Jargon Buster - Letter D

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Dado
The lower part of an interior wall - usually defined with a moulded wooden rail (the dado rail) at about waist height.

Dado Rail
Wooden moulding fixed horizontally along a wall, at roughly waist height as a decorative feature.

Damp-Proof Course (DPC)
A layer of impervious material (i.e. water can't pass through), which prevents moisture rising from the ground into the walls of a building.

Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM)
A layer of impervious material (i.e. water can't pass through), which prevents moisture rising through a concrete floor.

Datum
The point from which measurements are taken.

De-Lamination
The separation of layers of plywood or laminated timber as a result of the glue failing.

Deal
Common name for softwood which has been square sawn.

Deathwatch Beetle
Serious insect pest in structural timbers, usually affects old hardwoods where fungal decay already exists. Latin name: Xestobium Refovillosum.

Defects Period / Defects Liability Period
The length of time within which any defect is the responsibility of the builder to put right (usually six months) which can only be enforced if it is included in theterms of contract.

Distemper
A traditional wall paint made from water, pigment and glue.

Double Glazing
A sealed unit, where two panes of glass are fixed and hermetically sealed together or a second 'window' placed inside the original window. Both types of double glazing give heat and noise insulation.

Downpipes
Drainage pipes from guttering.

Drip Groove
A groove cut or moulding in the underside of a windowsill to prevent rainwater running back to the wall.

Drop
A vertical ceiling panel, where the level of a ceiling changes.

Dry Rot
A fungus that attacks structural and joinery timbers, often with devastating results making the timber crumble. It can flourish in moist, unventilated areas. Latin name: Serpula Lacrymans. See also Wet Rot.