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Glossary

‘Trade Jargon Demystified’

Most industries develop their own terminology and very often this ‘techno babble’ is used when communicating with clients. As a consequence some clients struggle to understand what is being talked about or perhaps even worse, they might not know what they will be getting for their money. It has also been noticed that for some strange reason contractors deliberately use this ‘techno babble’ in the belief that it will impress a client – perhaps is does - who knows?

To help decipher some of the commonly used words in the building restoration industry we have explained their meaning when used with regard to building restoration matters. It is fully appreciated that several of the words have other meanings as well. Should you know a ‘techno babble’ word that you feel should be in our list please submit it to us so that it may be included. 
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Chloride A type of hygroscopic salt. Usually present in a wall that has either had or is currently affected by long standing rising damp. (See Hygroscopic Salts)
Cold Bridge Localised area of poor thermal insulation such as that caused by a solid concrete lintel that penetrates the thickness of a wall.
Condensation The formation of water droplets when water vapour is cooled below its Dew Point temperature. May form on a surface or interstitially. (See Dew Point & Interstitial)
Conductivity The ability of a material to conduct electricity. In the damp proofing industry this word is sometimes used to describe a type of moisture meter.
Consumer Unit Similar to a fuse box; the mechanism by which electrical circuits are protected from overload.
Coping Impermeable capping on the top of a wall exposed to the elements to prevent moisture penetration.
Corbelling A projecting part of a building, usually providing support, often in the form of projecting courses of brickwork.
Cordon Sanitaire Term used to describe the containment of dry rot within an area of masonry by the injection of a masonry biocide into the masonry in a concentrated band around the perimeter of the infected area. (See also Toxic Box)
Cornice 1) Ornamental moulding made of plaster fitted at the join of a wall and ceiling.
2) Horizontal moulded projection, usually decorative, crowning a building or structure.
COSHH Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Curing Process of setting by chemical reaction. Relevant to the ‘curing’ of an injected  chemical damp proof course.
Damp Proof Course (DPC)
An impervious barrier set within a building structure to prevent the movement of moisture.
Types of Damp Proof Course:

1.    Physical: An impermeable building material usually built into a structure during construction although may be introduced into existing structures.

2.    Chemical: A damp proof course formed in an otherwise permeable wall by the injection/introduction of a water repellent formulation

3.    Cream/Gel: A type of chemical damp proof course material.

4.    Injection Mortar: A cement based damp proofing medium containing active ingredients which diffuse into a  wall and combine with minerals within the structure to create a damp course by blocking the pores.
Damp Proof Membrane An impermeable sheet material, commonly heavy gauge polythene, incorporated into a solid floor to prevent moisture rising up through the floor.
Dehumidifier Electrical refrigeration equipment used to remove air borne water vapour.
Deliquescent Salts Term used to describe hygroscopic salts which revert to a liquid state in the moisture absorbed by them.

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