SimplifyDIY Glossary: S
Sarking felt
Waterproof felt laid underneath roof tile battens.
Sash
The opening part of any window.
Score
To scratch a line with a pointed tool.
Scratchcoat
The base layer of any plaster or mortar rendering.
Screed
Final, smooth finish of a solid floor; usually cement, concrete or asphalt.
Scribe
To copy the profile of a surface on the edge of sheet material to be butted against it; also to mark a line with a pointed tool.
Second fix
During buidlgin works, the second fix is where front plates to sockets and switches and bathroom white goods are connected up to the first fix electrics and plumbing.
Septic tank
Drain installation whereby sewage decomposes through the action of bacteria, which can be slowed down or stopped altogether by the use of chemicals such as bleach, biological washing powders etc. Also known as a "cesspool".
Set
A small rectangular paving slab.
Settlement
All properties settle to some extent, and this can show as cracking and/or distortion in walls. Very often minor settlement is not of great significance to the building as a whole.
Sewer
A large, underground pipe or drain used for conveying waste water and sewage. The Local Authority is usually responsible for the sewers, which collect the effluent from various drains, the drains being the responsibility of the land owners.
Shakes
Naturally occurring cracks in timber; in building timbers, shakes can appear quite dramatic, but strength is not always impaired.
Sheathing
An outer layer of insulation on an electrical cable or flex.
Shingles
Small rectangular slabs of wood used on roofs instead of tiles, slates etc.
Short circuit
Accidental re-routing of electricity to earth, which increases the flow of current and consequently blows a fuse.
Short grain
When a timber's fibres run across its narrow section.
Silicone sealant
A gel that dries to form a waterproof seal, used around the edges of baths, shower trays, sinks and shower screens. Also known as "mastic".
Sill
The horizontal part at the bottom of a window frame, door frame or stud partition.
Size
A sealant that coats plastered or papered surfaces prior to wallpapering. It prevents the surface from absorbing the paste so the new paper is easier to hang.
Skim
Top, fine layer of plaster.
Skirting
A length of timber, often moulded in shape, that is fitted horizontally to the bottom of internal walls to hide the junction with the floor.
Sleeper wall
A low, slim wall built to support the centre portion of floor joists on the ground floor.
Snagging
A list of unfinished items and defects given to a builder at the end of a building project which he must make good before full and final payment.
Soakaway
A pit, filled with broken stones etc below ground to take drainage from rainwater pipes or land drains and allow it to disperse.
Soaker
Piece of flexible metal fitted to interlock with slates or tiles and make a water tight joint between a wall and a roof or at a hip or valley. Stepped flashings are used over the soakers at a joint against a wall.
Soffit
The underside of an arch, beam, staircase, eaves or other feature of a building.
Soil pipe
A vertical pipe conveys sewage to the drains. Its upper end it usually vented above the eaves.
Solid fuel
Heating fuel, normally wood, coal or one of a variety of proprietary fuels.
Spalling
Where the outer face of masonry breaks down due to expanding moisture in very cold conditions.
Spandrel
Space above and to the sides of an arch; also the space below a staircase.
Spur
Branch cable that extends an existing electrical circuit.
Spoil
Any waste material created during excavation.
Stack
Vertical pipe carrying waste away from sinks and wcs.
Stile
A vertcial frame element of a window or door.
Stocks
Bricks that are made in a mould.
Stopcock
A valve on a gas or water supply pipe which is used to cut off the supply.
Stretcher
The long side face of a brick.
Strike plate
A metal plate fitted to a door frame such that it surrounds the mortise cut out for the latch when the door is shut.
String
The sloping board fitted to the side of a staircase and joins the treads and risers.
Stud
A vertical timber support in a stud partition wall.
Stud partition
Lightweight, sometimes non loadbearing wall construction comprising a framework of timber faced with plaster, plasterboard or other finish and filled with insulation.
Sub-base
Compacted hardcore that forms a sturdy base for a path or patio.
Subsidence
Ground movement, generally downward, possibly a result of mining activities or failure of the subsoil.
Sub-soil
Soil lying immediately below the top-soil, onto which foundations are built.
Sulphate attack
Chemical reaction, activated by water, between tricalcium aluminate and soluble sulphates which can cause deterioration in brick walls and concrete floors.
Further information and useful links
Site Pages
Featured Articles