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 have little idea 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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| 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. |
| Dew Point (temperature) |
The temperature at which water vapour reverts from a gas state to a liquid. |
| Diffusion |
Process of spreading in all directions over a wide area. Used to describe the spread of water based and cream type damp proof course products in masonry and glycol borates in timber. |
| Dot and Dab |
Term used to describe a method fixing of plasterboard sheets to the surface of a wall using a plaster adhesive. |
| Drip |
A moulding or groove on the under side of an external sill or projection, near to the external edge, forcing moisture to drip thereby preventing water creeping back and causing moisture penetration beneath. Sometimes referred to as Throating. |
| Dry Lining |
A means of providing a smooth decorative surface internally usually using plasterboard. An alternative to plastering walls directly.
Also used to describe the creation of a dry decorative surface by lining a damp wall with an impervious material so that it is unaffected by the underlying dampness - a form of concealment. |
| Dryzone |
A widely used chemical damp proof course system in the form of a water repellent cream. Manufactured by Safeguard Europe. |
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