WALL FINISHES Facing Bricks Facing Bricks are used to erect external walls.

They are normally not plastered.

Textured Coatings Besides plastering, textured coatings may be applied onto walls of ceilings as finishes. There are many types of textured coatings which are applied by a spray-gun. An example of a textured coating is the Rock stone sprayed finish. Ceramic Tiles Ceramic tiles for walls are usually used in the kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas. They come in various colors, designs and sizes. Glazed tiles are often used for walls. Wallpaper Wallpapers vary considerably in design and cost. They come in rolled sheets and are glued to walls and ceilings using adhesive. Cement-Sand and Gypsum Plaster Coatings Plastering is usually carried out for walls and ceilings to create a smoother finish. Normally a cement-sand plaster or a gypsum plaster is used. Painting There are different types of paints for both exterior and interior use for wall and ceiling finishes.

FLOOR FINISHES

1. Wood laminates Floor Boards. These are floor finishes made of HDF [High Density Fiber] and look like wood strips. They are made from wood fibers that have been highly compressed making it harder than the more common MDF Fiber boards. They come in various natural wood veneers such as peach, oak or mahogany. The strips are joint together by grooves and are laid on top of an underlay which is laid on the concrete ground surface. 2.Natural wood Floor finishes. Parquet floor finish. This consists of solid hardwood blocks fixed with an adhesive on the floor surface and arranged to form a pattern-the herringbone pattern is very common with this finish. The wooden blocks can be of various sizes and thicknesses. Wood strips These are hardwood strips joined together to form a floor finish on the floor. This kind of flooring is simple and takes less time to fix. The strips are laid in random length. 3.Ceramic tiles. This type of floor finish is very common due to its durability and affordability and choice of design. Ceramic tiles are the number one choice for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms due to its water-proofing capabilities. Ceramic tiles also come in various sizes, patterns, colors and shapes. Ceramic tiles are made from clay which is mined from the ground. The clay is crushed and drypressed when in a wet stage to form the shape using a pneumatic punching press. The tile is then dried and a glaze is applied on top. Glazing is the application of fine glass powder to the surface. The tile is then fired whereby the glaze particles melt into each other to produce a granite-like surface. 4.Granito tiles. These are Porcelain ceramic tiles and are more durable and can be used in the out-door. They are made from porcelain granules and are fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. They are common in sizes 450mm by 450mm up to size 600mm by 600mm. They come in various colors and textures and are very aesthetically appealing and long lasting. 6.Marble. This is a metamorphic rock made from the joining of calcite[limestone] rock at high temperatures and pressure. This destroys any sign of fossils and sedimentary structure in the rocks to create characteristic swirls and veins from the impurities such as clay ,silt and iron oxides.

7.Terrazzo floor finish This finish is desirable where there is high traffic due to its durability. Its also water proof so it can be used in wet areas and its easy to clean. It can also be laid on the out doors. 8.PVC floor tiles The tiles come in an average size of 300mm by 300mm ant a thickness varying from 2.5mm to 4mm. The thickness used will depend on the human traffic that is envisaged for the particular floor. FUNCTION OF PAINT

Paint is a coating applied to the surface in form of a liquid dispersion, which is then hardens forming a solid film. The functions of paints:

Protection of the part surface from the environmental factors (Oxygen and other chemically active gases, moisture, dissolved salts and other chemicals, temperature, bacteria, fungi). Corrosion protection is the most important function of paints. Aesthetic appearance provided by the paint color and sheen (eggshell, satin or gloss). Providing a desired ability of reflection-absorption of heat and light. Changing the surface properties: ant-friction, hardness, electrical conductivity. Identification of products according to the color of the paint.

Classification of paints by physical type

Solvent-borne paints contain up to 80% of solid constituents (binders, pigments and additives) dispersed in the organic solvent. Solvent-borne paints dry fast and may contain a wide range of binders. The main disadvantages of the solvent-borne paints are their toxicity and combustibility. Water-borne paints contain water as the paint solvent. Waterborne paints are non-toxic and non-combustible but they are characterized by long drying time due to slow evaporation rate of water. o Water-borne paints based on water-soluble binders contain low molecular weight polymeric binders dispersed in water in form of true solutions. Watersoluble binders contain up to 15% of organic oxygen containing solvents soluble in water (alcohols, glycol ethers, etc.). o Water-borne paints based on polymer dispersions (Emulsion paints) contain 50-60% of high molecular weight polymeric binders dispersed in water in form of Colloids. Emulsion paint contain up to 5% of organic oxygen containing solvents soluble in water (alcohols, glycol ethers, etc.). High-solids paints (Low VOC paints) contain more than 80% of solid constituents (binders, pigments) dispersed in an organic solvent. VOC - volatile organic compounds. Powder coatings are obtained from powdered resin, particles of which are attracted by the electrostatic force to the substrate surface (electrodeposition). No solvent is involved in the process therefore powder coatings produce no/low toxic waste. The main disadvantage of powder coatings is high cost of equipment.

Radiation curable coatings are formed from a mixture of prepolymers, monomers and additives, which is cured under ultra-violet radiation. Radiation curable coatings harden fast and contain no solvents. The main disadvantage is relatively high cost.

PRIMARY SERVICES
It covers work on new systems and replacement systems, identifying the differing requirements where these exist. It applies to conventional means of providing primary space heating, domestic hot water, mechanical ventilation, comfort cooling and interior lighting. It also covers low carbon generation of heat by heat pumps, solar thermal panels, and micro-combined heat and power systems. TYPES OF BOUNDARY WALLS AND FENCES By function

Agricultural fencing, to keep livestock in and/or predators out Privacy fencing, to provide privacy and security [1] Temporary fencing, to provide safety and security, and to direct movement, wherever temporary access control is required, especially on building and construction sites Perimeter fencing, to prevent trespassing or theft and/or to keep children and pets from wandering away. Decorative fencing, to enhance the appearance of a property, garden or other landscaping Boundary fencing, to demarcate a piece of real property Newt fencing, amphibian fencing, drift fencing or turtle fence, a low fence of plastic sheeting or similar materials to restrict movement of amphibians or reptiles. Pest-exclusion fence Pet fence Underground fence for pet containment Pool fence Snow fence

A balustrade or railing is a kind of fence to prevent people from falling over the edge, for example, on a balcony, stairway (see railing system), roof, bridge, or elsewhere near a body of water, places where people stand or walk and the terrain is dangerously inclined.
By construction

Chain-link fencing, wire fencing made of wires woven together Concrete fence, easy to install and highly durable Ha-ha (or sunken fence) Hurdle fencing, made from moveable sections Palisade Picket fences, generally a waist-high, painted, partially decorative fence Post-and-rail fencing Roundpole fences, similar to post-and-rail fencing but more closely spaced rails, typical of Scandinavia and other areas rich in raw timber. Slate fencing in Mid-Wales

Slate fence, a type of palisade made of vertical slabs of slate wired together. Commonly used in parts of Wales. Spear-top fence Split-rail fences made of timber, often laid in a zig-zag pattern, particularly in newly-settled parts of the United States and Canada Stockade fence, a variation of the picket fence that is typically 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) high with pickets placed adjacent to one another with no space between. This type of fence is commonly used for privacy. Vinyl fencing Wattle fencing, of split branches woven between stakes. Wood-panel fencing Wrought iron fencing, made from tube steel, also known as ornamental iron. Hedge, including: o Cactus fence o Hedgerows of intertwined, living shrubs (constructed by hedge laying) o Live fencing is the use of live woody species for fences. o Turf mounds in semiarid grasslands such as the western United States or Russian steppes` Wall fences, including: o Dry-stone wall or rock fence, often agricultural Wire fences o Smooth wire fence o Barbed wire fence o Electric fence o Woven wire fencing, many designs, from fine chicken wire to heavy mesh "sheep fence" or "ring fence" o Welded wire mesh fence

TYPES OF BUILDING MATERIAL Aluminium Uses - Mouldings, window frames Advantages - Strong, lightweight, can be recycled Disadvantages - Production is very energy-intensive and polluting. Earth-wise tips - Avoid, or use recycled aluminium. Brick (clay) Uses - Walls, paths, driveways Advantages - Versatile, good thermal mass Disadvantages - Production is energy-intensive and uses non-renewable resources. Earth-wise tips - Look for recycled bricks. Concrete Uses - Floors, walls, supports

Advantages - High thermal mass, strong, durable, economical, resists termites and earthquakes Disadvantages - Production involves quarrying and creates greenhouse emissions; poor insulator, needs reinforcing. Earth-wise tips - Use autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), which is lightweight, energy-efficient and non-toxic, or concrete made with recycled aggregate. Fibre cement sheeting Uses - Cladding Advantages - Low embodied energy, light, inexpensive, good thermal properties, can be rendered Disadvantages - Not as strong as some other options; associated with cheap housing and asbestos (no longer used). Earth-wise tips - Try lime wash as a surface treatment: its suitable and environmentally benign. Glass Uses - Windows, doors, skylights; bricks Advantages - Stable, long-lasting, efficient, recyclable Disadvantages - Production is energy-intensive, uses non- renewable minerals. Earth-wise tips - Seek out recycled windows; buy energy-efficient new glass. Mudbrick Uses - Walls, floors Advantages - Source material can be found on site, long-lasting, biodegradable, high thermal mass; pest- and fire-resistant Disadvantages - Making bricks is labour-intensive; requires soil with high clay content; poor insulator. Earth-wise tips - Bricks can be purchased ready-made. Plasterboard Uses - Lining walls Advantages - Potentially recyclable, breathes, largely natural Disadvantages - Some plasterboards contain toxic chemicals and glass fibres. Earth-wise tips - Look for recycled plasterboard and non- synthetic boards with natural fixatives. Plastics Uses - Window frames, water pipes, gutters, floor and wall coverings Advantages - Light, durable, resistant to damp, water and pests Disadvantages - Made from non-renewable resources; production is energy-intensive and polluting; may off-gas. Earth-wise tips - Look for renewable alternatives; avoid PVC opt for PVC-free polypropylene or polybutylene instead.

Steel Uses - Frames, supports Advantages - Strong, economical, durable, recyclable Disadvantages - Production is energy-intensive and highly polluting; coatings are often polluting. Earth-wise tips - Buy recycled steel or opt for renewable timber. Stone and composite stone Uses - Walls, floors, supports Advantages - Abundant, durable, high thermal mass, economical if available on site; no toxic emissions Disadvantages - Non-renewable; extraction and transportation can be energy-intensive. Earth-wise tips - Use salvaged stone or products made with waste stone from local sources. Straw bale Uses - Walls Advantages - Cheap, renewable, good insulator Disadvantages - Is bulkier than other materials; requires specialised construction. Earth-wise tips - Avoid chemical pest treatments and use eco-friendly render. Timber Uses - Floors, walls, supports and roof frames Advantages - Strong, easy to work with, versatile, potentially renewable, biodegradable Disadvantages - Some timber is non-renewable; often treated with toxic chemicals. Earth-wise tips - Use recycled wood or timber from sustainable sources, with no chemical treatments. FOUNDATIONS
Foundation of building as the name implies is the starting of a building construction on site really. Types of building, nature of soil and environmental conditions are the major determinant of type of foundation you will use for your building. 1)Strip foundation-This is the most common type, it is mainly used where you have strong soil base and non-waterlogged areas. Most small buildings of just a floor are constructed with this type of foundation . Depends on the structural engineers recommendation , the depth of your foundation could be from 600mm to 1200mm mostly for small scale buildings . When the soil is excavated, a level at which the concrete will settle evenly is established, then concrete is poured this may be from 150mm(6) thick to 450mm(18) thick depending also on building after that block is set round the trenches at the center of foundation ,the foundation usually follows the block lines. The blocks are then layed to d.p.c level before another concrete is poured on top, this is the german or oversite concrete. This type seems to be the cheapest. 2)Pad foundation-This is where isolated columns (pillars) are casted from the foundation to carry a slab

at the top of the ground. This is mostly used when you want to make use of the under of building as parking space or when the other space is not conducive to have foundation. Imagine you are planning to build a house across a flowing stream and you want a situation where you can use your boat to pass under the building because the stream is under . Then you may not need to dig foundation that will cut across the river but just by applying columns (pillars) at the edge of the river like a bridge, this columns are thus isolated and there foundations are reffered to as pad. 3)Raft foundation-This is where you have concrete spread around your building from the base of foundation all through to the german floor/oversite concrete/ground floor slab. It is mainly used in areas where the soil are sandy and loose, you spend more on this than the other previous two most of the time. It is also recommended in waterlogged areas but with buildings of less storeys It has a ground beam which shuts out from the foundation base and is also attached to the ground floor slab to form a network of concrete embedded round the building space. The ground beam are usually from 600mm to 1200mm for low buildings. 4)Pile foundation-The most expensive and the strongest type of foundation, this requires specialist engineering to do. The soil are bored deep down the earth and filled with concrete to be able to support loads of multistory building on top. Most skyscrapers are constructed with this foundation type, a waterlogged area of high building may also require this. It is the costliest hence it is used for high rise building mostly.