INTERNAL FEATURE DEFINITIONS
Lath and Plaster Defined
Laths are thin strips
of timbers which are fixed to the structure. Wet
plaster is applied to the laths, usually in several layers. The
plaster forms a key as it is forced between the laths. This
plaster, once dry, is given further coats and often a decorative
finish.
Plasterboard Defined
The usual name for Gypsum plasterboard which is building board
with a core of aerated gypsum, usually enclosed between two sheets
of heavy paper, used as a dry lining.
Dry Lining Defined (Old Properties)
This technique
is usually used on solid walls particularly where dampness is occurring. In
older properties, where the internal wall is not flush, battens
would be added and then lath and plaster. In
more modern properties, the walls may be lined with plasterboard
on battens or plaster dabs .
Dry Lining Defined (Modern Properties)
Within
modern properties, dry lining is a technique used on what are known
as non-traditional housing such as timber frame and proprietary
systems. This will consist of timber battens which are lined
with a plasterboard.
Dry Lining Defined
This term comes from the fact
that plasterboard is dry and used as an inner lining within the
property. Prior to this a
wet plaster was used and required drying out periods which slowed
the construction process down. Therefore almost universally
in modern properties dry lining is used both as a ceiling material
and sometimes to internally line the walls.
Blown Plaster Defined
This is where the plaster
has come away from its base leaving a hollow area.
Studwork Defined
Usually a timber frame, clad
in either lath and plaster or plasterboard and used to divide areas. Studwork can be structural, i.e.
load bearing, or alternatively non-structural depending upon its
construction. Within more modern properties, a proprietary
metal system or a honeycomb cardboard may also be found. Modern
Building Regulation requirements also require minimal sound transfer
and this is usually adhered to by the incorporation of insulation.
Suspended Timber Floor Construction Defined
A
suspended timber floor usually consists of timbers spanning the
ground floor, supported on piers (usually brickwork), vented via
air bricks within the walls.
Beam and Block Flooring Construction Defined
This
form of construction uses concrete beams to span the floor in between
which blocks are fitted. The floor was not opened
up. The floor void was not accessed.
Chipboard Flooring/Boarding Construction Defined
This is formed from small particles of timber which are bonded
together into a board normally 2' x 4' which are then fitted over
or secured to the joists forming a floor vented via air bricks
within the walls. Floating Floor Construction Defined
This type
of flooring is relatively modern (last 20 years). It
consists of a chipboard flooring (chipboard is formed from small
particles of timber which are bonded together into a board), on
a vapour barrier on a solid insulation board on a damp proof membrane
onto a concrete floor slab. The floor was not opened up. The
floor void was not accessed.
Joist and Floorboard Construction Defined
These are usually at first floor level consisting of a joist supported
from the external walls, either built in or, in more modern times,
sitting upon joist hangers, sometimes taking additional support
from internal walls, with floorboards fixed down upon it.
Hollow Core Doors Defined
This is a modern door
which uses hardboard as its outer surface and a cardboard latticework
as its inner surface. It is
very common on modern properties and relatively cheap, but they
do damage easily.
[ back
to definitions main page ]
|
Home
