Your Guide to Construction Jargon
Building works can involve a lot of technical terms that may be unfamiliar if you’re not in the trade. At Rogate Construction, we aim to make every project clear and stress-free. Use this A–Z guide as a quick reference when planning your home renovations, extensions, or structural alterations in Hampshire, West Sussex, or Surrey.
A
Architrave – The moulded frame around a door or window, providing a neat finish.
Asbestos Survey – A survey to check for asbestos in older buildings, required before major works.
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B
Balustrade – A protective railing, usually found on stairs, balconies or terraces.
Brick Tie – Similar to wall ties, these secure brickwork to the structural frame.
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C
Cavity Wall – A wall made of two layers (inner and outer) with a gap (cavity) between them, often for insulation.
Cladding – A protective or decorative layer on the outside of a building, improving insulation and aesthetics.
Cornice – Decorative moulding between walls and ceilings.
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D
Damp Proof Course (DPC) – A barrier built into walls to prevent rising damp.
Decorative Render – A textured or coloured coating applied to exterior walls.
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E
Eaves – The part of a roof that overhangs the walls.
Electrical RCD (Residual Current Device) – A safety switch to prevent electric shocks.
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F
Floor Joist – Horizontal beams supporting floors.
Fascia Board – Horizontal board fixed to the edge of the roof, often supporting gutters.
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G
Glazing – The glass component of windows and doors.
Groundworks – Preparatory work on the site, including foundations, drainage, and excavation.
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H
Hip Roof – A roof that slopes on all four sides.
HVAC – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
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I
Insulation – Material used to reduce heat loss, sound, or vibration.
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J
Joist Hanger – Metal bracket used to support joists.
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K
King Post – The central vertical post in a truss, providing structural support.
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L
Lintel – Horizontal beam above doors and windows, supporting the weight of the structure above.
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M
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) – Engineered wood used in furniture, skirting, and cabinetry.
Masonry – Building structures from stone, brick, or concrete blocks.
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N
Noggin – Short horizontal timber between studs, providing stability.
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O
Oven Ventilation – Systems for removing cooking fumes and heat safely.
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P
Plasterboard – Panels used for walls and ceilings, also called drywall.
Pointing – The visible mortar lines between bricks or stones; repointing refreshes them.
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R
Render – A cement-based coating applied to walls for protection and a smooth finish.
RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) – Steel beam used when removing walls or supporting structures.
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S
Scaffolding – Temporary framework for workers to access higher parts of a building safely.
Stud Wall – Non-loadbearing wall made from timber or metal studs.
Snagging – The process of checking and fixing small issues at the end of a project.
Spindles – Also known as balusters, they are the vertical rods or posts that connect the handrail to the base rail (or stringer) on a staircase.
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T
Truss – A triangular structural frame supporting a roof.
Thermal Bridging – Heat loss through materials that conduct more heat than surrounding insulation.
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W
Wall Tie – Metal connectors holding cavity walls together.
Weatherboarding – Timber boards fixed to the exterior of a building for protection and style.
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Z
Zinc Roofing – Durable, corrosion-resistant roofing material often used on modern or heritage buildings.
How to Use This Guide
Bookmark this page to keep it handy when discussing your project with builders, architects, or planners. For more detailed examples, photos, and practical advice, check out our blog, where each term is explored in depth.
Why Choose Rogate Construction?
At Rogate Construction, we specialise in renovations, extensions, kitchens, bathrooms, structural alterations, and external works across Hampshire, West Sussex, and Surrey. Our team combines high-quality workmanship with clear communication, making your building experience smooth and stress-free.
