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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
- Aggregate
- Sand or stone chippings mixed with cement and water to make concrete, or added to paint to give a textured finish. Also used in the construction of Soakaways.
- Airbrick
- Ventilation brick, often inserted beneath timber floors and roof spaces.
- Airlock
- A blockage in a pipe which is caused by trapped air.
- Apex
- A triangle of brickwork, usually at the end of a house, that supports the roof.
- Appliance
- A domestic machine such as a dishwasher, washing machine, freezer, oven etc.
- Arbitration
- The involvement of a third party, agreed by both sides, to settle a disagreement. Both parties agree to abide by the third party's decision when both arguments have been heard. The decision is legally binding and arbitration is designed to avoid expensive and lengthy court proceedings.
- Architrave
- The wooden moulding around windows and doors used to cover the gap left between the frame and the wall.
- Arris
- The sharp edge where two surfaces meet.
- Asbestos
- An insulating material used in the past, which can be a health hazard and must be removed by a specialist.
- Asbestos Cement
- Cement containing 10-15% asbestos. It cannot support heavy weights and hazardous fibres can be released if it is cut or drilled.
- Ashlar
- The best grade of stone masonry with square edges and even faces.
- Asphalt
- Black, tar-like material, strongly adhesive, waterproof and often used on flat roofs.
