building valuations

INTERNAL FEATURE DEFINITIONS

CEILINGS AND WALLS

Lath and Plaster Defined
Laths are thin strips of timbers which are fixed to the structure. Wet plaster is applied to the laths, usually in several layers. The plaster forms a key as it is forced between the laths. This plaster, once dry, is given further coats and often a decorative finish.

Plasterboard Defined
The usual name for Gypsum plasterboard which is building board with a core of aerated gypsum, usually enclosed between two sheets of heavy paper, used as a dry lining.

Dry Lining Defined (Old Properties)
This technique is usually used on solid walls particularly where dampness is occurring.   In older properties, where the internal wall is not flush, battens would be added and then lath and plaster.   In more modern properties, the walls may be lined with plasterboard on battens or plaster dabs.

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Dry Lining Defined (Modern Properties)
Within modern properties, dry lining is a technique used on what are known as non-traditional housing such as timber frame and proprietary systems.   This will consist of timber battens which are lined with a plasterboard.

Dry Lining Defined
This term comes from the fact that plasterboard is dry and used as an inner lining within the property.   Prior to this a wet plaster was used and required drying out periods which slowed the construction process down.   Therefore almost universally in modern properties dry lining is used both as a ceiling material and sometimes to internally line the walls.

Blown Plaster Defined
This is where the plaster has come away from its base leaving a hollow area.

Studwork Defined
Usually a timber frame, clad in either lath and plaster or plasterboard and used to divide areas.   Studwork can be structural, i.e. load bearing, or alternatively non-structural depending upon its construction.   Within more modern properties, a proprietary metal system or a honeycomb cardboard may also be found.   Modern Building Regulation requirements also require minimal sound transfer and this is usually adhered to by the incorporation of insulation.

FLOORS

Suspended Timber Floor Construction Defined
A suspended timber floor usually consists of timbers spanning the ground floor, supported on piers (usually brickwork), vented via air bricks within the walls.

Beam and Block Flooring Construction Defined
This form of construction uses concrete beams to span the floor in between which blocks are fitted.   The floor was not opened up.   The floor void was not accessed.

Chipboard Flooring/Boarding Construction Defined
This is formed from small particles of timber which are bonded together into a board normally 2' x 4' which are then fitted over or secured to the joists forming a floor vented via air bricks within the walls.

Floating Floor Construction Defined
This type of flooring is relatively modern (last 20 years).   It consists of a chipboard flooring (chipboard is formed from small particles of timber which are bonded together into a board), on a vapour barrier on a solid insulation board on a damp proof membrane onto a concrete floor slab.   The floor was not opened up.   The floor void was not accessed.

Joist and Floorboard Construction Defined
These are usually at first floor level consisting of a joist supported from the external walls, either built in or, in more modern times, sitting upon joist hangers, sometimes taking additional support from internal walls, with floorboards fixed down upon it.

DOORS

Hollow Core Doors Defined
This is a modern door which uses hardboard as its outer surface and a cardboard latticework as its inner surface.   It is very common on modern properties and relatively cheap, but they do damage easily.

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