What Is Outgassing In A Vacuum? Outgassing is when a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, adhesive, rubber, or potting compound/epoxy, releases gases when exposed to vacuum and/or heat. This gas can then condense on other materials attached to the outgassed part, making them unavailable for use due to contamination. Common outgassing products include printing […]
What Is A Stone Cladding? Stone cladding is a thin layer of natural stone applied to the interior or exterior of a building, typically over a non-stone material like concrete. It is used to reduce the weight and cost of using full-size stone in construction. Stonewall cladding is a modern engineering solution that offers an […]
What Is Sgraffito In Ceramics? Sgraffito is a ceramic technique in which layers of different colored clay or glaze are applied, and then parts are scratched away to reveal the underlying layer. Usually one or two colors are used, but the technique can also be used with more colors for complex designs. The colors can […]
What Is The Difference Between Spackle And Joint Compound? Spackle and joint compounds are gypsum-based products that fill holes or cracks in walls before painting. The main difference is that spackle is thicker than joint compound and is generally used for smaller repair jobs, such as repairing nail pops and cracks. It contains a binding […]
What Is Scagliola Stone? Scagliola is a marble-like decorative material created by blending selenite, glue, and natural pigments to form a composite stone. It is formed in sheets and can be easily shaped into any desired pattern or design. The finished product has the look and feel of true marble but without the weight or […]
What Is A Fire Brick? A fire brick is a special type of brick which is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures, such as those found in fireplaces, wood stoves, and ovens. Fire bricks are usually composed of refractory ceramic material such as fire clay or a combination of aluminum oxide and silicon carbide, with […]
What Is A Dissolution Weathering? Dissolution weathering is a chemical weathering process in which water dissolves minerals from rocks resulting in the breakdown of the rock. This happens when water dissolves away the minerals in the rock, leaving behind fragments of sand and silt that can be washed away. Dissolution weathering is a slow process, […]
What Are Glass Bricks? Glass bricks are a construction material used to add decorative elements to walls or buildings. They are made of clear or coloured glass and are usually rectangular in shape, with an open space in the middle that can be filled with mortar for extra stability. Glass bricks provide more light than […]
What Is A Tuckpointing? Why Is Tuckpointing Necessary? Tuckpointing is a technique that involves using two different colors of mortar to create the appearance of very thin mortar joints in brickwork. The mortar is typically chosen to contrast with the color of the bricks giving the illusion of finely detailed joints. In some parts of […]
What Is A Lime Mortar? Lime mortar is a mixture of lime, an aggregate such as sand, and water, used in construction. It was used by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks and in ancient Indian and Roman structures. It has been used less in recent times due to the widespread adoption of Portland cement which […]