and attic ceilings.
nZEB (nearly Zero-Energy Building)(Clădire cu Consum de Energie Aproape Zero)
RO: Clădire nZEB
A building that has a very high energy performance, with near-zero energy demand covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.
Mandatory by law in Romania for all newly constructed buildings since January 1, 2021.
ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System)(Sistem Compozit de Izolare Termică la Exterior)
RO: Termosistem ETICS
A factory-specified kit comprising insulation boards (EPS, Rock Wool), adhesive, mechanical anchor fixings, basecoat reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and decorative finish render.
Standard exterior thermal envelope solution in Romania.
Airtightness & Blower Door Test (Etanșeitate la Aer n50)(Testul de Presurizare / Depresurizare Blower Door)
RO: Etanșeitate la Aer (n50)
Building envelope airtightness measurement quantifying the air change rate at 50 Pascal pressure differential (n50 in h⁻¹).
Ensures controlled ventilation performance and eliminates unconditioned draft heat losses in nZEB buildings (n50 ≤ 1.5 h⁻¹).