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.
© Property Guarantee Administration
View All
|
Request a Term
<< Previous 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Next >>
| Nitrates |
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) |
| Nogging |
Sometimes referred to
as strutting. Inserted between large dimension joists to stiffen a floor and
prevent joists twisting or tilting. Two types used; herring bone or solid. |
| Nosing |
A rounded protruding edge. Found on the edge of a stair tread where it projects beyond the riser or the edge of a window board. |
| Organic Solvent |
A carrier (usually
white spirit) for certain types of damp proof course and timber treatment
fluids. (See Carrier) |
| Oven Drying |
Laboratory method of
determining the total moisture content of a sample. (See Gravimetric) |
| Oversite |
The ground that is beneath a ground floor level
suspended timber floor. |
| Parapet |
A low wall that projects beyond the eves at the edge of a roof. |
| Party Wall |
The dividing wall that
separates two adjoining properties which is common to both. |
| Paste |
Term sometimes used to
describe a thick ‘mayonnaise like’ timber preservative material containing an
insecticide and fungicide. Enables a thick layer of material to be applied
which on dry timber allows greater penetration of preservative but of limited
use on wet or damp timber. |
| PC Sum (Prime Cost Sum) |
An approximate sum of money that should be allowed for to cover materials or labour for what is an unknown quantity – e.g. Allow a PC Sum of £X for the cost a kitchen yet to be chosen, or allow a PC Sum of £X for specialist work to be undertaken by a subcontractor. |
| PCA |
Property Care Association - formally known as the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association (BWPDA) |
| Pebble Dash |
A type of external wall finish that comprises of small stones bedded in render. |
| Perimeter Drainage |
A gutter like drainage system installed in a basement/cellar floor at the base of walls to divert any water that penetrates to a drain or sump pump. Usually installed in conjunction with a Cavity Drainage Membrane installation. (See CDM, Cavity Drainage Membrane, Sump Pump) |
| Permeable |
Ability to be penetrated throughout. |
| PGA |
Property Guarantee Administration |
<< Previous 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Next >>
Last months most visited pages
Your Questions Answered