TERM DEFINITION Glossary Joint filling The filling of the joint (of a lining) with the appropriate product, in terms of properties but also aesthetic value, sealing, and filling. Lap marks The distinct (against our will) line that appears under a plastered or painted surface and which can result from various causes, such as e.g., the differentiation of the absorbency of the thickness guides of the base coat with the rest of its surface, or even the product itself or its application tools (e.g., paintbrush or roller). Lifespan of a building The estimated time period during which a building continues to be considered functional and safe for the use for which it was originally constructed. It is a variable size that depends on a number of factors, such as the construction materials and their application methods, the maintenance and repairs that are done to it during its function or life, the environment in which it is located (e.g., high seismic hazard zone), etc. Lightweight screed/ filling mortar A cementitious surface coat that is usually applied over an existing surface in order to smooth, level, or create pitch (or all of the above) with construction materials that have low weight, compared to standard cement mortars (up to 1/3 of the weight). Most lightweight screeds contain in their composition lightly inert materials such as pumice, perlite, etc. Load-bearing structure of a building They are the structural elements of the building that receive the weight of the floor slab and of the structures above it. They immediately and safely transfer the load/weight to underlying structural (load-bearing) elements, which gradually transfer the weight of the building to its foundations and to the substrates on which they are based. Marble saddle (threshold) A rectangular strip of marble is placed on the bottom (saddle) of doors or windows. Material thixotropy Thixotropy is the property of a viscous sticky liquid or gel, to become less viscous when stirred or, in general, when some type of force is applied to it. When this stops happening, the material (liquid or gel) returns sooner or later to its original viscous form. Mechanical strength of a product The properties of a product that describe its resistance to a series of mechanical stresses (compressive stress, flexion, abrasion etc.). Mechanical support The support by mechanical means (e.g., supporting beams, mounting plugs, etc.) of a structural element. Microclimate of a space The conditions (temperature, humidity, air movement, etc.) that prevail in a space that is not in direct contact with the external environment. 296 Repair & Renovation Guide
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