Construction Terms Beginning with R

Plumbing & Heating

Radiator

What is a radiator? Plain-English guide to central heating radiators, how they work, sizing in BTUs and watts, thermostatic rad...

Read definition Groundworks

Raft Foundation

What is a raft foundation? Plain-English explanation of raft foundations, when they are used instead of strip foundations, how ...

Read definition Structural

Rafter

What is a rafter? Plain-English guide to common rafters, hip and valley rafters, rafter sizing, the difference between cut roof...

Read definition Electrical

RCBO

What is an RCBO? Plain-English guide to Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection - how RCBOs combine MCB and RCD fu...

Read definition Electrical

RCD

What is an RCD? Plain-English explanation of residual current devices in UK electrical installations, how RCDs protect against ...

Read definition Finishes

Render

What is render in construction? Plain-English guide to external and internal render, sand-and-cement vs monocouche vs silicone ...

Read definition Heritage & Conservation

Repointing

What is repointing? Plain-English guide to repointing brick and stone masonry, when to repoint, choosing the right mortar, comm...

Read definition External Works

Resin-Bound Paving

What is resin-bound paving? Plain-English guide to resin-bound gravel and aggregate surfacing - how it differs from resin-bonde...

Read definition External Works

Retaining Wall

What is a retaining wall? Plain-English guide to retaining wall types, design principles, drainage requirements, planning rules...

Read definition Roofing

Ridge

What is a ridge on a roof? Plain-English definition of the roof ridge, ridge board, ridge tiles, and ventilated ridge systems u...

Read definition Electrical

Ring Main

What is a ring main? Plain-English definition of ring final circuits in UK electrical installations, how they work, maximum spu...

Read definition Damp & Waterproofing

Rising Damp

What is rising damp? Plain-English explanation of how rising damp works, how to identify it, treatment options including chemic...

Read definition Drainage & Utilities

Rodding Eye

What is a rodding eye? Plain-English definition of rodding eyes in drainage systems, how they differ from inspection chambers, ...

Read definition Roofing

Roof Light

What is a roof light? Plain-English guide to roof lights and skylights, fixed vs opening types, flat roof lanterns, Permitted D...

Read definition Roofing

Roof Truss

What is a roof truss? Plain-English guide to trussed rafters, attic trusses, how trusses work, the difference between trussed a...

Read definition Structural

RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist)

What is an RSJ? Plain-English explanation of rolled steel joists, how they differ from universal beams, how they are specified,...

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