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Glossary of DIY Home Improvement Terms - V

This page of our online a to z glossary of DIY home improvement terms is for do-it-yourself terms beginning with the letter 'V'.

• Valance - A frill of fabric. Valances can be used to cover curtain fittings (i.e., as a fabric pelmet or to trim the base of a chair or bed.
• Valve - A regulating device to control the flow of air or liquid.
• Varnish - Clear protective coating for timber. Those made with polyurethane give a waterproof, heat- and scratch-resistant finish.
• Vapour barrier - A layer of impervious material that prevents the passage of moisture-laden air.
• Veneer - A thin sheet of material fastened to the surface of a board or plank. Veneers are typically of wood - often of valuable wood but synthetic materials of many kinds are also used.
• Vermiculite - A material used as an aggregate in the construction of fire resistant building materials. Used in the home for insulating lofts or attics.
• Vinyl - Hardwearing all-purpose material used for sheet flooring and tiles. Available in a multitude of designs.
• Vinyl wallpapers - Wallpapers that have a plastic coating so that they can be scrubbed. They are especially suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and children's rooms.