Spray
In general terms, the word 'spray' refers to any liquid that is blown or driven through the air in the form of small droplets.
Approved document C: Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture, 2004 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments defines spray as: ‘Water droplets driven by the wind from the surface of the sea or other bodies of water adjacent to buildings. Sea spray can be especially hazardous to materials because of its salt content.’
In the construction industry more widely, the term 'spray' has a number of other possible meanings, such as:
- Spray Concrete (Shotcrete). A method of applying concrete or mortar using a high-velocity hose. It is commonly used for tunnel linings, structural repairs, and retaining walls.
- Spray Plastering. The application of plaster using a machine instead of manual troweling. This speeds up the process and provides a smooth finish.
- Spray Insulation. The application of liquid foam insulation, which expands to fill gaps, providing thermal and sound insulation.
- Spray Painting. The use of spray guns to apply paint or protective coatings on surfaces, including metalwork, wood, or walls.
- Dust or Water Spray. The use of water mist or suppressant sprays to reduce airborne dust on construction sites, improving air quality and worker safety.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved document C.
- Approved documents.
- Building regulations.
- Condensation.
- Contaminated land.
- Cover systems for land regeneration - thickness of cover systems for contaminated land (BR465).
- Deleterious materials.
- Ground conditions.
- Hazardous substances.
- Radon.
- Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new buildings BR 211.
- Types of damp-proof courses.
Featured articles and news
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.





















