Building Terms We May Use In Our Reports

the bend or deflection of a timber between its supports.

a reflective foil laminate that is installed inside roofs. It has many benefits including weather proofing, insulation and reduction of dust and sound.

Those parts of the building not providing loadbearing capacity to the Structure, or those non-essential elements which, in the main, perform a completion role around openings in Primary Elements and the building in general such as non-loadbearing walls, partitions, wall linings, ceilings, chimneys, flashings, windows, glazing or doors.

Any item that may constitute an immediate or imminent risk to life, health or property. Occupational, health and safety or any other consequence of these hazards has not been assessed.

a window's lower horizontal framing member.

a sloping roof without a ridge or peak.

a moulding that covers the join between wall and floor

A fire-protection device that automatically detects and gives a warning of the presence of smoke.

the under surface of a beam, arch or stair. Often refers to the underside of the eaves of a roof.

tests on the building site that determine the stability of soil and the type of footings required.

Major (full depth) cracking forming in Primary Elements resulting from differential movement between or within the elements of construction, such as foundations, footings, floors, walls and roofs.

A significant impairment to the integrity of the whole or part of the Structure falling into one or more of the following categories:

1. Structural Cracking and Movement – major (full depth) cracking forming in Primary Elements resulting from differential movement between or within the elements of construction, such as foundations, footings, floors, walls and roofs.
2. Deformation – an abnormal change of shape of Primary Elements resulting from the application of load(s).
3. Dampness – the presence of moisture within the building, which is causing consequential damage to Primary Elements.
4. Structural Timber Pest Damage – structural failure, i.e. an obvious weak spot, deformation or even collapse of timber Primary Elements resulting from attack by one or more of the following wood destroying agents: chemical delignification; fungal decay; wood borers; and termites.

Structural failure, i.e. an obvious weak spot, deformation or even collapse of timber Primary Elements resulting from attack by one or more of the following wood destroying agents: chemical delignification; fungal decay; wood borers; and termites.

The load bearing part of the building, comprising the Primary Elements.