What is a compass saw?
A compass saw is a hand saw with a narrow, tapering blade for cutting holes, curves and cut-outs in timber, sheet materials and plasterboard. Use, choice and tips.
What is wet scrub resistance?
Wet scrub resistance indicates how well wall paint stands up to washing. Classes 1 to 5 under EN 13300 explained, plus tips for choosing the right paint.
What is a floor drain?
A floor drain (floor gully) is an outlet set into a stone, tiled or concrete floor, with a removable dirt trap. Where to use one, how to install it and tips against odours and blockages.
What is a wedge-shaped kerb block (schrikblok)?
A wedge-shaped kerb block is a concrete block on the verge or pavement that stops cars from driving off the carriageway. How it works, how to place it and safety points.
What is joinery (schrijnwerk)?
Schrijnwerk is the term used mainly in Belgium for fine joinery such as windows, doors, shutters and facade cladding. An explanation of external joinery, materials and maintenance tips.
What is a temporary diagonal brace (schranklat)?
A diagonal brace (Dutch: schranklat) is a simple timber batten that stops a window frame, wall or roof structure from racking out of square. When and how to fit one.
What is a scrape coat?
A scrape coat is a resin-bound intermediate layer that levels and seals a substrate before an epoxy or PU seamless floor. Build-up, method and common mistakes.
What is a gable shoulder?
A gable shoulder is the built-out area of masonry at the foot of the sloping sides of a pointed or tuit gable. Also: the shoulder angle of a bastion. Recognition and maintenance.
What is a window board holder (schothouder)?
A window board holder is a small metal holder in an old window frame used to fix a loose timber board in the window. Origins, how to recognise them and how to treat them during restoration.
What is screed curling?
Screed curling is the upward lifting of the edges of a screed due to uneven shrinkage during drying. Causes, consequences for tiles and parquet, and how to prevent it.