{"id":1199,"date":"2022-01-31T11:12:19","date_gmt":"2022-01-31T11:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modrics.co.uk\/?page_id=1199"},"modified":"2022-02-15T20:33:23","modified_gmt":"2022-02-15T20:33:23","slug":"building-terms-explained","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/modrics.co.uk\/building-terms-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Terms Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” bottom_padding=”50″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n

Surveyor Word Check \u2013 Building Terms Explained<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Small Line” line_alignment=”center” line_thickness=”3″ divider_color=”extra-color-3″ animate=”yes” custom_height=”40″ custom_line_width=”75″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” bg_color=”#fafafa” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”50″ bottom_padding=”50″ class=”cd-row” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]AIR BRICK<\/strong>
\nA perforated brick or metal\/plastic grille used for ventilation, typically in external walls to suspended timber ground floor voids.<\/p>\n

ACCESS TOWER<\/strong>
\nA moveable scaffolding platform allowing access for high level work on roofs etc.<\/p>\n

AGGREGATE<\/strong>
\nGravel, shingle or pebbles etc used in the manufacture of concrete.<\/p>\n

APRON<\/strong>
\nA metal strip, usually of lead, fitted at the base of a chimney or under window sills above tile-hung bays, to provide a waterproof joint.<\/p>\n

ARCHITRAVE<\/strong>
\nMoulded wood strip covering the joint at the edge of a door or window frame and the surrounding wall.<\/p>\n

ASBESTOS CEMENT<\/strong>
\nCement with 10 \u201315% asbestos fibre as reinforcement. Hazardous fibres may be released if cut or drilled.<\/p>\n

ASHLAR<\/strong>
\nFinely dressed natural stone, a superior grade of masonry.<\/p>\n

ASPHALT<\/strong>
\nBlack tar-like substance used as an adhesive and impervious moisture barrier on flat roofs and floors.<\/p>\n

BACK GUTTER<\/strong>
\nA metal flashing strip forming a waterproof seal between the back of a stack and its roof slope.<\/p>\n

BALANCED FLUE<\/strong>
\nMetal vent that allows gas appliances both to draw air in from outside and to expel exhaust fumes. Some are fan assisted.<\/p>\n

BALUSTERS<\/strong>
\nVertical spindles supporting the handrail of a staircase.<\/p>\n

BALUSTRADE<\/strong>
\nA row of balusters \/ spindles joined to a horizontal rail, typically to a staircase or landing.<\/p>\n

BARGE BOARD<\/strong>
\nBoards placed along the verges of a roof , usually at gable ends, often of decorative timber.
\nAKA \u2018vergeboard\u2019.<\/p>\n

BATTEN<\/strong>
\nThin lengths of timber to which tiles or slates are nailed or fixed.<\/p>\n

BEETLE INFESTATION<\/strong>
\nLarvae of various species of beetle which tunnel into wood causing damage, usually evident as small boreholes. The generic term is \u2018woodworm\u2019.<\/p>\n

BENCHING<\/strong>
\nSmooth layer of concrete alongside the drainage channel in an inspection chamber. AKA \u2018haunching\u2019.<\/p>\n

BITUMEN<\/strong>
\nBlack, sticky substance related to asphalt. Used in sealants, mineral felts and DPC\u2019s<\/p>\n

BOND<\/strong>
\nThe pattern in which bricks are laid in mortar to form a wall.<\/p>\n

BREEZE BLOCK<\/strong>
\nCommonly used term for various types of concrete building blocks, originally made from cinders (\u2018breeze\u2019).<\/p>\n

BUTTRESS<\/strong>
\nA brick or stone support to a wall designed to resist thrust movement and to give added stability.<\/p>\n

CASEMENT<\/strong>
\nA window hinged at one edge and designed to open inwards or outwards.<\/p>\n

CAVITY WALL<\/strong>
\nStandard modern (post 1930) main wall construction comprising two leaves of brick or blockwork about 280mm thick, separated by a gap (cavity) of about 50mm which can be insulated. The leaves are secured together with wall ties.<\/p>\n

CEMENT FILLET<\/strong>
\nThe covering over a junction (eg between roof s and walls) made from mortar instead of a metal flashing.<\/p>\n

CESSPIT or CESSPOOL<\/strong>
\nAn underground tank to hold sewage and foul waste, needing regular emptying.<\/p>\n

CHIMNEY BREAST<\/strong>
\nThat part of the chimney flue that projects into a room. The \u2018stack\u2019 is the part above roof level.<\/p>\n

CISTERN<\/strong>
\nA water storage tank (usually to a WC or water tank in loft)<\/p>\n

COLLAR<\/strong>
\nA horizontal timber member that joins and restrains opposing roof slopes.<\/p>\n

COMBINATION BOILER<\/strong>
\nModern \u2018sealed system\u2019 gas boiler which activates on demand for hot water or central heating and does not require water tanks or cylinders, being supplied direct from the mains.<\/p>\n

COPING<\/strong>
\nMasonry covering laid on top of a wall, to stop rain soaking into the wall, usually of stone or concrete.<\/p>\n

CORBEL<\/strong>
\nProjection of brick, stone, timber or metal jutting out from a wall to support a load such as a beam.<\/p>\n

CORNICE and COVING<\/strong>
\nOrnamental plaster around the joint of a wall and ceiling. Coving is a curved strip covering the joint of a wall and ceiling.<\/p>\n

COWL<\/strong>
\nA cap to a chimney or vent pipe.<\/p>\n

DADO<\/strong>
\nProtective wooden or tiled horizontal strip running along internal walls, about 1m above the floor.<\/p>\n

DAMP PROOF COURSE (DPC)<\/strong>
\nAn impervious layer (eg slate, felt, PVC) built into a wall to prevent the passage of dampness.<\/p>\n

DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE (DPM)<\/strong>
\nAn impervious layer (polythene sheeting, bitumen etc) within a concrete ground floor slab to prevent rising damp.<\/p>\n

DORMER WINDOW<\/strong>
\nA window which projects out from a roof slope.<\/p>\n

DOWEL<\/strong>
\nThin timber plugs that hold jointed sections of timber together.<\/p>\n

EAVES<\/strong>
\nThe overhanging edge of a roof near the gutter.<\/p>\n

ENCAUSTIC TILES<\/strong>
\nTiles moulded from one clay, usually red, inlaid with white or coloured clay patterns, fusing when fired (as opposed to plain quarry tiles). Used mainly for floors.<\/p>\n

FALL<\/strong>
\nThe slope or gradient, typically of a pipe run or flat roof, to ensure water run off.<\/p>\n

FANLIGHT<\/strong>
\nA small window above a door or casement.<\/p>\n

FASCIA<\/strong>
\nHorizontal timber boards that run along the eaves at the base of roof slopes. They often cover the ends of the rafters. Gutters may be fixed to them.<\/p>\n

FIBREBOARD<\/strong>
\nLightweight board for ceilings or internal walls made of compressed wood pulp, now superseded by plasterboard.<\/p>\n

FILLET<\/strong>
\nA small strip of cement \/ lime mortar, timber, plastic etc used to cover or seal the junction between two surfaces.<\/p>\n

FINIAL<\/strong>
\nA small \u2018spire\u2019 type ornament, often of terracotta or iron, fixed to the roof ridge at a gable end.<\/p>\n

FLAGSTONES<\/strong>
\nLarge paving stones used on floors in older houses.<\/p>\n

FLASHING<\/strong>
\nA thin strip usually of lead or zinc used to cover roof joints to prevent leakage (eg to chimney stacks).<\/p>\n

FLAUNCHING<\/strong>
\nSmooth contoured cement mortar around the base of chimney pots.<\/p>\n

FLUE LINING<\/strong>
\nFlues are the \u2018exhaust ducts\u2019 for gasses from fires or appliances. Flue linings are long tubes fitted within flues, usually of stainless steel, clay pipework or concrete.<\/p>\n

GABLE<\/strong>
\nThe triangular upper part of a wall under the verges at the edge a pitched roof (\u2018gable end\u2019).<\/p>\n

GULLEY<\/strong>
\nAn opening into a drain, receiving water from downpipes or waste pipes.<\/p>\n

HEADER<\/strong>
\nThe end of a brick, visible in solid walls when laid crossways (see \u2018stretchers\u2019).<\/p>\n

HIP<\/strong>
\nThe external junction where two roof slopes meet.<\/p>\n

HOPPER or HOPPERHEAD<\/strong>
\nAn open-topped box or funnel at the top of a downpipe that collects rainwater or waste water from one or more pipes.<\/p>\n

INSPECTION CHAMBER<\/strong>
\nA \u2018manhole\u2019 with a removable cover providing access to the drainage channel at its base.<\/p>\n

JAMB<\/strong>
\nVertical side part of a door frame or window.<\/p>\n

JOISTS<\/strong>
\nHorizontal structural beams used to construct ceilings, timber floors and flat roofs.<\/p>\n

LAP<\/strong>
\nThe overlap of courses of slates or tiles.<\/p>\n

LATH<\/strong>
\nThin strips of wood traditionally used as a backing to plaster<\/p>\n

LEDGED & BRACED DOOR<\/strong>
\nA \u2018ledged door \u2018 is made from vertical timber boards fixed to thick horizontal cross-timbers called ledges. Some are strengthened with diagonal braces.<\/p>\n

LINTEL<\/strong>
\nHorizontal structural beam over a window or door opening. Normally made of timber, concrete, stone or steel.<\/p>\n

LOUVRES<\/strong>
\nGlass or timber slats laid at an angle or hinged so that they can be opened to allow ventilation.<\/p>\n

MANSARD ROOF<\/strong>
\nA roof constructed so each slope has two different pitches \u2013 a shallow upper part and a steeper lower part \u2013 so as to provide a top floor of usable space within a roof structure.<\/p>\n

MASTIC<\/strong>
\nA generic term for any sealant used in the building process, eg for sealing joints around window openings.<\/p>\n

MEZZANINE<\/strong>
\nAn intermediary floor, eg between the ground and first floor.<\/p>\n

MORTISE<\/strong>
\nA slot cut in a section of wood for a corresponding \u2018tenon\u2019 of another section to fit into.<\/p>\n

MULLION<\/strong>
\nAn upright division of a window such as a vertical bar dividing individual lights.<\/p>\n

NEWEL<\/strong>
\nA stout post at the bottom or top of a stair to which the handrail is fixed.<\/p>\n

NIB<\/strong>
\nThe projecting \u2018lug\u2019 on the back of a tile that hooks over the supporting batten<\/p>\n

NOGGIN or NOGGING<\/strong>
\nA short timber batten that fits between a pair of joists or timber studs to add strength.<\/p>\n

NOSING<\/strong>
\nThe rounded projecting edge of a stair step.<\/p>\n

ORIEL WINDOW<\/strong>
\nA window projecting from an upper floor.<\/p>\n

PADSTONE<\/strong>
\nA stone or robust block laid under the end of a beam or steel joist, to help distribute the load.<\/p>\n

PANTILES<\/strong>
\nLarge curved roofing tiles which hook over adjoining tiles.<\/p>\n

PARAPET<\/strong>
\nLow wall along the edge of a flat roof or balcony.<\/p>\n

PARQUET FLOOR<\/strong>
\nSmall strips of wood usually laid on a solid floor to form a pattern.<\/p>\n

PIER<\/strong>
\nA vertical column, usually built in brickwork, used to strengthen a wall or support a weight.<\/p>\n

PARTY WALL<\/strong>
\nThe wall which separates, but is shared by adjoining properties.<\/p>\n

PITCH<\/strong>
\nThe angle or slope of a roof, technically the ratio of span to height.<\/p>\n

PLASTERBOARD<\/strong>
\nLarge thin sheets made of plaster sandwiched between coarse paper, used for ceilings and internal walls.<\/p>\n

PLINTH<\/strong>
\nThe projecting base of a wall, usually of brick or render.<\/p>\n

POINTING<\/strong>
\nThe smooth outer edge of mortar joints between bricks, stone etc<\/p>\n

PURLINS<\/strong>
\nHorizontal beams in a roof upon which the rafters rest.<\/p>\n

QUARRY TILES<\/strong>
\nPlain single colour \u2018geometric\u2019 floor tiles made from clay, often red or brown, usually unglazed. (from the French word carre\u2019 meaning square)<\/p>\n

QUOIN<\/strong>
\nProjecting bricks or stone blocks traditionally used at corners of walls.<\/p>\n

RAFTERS<\/strong>
\nThe main sloping roof timbers to which the tiles\/slates, battens and felt are fixed.<\/p>\n

RAILS<\/strong>
\nThe horizontal framing members of a door or window, usually at the top or bottom (see also
\n\u2019stiles\u2019).<\/p>\n

REBATE<\/strong>
\nA recess, groove or rectangular step cut in the edge of a piece of timber or stone etc (rebated\u2019 or set-back) to receive a mating piece.<\/p>\n

RENDER or RENDERING<\/strong>
\nGeneral term for the finish applied to external wall surfaces of sand and cement \/lime (or the first coat to plastering internally). It may be smooth, or finished in rough cast , pebbledashed etc.<\/p>\n

RETAINING WALL<\/strong>
\nUsually a garden wall built to hold back or retain a large bank of soil, rubble etc.<\/p>\n

REVEALS<\/strong>
\nThe vertical sides of an opening cut in a wall (typically of brick or stone) eg between a door or window frame and the front of the wall (see also \u2018jambs\u2019).<\/p>\n

RIDGE<\/strong>
\nThe top or \u2018apex\u2019 of the roof where two slopes meet, formed from a timber board joining the tops of the rafters and covered with shaped \u2018ridge tiles\u2019.<\/p>\n

RISER<\/strong>
\nThe vertical portion between treads of stairs<\/p>\n

RISING DAMP<\/strong>
\nMoisture soaking up a wall from the ground, by capillary action, or through a floor ( see \u2018Damp Proof Course\u2019)<\/p>\n

RODDING ACCESS<\/strong>
\nRemovable covers at bends in drainage pipes, gullies etc allowing access for clearing blockages.<\/p>\n

ROOF SPREAD<\/strong>
\nThe outward thrust of a poorly restrained roof causing a wall to bow out. (see \u2018collar\u2019).<\/p>\n

ROOM SEALED APPLIANCE<\/strong>
\nOne that takes its combustion air from outside via a \u2018balanced flue\u2019 and also expels exhaust fumes via the same flue. Most modern boilers are room sealed.<\/p>\n

ROUGH CAST<\/strong>
\nA rough render finish to external walls, usually incorporating gravel.<\/p>\n

RSJ<\/strong>
\nRolled Steel Joist, used for structural support ( eg to walls or floors) usually spanning relatively wide openings.<\/p>\n

SARKING FELT<\/strong>
\nA layer of bituminous felt used for covering roofs before laying battens as a secondary defence against rain, but was not normally fitted in pre-war houses.<\/p>\n

SCREED<\/strong>
\nA smooth finish coat on a solid concrete floor slab, usually of mortar, concrete or asphalt.<\/p>\n

SCRIM TAPE<\/strong>
\nA special weaved material for re-inforcing the filler concealing joints between plasterboard panels.<\/p>\n

SEPTIC TANK<\/strong>
\nPrivate drainage system comprising underground tanks where sewage decomposes through bacteriological action, but can require periodic emptying.<\/p>\n

SETTLEMENT<\/strong>
\nGeneral disturbance in a structure showing as distortion in walls etc. Usually the result of initial compacting of the ground due to the loading of the building.<\/p>\n

SILL or CILL<\/strong>
\nThe lower horizontal member at the bottom of a door or window frame. Externally it should throw water clear of the wall below (of stone, concrete, brick, or timber). Internally it is a shelf at the bottom of a window.<\/p>\n

SKYLIGHT<\/strong>
\nA window in a roof slope or ceiling to admit daylight<\/p>\n

SLEEPER WALL<\/strong>
\nA dwarf wall supporting the joists under a suspended timber ground floor.<\/p>\n

SOAKAWAY<\/strong>
\nA rubble-filled pit for rainwater dispersal<\/p>\n

SOAKERS<\/strong>
\nStrips of metal (usually lead, zinc or copper) fitted beneath tiles to provide a water-proof joint at the junction of a roof with a wall or a chimney. Normally overlain with flashings.<\/p>\n

SOFFIT<\/strong>
\nThe underside (\u2018external ceiling\u2019) below eaves, balconies etc<\/p>\n

SPALLING<\/strong>
\nCrumbling masonry as a result of weather damage<\/p>\n

STILES<\/strong>
\nThe vertical framing members of a door or window (see also \u2018rail\u2019).<\/p>\n

STRETCHER<\/strong>
\nThe side of a brick, visible in walls when laid lenghways (see \u2018header\u2019)<\/p>\n

STRING COURSE<\/strong>
\nA course of brickwork that projects beyond the face of an external wall (or band course).<\/p>\n

STUCCO<\/strong>
\nA hard external plaster used to imitate stone, superseded by modern cement render.<\/p>\n

STUD PARTITION<\/strong>
\nLightweight internal wall, usually of a timber framework faced with plasterboard or lath & plaster, usually non-loadbearing<\/p>\n

SUBSIDENCE<\/strong>
\nGround movement, often as a result of clay shrinkage, drainage problems or mining activities.<\/p>\n

SUBSOIL<\/strong>
\nSoil lying immediately below the top soil, upon which foundations usually bear.<\/p>\n

SVP<\/strong>
\nSoil and vent pipe. Vertical stack taking \u2018soil\u2019 waste from WC\u2019s & bathrooms etc, typically of plastic or iron, and vented at the top, normally terminating at roof level.<\/p>\n

TIE BAR<\/strong>
\nLarge metal bar passing through a wall to brace a structure suffering from structural instability.<\/p>\n

TILTING FILLET<\/strong>
\nA timber fillet fixed under the roof coverings above the eaves, in order to raise the edge of the first row of slates.<\/p>\n

TINGLES<\/strong>
\nSmall metal strips used to hold slipped slates in position.<\/p>\n

TONGUE & GROOVE BOARDING<\/strong>
\nClose fitted boards where the edge of one board fits into a groove of the adjoining board.<\/p>\n

TORCHING<\/strong>
\nMortar traditionally applied on the underside of slates or tiles to help prevent moisture penetrating.<\/p>\n

TRANSOM<\/strong>
\nHorizontal bar of wood or stone across a window or top of door.<\/p>\n

TREAD<\/strong>
\nThe horizontal \u2018flat\u2019 part of a step or stair.<\/p>\n

TRIMMER<\/strong>
\nA small section of timber joist run at right angles to the ends of the main floor joists to form an opening, eg for stairs or a fireplace.<\/p>\n

TRV<\/strong>
\nThermosatic radiator valve. An adjustable sensor valve next to a radiator allowing its temperature to be set.<\/p>\n

UNDERPINNING<\/strong>
\nA method of strengthening weak foundations where a new stronger foundation is placed beneath the original.<\/p>\n

VALLEY GUTTER<\/strong>
\nGutter at the junction of two roof slopes \u2013 at the bottom of a \u2018V\u2019.<\/p>\n

VERGE<\/strong>
\nThe edge of a roof , especially over a gable.<\/p>\n

WAINSCOT<\/strong>
\nWood panelling or boarding on the lower part of an internal wall.<\/p>\n

WALL PLATE<\/strong>
\nA timber beam placed on a wall, eg at eaves level for the roof rafters, or to receive floor joists.<\/p>\n

WALL TIES<\/strong>
\nStrips of metal built across cavity walls to join the inner and outer skins.<\/p>\n

WEATHERBOARD \/ WEATHER BAR<\/strong>
\nA board fixed to the bottom of a door on the outside to prevent rain driving underneath. A weather bar is a strip of metal fixed to a door sill to prevent water flowing under the door.<\/p>\n

WOODWORM<\/strong>
\nGeneral term of beetle infestation \u2013 \u2018beetle infestation\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”60″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1\/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”5\/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”5\/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n

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