A
Acid etching: A method of applying a design to glass using acid
Acrylic: Water-based paint or glaze used for walls and ceilings
Aggregate: Small pieces of stone, gravel or similar material, mixed with cement to make concrete
Aggregate: Small pieces of stone, gravel or similar material, mixed with Portland cement and water
Airbrick: Ventilated brick that allows air into a room or under a floor
Airlock: Blockage in a pipe caused by trapped air
Alkyd Paint: A solvent-based paint based on alkyd resin
Ampere (amp): The measure of the rate at which electricity flows through a circuit.
Anchor Bolt: A sturdy bolt that is set in concrete to form an attachment for supporting members
Angle Bead: A moulding made from expanded metal mesh and galvanised steel. Used to reinforce plaster on external plaster corners
Apron: A flashing of sheet material with its top edge set into a brickwork joint and its lower edge overlapping the roof below
Architrave: Decorative timber trim surrounding a door or window, covering the gap between the jamb and the wall construction
Arris: The sharp edge formed where two surfaces meet at an angle
Articulation: Is the three-dimensional modelling of the building
Articulation Zone: The area of three-dimensional modelling at its periphery, including any changes in facade alignment, balconies, bay windows and sun-shading devices.
AS3740: The Australian Standard for waterproofing wet areas within residential buildings
Asbestos: Fibrous material used extensively in the building trade until the late 1970s
Auger: Flexible steel spring wire that can be fed along wastepipes to clear blockages
Auger: A drill for boring holes in wood or in the earth
Awning window: Opens from hinges at the top
B
Back-Siphonage: Water being drawn back into the mains supply from the plumbing system, caused by a drop in mains pressure
Ballvalve: (ballcock) Float valve that controls the supply and level of water in a WC cistern or cold water storage cistern
Baluster: A turned piece of wood used as a support for the handrail on a staircase.
Balustrade: Collective term for the parts of a staircase handrail; the term covering all the balusters, newel posts and handrails
Bargeboard: Strip of wood covering the overhanging edge of a pitched roof covering the ends of roof timbers to protect them from rain
Basecoat: A flat coat of paint over which a decorative coat is applied
Batten: A narrow strip of wood used for temporary or permanent support of plasterboard, shelving and for roof tiling
Bending Spring: A metal coil slipped over or slid into copper pipe to enable it to be bent without kinking
Bearer: A horizontal beam or member that supports a load. Joists typically sit at right angles on top of these
Bevel: An angled edge on, for example, a piece of wood. Also see chamfer. Also a carpenter's tool for setting an angle
Bill of Quantities: The quantity and price of the materials and labour needed for construction work
Blinding: The layer of sand spread over a hardcore base for a floor to prevent perforation of the damp-proof membrane
Blown: Describes a surface layer such as plaster that comes away from the wall behind. Also describes a fuse wire that has broken an electrical circuit as a result of overloading.
Body Tile: The opposite of edge tile, with no glazed edges.
Bond: The manner in which bricks are used in a wall; bond patterns are chosen to suit particular types of wall.
Bond-breaker: A system that prevents a waterproofing membrane adhering to the substrate, bedding or lining
Bonding Agent: A coating that can be applied to a hard layer of concrete before applying a topping. It then adheres one to the other
Bore: The hollow part of a pipe or tube
Bottom Plate: The lowest horizontal frame component of a stud partition wall
Brick Bat: A half or broken brick Brooming: this is a way of giving your drive or pathway a textured surface
Bridging Debris: Earth or building material that covers a damp-proof course and allows water to permeate the wall above the DPC
Building Code of Australia (BCA): A set of technical provisions for the design and
construction of buildings and other structures as set by the Government
Building Regulations: Legal requirements in the UK, Australia and other countries for the ways that houses are constructed or modified
Bullnose: Galvanised iron or steel verandah roofing with a convex shape
Burr: Rough edge left after sawing through a piece of metal, copper pipe or a piece of wood
Buttercoat: The top layer of cement render
Butt Joint: A joint between two pieces of timber when one piece simply meets the other, such as in an T-shape, L-shape or end-to-end
C
Callows: Underfired bricks (soft and crumbly)
Came: The grooved strip of lead that holds a piece of coloured glass in a leaded light or stained glass window
Capillary Joint: Soldered copper connector for joining copper pipes
Capnut Nut: used to tighten a compression joint onto pipework
Carcase (carcass): The basic structure of a bathroom or kitchen unit before doors or drawers are added
Casement: A window hinged on one vertical stile, opening outwards
Caulk: Water-based or acrylic flexible filler, supplied in a tube and applied with a sealant gun, to seal gaps between surfaces
Caulking Gun: A device for squeezing sealant or adhesive out of a cartridge
Cavity Wall: A house wall with two separate 'skins', with an air gap between them. They are held together with wall ties
Ceiling Rose: An ornamental plaster casting fixed to a ceiling usually providing both ventilation and a convenient position for a light fixture
Cement Bonds: Sand and aggregate to form mortar or concrete
Centre Point: The sharp point of a twist drill bit or a metal plug put into a dowel hole to transfer its position to a second piece of wood
Chalk Line: A piece of string laden with white or coloured chalk, used to mark out a straight line on walls, floors and ceilings
Chamfer: A narrow, flat surface along the edge of a piece of wood, normally at 45°
Chase: A groove cut into masonry or plaster, to accept a run of flex or piping
Check Valve: A valve that lets water flow in one direction only
Chipboard (particle board): An inexpensive manufactured board consisting of timber scraps and glue often used as a substrate for internal flooring
Circuit: The path through which an electric current can flow
Circuit Breaker: The trip switch that acts to break the circuit in the case of a fault or overload. It can be reset to restore the power
Cladding Material: A Material used to cover a surface externally - usually a wall
Clearance Hole: A hole drilled to take the full size of a screw
Cleat: A small, short length of timber designed to support another piece
Clinkers: The bricks that have been overheated in the firing process (hard, brittle and sometimes misshapen)
Colorbond: An epoxy-based paint coating for aluminium or steel, both protective and cosmetic
Combination Ladder: A ladder that can be used in two or more ways like a step-ladder, stair ladder, straight ladder or extending ladder
Commons: The bricks suitable for use in areas where appearance is not important or a less uniform effect is wanted
Campressible Grout: A slightly elastic filler material for the gaps between tiles which allows tiles to expand and contract
Compression Joint: Brass connector for copper pipe, tightened with spanners.
Concrete topping: A thin layer of concrete trowelled onto a slab to level the surface or provide special colour
Conductor: A wire through which an electric current can pass
Consumer Unit: The modern term for an electrical fuse-box. It may contain miniature circuit breakers rather than fuses.
Construction Loan: Typically, loans designed for renovating that offer redraws at no additional cost
Contract Price: The fixed price agreed for a renovation between a vendor and a tradeperson as stated in the contract.
Corbel: A support or decoration protruding from a wall or column
Cornice: A decorative plaster or wood moulding at the junction of the ceiling and the top of an internal wall.
Counterbore: To enlarge a hole, e.g. to take a bolt or screw head
Countersink: An angled recess to take the head of a countersunk screw
Countersink: A tool for making an angled recess in a hole so the head of a screw lies flush with the surface
Cost-Plus: A contract that pays the builder's actual costs, plus a management fee, which may be fixed or as a percentage of the costs
Cross-Claim: In case the defendant believes he/she has a legal case against you, which is connected to your dispute, he or she may lodge a cross-claim with the court. This is like a statement of claim where the defendant sets out a case against you
Covered Square Metre: The tiles which require grouting are sold by the covered square metre. There an allowance is made for the space which will be taken up by the grouting when the tiles are laid (ceramic tiles). The tiles which do not require grouting, such as cork tiles, are sold by the square metre (cork tiles)
Cross Cutting: Sawing across the wood grain
Cross-Head: Type of screw with cross-shaped recess in the head, rather than a single slot (Phillips)
CTTT: Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal
Cutting In: Careful painting at corners or at junctions on a wall surface, or beside door frames and window sills
D
DA: Development application or approval
Dado: The lower part of an interior wall, sometimes called a chair rail
Damp-Proof Course (DPC): A continuous layer of impervious material that prevents damp rising from the ground into walls
Damp-Proof Fluid: Where a DPC has failed or never existed, a liquid is injected into an exterior wall to form an impermeable layer. Also called chemical damp-proofing
Deadman: A temporary brace to hold up one end of a sheet of ceiling board or a length or timber, while the other end is worked on
Dedicated Circuit: A circuit that runs from the consumer switchboard to one appliance only, such as a stove hot water system
Defective Works: Building work that does not comply with the Building Code of Australia, State and Territory Building Acts or the contract
Depth Stop: A device attached to an electric drill to limit the depth of a hole being drilled
Distemper: An old water-based paint which feels powdery and wipes off with a wet cloth. To redecorate, old distemper must first be washed off entirely. Also known as Kalsomine
Distressing: A paint effect used to give an aged appearance to wood
Diverter valve: A valve that diverts water flow from bath taps to a shower head
Door Furniture: Trade term for the bits and pieces attached to a door, including handles but not locks or hinges
Double-Hung Window: The original sticking window formed from two sashes, usually counterbalanced to slide vertically - one sash opens up, the other down
Dovetail: A woodworking joint, where angled pins in one piece of wood fit into identical angled recesses in the other. Also describes fine-toothed backsaw used for making same
Dovetail: A fine-toothed backsaw used for making a woodworking joint with angled pins
Dowel: A circular timber peg used to secure butt joints in woodworking joints
Downpipe Offset: Curved or angled joints in a rainwater downpipe that brings the pipe back from the gutter to the house wall
Dragging: A paint effect made by dragging a paintbrush in straight lines through wet glaze
Drawdown Schedule: A schedule of trigger points for payment - like progress stages, dates or percentage of works completed
Dry Lining: A wall lining formed by fixing sheets of tapered-edge plasterboard to a framework of timber battens. Joints are covered with tape and plastered over
Dry Rot: Fungal attack on wood and other materials. First signs are small, silky threads, which spread outwards from a fruiting body
Dwang: A horizontal wooden or steel section used in the construction of a building. Also see nogging
E
Earth: The connection between an electrical circuit and the ground
Earth: A terminal to which an earth connection is made
Eaves: The lower edge of the roof and rafters, that projects beyond the walls to protect them from the weather
Edge-Banding: Applying a protective plastic or timber strip to the cut edge of particleboard.
Edge Tile: A tile which usually has three glazed edges for use when the edge of the tile will be seen.
Efflorescence: White, powdery deposit of soluble salts, left on a wall as it dries out. Must be brushed off, not washed
Eggshell: Hard-wearing paint with a dull, matt finish. Can be water or solvent-based
Elbow: A 90° bend in pipework
Elevation: A drawing of one of the external faces of a building
Enamel: A hard-wearing coating used on bathroom fittings, such as old baths
End grain: The surface of wood at the end after cutting across the grain that is highly absorbent
Engaged Piers: Another skin of masonry which has been partially built into the wall for strength, in a column one or two bricks wide
Escutcheon: A small plate used to finish off a keyhole, sometimes with a cover
Expanded Metal Mesh: Perforated metal sheet or strip used to support plaster when patching holes in plasterboard
Expansion Joint: Narrow gap in a slab of concrete, filled with treated fibreboard to limit cracking and relieve pressure.
Expansion Joint: The gap between a concrete slab and a house wall
Expansion Strip: Bitumen strip separating sections of slabs or driveways to allow slight movement and thereby prevent cracking
External Corner: A corner that juts out into a room, for example, on a chimney breast
F
Face: bricks designed for use where you want to feature the bricks either externally or internally
Face Edge: In woodworking, the perfect, planed surface
Face Nailing: Method of driving in nails perpendicular to the surface of the wood
Factory Cut Edge: An edge cut with precision in a factory. Exposed edges should be factory cut, rather than hand cut
Fall: A gradual decline, usually towards a floor waste outlet, so that water runs to the drain
Fascia: A vertical strip of wood covering the ends of rafters. To fascias are usually fixed gutters
Feathering Technique: Used in painting and plastering to smooth away edges
Fibro: General term for sheet material manufactured from fibrous cement. Very strong and waterproof
Fill Earth: Stones or other materials used to build up height in the building area
Fill Mould: A piece of timber which governs the space between the balusters. It fits between the balusters, beneath the handrail and above the bottom rail
Finial Decorative: A piece of wood on top of a post, a staircase newel or curtain pole
Fit-Out: The completion of the interior shell space
Fixed Price: Set price agreed for the completion of the works as defined in the contract documents
Flashing Material: used to weatherproof walls chimney and roofs; or where two roofs meet
Flaunching: Sloping mortar cap holding a chimney pot on top of its stack
Flashing: Strips cut from lead or zinc sheet used to seal roofing junctions
Floor plan: A plan showing the layout of the interior
Flashing: The weatherproofing shielding put around objects which protrude from the roof of a building or the top edges of windows and doors, to deflect water away from the seams (for example pipes and chimneys or the edges of other roofs)
Footing: A strip of concrete cast in a trench as a base for a masonry wall or other construction to act as a firm base
Former: A word for a mould around which something else shapes itself
Formwork: Timber boards fixed to pegs in the ground to form a mould when concrete is cast. This can be as simple as a hole in the ground, or a very complex construction of timber or other material. Also called shuttering. Make sure your formwork is strong - wet concrete can have a mind of its own. Masonite is handy for curves
Fused Connection Unit: An electrical fitting allowing electric equipment to be permanently wired in
Foundation: The exposed ground at the bottom of a trench, strong enough to accept the weight of a concrete footing
Framed Wall: Horizontal and vertical timbers sheathed with plasterboard or plywood
Frog: The angled depression in one face of some house bricks
G
Gable: The triangular end of a pitched roof
Galvanised: Covered with a coating of zinc
Galvanising: A zinc coating applied to steel to prevent corrosion
GPO: General-purpose outlet (In renovating terms), also known as a power point
Gatevalve: On-off control fitted on low-pressure pipework.
Gauge Rod: A timber batten marked at regular intervals used to check the height of tile or brick courses
Glaze: Usually colourless liquid to which paint or pigments can be added. Once applied to the surface of a wall, for instance, it is worked in various ways to create paint effects
Gloss Decorative: Shiny finish on paint, laminates and a range of other surfaces
Gloss paint: An oil-based paint with a shiny finish used on wood and metal
Grain: The texture of timber created by the annual growth of a tree
Grommet: A ring of rubber or plastic to line a hole to prevent cable, for instance, from chafing against a sharp edge
Grout Filling: A compound used in the gaps between ceramic tiles
Gusset Plate: Triangular brace which reinforces the corners of wooden frames
Gyprock: A trade name for a plasterboard. This is a sheet of plaster covered by paper from each side
H
Halving Joint: Joint formed by cutting away half the depth on two pieces of same-sized wood, so that when fitted together the surfaces are flush
Handed Refers to Hinges: Attached to either the right or the left of the door (e.g. rising butt hinges)
Hardboard: Manufactured board made of compressed wood pulp and natural binders, supplied in sheets
Hardiboard: A fibrous cement planks with a timber-like grain finish impressed on the surface. Used as an alternative to timber weatherboards
Hardcore: Crushed or broken bricks, blocks or stone, used as a filler in the construction of foundations and sub-bases
Hardiflex: Fibrous cement sheets for external use.
Hardiplank: Similar to Hardiboard
Hawk: Metal or plywood square with a handle underneath; used to hold plaster or mortar while working
Header: Brick laid in a wall with its end visible. Helical Spiral-shaped
Hip: The sloping outside corners of the roof
Hopper: A window hinged across the top
Housing: A long, narrow channel, cut across the grain of wood to receive the edge of another board, when forming a joint.
Housing Joint: A woodworking joint where one piece of wood fits into a slot (housing) in another piece.
I
Infra-red detector: Detects the body heat of an intruder
Instantaneous heater: A heater that heats water on demand. Heats water in pipes as it is passing through the heater. Often gas-fired.
Insulation: Materials used to reduce the transmission of heat or sound.
Insulation: Non-conductive material around electrical wires to stop the passage of electricity.
J
Jamb: A door jamb is a frame on to which a door is secured; the top is the head and the vertical sides are the stiles. Most types of door fasteners and deadbolts extend into a recess in the door jamb when engaged, making the strength of the door jambs vitally important to the door's overall security.
Joint Raker: Tool used for shaping repointed mortar joints
Jointing Compound: Filler used to seal gaps between sheets of plasterboard
Jointing Tape: Self-adhesive tape used for covering joins between sheets of plasterboard
Joist: Wooden or steel beam used for supporting floors and ceilings
Joist Detector: Electronic tool for detecting rows of nails or timbers, thus revealing joist positions. Some can be used to detect hidden electric cables and conduits within walls
Junction Box: Electrical fitting used for making connections between cables on a power or lighting circuit
Junction Bar: A small plastic box used to protect cable connections
K
Kerf: The groove cut by a saw
Keying: Technique used to roughen a surface so as to provide a better grip when plastering, painting or using adhesive
Kite Winder: A kite-shaped tread, much wider at the outside than the inside, which enables the stair to turn a corner without actually stopping for a landing
Kliplok: Brand name for a system of interlocking flat steel roofing material, made by Lysaght
Knot: A dark coloured circle in wood where a branch grew out of the tree.
L
Lath-and-plaster: An old-fashioned way of constructing ceilings and partition walls. The plaster is applied to thin timber strips (laths), which are secured to vertical studs (walls) or horizontal joists (ceilings).
Lagging: Insulating material usually fitted over hot water pipes to reduce heat loss. Lagging is also used in some areas to prevent pipes from freezing.
Laminated Wood: Strips of wood, glued together to provide extra strength and thickness. See also Plywood.
Latex Paint: Generic term for water-based paints that can be thinned with water.
Laths: Narrow strips of wood to which plaster is stuck, in traditional lath-and-plaster walls
Leading Edge: Vertical edge of door or window farthest from the hinges
Leadlight: Decorative window with many small panes set in a fine lead framework known as tames
Level: Parallel to the ground.
Lighting Rails: Lighting system where a number of lights are positioned along a rail.
Line: The part of an electrical circuit that carries the flow of current to an appliance. (also known as phase or live)
Lining: A building material that protects the frame on the inside of the building.
Lintel: A horizontal structural beam that supports the load over an opening, such as a door or window.
Lipping: A thin strip applied to the edges of a timber board often of hardwood (e.g. a shelf or a countertop)
Liquidated Damages: A sum of money specified in the purchase contract to be paid by one party to the other in the event of a breach of contract
Locking-lever latch: Latch mechanism with a separate locking system built in to the overall latch casing. Also called a sashlock.
Lock-up stage: The point at which a home's external wall cladding and roof covering is fixed, the flooring is laid and external doors and windows are fixed (even if those doors or windows are only temporary).
Louvre Vent: Vent with downward-pointing slats, used to cover end of duct in wall.
Low-Pressure Heater: The hot water tank is supplied from a small feed tank in the roof which means the maximum pressure in the hot water tank is only a fraction of normal mains pressure. This has the advantage of reducing stress on the hot water tank but makes the hot water flow relatively sluggish.
M
Make Good: It's difficult to define what constitutes the 'make good' obligations; it can mean 'return to original condition' or 'repair damages'
Mastic (caulking): A non-setting and flexible waterproof sealant
Mastic Sealing: compound (also called caulk sealant) that cures without fully hardening Used for filling gaps between different materials in buildings
Magnetic Switch: a switch operated by a small magnet usually attached to a window frame. When the window is opened the switch is operated and triggers the alarm
Mains Pressure Heater: The heater tank is connected directly to the water main and hence is at 'mains pressure'. Thus your hot water will flow just as quickly as your cold water. This is more convenient and makes it easier to adjust the temperature of for instance the shower, where hot and cold water are mixed
MDF: Medium-density fibreboard. A manufactured board consisting of timber fibres and resin. It accepts a painted finish well. Has smooth surface and will take screws and nails, but needs handling with care
Melamine: Tough, synthetic resin used to coat manufactured boards, such as particle board to make shelving boards. It's easy-to-clean plastic
Mezzanine: An intermediate level between floor and ceiling occupying a partial area of the floor space
Microporous: Describes a finish, such as paint or woodstain, that permits moisture to escape from wood, allowing it to dry out, at the same time protecting it from rainwater or damp
Mitre: A corner joint, made by cutting two pieces of material at a 45° angle, such as for making picture frames
Mitre Fence: A platform on a fixed sander to support mouldings while the mitred end is sanded
Mortar: Mixture of cement, sand and other additives, used in bricklaying and rendering.
Mortise: A rectangular recess cut into wood to allow it to receive a matching tongue for example, for a mortise lock. A mortise chisel is a strong type for levering out the wood. See also tenon
Moulding: Wood or plaster decoration used as a finish on doors, walls and ceilings.
Mouse: A small weight used to pass a stringline through a narrow vertical space, such as when replacing sashes on a window
MPa: short for megapascals, the strength grade of concrete. For example, 20MPa concrete is used for slabs and beams, 15MPa for pathways
Mortice lock: any door lock which is inserted in a recess cut into the door
Mosaic tile: any small tile, generally less than 35mm square. Usually comes attached to sheets of paper or woven material allowing many tiles to be laid simultaneously
Mouldings: general term for decoratively shaped timber (and also plaster) edging or embellishment
Mullion: The vertical dividing piece of a window frame
Muntin: Central vertical frame of a door, fixed to the top and bottom rails
N
Nail Guard: Steel plate attached to joists or studs, to prevent accidentally nailing through joists or cables recessed into them
Nail Punch: Used with a hammer to drive nail heads below the surface of the wood.
Newel: the more substantial corner and end posts, comparatively strong, which hold up the handrails of a staircase rail or balustrade
Newel Post: Main post fitted at top or bottom of stairs, to support the strings (staircase sides) and the handrail.
Nogging: horizontal piece of timber between the studs, which strengthens the structure. Also called a dwang
Nosing: The front edge of a stair tread
O
Obscured glass: sand-blasted or moulded to allow only light to pass through. Most commonly used for bathroom windows
Off-Peak Heater: An electric system which stores the water, which is then heated when electricity is supplied at its cheapest rate
Ogee: The name of the late Victorian and Edwardian style of guttering.
Oilstone: A flat abrasive stone, lubricated with water or oil, used for sharpening tools like chisels and knives
Olive: Sealing ring that is used in a brass compression joint
Oxidise: To form a layer of metal oxide, as happens in rusting
Out of Wind: The vertical edge is not in parallel or perpendicular lines
P
Particleboard: Manufactured board made by compressing and bonding together small chips of timber fibres (chipboard)
Parting Bead: The strip of wood separating the two sliding sashes in a sash window
Party Wall: The wall between two semi-detached houses or two terraced houses.
PC (Prime Cost): An amount to cover fittings or materials that are part of the contract but either have not been selected or their price is not known at the time the contract was signed.
PCA: Prime certifying authority
Penetrating Oil: Thin lubricant that seeps between corroded surfaces, allowing them to separate.
Penetration: A cut
Phase: The part of an electrical circuit that carries the flow of current to an appliance (also known as live or line)
Pier (engaged): Thick column of masonry bonded into a wall to increase stability.
Pier (isolated): A column of masonry, timber or steel located away from external walls.
Pilot Hole: A small hole drilled to guide a larger drill or to take the point of a screw that then cuts its own thread.
Pineboard: Regarded to be the cheapest whole wood you can buy
Plasterboard: Rigid wall-covering made of gypsum plaster, laid between sheets of paper. A general term for interior wall lining material used for constructing partition walls and ceilings. Also see Gyprock
Plinth: Detachable panel that covers the feet and base of self-assembly units such as kitchen cabinets
Plumb: Exactly vertical, perpendicular to a level
Plumbline: is used to establish vertical drops.
Plywood Board: Made by bonding thin layers of wood with the grain of alternate veneers running at right angles to one another giving it exceptional strength
Pointing: Using extra mortar to finish the joints between bricks in a wall and shaping them with a pointing tool.
Punched: Applied to nail heads to mean that they are pushed below the surface of timber with a nail punch.
Portland cement: A pulverised stone that has binding properties when combined with water. It is used to bind aggregate into a homogeneous mass called concrete.
Power Point: see GPO
Practical Completion: A stage specifically defined in the contract or when the works are complete except for minor defects which do not prevent the works from being used for their stated purpose
Pressure-Treated Timber: A wood that has been impregnated with preservative under extreme pressure
Primer: The first coat of paint applied to protect wood and metal. It reduces the absorption of subsequent layers of paint
Profile Board: Board set on edge and nailed to stakes to describe the outer limits of a building; part of the formwork
Progress Claim: A claim for payment made as building construction progresses
Provisional Sums: A reasonable estimate of the cost of carrying out work, including the cost of supplying materials and labour under a contract for which the builder, after making reasonable enquiries, cannot give a definite price when the contract is entered into.
PTFE: (polytetrafluoroethylene) Material used to make tape for sealing threaded plumbing fittings
Purlin: A horizontal beam that provides support for rafters or sheet roofing
PVA: (polyvinyl acetate) General purpose adhesive. Often used as wood glue and as a bonding agent for plaster and mortar to reduce the absorbency of surfaces
PVC: (polyvinyl chloride) A plastic used for cable insulation and corrugated roofing. The unplasticised form, uPVC, is used for plumbing pipes, exterior cladding and window frames
Q
Quarry Tiles: Hard tiles that have been fired in a kiln. Used as a floor covering
Quick Recovery: Stores hot water, but as soon as the tank empties, the replacement water is heated
R
Radial Circuit: An electrical circuit that starts at the consumer switchboard and loops in and out of a series of outlets, terminating at the last one in the series (daisy chain)
Rafter: The Sloping timber beams in a roof frame which follow the pitch (slope) of the roof
Reasonable Period: Industry-accepted definition is ten working days unless otherwise specified
Reveal: The part of a jamb of a window or door between the outer wall surface and the window or door frame
RCD: Residual Current Device, a fast acting electrical safety device which in the event of an earth fault prevents electric shock
Rebate: A step-shaped recess along the edge of a piece of wood to hold something (rabbet)
Render: A mixture of sand and cement used to coat external walls
Reducer: Plumbing joint that forms a joint between pipes of different diameter
Reinforcing: Steel bars or steel mesh laid in concrete for extra strength
Render: A thin layer of cement-based mortar. It can be used as a base for plastering on an inside wall, or simply painted over when on an exterior wall
Reveal: Vertical sides of a recessed door or window opening.
Reveal: A cover strip around a window or door opening between the jamb or frame and the architrave
Ridge: The top edge of the roof essential for daredevil balancing acts
Rim Lock: (rim latch) A lock (or latch) that is attached to the surface of a door unlike a mortise lock, which fits into a slot cut out of the door
Ring Main: A wiring system employed when a main circuit loops through the home and returns to the switchboard, with power outlets connected where required
Rip Sawing: Sawing along the woodgrain
Riser: the vertical part of the step. Only present in stairs with closed risers. Otherwise, there is simply an empty space
Rising Butts: Hinges that lift a door as it is opened
Rising Damp: Moisture entering a house from outside and below through the wall or the damp-proof membrane in a concrete floor
Rock Wool: Generic term used for insulating material made from mineral fibres
Router: An electrical woodworking tool that cuts a slot or a recess
Rubber: A pad of cotton wool wrapped in a lint-free cloth to apply a stain or polish
S
Safety glass: General term for glass which when broken is less dangerous than ordinary glass. Includes laminated, toughened and wired glass. Its use is required by law in certain situations
Sarking: Sheet material placed under the roof covering material, during the construction of a roof, to provide reflective insulation and additional waterproofing.
Sash: A name for a window, where each window slides vertically. Can be fixed or moveable
Scratchcoat: The first layer of render
Screed: A thin layer of mortar applied to give a smooth surface to concrete.
Screed Batten: A thin strip of wood used to determine the level and evenness of a screed
Scribe: Score a line with a sharp instrument
Sealant: A caulk or mastic used for sealing along joints, applied with a cartridge gun
Secret Nailing: Method of nailing boards through their edges, to conceal the nails
Section: A cross-section of a plan
Select Commons: Bricks which are a better grade of commons chosen for dimensional accuracy and clean sharp edges. If carefully laid they can look as attractive as face bricks but don't provide the same colour range or uniformity
Self-Levelling Compound: Applied to concrete floors in order to provide a level surface for further floor covering
Set: The way in which alternate teeth on a hand saw are bent away from the blade to make the cut wider than the saw blade and so prevent the saw from sticking
Setback: An amount of space that must be preserved between a boundary and building line
Shuttering: see Formwork
Sheath: The outer layer of insulation covering an electrical cable or flex
Shim: A thin wooden strip used as a measure to establish a fall across a surface
Shoe: Curved outlet at the base of a rainwater downpipe that directs water away from house
Short Circuit: The accidental rerouting of electricity between conductors, which blows a fuse or trips a miniature circuit breaker
Shuttering: A Wooden framework used to hold concrete while it sets
Side Light: Narrow, non-opening window next to a door
Siding: Any material used for covering the walls of a building (also known as cladding)
Silicone: A flexible non-setting plastic used in sealants
Site Plan: Location of the design/building on the lot
Size Sealer: Used to coat plastered or papered surfaces in wallpapering. It prevents the surface from absorbing the paste and makes it more slippery, so the paper is easier to hang
Skew: (toe) nailing Driving nails in at an angle through wood in order to provide a stronger bond
Skim: To apply a thin coat of plaster to a wall
Snake: Another name for a plumber's auger
Skirting: The timber moulding at the base of the wall which covers the join between floor and wall
Soaker (soak) Pit: A pit filled with rubble or gravel into which rainwater is drained
Soffit: The horizontal timber boards used at the eaves of a building
Soil Pipe: The large vertical drainage pipe in houses taking the toilet waste
Soil Stack: Large-diameter vertical waste pipe, vented at the top, that carries waste to the main sewer system
Solvent-weld cement: Adhesive used for joining some types of plastic waste pipe
Spacer Lug: Usually only on body tiles. A small raised lug on the edge of the tile which keeps an even gap between laid tiles.
Spacers: Small plastic dividers used between ceramic tiles to keep a consistent distance between them when applying them to the wall
Spalling: Flaking of the outer face of masonry, caused by moisture expanding when freezing
Spigot: The end of a pipe that fits in a socket to form a joint with another length of pipe
Spur: Branch cable that extends an existing radial electrical circuit
Sparrow Picking: Looks like it sounds - regular, small cuts in the surface of damp concrete. It gives something for the new layer to get a grip on when a topping is applied
Specifications: The definition for the quality of the materials, workmanship and installation in a carefully prepared contract document that protects the client's interest
Square: At 90-degree angles
Square Set: No cornice or architrave - just 90-degree angle edges
Stained Glass: Coloured panes, usually set in leadlight patterns
Steam Stripper: A machine that aids the stripping of wallpaper by applying steam to the paper
Stile: The vertical timber pieces of a door or window
Statement of Claim: A document which explains what the case is about, states the result you want and is lodged with the court registry
Stop Bead: The innermost strip of wood holding a sliding sash in a sash window frame
Stopcocks: Valves fitted to water pipes to stop the flow of water through them
Stopping: A filler for use with wood
Stoptap: An on-off control tap fitted on mains-pressure pipework
Stretcher: Pattern of brick laid in a wall with its long sides visible
Striker Plate: Metal plate set in a door frame, containing a cut-out into which the latch fits when the door is closed.
String: The sides of a staircase supporting the treads
Stringer: Length of timber or steel at the side of a staircase to which the steps are connected
Strutting: X-shaped metal or timber braces between floor joists, or under purlins in roof construction, which give extra support.
Stud: vertical piece of timber in the framework of the wall used for internal partition walls
Sub-base: A layer of compacted road base that provides a stable base for a driveway, path or patio
Substrate: The underlying material to which a finish is applied, or by which it is supported, for example particleboard or compressed fibre cement.
Sugar Soap: Chemical compound used to degrease paintwork prior to redecorating
Supplementary Bonding (equipotential): The connecting to earth of exposed metal pipework in bathrooms and kitchens
T
Tack Rag: Sticky cloth to remove dust from a rubbed-down surface, prior to finishing.
Tail: (all-thread) Connection between a tap and its supply pipe. Usually threaded, but plain on monobloc mixers.
Tamp: To compact soil or concrete with blows from a heavy piece of timber or metal
Tamping: Using something heavy to compact materials
Tamping Beam: Length of timber with a handle at each end, used to compact and level concrete.
Tee: Plumbing joint that connects a branch pipe to the main pipe run
Template: A guide for drilling or cutting.
Template: Cut-out pattern that provides a guide to shaping something accurately.
Tenon: A reduced section on one piece of wood designed to fit into a slot (mortise) in another.
Termimesh: A physical termite barrier that uses woven stainless-steel mesh to stop termites entering homes through concealed entry points
Terminals: Connections to which the bared conductors of a cable or flex are attached
Tie: Piece of wood or metal that links opposing members and prevents movement
Three-pin lock: A lock system which activates three separate bolts to hold the door around its perimeter
Tongued-and-Grooved: A method of joining planks (such as floorboards or cladding) edge to edge - a tongue on one piece fits into a groove in its neighbour
Top Plate: Timber beam that forms the top frame component in a timber-framed wall.
Transformer: Electrical device that changes the voltage in a circuit
Transom: A horizontal dividing piece of a window frame, usually above door height.
Trap: A U-shaped section of pipe below a bath, basin or sink, filled with standing water to stop smells coming back up the pipe
Tread: The horizontal part of a step
Trench mesh: Reinforcing mesh specially made for concrete footings or foundations.
Trowel: Tool used for bricklaying and plastering in various shapes to suit the job
Trunking: Rectangular section plastic or metal duct for cables and pipes that protects them as they run along wall surfaces
Twin and Earth: Refers to a three-wire cable; two wires for power and one earth Green wire
Twist Drill Bits: Drills for making holes in wood and metal
U
Undercoat: Usually first layer of paint used before applying the topcoat
Underlay: Layer of plywood or hardboard applied over a rough floor to provide a smooth surface suitable for tiles or other floor coverings. Also a layer of foam under a carpet
Universal Beam: Structural steel beam used in building to span openings. Often incorrectly referred to as an RSJ (rolled steel joist)
V
Valley: The sloping inside corners of the roof, where two roof slopes meet
Versalux: Fibrous cement suitable for internal use
Vapour Barrier: Impervious layer that adequately stops water getting through
Variations: Changes to the scope of works
Veneer: Thin layers of timber that are applied over cheaper base material, for producing a decorative effect
Victorboard: see Plasterboard
Villaboard: Fibre cement internal lining commonly used in wet areas
Vinyl: Plastic material used for easy-to-clean floor coverings. Also protective covering on some wallpapers or an additive used in paint
Volt: The measure of pressure that causes electric current to flow round a circuit
W
Wall Plate: A horizontal timber beam placed along the top of a wall to support joists and rafters, and to spread their load
Wallplug: Plastic or metal sheath inserted into a pre-drilled hole in a wall to house a screw
Wall Ties: Metal connectors used to bind different sections of a masonry wall together
Washer: A ring to prevent taps from leaking
Waste: Any piece of material that is cut off and not used
Waste Pipe: The pipe taking dirty water from bath, basins, sinks and showers.
Waterproof Membrane (WPM): A plastic sheet laid under concrete set on the ground or other damp areas. It keeps the dampness from seeping through
Watt: The measure of power consumed by an electrical appliance
Weatherboard: Timber cladding fixed to walls externally for protection from the elements
Weephole: A small hole at the base of a cavity wall that allows moisture to drain outside
Wet Area: An area within a building supplied with water; includes bathrooms, showers, laundries and sanitary compartments but excludes kitchens and bar areas
Wet Rot: Fungus that attacks wood with too high a moisture content. Can destroy wood
Wetboard: A water-resistant plasterboard suitable for fixing behind kitchen sinks and other slightly damp positions
Winding Up: A process that entails selling all the assets of a business entity, paying off creditors, distributing any remaining assets to the principals, and then dissolving the business
Z
Zincalume: Anti-corrosion zinc and aluminium coating for steel, supposed to be more effective than galvanising
