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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P
| 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 |
| Pitch (1) |
The slope of a roof. |
| Pitch (2) |
Solid black tar derived substance, which has a number of applications in damp proofing. |
| Pitch Epoxy |
Mixture of pitch, epoxy resin and other components. Sometimes used as a structural water proofing material. |
| Plaster |
Material that is spread on walls and ceilings to form a smooth surface and harden when dry. |
| Plaster Board |
Prefabricated sheets of plaster contained within thick paper. Used for forming walls and ceilings. |
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