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T

Tamp

To pack down tightly by a succession of blows or taps.

Target (CO2) Emission Rate

See TER

Tarmac

Bitumen macadam coating aggregate for drive, road or path surfaces.

Tenancy deposit scheme

This scheme was introduced by the Housing Act 2004 as part of a package of measures to raise standards in the private rented sector. From <6th April 2007 all deposits taken by landlords must be safeguarded by one of three Government approved schemes. Landlords can choose which scheme they wish to use and must safeguard each deposit and inform the tenant which scheme has been used within 14 days of receiving the deposit

TER (Target (CO2) Emission Rate)

The TER is calculated from SAP Software which is used for compliance with building regulations. It is a notional figure expressed in kg/m2/year which sets the maximum permitted emissions for an individual dwelling, taking into account the previous building regulations, a betterment factor (currently 20%) set by the Government and fuel factor.

Term assurance

Life insurance to pay off a mortgage if the borrower dies.

TFA (Treated Floor Area)

The TFA is used for energy calculations; it is the total of all the floors including main building and any extensions if present.

Thermal Mass Parameter

See TMP

Thermal resistance

The value of the thermal resistance of a piece of material can be thought of as the temperature difference across it required to produce one unit of heat flow per unit area. It is measured by m2K/W, where m2 is the surface area, K is the temperature difference and W is the resultant heat flow.

Thermostatic Radiator Valve

See TRV

Tie bar

Heavy metal bar passing through walls to brace a structure suffering from structural instability. The ends are often visible outside a building by the large metal 'S', 'X' or circular plates which spread the load over the external walls.

Timber frame

A method of building construction where the internal walls, floors, roof etc are manufactured in sections using timber off site and are erected onto a completed base built up from the foundations. In modern timber framed buildings, the inner timber construction is often covered by using an outer skin of brick or similar materials to give a traditional appearance.

Timber framed wall

A wall composed of structural wooden components, sheathed on both sides or infilled with masonry or wattle and daub.

Title

The rights and liabilities that attach to the property.

Title Deeds

Legal documents describing the rights and liabilities that attach to the property and prove ownership of property.

Title report on

Solicitors' certificate confirming that the title to the property is acceptable. A Lender must have one before an advance cheque for the mortgage monies can be issued.

TMP (Thermal Mass Parameter)

The TMP is an overall figure for the thermal mass of a building; which is derived from the admittance of individual elements within the building.

Top coat

The final layer of paint.

Torching

Mortar applied on the underside of roof tiles or slates to help prevent moisture penetration. Not necessary when a roof is underdrawn with felt.

Total percentage points score

Is sometimes referred to as Points score - for every category, the number of credits achieved is divided by the total available and multiplied by the category weighting factor to give a percentage points score. The percentage point scores are then summed over all the categories to arrive at a total percentage points score for the dwelling

Tracker Rate

Tracker rates mortgages are linked to the Bank of England base rate, the interest rate applicable and subsequently the amount charged each month fluctuate in line with this.

Transom

A bar of wood or stone across the top of a door or window.

Trap

Section of pipe beneath a bath or sink, containing standing water to prevent an air block.

Tread

The horizontal part of a step or stair.

Treated Floor Area

See TFA

Triple glazing

A type of window providing thermal insulation by using three panes of glass hermetically sealed with two internal air gaps.

Trussed Rafters

Method of roof construction utilising prefabricated triangular framework of timbers. Now widely used in domestic construction

TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve)

Valve which regulates the hot water flow through a radiator and as a result it’s temperature.

Two-core flex

A flexible cable having only `live` and neutral conductors. As used with double-insulated appliances.