A leak free apartment—6 tricks to save the floor

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Floor Coverings, Granorte Granorte Classic style walls & floors
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Waterproofing plays a major role when constructing apartment buildings.  Even a slight discrepancy in installation of water pipes can lead to problems that can affect the flooring of the building. The plumbing system of the building should be given priority for example, the location of control valves, pipe layouts and routing during the installation phase.

There are several problems that can arise due to improper plumbing that can cause problems that may become intolerable over time. Noise can arise due to lightweight construction methods either from the knocking of unclipped pipes, water drawn off from taps and through the cisterns filling in the toilet. The noise can become intrusive and annoying. Warm water from cold taps, freezing pipes, water quality that gets affected due to the above mentioned problems. These plumbing problems also become the root cause for leaks that can affect the flooring and the walls. Moisture prevention is of utmost importance while constructing a building. If leaks go unchecked it can lead to long-term damage and can even shake the structure of the building.

Know the best waterproofing materials

The builder should be aware of waterproofing requirements for floors and the right waterproofing material should be used while laying floors. There are certain minimum requirements for slab construction of the building and this includes the types of materials that can be used for a damp proof course. These regulations are necessary to prevent water from seeping through the concrete and weakening the foundations. For buildings that are built on stilts, the stilts should be waterproofed effectively to prevent corrosion.

There are several waterproofing materials in the market. The builder should be aware of the best quality products in the market and use it accordingly, so that flooring remains strong and leak proof like in this home designed by PSQUARE DESIGNS. Homeowners can check these products and verify with the builder if the right material has been used. Some of the products available are fast-setting polymer- modified cement flooring mortar, fast-setting self leveling compound, micro cement coating for surface finishing on floors and walls, pigments in powder form and floor leveling cement mortar.

Surface waterproofing

Surface waterproofing is done to treat concrete structures in order to protect against leakage of water. There are waterproofing powders that is mixed with water and coated on to the inner and outer sides of the concrete building.  In order to apply this waterproofing material the surface should be prepared including cars and joints, holes and other defective areas.

The concrete surfaces must be cleaned and free of paints, sealers and dirt. Sand blasting or high pressure water blasting can prepare the surface. It can also be washed with a detergent or degreaser. Acid etching should be avoided and in cases where acid must be used it should be rinsed away before using the waterproofing powder.

End the cracks with loose-fill waterproofing

Loose-fill waterproofing is method where cracks on the walls are filled in a single application. The filled up cracks can be easily repainted after a few hours effectively and the filled crack will not be visible. Like in other types of plastering, while filling cracks, care should be taken to clean the wall and make it grease and dust free. The wall can also be moistened before applying Dr.Fixit. Fine cracks must be widened and then filled.

Before using the waterproofing material, care should be taken to remove existing POP or putty until the cracks are fully exposed. Then the material is filled firmly into the cracks and using a spatula or putty knife the surface should be leveled. Care should also be taken to avoid the formation of any kind of cavity or bubbles during the application process. After the application process is complete allow it to dry completely, at lease for 5 to 6 hours before painting can be done. Usually an air curing is advised for at least a week’s time.

Seal the joints with Hydraulic Seals

Hydraulic seals are very important to prevent fluid leakage. There are several hydraulic seals available in the market. It is necessary to choose the right one for the purpose it is going to serve. The purpose of the hydraulic seal is to retain hydraulic fluids, maintain rod and piston alignment and to maintain the hydraulic pressure.

Pasting floor with roll materials: Step by step instructions

Installing vinyl flooring can be done easily. First choose the vinyl flooring and the place it has to be installed. Measure the room and draw the exact dimensions of the room and calculate the amount of vinyl flooring required. Add a few extra inches keeping in mind the material needed for cutting and trimming. When all the tools and materials are lined up, begin the process of fixing the floor.

Step 1: Make the floor smooth and check if it is in good condition. Fill up holes with patching compound and allow it to dry for an hour.

Step 2: Lay the vinyl flooring and mark the excess areas that need to be trimmed.

Step 3: Lay the vinyl with excess around each wall and cut the inside corners until the vinyl lies flat on the floor. Tape the edge of the vinyl with strip of double side tape.

Step 4: Roll the vinyl on to position and check if it is adhering to your template.

Step 5: Cut the excess vinyl. Spread adhesive material like a band along the wall and press vinyl into position using a hand roller.

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