Jargon Buster - Letter T

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Tamp
To pack loose material down firmly with repeated blows.

Tarmac
A black or red material often used to cover driveways or paths.

Template
A cut-out pattern usually made of paper, wood or metal that helps ensure the shape of something (e.g. a kitchen work surface) precisely fits its space.

Terminal
Fixing for an electrical connection.

Thinner
A solvent such as turpentine used to dilute paint or varnish. This must be used with care as it is highly flammable and carcinogenic.

Thixotropic
Paints that are jelly-like until stirred or applied, at which point they become liquid.

Tie Bar
Heavy metal bar inserted through a wall, or walls, to 'tie together' an unstable structure.

Timber Frame
A method of house construction usually finished with brickwork.

Topcoat
The top layer of paint.

Torching
The application of mortar on the underside of roof tiles or slates to help prevent moisture penetration. Not necessary when a roof is underdrawn with felt.

Transom
The horizontal dividing piece of a window frame.

Trap
The bent section of pipe beneath a bath, sink etc. which contains standing water to prevent an air block.

Tread
The part of a step or stair that you walk on.

Trussed Rafters
A prefabricated triangular framework of timbers now commonly used in house building to construct the roof.

TRV
Thermostatic radiator valve. A valve that regulates water flow through a single radiator and hence regulate its temperature.