Jargon Buster - Letter U

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U-value
A U-value expresses the rate of heat transfer through any element of a building e.g. a wall, roof or window. It's essential to make sure that newly constructed parts of your house adhere to standard U-values.

Undercoat
One or more layers of paint used to cover the colour of a primer or previous paint colour. This also provides a protective layer before painting topcoat.

Underpinning
A new, stronger foundation is built beneath the original when it becomes weak, in order to strengthen it and offset the risks of unstable foundations.

UPVC
A plastic material used to make windows, gutters and rainwater pipes, as well as tape for sealing threaded plumbing fittings.