Cladding
Cladding refers to the layering of one building material over another for protection or for aesthetic purposes. Simply put, it is any material used to protect a building’s exterior. Cladding is also used as a tool to direct the flow of water or the force of the wind against a building and controls both elements by preventing them from penetrating the exterior of your home. For example, cladding can be used to channel rainwater towards gutters or away from windows. Cladding is also used for sound control and prevents noise from outside the home,
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Staircases
A staircase can be more than moving from one level to another in the home. They can also be used as a unique design feature. Provided of course your house is double or multiple story there is a staircase design to suit any home. In existing homes options may be somewhat limited due to layout issues!
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Tilers and Tiles
Ensure you choose a reputable tiler when building, renovating or repairing your home. Your tiler should provide you with a written quotation; ask for references, past experience and ask if he has some photographs of past work. Make sure you purchase the best quality tile your budget allows for; the supplier is the best person to offer sound advice. Your tiler should and must perform the following tasks listed below: • Measure area to be tiled • Tile layout • Prepare surface correctly • Lay tiles using the correct adhesives • Cutting the tiles with the correct equipment • Ensure that the tiles are spaced and levelled correctly • Prepare, apply and remove excess grout • Tile resurfacing • Tile removal • Cleaning and polishing tiles • Application of waterproofing materials if necessary
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Wood Care
It is extremely important to care for your timber areas especially if they are exposed to harsh weather conditions. There are many products available on the market to enable you to do this. Timber Flooring: Sun protection – you can use window treatments to screen the sun. Rugs - heavy traffic areas can be protected with rugs or mats, floor gliders can be used to prevent scratching Cleaning - pick up dust and dirt from floors on a regular basis. Use a soft broom and damp or dry mop; if you vacuum the floors make sure you do not scratch them. Cleaning products - read the manufacturers label and instructions and use only if approved for cleaning on timber floors. Traffic damage - be aware that shoes (especially with heels) can damage floors!
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Concrete Waterproofing
Other Considerations Depending upon the type of waterproofing application you use, the concrete will be out of action for a certain period of time. It’s very important that the manufacturer’s guidelines are followed. You can use different types of applications on existing or new builds prior to pouring. Others actually purge out odors and stains that have contaminated old concrete and/or increase its density!
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Concreting
Concreters perform a variety of tasks including: • Cutting and removing concrete • Cleaning dull and dirty concrete • Reinforcing concrete to strengthen it • Mixing sand, cement, water and aggregates on site to make concrete • Using concrete pumps to put concrete into position • Putting concrete into formwork, spreading and levelling it before compacting it • Operating paving and trowelling machines • Polishing concrete • Creating different concrete surfaces through the use of stencils, stamps or hand tools • Cutting joints into concrete to allow for expansion and shrinkage • Digging foundation trenches
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