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Dado rail, panelling
A waist-height projecting rail, running along an inside wall. Commonly the area below the dado rail is covered with vertical boarding. Sometimes it is panelled. Wooden panelling is also commonly used round a chancel area (see wainscotting)..
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Damp-proof course (DPC)
Used in two senses. A damp-proof course installed during construction is usually a layer of slate, concrete, or bitumen low down on a wall, to prevent ground water rising above that level. The damp-proof course should be about six inches (125mm) above ground level, as over time the earth round a building can build up, 'bridging' over the course and allowing moisture to reach the interior of the building. In the other sense, an impervious layer of plastic or lead can be inserted at a wallhead, or below a cope, to stop water penetrating from above.
Related Words
Bitumen, bituminous; Concrete; Course, coursed; Lead; Slates ; Wallhead
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Distemper
A traditional water-based paint, the application of which allows a wall to 'breathe' (to absorb and emit water). It is an unsuitable base for applying modern paints.
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Down pipe
Also known as a conductor, a pipe linking a gutter to a drain at the base of a wall.
Related Words
Gutter
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Drainpipe shoe
The curved, open-ended lower end of a downpipe, directing water away from the base of a wall. Also seen where water from an upper roof is discharged on to an aisle roof.
Related Words
Down pipe
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Dressings
 A name given to the dressed (finely-finished) stones forming the edges of walls and window and door openings in a masonry building. Often emphasised by being made of different stone to the wall body, and sometimes by harling over the wall, except for the dressings.
Related Words
Harl, Harling
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Drip mould
 A projecting strip of stone above a window or door, usually curved on its upper face, and grooved on its lower one, to shed water away from the opening.
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Droved
A treatment of ashlar masonry in which a series of parallel grooves is cut along the face of individual stones. These are frequently at an angle, and may be very slight, or quite prominent.
Related Words
Ashlar
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Dry dash
A treatment used to finish the walls of modern buildings, in which a layer of cement render is applied to the surface. While it is still wet, crushed marble or white limestone is thrown (dashed) on to it, so that the chips are partly embedded in the render. It is not a suitable treatment for an historic building.
Related Words
Cement, cementitious; Render
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Duckboard
Where a roof has lead or copper gutters or platforms, slatted wooden walkways - duckboards - should be fitted, to prevent damage to the metal covering during routine maintenance and inspection. Duckboards also allow water to drain away after heavy snow.
Related Words
Copper; Gutter ; Lead
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Duct
Here used to describe a channel within the thickness of a wall or other structural component, used to accommodate pipes or cables, or for ventilation or heating.
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