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Screed

Final, smooth finish of a solid floor; usually cement, concrete or asphalt.

Septic tank

Tank Drain installation whereby sewage decomposes through bacteriological action, which can be slowed down or stopped altogether by the use of chemicals such as bleach, biological washing powders etc..

Settlement

General disturbance in a structure showing as distortion in walls etc., possibly a result of major structural failure. Sometimes of little current significance.

Shakes

Naturally occurring cracks in timber; in building timbers, shakes can appear quite dramatic, but strength is not always impaired.

Shingles

Small rectangular slabs of wood used on roofs instead of tiles, slates etc..

Soakaway

Arrangement for disposal of rainwater, utilising graded aggregate laid below ground.

Soaker

Sheet metal (usually lead, copper or zinc) at the junction of a roof with a vertical surface of a chimney stack, adjoining wall etc.. Associated with flashings which should overlay soakers.

Soffit

The under-surface of eaves, balcony, arch etc..

Solid fuel

Heating fuel, normally coal, coke or one of a variety of proprietary fuels.

Spandrel

Space above and to the sides of an arch; also the space below a staircase.

Stud partition

Lightweight, sometimes non-loadbearing wall construction comprising a framework of timber faced with plaster, plasterboard or other finish.

Subsidence

Ground movement, generally downward, possibly a result of mining activities or clay shrinkage.

Sub-soil

Soil lying immediately below the top-soil, upon which foundations usually bear.

Sulphate attack

Chemical reaction, activated by water, between tricalcium aluminate and soluble sulphates. Can cause deterioration in brick walls and concrete floors.

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