PAINTING WORKS

Painting is a process of applying a coating of paint or other similar materials on the surface of a building
structure to enhance its aesthetic appeal, protect it from damage caused by weather and environmental
factors, and improve its durability.

TYPES OF PAINTS USED IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Almost every part of the buildings need to be protected against the natural elements. Therefore, it is done
by applying the paints. Paints applied in the building are internal and external walls, timber and steel
works, exposed concrete surfaces (such as slabs, beams, columns, stairs, etc.) and roof covering. The
paint applied to internal walls is Distemper and Plastic emulsion. Exterior walls are applied with cement
paint and acrylic emulsion.

Distemper paint is the oldest among the kinds of paint in the market. This paint is simply water-
based and can be used to color the interiors of your house preferably. It is widely used as you can easily
apply it to your house or office walls without having to apply any primer before it.

Unlike distemper paint, plastic paint is oil-based and provides a glossy look and shiny texture to your
walls. However, this paint uses water to make it thinner before applying it to the walls. As it bestows a
glossy finish to your walls, this paint is also known as a soft sheen.
A.Aluminum Paints

It consists of a very finely ground aluminum powder that has been washed with an oil varnish. It has
excellent covering capacity and protects the steel from corrosion of salts and acid gasses. It resists heat. It
does not oxidize and does not fade. The surface will look better. Aluminum paint is visible in the dark and
does not allow moisture to pass through. Therefore, it has high reflectance and high electrical
resistance.You can use it to safeguard surfaces like metal grills, gates, roof, and pipes from corrosion due
to its water permeable nature.

The aluminum paint is unique and its flakes float on the painted surface, forming an opaque metal coating
that reflects heat and light. One liter of aluminum paint is sufficient for an area of 20 square meters. The
paint hardens within 6-8 hours and dries completely within 12-18 hours. When the
paint is stored for a long period of time, it becomes more viscous and stain particles appear on the paint.
Before using, add thinner and let the cloth pass.
This is a traditional industrial paint and is widely used for painting radiators, hot water pipes, gas tanks,
grills, utility poles, oil tanks, etc.

B. Enamel Paints

Enamels consist of high-grade bases like zinc or lead oxide ground in oil or varnish. They dry slowly
leaving a hard, tough, and elastic film which is smooth and durable. Enamel-painted surfaces are
washable. The surface provided with this paint is not affected by acids, alkalis, grease, or steam even
during hot and cold weather. These can be made in any tint, however delicate. Even though they are more
costly than ordinary paints, yet because of their durability, they ultimately prove to be more economical.

They are equally good for both external and internal work. Enamel made from synthetic resins, known as
synthetic enamel, dries quickly and is more durable as it forms a tough, elastic, and glossy film. Enamel
paints are used for painting doors, windows, and all wood-based products. For improving the appearance,
it is better to apply a coat of titanium white in pale linseed oil before the coat of enamel paint.

C.Emulsion Paints

There are two types of emulsion paints available; one is an ordinary emulsion and the other is a plastic
emulsion. In plastic emulsion paints, vinyl or acrylic resins are added. The resin consists of latex similar
to rubber. It is insoluble in water which is present to the extent of about 30%. Latex is polyvinyl acetate
and the pigments might be titanium dioxide. The emulsifiers are incompatible with resins which results in
low-gloss paints. The paint pigments have some of the advantages of soil-based coatings, the ability to
bind back loose power on the substrate, and more penetration adhesion.

Emulsion paints have fillers to thicken the film, support the paint structure, and increase the volume of the
emulsion paint. Emulsion paints also contain catalysts, stabilizers, emulsifiers, adhesion enhancers,
texturizers, and flatteners. Once the paint is applied, the emulsion paint
becomes tack-free on solidifying. Hardening of the paint may result because of curing, evaporation, or
even phase change, depending on the type of binder.

Emulsion paints also contain a lot of additives to impart various properties like antifreeze, foam control,
skinning control, bacterial-growth control, and pigment stability. Butadiene-Styrene is a commonly used
resin for making emulsion which produces a fire-resistant odourless paint.

The paint possesses excellent alkali resistance. The paint is easy to apply and dries quickly within 1 1/2 to
2 hours. The colour is retained for a longer period. The painted surface can be washed with water. It is
applied on brick and masonry surfaces which contain free alkalis. For long service life, it is better to
apply two coats of emulsion paint.

D.Plastic Paint

Plastic paint is available in the market under different tread names and in attractive colors. The plastic
emulsion paint is made up of plastic compounds such as vinyl acetate and acrylate which are held in
water. One litre of plastic emulsion paint has a coverage of about 15 m2. The paint cannot withstand the
weather and saline atmosphere. It is, therefore, widely used for interior jobs. Prior to the application of
paint, the surface should be cleaned of dust and leveling putty may be applied where needed. The paint is
water-based, and hence, not suitable for metallic surfaces. The paint allows moisture to evaporate through
minor pores but it is desirable to allow about one year for moisture to escape from fresh masonry and
mortar. The drying time is six hours. The painted surface should be cleaned with a wet cloth once a month
for a better appearance.

E.Bituminous Paints

This type of paint is manufactured by dissolving asphalt, tar, mineral pitches, and vegetable bitumen in
any type of oil or petroleum or Naptha or white spirit. It is not considered paint but bitumen is used where
a waterproof coating is required. The paint is prepared by dissolving asphalt or mineral pitches or
vegetable bitumen in any type of oil or petroleum. Bitumen does not dry in the normal sense used with
paint. It may crack if stressed when frozen and will run and become sticky to the touch in hot weather. It
is thick and usually black.
Bitumen is used for areas where high water resistance is needed and appearance is not a consideration.
Such paint is used inside cast-iron guttering and metal cold-water tanks. Bitumen is difficult to paint over
conventional paints as the underlying bitumen tends to bleed into the overlaying paint. It tends to move
with temperature changes while covering the paint may not be able to stand up to the movement.

If there is a need to overpaint bitumen, a coat of Aluminium paint may be applied which will seal the
surface to prevent the bitumen from bleeding.

F. Cement Paint

The constituents of cement paint are white cement, pigment, accelerator, and other additives. The pigment
contains varying proportions of hydrated lime, hygroscopic salts, and water-repellent additives like
Aluminium stearates. This paint is available in a variety of shades and exhibits an excellent decorative
appearance. It is resistant to fungus and algae. It protects the building from varying weather conditions.

Cement paint can be applied on both internal and external surfaces of buildings. The paint is suitable for
use on bricks, stones, and concrete but not on metals and timber. The paint can be applied on new, old,
and damp walls, even on freshly plastered walls. It is waterproof and durable.

Cement paint is applied in two coats. The second coat is applied not before 24 hours of the first coat.
Curing is done soon after the surface has dried and continued for 2 to 3 days after each application.

Cement paint is not used on surfaces already with whitewash, colour wash, and dry distemper without
scraping and cleaning properly. The paint is not applied in rain or when the temperature falls below 5⁰ C.

G.Luminous Paint
Such types of paints are for special purposes and, hence, very costly. The paint may either be
phosphorescent or fluorescent. The former absorbs light and glows for an appreciable period after
the exciting light source has been extinguished. But the latter emits some light only during activation by
ultraviolet light. The medium may be oil or cellulose varnish. Owing to their coarseness, phosphorescent
paints have poor gloss, do not flow well and tend to settle hard quickly. Satisfactory results are obtained if
they are applied over a base coat of zinc white. On one account should the undercoat contain white lead
either as pigment or direr? The paint should be applied on a surface free from corrosion.

These paints are used for painting symbols on roads and highways. They are quite helpful during the
night.

H.Silicate Paint

This is paint manufactured by mixing calcined and finely ground silica with resinous substances. Silica
imparts good adhesion to the paint. It can withstand extreme heat. It is not affected by alkalis. No
chemical action is found on metals. It also adheres firmly to brickwork. On drying, the paint forms a hard
surface and is durable. Before the application of paint, the surface should be made wet. Two to three coats
of paint are generally applied but the surface is not painted with this paint in hot weather.

This type of paint is used in boilers, ovens, and on concrete and masonry surfaces. The paint is also
resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
I. Cellulose Paint

This paint is a product from nitro-cotton, celluloid sheets, and photographic films. While oil paint hardens
by oxidation, cellulose paint hardens by evaporation of the thinning agents. It hardens quickly and
presents a smooth surface. Compared to ordinary oil paints, this paint can be washed and cleaned easily as
it has greater hardness and elasticity. The paint remains unaffected by hot water and the surface can
withstand extreme heat and cold. For this reason, the paint is used for painting motor cars and airplanes.

Source: https://civilengpro.com/types-of-paints-used-in-building/

GLASS
Glass is a solid substance that’s made by heating normal sand until it turns into a liquid and then left to
cool. It may be transparent or translucent and brittle.

Glass isn’t just a material that lets light into an area, but there are actually several types of glass used in
the construction industry – each one serving a unique purpose.

What are the Types of Glass Used in Construction?

Choosing the right kind of glass for a certain application is crucial to achieving a finished job that’s
effective, attractive, and safe.

A. Plate glass, flat glass or sheet glass

Sheet glass is manufactured by having molten glass pass through rollers to produce a nearly flat finish.
However, the action of the rollers does leave the resulting sheets with some degree of distortion.

Sheet glass can be cut via a glass cutter – no special equipment is needed. It’s usually available in a range
of standard sizes.

Due to the relatively low cost of float glass and its lack of distortion, sheet glass is mainly used in glazing
greenhouses and the like, where the visual distortion isn’t an issue as opposed to domestic windows etc.

B. Float Glass
Made from sodium silicate and calcium silicate, float glass is also known as soda-lime glass. The “float”
name refers to the method used to produce it, where the molten glass is floated onto a bed of molten tin.
This gives us a flat, clear, distortion-free glass.

Float glass can be cut utilizing a glass cutter without a need for special equipment. It’s available in
thickness ranging from 2mm to 20mm, with a weight ranging from 6 to 36 kg/m².

The applications of float glass include fixed and opening windows above waist height, shop fronts, as
well as public places.

C. Laminated Glass
As the name suggests, laminated glass consists of layers of ordinary glass bonded by a transparent,
flexible material. Think of it as a sandwich made up of two or more sheets of glass.

Laminated glass can also be made using other types of glass (such as float, wired, or toughened), where they
keep their original breaking attributes.

Laminated glass is also UV and soundproof, which explains its use in the construction of bridges and
aquariums. It’s even the best choice for making glass canopies as it can reduce harmful rays.

D. Shatterproof Glass
Shatterproof glass is just what it sounds like, a type of glass that’s resistant to shattering. In other words, it
doesn’t break into sharp pieces in the event of destruction.

Manufacturing shatterproof glass involves the addition of a plastic polyvinyl butyral resin to prevent it
from forming sharp pieces. It’s commonly used in windows, floors, and skylights.

E. Energy-efficient Glass
This type of glass is produced by glazing float glass with a special thin coating on one side. This coating
allows solar energy to pass through in one direction while minimizing the transfer of thermal energy in
the other direction. They are commonly used in skyscrapers, hotels, and other façades.

F. Extra-clean / Self-cleaning Glass

Self cleaning glass has a special hydrophilic and photocatalytic coating on one fact that is activated
using UV rays present in daylight. The photocatalytic action breaks down organic dirt that lands on the
surface of your windows, preventing anything from sticking to the glass.
Hydrophilic self cleaning glass is known as having the “lotus effect” which basically means it has a
very high water repellency, just like the leaves of a lotus flower. This is when the titanium dioxide
coating on the glass reacts with UV light to generate electrons that break down organic dirt into tiny
pieces which rainwater can wash away.
Photocatalytic self cleaning glass works much the same as hydrophilic self cleaning glass, except
that it has an extra coating. This additional coating is titanium dioxide and uses the sunlight to break
down dirt on the glazing through a process called photo catalytic decomposition. Once the rain comes, it
washes away the dirt. If the weather is dry, you just have to hose down your windows to keep them clean.

G. Chromatic Glass
Used in ICUs and meeting rooms, chromatic glass can control the transparent efficiency to protect the
interior from daylight. This type of glass may be electrochromic (has electric lamination), thermos-
chromatic (has heat-sensitive lamination), or photochromic (has light-sensitive lamination).

H. Patterned Glass
Patterned glass is flat glass that’s been rolled onto one side during production. It’s available in many
coloured tints and patterns, each with a distortion number from 1 to 5 (1 is very little distortion and 5 is a
high degree of diffusion). Patterned glass is used for decoration purposes, with or without added privacy.

I. Tinted Glass
Tinted glass is simply coloured glass. A certain type of ion is added to the normal glass mix to produce
coloured glass, where the colour doesn’t affect other properties of the glass. For example, iron oxide gives
green and sulphur gives blue.

J. Toughened Glass or Tempered Glass

Toughened glass, also called safety or tempered glass, is used extensively throughout the industry for its
ability to resist breaking. If it does break, it does so into many small ‘safer’ pieces as opposed to large
shards (like float glass).

Toughened glass is typically used in home interiors such as kitchen splashbacks (for its heat resistance),
and shower screens, glass balustrade and swimming pool fencing. It can also be used in laminated panels
for extra safety precautions.

K. Wired Glass
Wired glass has a wire mesh in the middle of its glass structure. The purpose of the wire is to hold the
glass together in the event of cracking or breaking, however, it doesn’t stop the glass from forming sharp
pieces when broken.

Available as clear or obscured, wired glass is commonly used in more industrial areas or structures such
as garages.

L. Glass Blocks
Otherwise called glass bricks, glass blocks are made from two halves pressed and annealed during the
melting process of glass. The applications for glass blocks include walls and skylights, providing a
pleasant aesthetic appearance when light passes through.

M. Glass Wool
Used as an insulating filler, glass wool is made out of glass fibres. It’s also fire-resistant.

N. Insulated Glazed Units

Also referred to as double-glazed glass, an insulated glazed unit consists of two or three layers separated
by air or vacuum. This air or vacuum acts as a good thermal insulator, so this glass doesn’t allow heat to
pass through it.

CLADDING
What is cladding?
Cladding is a covering or layer applied to the external surfaces of a structure to protect it or give it a new
look. Surfaces can be damaged by fire, harsh weather conditions like cold or extreme heat and even pests
(including termites). Structures can also begin to break down due to normal wear and tear. You can add
cladding to these surfaces to cover this kind of damage and prevent it from continuing. Cladding can be
made of a variety of materials, such as timber, plastic, brick, stone and glass.

Why is cladding important?

Cladding performs a number of important functions, including:

Protecting buildings: Cladding protects a building from extreme temperatures, wind, water
absorption, termites, noise, molds and all forms of pollution.
Changing a building's aesthetic: Depending on the cladding choice, it can boost the
appearance of a building, thereby increasing its market worth.
Reducing maintenance: Surfaces with cladding require little or no maintenance, with most surfaces
requiring cleaning only.
Insulating a building: Adding a layer that keeps the building warm during cold weather and cool when
temperatures are high can help with utility bills.
Keeping a building safe: If a building was originally built with material that can easily catch fire, metal
or stone cladding can help reduce the risk of destruction.
Making a building more durable: A structure with cladding has higher mechanical strength than one
with none. Cladding makes the structure stronger, increasing its durability.

Roles that use cladding

Only licensed professionals should install cladding to avoid risk of injuries or building collapse.

The following roles require cladding knowledge:

Insulators: They install insulation materials in buildings to regulate temperatures in the structures.
Cladding supervisors: They are the key link between the construction management team and the
contractors. The supervisors oversee all operations to deliver quality projects.
Contractors: They organize and direct construction workers, cladding materials and any services
required to ensure timely completion of projects.
Facade engineer: They provide valuable input on the suitable materials to be used in cladding. Facade
engineers also design, contrive and decipher technical problems that may arise during cladding.
Construction workers: They do all the manual jobs that are involved in cladding, such as preparation
of cladding materials and installation of the materials.

TYPES OF CLADDING
A. Brick cladding
This cladding provides a charming, patterned and traditional appearance similar to stone. You can install
bricks in different designs to create a unique, authentic look. Cladding bricks come in an assortment of
colors and tend to be light compared to building bricks. Brick cladding is typically preferred since it can
withstand extreme weather conditions. Though the installation can be a bit expensive, brick cladding is
ultimately easy to maintain and long-lasting.

B. Wooden cladding
Wood is now increasingly popular for business and residential aesthetic use because of its durability,
especially when the external base is coated in paint. The kind of wood that is typically used as cladding is
hardwood, like cedar, since termites typically can't eat it. Wood is environmentally friendly, as it is
biodegradable and can be recycled. Wood cladding gives an attractive look to a surface and also provides
enough insulation to meet the labeling standards for energy efficiency.

C. Stone cladding
Natural stone cladding comes in diverse colors and sizes. Stone cladding is mostly used for external walls,
both to give them a new and genuine look and also to protect them. Many people prefer stone cladding
because it's long-lasting and doesn't soak up moisture. The types of stones you can use include marble,
sandstone and slate. Stones are simple to prepare as they only need
to be cut to size. Stone cladding can withstand any kind of harsh weather, which makes it a sensible
choice.

D. Glass cladding
This kind of cladding involves using glass to enhance the outer appearance of buildings. Most individuals
and companies nowadays prefer glass cladding to metal or timber because it's relatively cheap and easy to
mount. Glass cladding is often used in commercial setups and rarely on residential houses.

The setting-up process involves first using brick cladding tiles and attaching glass panes. The panes are
held up with upstands, which hold the glass tightly and ensure it's not damaged by strong winds. A glass
finish makes a structure appear chic, thus raising its value.

E. Aluminum cladding
Aluminum is well-liked due to its durability and easy maintenance—it does not absorb moisture and can
take on any kind of weather. When you use this kind of cladding material, it gives a
glossy, contemporary look. Aluminum is also easy to work with since it is malleable. Other benefits of
aluminum cladding are that it is light, resistant to fire and comes in a variety of colors.

F. Scyon cladding
This is also known as fiber cement cladding, Scyon cladding is made of a material that is a combination
of cement, sand and cellulose. It's available in vertical and horizontal boards as well as square and
rectangular panels. The cladding boards' thermal properties are better than hardwood, and termites can't
destroy Scyon cladding. You can attach the sheets to timber or steel frames.

G. Stainless steel cladding

This type of cladding contains 10% chromium, meaning it's generally free of the risk of corrosion. Since
the steel does not corrode, it can last for a long time, which gives a long-term protection to the wall. The
steel cladding is also relatively cheap and is easy to install and maintain.

H. Porcelain tile cladding

This cladding guarantees excellent performance and durability. You can use it in both residential and
commercial buildings, and it comes in a range of colors and sizes, making it an ideal choice for interior
cladding. When used on walls, the porcelain tile cladding exudes a clean and modern feel. Its smooth
texture makes cleaning and maintenance easy. Tile cladding works best when it comes to protection of
surfaces. It can withstand any outside pressure and does not absorb water.

I. External foam cladding

External foam cladding is created from a kind of foam similar to polystyrene. The polystyrene has a
fiberglass mesh coating and a toughened core to make it strong in case of impact. It comes in panels of
different sizes to fit every kind of building. The cladding is quite easy and quick to install. Termites can't
damage it, and it has outstanding thermal properties and can withstand any kind of weather. The external
foam cladding is incredibly trendy and can be used on the outer wall to boost its appearance.

J. Ceramic cladding
This cladding is a very adaptable modern solution with exceptional mechanical and aesthetic properties. It
is available in different colors and textures that create a contemporary finish, and you can install it in
diverse patterns to create a desirable design. The cladding is light, which means installation is easy and
quick. It's also impermeable, strong and resistant to high or low temperatures. You can use the cladding to
protect the interior or exterior walls as well as for aesthetic purposes to offer a smooth, sophisticated
finish.

CERAMIC vs. PORCELAIN

Porcelain is a mixture of clays pressed into shape, and fired at high temperatures to solidify. Along with
the clay is a fine sand substance, which increases the durability and resistance to water.
Ceramic tiles are baked at lower temperatures than porcelain tiles. This causes them to be less rigid and
therefore more permeable to water than porcelain tiles.

K. Metal wire mesh cladding

This is a new and unique form of cladding made of metal wire mesh. The mesh comes in different
specifications depending on the type of building and purpose of cladding. The metal mesh cladding is
durable and is also resistant to rust and corrosion since it's made of steel. Its varied weaving patterns give
buildings a distinctive look.

L. Plastic cladding
Plastic cladding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is ideal for protection and decorative purposes.
You can fit plastic cladding onto bathrooms and storage room walls to provide protection in areas that are
often damp. Plastic cladding is cheap and easy to set up. The cladding also comes in an array of colors,
which transforms the room or building instantly.

M. Curtain cladding
Curtain cladding is a form of temporary cladding installed by raising curtains on non-structural walls. It's
used to enhance the artistic feel of a room and protect building interiors while still allowing light in.
Curtain cladding is available in a variety of colors and textures.

Curtain Wall
It is a wall which encloses the space within a building but does not support the roof. Non-load bearing
exterior wall that hangs (like a curtain) from the face of floor slabs, regardless of construction or cladding
material.

N. 3D cladding
This is a decorative cladding that comes in different colors and gives surfaces a unique three- dimensional
look. It is mostly used for aesthetic purposes. The cladding is cheap, light and easy to install and maintain.
It's ideal for quick renovations, though you can also use it in newly built houses.

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-cladding