SimplifyDIY Glossary: P
P
Pallet
A wooden plug built into masonry to provide a fixing point for a door casing.
Parapet
Low wall along the edge of a roof, balcony etc.
Parapet gutter
A timber gutter of rectangular cross-section usually provided with a flexible metal or other impervious lining. Used behind a parapet or sometimes at a valley.
Pare
To remove fine shavings of wood.
Pargeting
The rendering on the inside of a chimney.
Party wall
A party structure is any wall, floor or foundation that sits astride the boundary of a property. Each of the adjoining owners have equal rights over such a wall, according to the Party Wall Act 1996.
Pebbledash
A finish for exterior walls wherein stones are embedded in the render.
Pedestal sink
Sits on top of a ceramic column and is fixed firmly onto the wall.
Pier
A vertical column of brickwork or other material, used to strengthen the wall or to support a weight. Also known as a "buttress".
Pilaster
The projecting part of a square column which is built adjacent to a wall.
Pile Driver
A mechanical device used to drive piles (foundations) into the ground. Pile drivers use a heavy weight that is lifted using steam, hydraulics, diesel or manual labour, and is then allowed to fall down under gravity, within vertical guides.
Pilot hole
A small-diameter hole drilled to act as a guide for a screw thread and helps to prevent wood splitting as the screw is driven in.
Pitch
The sloping angle of a roof.
Planning Permission
Permission required from your Local Authority to undertake any significant building works, extensions or developments to or on your property.
Plaster
Made using gypsum and commonly applied to walls and ceilings for a smooth interior finish.
Plasterboard
Prefabricated boards made of a stiff "sandwich" of plaster between coarse paper. Now in widespread use for ceilings and walls.
Plinth
The projecting base of external walls or a detachable panel that covers pipework and feet by sits underneath the kitchen cabinets, next to the floor.
Pointing
Smooth outer edge of mortar joint between bricks, stones etc.
Powder post beetle (Bostrychide or Lyctidae family of beetles)
A relatively uncommon pest which can, if untreated, cause widespread damage to structural timbers.
Primer
The first coat of paint applied to reduce absorption of susequent layers on wood or prevent rust on metal.
Profile
The outline or contour of an object.
PTFE tape
Tape made from polytetrafluorethylene, used to seal threaded plumbing fittings.
Purlin
Horizontal beam in a roof upon which rafters rest.
PVA
Polyvinyl Acetate, or glue. Commonly used in schools during arts and crafts sessions, PVA is used as a diluted solution in home improvement to seal and bind surfaces. For example, painted onto a wall prior to wallpapering or plastering to prevent the wall from absorbing too much moisture and produce a better finish.
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