SimplifyDIY Glossary: Q-R
Q
Quoin
The external angle of a building; or specifically, bricks or stone blocks forming that angle.
R
Rafter
A sloping roof beam, usually timber, forming the carcass of a roof.
Rail
A horizontal member of a door or fence.
Random rubble
Basic early method of stone wall construction with no attempt at bonding or coursing.
RCD
Residual circuit device, a device that monitors the flow of electrical current through the live and neutral wires of a circuit.
Rebate
A stepped rectangular recess along the edge of a workpiece, usually forming part of a joint; also to cut such a recess.
Render or rendering
A thin layer of mortar covering a wall in either plaster (internally) or cement (externally), sometimes with pebbledash, stucco or Tyrolean textured finish.
Repointing
The removal of morter from existing brick joints and replacing it with new mortar to prevent penetrating damp.
Reveals
The side faces of a window or door opening.
Ridge
The highest part or apex of a roof, usually horizontal.
Ridge tile
A specially shaped tile for covering and making weather tight the ridge of a roof. These tiles may have a rounded or angular cross - section.
Ring main or ring circuit
A continuous look of electrical cable, running through the walls, upon which power sockets are mounted.
Riser
The vertical part of a step or stair.
Rising damp
Moisture soaking up a wall from below ground, by capillary action which can cause rot in timbers, plaster decay, decoration failure etc.
Rising main
A pipe that supplies water under mains pressure, usually to a roof storage tank.
Roof spread
Outward bowing of a wall caused by the thrust of a badly restrained roof framework (see "collar").
RSJ
Rolled Steel Joist - often used as a joist to support a structure such as a floor, ceiling or wall
Roof truss
A prefabricated timber frame that forms one of the structural supports for a roof.
Roof valley
The junction where two roof surfaces at different orientations or pitches meet.
Further information and useful links
Site Pages
Featured Articles