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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
















