Distemper - Distempers may be defined as water paints consisting of whiting (powered chalk ) , some colouring pigment and glue size mixed in water.
Dog-legged stair - It consists of two straight flights of steps with abrupt turn between them. This type of stair is useful where the width of the stair-case hall is just sufficient to accomodate two widths of stair.
Dormer window - It is a vertical window built in the sloping side of a pitched roof. This window is provided to achieve proper ventilation and lighting of the enclosed space below the roof.
Double flemish bond - In this type of bonding brick work , each course presents the same appearance both in the front and back elevations.
Dovetail joint - In this method of fastening wood work , wedge-shaped or flaring shaped pieces are cut out of each member and the joint is formed by hooking the projection of one member into the other one.
Dowel joint - This type of joint ensures stability of the components against displacement or sliding.
Dressing of stone - Building stone has to be quarried out from the rock formation before it can be put into use and the process is called dressing of stone. The quary of stone may be done either by hands or machines.
Drier - These are the materials containing mettalic compounds and are used in small quantities for accelerating the drying of paint film. They act as catalysts for the oxidation and polymerisation of the vehicle used in the paint.
Durability - It is the property of concrete by virtue of which it is capable of resisting its disintegration and decay which is caused due to any condition.
Exit - A passage , channel or means of egress from any building , storey or floor area to a street or other open space of safety.