Sash
Timber, metal or plastic surround to glazing can be fixed, sliding or hinged within a window frame.
Scaffold
A temporary platform supported by framework used during building works.
Screed
A smooth and level finish to a floor laid in-situ. Usually cement mortar but may be asphalt or resin based.
Scrim
A woven tape, usually synthetic, used to cover the joints of taper edged plasterboard.
Septic Tank
A small private sewerage treatment plant consisting of a number of chambers to allow the slow natural breakdown of waste. Discharges treated effluent.
Settlement
Describes the natural movement of a building as it settles in to position after construction. Can often result in slight distortion or cracking within the structure.
Sewer
Underground pipework carrying sewerage waste.
Shakes
Naturally occurring splits or cracks in timber due to their drying out. Whilst sometimes dramatic they do not always affect the overall strength of the timber.
Shingles
Small wooden tiles used to clad roofs and walls.
Sill
The lower horizontal part of a window frame, which should slope and incorporate a drip to shed rainwater.
Skylight
A window set into a roof.
Sleeper Wall
A dwarf wall, often with ventilating gaps, used for the intermediate support for suspended timber ground floors.
Halved bricks laid to give the appearance of a full 'Header Brick'.
Soak-away
An underground pit filled with aggregates to allow the slow dispersal of storm water.
Soakers
Small sheets of overlapping metal fixed beneath roof tiles to form a water tight junction.
Soffit
The underside of a projecting structure.
Soil & Vent Pipe
A pipe that carries waste sewerage and allows foul air to escape away from the property.
Soldier Course
Bricks laid vertically on end with its 'stretcher' facing outward.
Spalling
Refers to the flaking surface of a material, commonly associated with 'Frost Damage'.
Stop Cock
Tap or valve allowing an incoming water supply to be turned off.
Stretcher Brick
A brick laid with its longest face showing.
Stud work
Timber framework.
Subsidence
The downward movement of the ground. Often associated with shrinkage of clay sub soils.
Sub-Soil
The ground immediately above the top soil but above underlying bed rock.
Sulphate Attack
A chemical reaction involving soluble sulphates within masonry that leads to the weakening of concrete and mortar.