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Aggregate

Pebbles, shingle, gravel etc. used in the manufacture of concrete, and in the construction of "soakaways".

Airbrick

Perforated brick used for ventilation, especially to floor voids (beneath timber floors) and roof spaces.

Architrave

Joinery moulding around window or doorway.

Asbestos

Fibrous mineral used in the past for insulation. Can be a health hazard — specialist advice should be sought if asbestos (especially blue asbestos) is found.

Asbestos cement

Cement with 10-15% asbestos fibre as reinforcement. Fragile — will not bear heavy weights. Hazardous fibres may be released if cut or drilled.

Ashlar

Finely dressed natural stone: the best grade of masonry.

Asphalt

Black, tar-like substance, strongly adhesive and impervious to moisture. Used on flat roofs and floors.

Barge board

See Verge Board.

Balanced flue

Common metal device normally serving gas appliances which allows air to be drawn to the appliance whilst also allowing fumes to escape.

Beetle infestation

(Wood boring insects: woodworm.) Larvae of various species of beetle which tunnel into timber causing damage. Specialist treatment normally required. Can also affect furniture.

Benching

Smoothly contoured concrete slope beside drainage channel within an inspection chamber. Also known as Haunching.

Bitumen

Black, sticky substance, related to asphalt. Used in sealants, mineral felts and damp-proof courses.

Breeze block

Originally made from cinders ("breeze") — the term now commonly used to refer to various types of concrete and cement building blocks.

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