Jargon Buster - Letter L

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

Laminate
A type of floor covering, usually wood based.

Lamination / De-lamination
When building materials come apart e.g. plaster coming away from a brick wall.

Landslip
Downhill movement of unstable earth, clay, rock etc. often following a long period of heavy rain, but sometimes due to weak sub-soil.

Lath
Thin strips of wood used to fix roof tiles or slates, or as a backing to plaster. Lath and plaster walls were very common in houses up to the 1950s.

Lath and Plaster
A pre-1950s method of finishing a timber-framed wall or ceiling. Narrow strips of wood (the Laths) are nailed to the studs (wall) or joists (ceiling) to provide a supporting framework for plaster.

Lead
Stepped brick or block work ends of a wall, built first to act as a guide for intermediate brick courses.

Lean-to Roof
Sloping roof supported along its highest point by a taller adjoining wall.

Light
A window pane - fixed or opening. An opening light can be top or side hung (i.e. have its hinges on one side or at the top).

Lintel
Horizontal structural beam of timber, stone, steel or concrete placed over window or door openings.

Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose material for insulating cavity walls and lofts.

LPG
Liquid petroleum gas or propane. Available to supply gas appliances in areas without mains gas.