SimplifyDIY Glossary: T
T
Tarmac
Tough, waterproof material used for driveways.
Tenon
A projecting peg carved into a piece of timber which fits perfectly into a complementary mortise in the opposing piece of timber to create a very strong carpentry joint.
Template
A cut-out pattern, made from paper, wopd, metal etc, used to help shape a workpiece accurately.
Terminal
A connection to which bared ends of electrical cable or flex are attached.
Thinner
A solvent used to dilute non-water-based paints and varnishes. Flammable!
Thixotropic
Non-drip paint which is jelly-like until 'worked' during application when it becomes liquid.
Tie bar
Metal bar passing through a wall, or walls in an attempt to brace a structure suffering from structural instability.
Timber frame
A method of building construction using timber supports to form the main structure of the building, usually finished with brickwork.
Topcoat
Top layer of paint.
Tongue-and-groove
A joint between flat boards wherein the projecting edge of one board fits into a complementary groove on the edge of the next board.
Torching
Mortar applied on the underside of roof tiles or slates to help prevent moisture penetration. Not necessary when a roof is underdrawn with felt.
Transom
Horizontal bar of wood or stone across a window or top of door.
Trap
A bent section of pipe, usually in a U- or S-shape, below a bath or sink. The shape retains water to prevent the passage of insects, bacteria and smells from the drains into your home.
Tread
The horizontal part of a step or stair.
Trussed rafters
Method of roof construction utilising prefabricated triangular framework of timbers. Now widely used in domestic construction.
TRV
Thermostatic Radiator Valve attached to a radiator to locally control it temperature by regulating the flow of water through it.
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