Nailing       (1) exposed-nailing of roofing wherein nail heads are bare to the weather; (2) concealed from the weather.

National Association of Realtors (NAR)       A trade organization that sets the standards for the real estate profession and enforces a rigid code of honesty in real estate dealings. Membership includes real estate professionals across the country.

Negative amortization       The situation in which the balance of a loan gets larger, rather than smaller each month because payments made are too small to cover the loan’s interest charges. For example, if your monthly payment amount is based on a 4% interest rate but the actual rate being charged on the loan is 7.5%, your payments will not cover the accrued interest and each month the unpaid interest portion will be added to your loan balance.

Negative side waterproofing       An application wherein the waterproofing system and the source of hydrostatic pressure are on opposite sides of the structural element.

Neoprene       A synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) used in liquid- or sheet-applied elastomeric roofing membranes or flashing.

Nesting       A method of reroofing with new asphalt shingles over old shingles in which the top edge of the new shingle is butted against the bottom edge of the existing shingle tab.

Newel       The post supporting the handrail at the top and bottom of a stairway.

No Cut-Out Shingles       Shingles consisting of a single solid tab with no cutouts.

Noncombustible       The material will not burn.

Normal Slope Application       Method of installing asphalt shingles on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.

NRCA       National Roofing Contractors Association is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy.