Glossary home
labour only subcontractors
these are employed and are treated by law as employees. Therefore their employers are responsible for insuring them for their liabilities and are paid an hourly or weekly wage.
laitance
in the placement of concrete, the accumulation of small inert particles of cement and aggregate on the surface, caused by an excess of water which, when it evaporates, leaves a thin layer, causing a weakened plane for a subsequent pour.
laminate
to make materials in sheet form by bonding together two or more thin sheets.
laminated glass
two or more sheets with an inner layer of transparent plastic to which the glass adheres if broken.
larrying
a method of bricklaying using fluid mortar in which the bricks are slid into position - after which mortar is poured in to fill the vertical joints.
laser
acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation - a thin concentrated beam of light.
latent defect
a concealed flaw due to poor workmanship or design that does not become apparent until after the contractor has left site.
latent heat
heat necessary to produce a change of state of material at a constant temperature.
lateral buckling
a structural condition applicable to beams wherein the top flange in compression has a tendency to bow out laterally causing a localised buckling of the flange - the compression in the flange that causes it to buckle, is a function of the amount of bending in the beam.
lateral load
forces acting in a sidewise direction, usually referring to wind or seismic forces.
lath
one of several thin narrow strips of wood used to provide backing for plaster, tiles etc.
lathe
a machine for shaping, boring, facing, or cutting a screw thread in metal, wood, etc.
lay bar
a horizontal glazing bar.
lead dot
the usual name for a soldered dot.
lead joint
a lead caulked joint.
level
in surveying, an instrument to determine relative heights by sighting through a small telescope mounted on a tripod - the magnifying sighting tube is levelled on its mount and, when sighting, has cross hairs which can be focused for precise reading on a staff.
Level of Excess
Level of Excess refers to the amount of excess that must be paid in the event of a claim. Please see Policy Excess
levelled finish
a textured finish that has been flattened with a trowel or float while still wet.
lever lock
a traditional lock in which the key must move several levers to release the bolt when it is shot or withdrawn.
liability
responsibility, or obligation, under the terms of the contract.
Liability Insurance
Liability Insurance is a type of cover that is taken out by customers / companies that have a risk of being sued due to negligence. Please see Public Liability Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance. To save you time and money Constructaquote.com offers both Public and Employer's Liability Insurance in one policy.
lifting tackle
lifting blocks, hooks, ropes, chains, slings, eye bolts, bulldog grips and hand operated pulleys or hoists for raising or lowering heavy weights.
lightning conductor
A metalic conductor,-rod for protecting buildings from lightning.
limestone
A popular and versatile stone found in many areas of the UK and ideal for construction use.
Limit of Indemnity
The Limit of Indemnity is the maximum amount the policyholder is covered for
Limit of Liability
The Limit of Liability is the maximum amount the policyholder is covered for
linseed oil
an oil made from the seed of the flax plant, having hard, weather-resistant qualities when dried - linseed oil is used in paints, varnishes, and linoleum.
loading coat
a concrete screed or slab laid over asphalt tanking or on top of roofing to resist water pressure from wind uplift etc.
loam
a soil consisting of a natural mixture of clay and sand, with animal and vegetable matter; a composition of moist clay and sand used in making bricks.
local control
a thermostat for the automatic control of air-conditioning according to the ambient temperature in one particular room.
logistics
The detailed planning and organisation of any large and complex operation or project.
louvre
A turret like structure on a roof for escape of smoke or for ventilation.