 |
Jargon Buster |
Have you ever been confused by some of the technical or specialist terms used by tradesmen? If so, help is now at hand with our A-Z Glossary.
If you have any other words that you would like included, please email them to feedback@safelocaltrades.com
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z
Adaptor Coupling
A flexible sleeve used to join a toilet pan outlet to the soil pipe inlet.
Adjustable Damper
Regulates the temperature in the room by controlling heat emissions.
Aggregate
Pebbles, shingle, gravel etc. used in the manufacture of concrete and other construction work.
Airbrick
A perforated brick used for ventilation, especially for under floor spaces.
Airlock
A blockage in a pipe which is caused by trapped air.
Allen Keys
Strips of hexagonal-shaped metal bent to an L-shape, used to tighten and loosen special nuts.
Amp
A measure of electrical current.
Anodised
Metal treated with a coating of zinc to prevent rusting.
Apex
A triangle of brickwork or wood. It’s usually found at the end of a structure, supporting the roof.
Appliance
A household device operated by use of electricity or gas such as a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, cooker etc.
Architrave
A moulding around a doorway or window opening. It usually covers the joints between the frame and the wall finish, thus hiding any shrinkage gaps which may occur.
Arris
Sharp edge where two surfaces meet at an angle - usually 90 degrees.
Arris Rail
The triangular rail set between fence posts to which fencing panels are nailed.
Armoured Cable
Used for outdoor wiring. Two insulated conductors are surrounded by steel wires which act as the earth conductor with an outer sheath of PVC.
Asbestos
Formerly used for making fire prevention and insulation articles. This substance is now considered a health hazard (causing mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer) and must be removed by a specialist.
Asbestos Cement
Cement containing 10-15% asbestos. It cannot support heavy weights and hazardous fibres can be released if it is cut or drilled.
Ashlar
Ashlar is a large rectangular block of masonry sculpted to have square edges and even faces.
Asphalt
Black, tar-like material, strongly adhesive, waterproof and often used on flat roofs and under tile felt.
Awning
A type of external blind, usually of canvas.
back to topBack siphonage
A fault caused when external water is drawn back into a domestic water supply system.
Baluster
Alternative term for banister.
Balanced flue
A common flue design used with gas appliances which allows air to be drawn to the appliance whilst also allowing fumes to escape.
Ballast
A coarse aggregate used in concrete and for general building repairs.
Banister
Handrail attached to the side of a staircase.
Bar
A measure of pressure.
Barge board
Wide board fitted on edge of tiles following the slope of the roof.
Bat (brickwork)
A brick cut crossways to give a reduced length - commonly quarter, half or three-quarter bats.
Bead
Small convex moulding.
Beam and Block (Floor)
Suspended floors consisting of precast prestressed concrete beams spaced at centres to suit the use of standard walling blocks as infill between the beams. They are a preferred solution for suspended ground floors in housing.
Bearers
Battens designed to provide a support for other timbers.
Bevelled edges
Edges which have been angled - such as on many wall tiles
Bib tap
Tap fed by horizontal supply - as in a garden tap.
Bitumen
A black composition derived from mineral pitch; used for waterproofing.
Bitumen emulsion
A thick liquid form of bitumen used as both waterproofer and adhesive, particularly on solid floors.
Blown or Live
Plaster that has lost its bond with the wall.
Bolster chisel
A wide blade steel chisel used with a club hammer; ideal for splitting bricks and slabs.
Bond
Arrangement of bricks to ensure stability of brickwork.
Braces
Diagonal strips of timber used on tongued and grooved doors and gates to strengthen and prevent sagging.
Bradawl
A tool with a sharp tip designed to make start holes for small screws.
Breeze block
An old type of building block made using cinders - tends to produce find black dust when drilled or cut.
Brick bond
The various styles of laying bricks to give different patterns while ensuring that no vertical joints align with those of the higher or lower row.
Bulkhead fittings
Small enclosed watertight fittings used for outdoor lighting; as seen on ships’ bulkheads.
Burr
A rough edge often produced when drilling metal.
Butt hinge
Used for hanging doors; the hinge has two rectangular leaves joined by a pin. It is normally recessed into both door and frame.
Buttress or Pier
Thickening of wall to form a vertical projection to strengthen it.
back to top Cable buckles
Small straps, usually of soft metal, designed to hold cables in close contact with a surface
Cable cores
The actual cables which conduct electricity or act as the earth for an electrical system. (Two-core or three core cable).
Cantilever
A projecting beam (or other part of a structure) that is secured at one end only.
Cam fasterner
A fitting used on sash windows to lock two sashes together.
Castor cups
Small plastic cups placed under castors to reduce the amount of wear on carpets.
Catenary support wire
A wire which supports the weight of an outside extension cable when linking, for example, house and workshop.
Caulking
Sealing joints by applying a flexible compound or sealant.
Cavity wall
Usual construction for external walls comprising an inner and outer leaf (i.e., 2 layers of brick or blockwork) with a space between for insulation. This prevents rain on the external leaf from penetrating into the inner building.
Cement
A grey or white powdery material which is mixed with an aggregate and water to make mortar or concrete. A chemical reaction of the cement will cause the mixture to harden.
Cement mortar
A mixture of sand and cement, used for a variety of jobs, ranging from bricklaying and pointing to gap filling.
Central Muntin
The vertical central timber of a panelled door into which, panels slot.
Chalk line
A length of string, coated in chalk dust, which is used to produce accurate straight lines for many decorating tasks. The line is held at both ends and 'twanged' against a surface thus transferring chalk dust to it.
Chamfer
A bevel produced on timber constructions, often for decorative purposes - such as door panels.
Chase in
To cut a groove in a wall to take a conduit, cable or pipe so that when the wall is 'made good', it is concealed.
Chinagraph pencil
A pencil with greasy lead, designed to write on very smooth surfaces.
Chromate Primer
A paint used for priming aluminium, galvanised and other metal surfaces.
Circuit breaker
A device designed to cut off the power to a given electrical circuit. Now replaces fuses in many modern homes.
Cistern
Tank for storing water.
Cleat
Cable fixing for phone wire, etc.
Closer (brickwork)
A brick cut lengthways to give a reduced width but full length. A brick cut in half lengthwise is referred to as a Queen Closer.
Closing stile
The vertical timber of a door to which a lock or latch is fitted.
Coaxial downlead
A lead from a TV aerial to wherever a TV and tuner are situated.
Collar (in pipes)
The wider end of a pipe into which another pipe fits
Combination boiler
Designed to provide water for both heating and domestic hot water; eliminates the need for a hot water cylinder.
Compression joing
A plumbing component for pipe jointing where a spanner is used to seal the joint.
Conduit gland
A component used when securing outdoor cable in a mounting box.
Consumer unit
The power centre of a home’s electrical system.
Continuity tester
An electrical appliance designed to check that electrical circuits are functioning correctly.
Coping stones
Stone or concrete slabs laid on top of a masonry wall as a decorative finish and to shed rainwater. The coping stones are normally wider than the wall to allow an overhang on both sides of the wall.
Corbelling
Successive projecting row of brickwork.
Core bit
A bit consisting of a circle of tungsten carbide-tipped teeth, designed to make large holes in masonry. Used with a power drill.
Counter-bore
To insert a suitable screw into a surface so that its head does not protrude above that surface. This is achieved by using screws in a hole 'counterbored' with a flat bottomed cutter. If the counterbore is deep enough, it may be plugged with a piece of doweling to fully hide the screw head.
Counter-sink
To insert a suitable screw into a surface so that its head does not protrude above that surface. This is achieved by using counter sink screws in a hole 'countersunk' with a conical-shaped cutter.
Couplers
Special sleeves designed to join lengths of PVC conduit together. Joints are solvent-welded.
Course
A row of bricks, concrete blocks, etc in a wall etc.
Cove or Cornice
Moulding around room at junction of wall and ceiling.
Crackle glaze
A crackle finish produced in the glaze of a tile during manufacture.
Cranked hinge
A hinge bent in such a way that a door can be opened through 180 degrees.
Cranked spanner
A spanner with off-set jaws, for dealing with nuts in confined spaces.
Cross bonding
A method of linking insulated earthing cables so that a system is safely earthed.
Cylinder lock
The most common door lock where the key operates the door latch.
back to top
Dado rail
Horizontal moulding part way up a wall.
Datum pegs
Pegs used to mark out an area when constructing paths, drives or patios.
Datum point
The measured point at which a datum peg is to be inserted.
Deadlocking
The turn of a key in a lock, rendering the lock inoperable without the key.
Deal
Term for a piece of square-sawn softwood.
Deep seal trap
The U-bend beneath a bath or basin which prevents smells rising from drains.
Dip pipe flange
A special flange which fits into the top of a cylinder to provide a separate supply such as to a pumped shower.
Diplexers
Units which avoid the need for multiple downleads when you have both TV and FM aerials
Direct cylinder
A cylinder connected directly to a hot water supply.
Directional dipole aerial
A type of aerial which is sited so it is directed at the transmitter supplying radio signals
Distemper
Wall paint made from water, pigment and glue (traditional). It is best that it is removed before repainting with emulsion.
Double-check non-return valve
A special valve inserted mainly in external taps to prevent back-siphonage.
Dowel
A cylindrical, grooved piece of wood used to join two pieces of wood together.
Downpipe
The pipe used to take water from the guttering to the drainage system.
Downpipe shoe
The angled end-piece of a downpipe, directing water into a gully.
DPC
Damp Proof Course. A material used to prevent damp rising into the fabric of a building.
Drain spigot
The end of a pipe to which a hose can be connected to drain-down a domestic water system.
Drilling jig
An aid to ensuring holes are drilled in correct positions - as with making dowel joints
Drip
Moulding or groove in overhanging member to prevent water creeping back.
Drip groove
A groove cut in the underside of a projection (such as a window sash or sill) to cause rainwater to drip to the ground rather than running under the projection onto the main structure.
Drip loop
A loop designed to discourage rainwater from gathering on an overhead cable.
Dry rot
A fungus which rots timber, masonry and plaster.
Drylined
The use of plasterboard to line a wall or ceiling, as opposed to using wet plaster.
Ducting
A form of channelling which can be to direct air or fumes to an exit; or to house or hide pipes or wiring.
back to top
Earth clamps
A means of connecting insulated earthing cables to pipes.
Earthing tags
Used to connect an earthing cable to metal baths and sinks.
Eaves
The lowest point of a roof which usually overhangs the wall below.
Edging sander
A power tool ideal for finishing floor sanding around the perimeter of a room
Efflorescence
The white powdery deposit on the surface of masonry or plaster caused by mineral salts migrating to the surface as a result of moisture evaporation; harmless but unsightly.
Energy saving lightbulb
Uses advanced 'electronic' technology to produce a highly efficient and compact light using a fraction of the electricity of ordinary incandescent bulbs. These bulbs use about 20% of the electricity of standard bulbs and last up to eight times as long.
Engineering brick
A strong and dense type of brick, impervious to water so ideal for use in damp areas.
EPDM
A form of draught excluder.
Escutcheon plate
Open or covered, it provides a neat finish to a keyhole - and keeps out draughts.
back to topFaceplate
The outer part of a light switch or socket outlet.
Fascia
The board immediately below a roof to which guttering is fixed.
Feather-edge boards
Boards which are tapered across the width; mainly used for close-board fencing.
Female connectors
That section of a fitting which houses the thread.
Fibre Quilting
A form of thick matting used for thermal insulation. Usually it is fibreglass based therefore health and safety precautions need to be taken when handling it.
Filament
Very thin coiled wire used in incandescent lamps which is heated by an electric current to produce light .
Filling loop
A means of feeding water into a sealed domestic water system, or a system with a combination boiler.
Finial
The end-stops on curtain poles, usually decorative.
Fitch
A type of brush used for stencilling.
Fitch fastener
A device designed to secure a wooden sliding sash window; not a good security risk.
Flashing
A means of sealing the gap between a roof and an adjoining wall.
Flashing tape
A waterproof, self-adhesive tape, used for creating new or repairing old flashings.
Flashing
A means of sealing the gap to deflect water at junction between roof and wall.
Flat Arch
An arch that is almost completely horizontal.
Flaunching
Cement mortar filler round the top of a chimney stack.
Flexible drain auger
A flexible device for clearing blockages in drainpipes.
Flexible filler
A filling material which retains its grip despite slight movements in the materials involved.
Flexible silicone joint
A seal made with silicone sealant which has the ability to absorb movement between surfaces without cracking.
Float valve
A valve which is opened and closed by the movement of a float as water level varies.
Floating floor
A floor which is independent of the base upon which it stands.
Flue
A channel designed to allow for the removal of fumes fireplaces or appliances.
Flue liner
The lining within a chimney to protect the brickwork from the effects of the waste fumes. Essential for high output gas appliances such as boilers.
Fluting
Parallel concave channels used to decorate the surfaces of stone, plaster or timber etc.
Fluorescent lamp
A lamp in which electric discharge of ultraviolet energy excites a fluorescent coating (phosphor) and transforms some of that energy to visible light; uses very little electricity and lasts for a long time.
Flush door
Door with completely flat faces.
Footlifter
Wedge used to lift boards for nailing to wall.
Formation level
The deep point in an excavation for a drive or path.
Foundations
Normally concrete, cast into the sub-soil as the structural base for a wall or building - the depth and size will depend, amongst other things, upon the size/type of building and the nature of the sub-soil. In older buildings, the foundations may just be a course or two of wide bricks or stone.
Frog
The indent on bed face of a brick.
back to top
Gauged brickwork
Fine brickwork with very thin joints.
Gable or Verge
Upper part of an outer wall at the end of a pitched roof.
Galvanised
Metal parts coated with zinc to prevent rusting.
Gasket
A kind of washer designed to provide a perfect seal between two surfaces.
Gate valve
A tap designed to control low-pressure water flow - usually with a wheel handle.
G-clamps
Devices shaped like the letter G, for holding work pieces in close contact - often when gluing.
Gilding
A technique of applying a gold finish to a surface: usually by application of either gold paint or gold leaf.
Gimlet
A small tool, usually with T-shaped handle, for boring small holes.
Gland nut
A small nut in the body of a tap which compresses the gland packing to prevent water leaking at the tap spindle.
Glazing bars
The supports into which glass is fitted - as in a greenhouse.
Gold leaf
A very thin sheet of rolled or hammered gold that is used for gilding decoration.
Glazing bar
Thin bar shaped to receive pane of glass.
Gravity circulation
A natural (un-pumped) flow created within a water heating system.
Gravity fed system
Central heating system that circulates water by gravity and water expansion.
Grommet
A soft washer, usually rubber, designed to prevent a cable coming into contact with a metal socket box.
Ground heave
The swelling affect of clay sub-soil due to absorption of moisture, can cause an upward movement of foundations resulting in damage to buildings.
Gully
An opening into a drain, normally at ground level, placed there to receive water etc. from rainwater downpipes and surface water. In older properties, sink, basin and bath wastewater may have fed into a gully, however this is not allowed with more modern buildings.
Guttering
The collecting channels at the lowest point of a roof for collecting the rainwater. Usually cast iron (on older properties) or plastic; may also be Asbestos cement. Various profiles are available, the two standard traditional ones being half-round (with a semi-circular section and supporting brackets fixed to the fascia) and Ogee (a moulded pattern with a flat back, where it is made from cast iron, lengths are secured to the fascia by fixing screws through the back).
back to topHalogen lightbulb
Produces twice as much light and lasts twice as long as a conventional incandescent bulb of the same wattage. However, they generate a great deal of heat.
Hardcore
The sub-base material for concrete work; usually made of broken brick or stone.
Hasp
Half of a hasp and staple, used with a padlock to secure the door of a building.
Head plate
A horizontal timber fixed to a ceiling to which vertical timbers of a stud partition are nailed.
Header
The end face of a brick.
Header tank
Small open cistern (tank) that feeds water to central heating system.
Herringbone
Zigzag pattern of brickwork.
Hexagon bush
A coupling designed to join together lengths of flexible supply hose - as to a washing machine.
Hinge bolts
Bolts inserted at the hinge side of a door to prevent the door from being levered off its hinges.
Hip
Line of adjoining sections of pitched roof at external angle of building.
Hipped roof
Pitched roof, the ends of which are also sloped.
Hip tile
Roof tile shaped to cover hip of roof.
Hoggin
A bedding material of gravel and sandy clay - more expensive than hardcore.
Hopper head
An external fitting at the head of a downpipe into which wastepipes from basins and baths may drain.
Hose lances
A metal extension to a hose to simplify the watering of window boxes and hanging baskets.
back to top Incandescent bulbs
A bulb with a filament that glows with light and heat.
Indirect cylinder
A hot water cylinder in which domestic water and central heating water are separated from each other.
Infrared radiation
For practical purposes, any radiant energy within the range 770-106 nanometers; this energy is sensed as heat.
Isolating valve
A form of tap designed to control the supply of water to a system.
back to top Jamb
The side of an opening in a wall for a door or window.
Joist
Support for floor and ceiling.
Jubilee clip
A circular clip which can be tightened by means of a small screw; often used on hoses.
back to top Keyhole angle plates
Slotted metal plates which connect with screw heads to lock an item in place.
Knotting
Varnish to stabilise knots in wood.
Kilowatt (kW)
A larger unit of power; a thousand watts (watts x 1000 = kilowatts).
Kilowatt Hour (kWh)
The measure of electrical usage from which electricity billing is determined. For example, a 100-watt lamp operated for 1000 hours would consume 100 kilowatt hours, (100 watts x 1000 hours = 100 kwh). At a billing rate of 0.10/kwh, this lamp would cost 10.00 (100 kwh x 0.10/kwh) to operate.
back to top Land Drain
A drain which usually consists of pipes laid with open joints and surrounded by pea shingle or similar material through which water can seep into the surrounding soil.
Lath
Thin strip of wood used as a support for plaster on walls and ceilings (traditional).
Lean-to roof
Sloping roof supported along its highest part by a taller adjoining wall.
Linear fluorescent
Straight, tubular-shaped fluorescent light - uses very little electricity and lasts for a very long time.
Lintel
Concrete or steel beam over an opening (usually a door or window), supporting the wall above.
Load bearing wall
A wall which supports the structure of the building above. It should not be removed without professional assistance.
Loam
Soil which is a mixture of sand, clay, humus and silt.
Lock staple
The housing mounted on a doorframe into which a latch and bolt move.
Lockshield head
The upper part of a lockshield valve, fitted to a hot water radiator to control the water flow.
Loose-fill insulation
Loose material for insulating cavity walls and lofts.
Low voltage
Denotes a lamp with a voltage of less than 50 Volts.
LPG
Liquid Petroleum Gas or Propane. Used in areas without mains gas; requires an on-site storage tank.
Lugs
Projections built into an appliance to enable it to be secured to a wall; as with a fireplace surround.
back to top
Magnetic contact transmitter
A device mainly fitted to windows which activates an alarm when the window is opened
Male threaded connector
That part of a connector which includes the actual thread (See Female connector).
Mansard roof
Form of pitched roof designed to provide more space for rooms.
Masonry bit
A drill bit with tungsten carbide tip, used for drilling holes in bricks and blocks.
Masonry nails
Specially hardened nails which can be driven direct into bricks and blocks; safety spectacles are essential.
Masonry paint
Paint specially formulated for coating rendered exterior walls
Masonry stud anchors
A special type of expanding bolt used to fix timbers to masonry.
Mastic
A flexible sealant used widely for repairs, and for waterproofing surfaces
MCB
Short for Miniature Circuit Breakers - replaces fuses in modern homes.
Megger
Test meter used by electricians.
Melamine
A plastic, best known as the material used to surface worktops (Formica laminate).
Mezzanine
Extra floor - possibly inserted between floor and ceiling of very tall room.
Mini trunking
A plastic surface-mounted channeling used to hide pipes or cables.
Mitre or mitred
Angled 45 degree joint (similar to joint in a picture frame).
Module
Dimensional co-ordination of components.
Mortar
Mixture of sand, cement, (sometimes lime) and water, used to bond stones and bricks.
Mortice lock
A type of lock where the key drives a bolt into a striking plate in the door frame.
Mouldings
Decorative strips of wood.
Mounting box
A box to which a light switch or socket is screwed.
Muck
Slang term for mortar.
Mullion
Vertical fixed post between a window sill and the window lintel. Usually of stone or precast reinforced concrete.
back to top
Newel
Vertical post at top and bottom of staircase.
Nogging
Short wooden stiffeners inserted between joists.
Non-ferrous
Metals with no iron content, such as copper or aluminium.
Non load bearing
A surface, such as a partition wall which has no weight bearing upon it.
Nosing
The overhanging edge of a stair tread or counter top.
back to top Offset bend
A section of pipe especially angled to alter the position of a downpipe - i.e, bring it closer to a wall.
Omni-directional aerial
A type of radio aerial ideal for receiving signals from several FM transmitters.
Ornate escutcheon
A decorative keyhole cover, pivoted at the top.
Over-rim supply bidet
A bidet connected in the same way as a washbasin, with water supplied to the inner rim.
back to top
Parapet
Low wall along the edge of a roof, balcony etc. Mostly used for decorative purposes.
Parquet
Timber flooring made up of small blocks of wood, often in basket-weave pattern.
Particle board
Sheet material made from wood chips bonded together under pressure - such as chipboard.
Paste flux
A special paste which is used to prepare a metal surface prior to soldering.
Pebble dash
Roughcast wall finish with stones bedded in rendered wall.
Pent roof
A roof sloping in one direction - i.e. shed roof, front to back.
Pier
A vertical column of brickwork or other material built into a wall in order to strengthen it.
Plasterboard
A 'sandwich' of plaster with paper/card on either side; mainly used for ceilings and walls.
Pilaster
Projecting part of a square column which is attached to wall.
Pilot hole
Hole drilled in timber to give a start for the thread part of a screw.
PIR detector
Short for Passive Infra-Red, used in security devices to detect the movement of intruders.
Pitch
Slope of roof - expressed as an angle or ratio.
Plain tile
Rectangular "flat" roofing tile.
Plaster
Applied wall finish.
Plasterboard
Prefabricated sheets of plaster for walls and ceilings.
Plinth
Projecting base to external walls or a raised section, such as around the base of a shower cabinet.
Plumb line
A weighted cord used to check or locate a true vertical; used principally in wallpapering.
Pointing
The use of mortar to finish the joints formed between bricks in a wall.
Polyurethane
A chemical used in many exterior varnishes to ensure weatherproofing and durability.
Porous
A material which has the ability to absorb liquids.
Power factor
A measure of how efficiently a device uses power. Power factor may range from 0 to 1, with 1 being the ideal. A device that converts all the power supplied to it by the power utility into watts is said to have a power factor of 1. Devices with PF greater than or equal to 0.90 are referred to as High Power Factor (HPF) devices, whereas devices with PF less than 0.60 are referred to as low power factor devices.
Press locking bolt
A bolt which can be manually driven home without the use of a key.
Profile gauge
A device housing a large number of movable needles which, when pressed against a surface, will take up its shape.
Purlins
Horizontal timbers running parallel to the ridges; also referred to as side timbers.
Purpose-made cylinder union
A device for connecting primary pipe work to a hot water cylinder.
Push-fit joints
Joints which lock naturally when pressed together.
Purlin
Horizontal beam, part way up a rafter to prevent sagging.
back to top Quadrant moulding
A thin piece of timber of quarter-circle section.
Queen closer
A brick cut in half lengthwise.
back to topRag rolling
A form of decoration where paint is transferred to a surface by a loosely rolled rag.
Rafters
Series of structural timbers rising from eaves to ridge to support pitched roof covering.
Rail
Horizontal member in door or fence.
RCD
Short for Residual Current Device, it has the ability to cut off a power supply immediately if a fault develops in a circuit.
Relieving arch
An arch constructed above a lintel or beam to take weight of wall above.
Render or rendering
The process of coating an external wall with a layer of fine cement mortar.
Re-point
To replace missing or damaged mortar between bricks.
Resin
The sticky sap which exudes mainly from knots in timber.
Reveal
Vertical side of door or window opening.
Ridge
The line formed where two sides of a sloping or pitched roof meet.
Ring circuit or ring main
The system of running rings of cable around rooms, to which electrical sockets are connected.
Rising damp
A condition caused by ground moisture rising up a masonry wall by capillary action. It occurs where there is no damp-proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has been damaged or bridged.
Ring main
Power circuit for sockets.
Rise
Vertical distance between two adjacent stair treads.
Riser
Upright part of a stair OR vertical water pipe from the mains.
Rodding eye
An opening in a drainage pipe through which rods can enter to clear a blockage.
Roof truss
Prefabricated structural timer framework to support roof.
RSJ
Rolled steel joist.
back to top
Sarking felt
Waterproof felt under roof tile battens.
Sash
Framework for glass - in particular double-hung sliding sash window.
Sash stops
Small security devices which prevent a sash window opening further than a given point.
Scotia beads
Decorative mouldings, all based upon a right-angled section of timber.
Screed
Layer of fine concrete used to provide smooth surface prior to floor finish.
Screeding timbers
Spaced battens temporarily fixed to a wall and used for depth control when plastering.
Screw eye
A screw with open circular head available in a range of sizes; provides an anchor point for curtain wire hooks or ropes.
Scumble glaze
Used in a form of decoration where a light glaze is painted over a darker colour.
Sealant
A special filler designed to seal the gap between two surfaces - such as bath or basin and wall.
Sealing washer
A flexible washer used between tap and a basin to provide a watertight seal.
Second fix
Items fitted following plastering - including joiner, cupboards and plumbing/electrical fittings.
Self-levelling compound
A special compound poured over an uneven floor to produce a level surface.
Septic Tank
A sewage disposal system normally consisting of two or three linked chambers within which bacterial processes breakdown the effluent, the final result being a liquid which can be fed into a land drain or “soakaway” (see Soakaway below).
Shavehook
A shaped metal tool designed to scrape softened paint from a decorated surface.
Shiplap cladding
Shaped timber boards, designed to overlap to provide a weather tight joint.
Sill
Bottom horizontal member of a door or window frame.
Silicon carbide paper
An abrasive paper which can be used wet or dry; contains a special non-clogging agent.
Skew nailing
Nails driven in at an acute angle to improve holding power.
Skim
Finishing coat of plaster.
Skirting
Horizontal board at junction between floor and wall.
Soakaway
A process for draining rainwater into the ground. Usually a large hole is dug and filled with broken bricks, rubble or similar 'waste' materials into which the rainwater is piped. Its effectiveness largely depends upon the type of soil surrounding the hole.
Soffit
A board used to enclose the space below a fascia board (See Fascia).
Soil stack (Soil pipe)
A pipe designed to convey gases from drains away from the house.
Sole plate
A timber used as a base to which vertical timbers are nailed to form a stud partition.
Solenoid valve
An electrically operated valve, often used to control water flow in an appliance - washing machine, dishwasher.
Solvent welded joints
Used in plastic plumbing, the adhesive used melts the plastic together.
Solid Floor
Usually built up of layers of aggregate, damp-proof membrane (in modern floors) and concrete finished with a layer of screed.
Spacers
Pieces of X-shaped plastic inserted between wall tiles to produce small gaps.
Span
Horizontal distance covered by a beam or lintel etc.
Spirit Level
A tool used to establish true vertical and horizontal lines by looking at a bubble in spirit filled vials.
Spoil
Material dug out during excavation.
Spotlight
Beam of light projected onto a particular object or location.
Spurs
Electrical cables run from a ring circuit to feed other sockets or appliances.
Stabilising primer
A primer used to bond an unstable surface prior to decorating - i.e. over old distemper or old external rendering.
Stack
Vertical pipe carrying waste from sinks and toilets.
Stakes
Strong timber battens used to support plants.
Staple
Used with a Hasp on an outbuilding door to provide a fixing point for a padlock.
Stiles
The vertical timbers of a panelled door.
Stippler
A special brush designed to produce a soft broken effect to a surface being painted.
Stocks
Hand or machine-made bricks made in a mould.
Stock block
The main part of a mortise gauge which slides along the bar housing the marking pins.
Stop cock
Most commonly the tap which can be used to cut off the water supply to a home.
Stopends
Sections of guttering used to cap the ends of runs.
Straightedge
A length of timber or metal with at least one edge truly straight for marking out, checking levels etc.
Stress crack
Damage often caused by over tightening a fitting, or applying too much pressure.
Stretcher
The side face of a brick.
Striker plate
The part of a lock fitted to the door frame, into which the bolt and latch pass.
String
Sloping board carrying the treads and risers of a staircase.
Stringcourse
A horizontal strip of moulded stone or special bricks set into a wall.
Striplight
Tubular-shaped incandescent lightbulb used in bathroom shaver lights, picture lights and under-cupboard lighting (See also Fluorescent Lamps).
Stud partition
A wall constructed of timbers to which plasterboard is nailed.
Stud and noggin
A timber framework with short strengthening pieces inserted.
Subfloor
The surface beneath a floor covering; this is usually concrete or timber and sometimes covered with hard board.
Sub-soil
A collective and general term for the layers of soil below the uppermost layer or topsoil. It can consist of sand, silt and clay but has little, if any, humus or other organic matter. Subsoil provides structure, holds moisture, and is a good foothold for foundations.
Surface-mounted socket
A type of socket designed to be mounted on the surface of a wall, rather than inset.
Surform
A shaping tool with a base perforated by scores of chisel-like teeth.
Suspended concrete beam floors
Usually consist of precast prestressed concrete beams, spaced at centres to suit the use of standard walling blocks as infill between them.
Suspended timber floors
The joists supporting the floor boards or chipboard are themselves supported by small "sleeper" walls at ground floor level or wall hangers at other floors. Older properties may have the joists built into the masonry walls which can lead to the ends of the joists rotting.
Sward
An area of ground covered by short grass.
Swarf
Metal shavings - produced by drilling.
Swivel tap
Any tap where the spout can be moved from side to side.
back to top Tamping
To compress soil or building materials by striking with a flat surface.
Tap spindle
The part of a tap linking the handle to the main body.
Tarmac
Bitumen macadam coating aggregate for drive/path surfaces.
Teed-off
A branch taken from an existing pipe - in the form of a letter T.
Thermal Resistance
The value of the thermal resistance of a piece of material can be thought of as the temperature difference across it required to produce one unit of heat flow per unit area. It is measured by m2K/W, where m2 is the surface area, K is the temperature difference and W is the resultant heat flow.
Thermostatic valve
A valve used on a radiator which can be set to control the heat-output.
Threaded insert
The threaded part of a jointing system designed to be inserted into timber.
Tie bar
Heavy metal bar passing through walls to brace a structure suffering from structural instability. The ends are often visible outside a building by the large metal 'S', 'X' or circular plates which spread the load over the external walls.
Tiler's spike
A sharp pointed tool for scoring through the glaze of ceramic tiles prior to cutting.
Timber frame
Type of house construction usually finished with brickwork outer skin.
T&G boarding
Tongue and Groove; traditional softwood for floors and walls.
Torque
The amount of force applied by a spanner to tighten or loosen a thread; some tools have a Torque control.
Trap
A curved section of drain that holds water, providing a seal to prevent odours from escaping.
Tread
Horizontal part of a stair.
Triple glazing
A type of window providing thermal insulation by using three panes of glass hermetically sealed with two internal air gaps.
TRV
Thermostatic radiator valve.
Two-core flex
A flexible cable having only `live` and neutral conductors; as used with double-insulated appliances.
back to top Undercutting
Cutting away material from the edges of a recess to provide a key for new material.
Underpinning
A method of strengthening weak foundations by supporting the walls, digging underneath and inserting a new foundation.
Union clips
Special sections, incorporating seals, which link two sections of plastic gutter together.
Unvented water cylinder
A cylinder well suited to feeding continental water taps.
back to top
Vapour barrier
A water-resistant sheet often used in house construction to prevent moisture passing from one surface to another.
Variable gain controls
A TV signal booster which allows you to select the level of amplification you need for good results.
Verge tile
Edge of a roof which runs from eaves to ridge at a gable.
Vinyl Flooring
A soft flexible and cushioned flooring available in sheets or tiles.
Volt
A unit of measure of the potential difference in an electric circuit (a lamp's voltage should match the voltage rating of the circuit on which it operates).
Voltage
A measurement of electromotive force or the pressure of electricity.
Volts (V)
Voltage requirement (e.g. 240V).
Voussoir
Wedge-shaped brick used in arch construction.
back to top Wainscot
Wooden lining to the walls of a room (traditional).
Wall tie
Metal connector built into masonry walls to provide a structural link between the inner and outer skins.
Water proofer
A liquid designed to prevent the entry of water into masonry; it may still allow the wall to breathe so moisture can escape.
Watt
Unit used to measure power consumption.
Weatherstruck joint
Pointing in brickwork finished with a sloping, roof-like, surface.
Wet rot
Decay of timber due to wet or damp conditions.
Worm cast
A mound of coiled, sticky earth deposited on a soil's surface.
back to top Zoning
Providing separate space heating control for different parts of a building, i.e. ground floor or first floor; usually achieved by the use of motorised valves.
