Askin Architects is a group of dedicated Architects, Engineers and Interior Designers who have joined hands to turn your Dream Home into reality. Since its inception in June 2002, Askin Architects has designed hundreds of residences of various sizes; and proven itself to be a leading Home Designing Company and our homes have been featured in leading design magazines. Askin's unique Home Design Methodology helps you take the first step towards getting your customized Home Plan.

17.5.10

Wall Putty


F.A.Q ON WALL PUTTY

1.What is Wall Putty?
Ans : Wall Putty is a water repellant base coating which provides a protective ,even and smooth base for your costly paints.

2.In what form is wall Putty available?
Ans : Its available in free flowing powder form.

3.What are the main constituents of wall putty?
Ans : Wall Putty consists of white cement, high performance polymers , minerals & speciality chemicals.

4.How many coats of wall putty are applied on the surface before painting?
Ans : Normally 2 coats of wall putty is used.

5.Can I use wall putty on Damp wall?
Ans : Yes, You Can Use Wall Putty on Damp Wall.

6.What type of surface is ideal for applying wall putty?
Ans : Even plaster surface & level in line free from loose particles, oil stains etc.

7.Do we need to cure the surface before applying wall putty?
Ans : The surface should be wet prior to application. This helps in strong bond with substrate.

8.Does Wall Putty provide a breathable surface?
Ans : Yes, Wall putty provide a breathable surface

9.What is the ideal thickness for wall putty?
Ans : 1.5mm for normal application.


Wall putty is a filler material used to give a smooth finish to walls by filling up hairline cracks and chip-offs. Various wall putty products are available in the market, which is of Plaster of Paris, or Cement. Putty is marketed in powder form which when mixed with water in the recommended proportion, becomes a paste that can be applied directly to a finished wall. When the putty hardens, it becomes a non-porous smooth surface that can resist impact, vibration, heat modification, water and alkali. It is damp proof, good stability and easy and convenient to use in constructioning for modern buildings and are conforming to the development trends of safe, environment friendly and energy-saving.

It is mixed by directly pouring water into the mixing barrel, and then adding putty powder (1: 1, usually 0.5kg/sqm usage) and stirring with tools until it achieves the optional effect. Thickness of the coating is within 2mm.

Good quality wall putty can be pure white in color and is very easy to apply. It is a perfect solution to cover the holes in the wall and make them look new again. The holes, cracks and imperfections can be very easily hidden with gypsum wall putty before and after painting the walls. There are some special features of wall putty like smooth and strong finish thus giving a fine and polished look to the walls.


There are certain points that one should remember while using the wall putty like, the surface should be made free of impurities like, dirt, dust, grease, oil and paint so that the surface is saturated with water. The wall putty is prepared in a certain manner like, the wall putty is slowly mixed with approx. 40% water by volume to prepare paste of desired consistency. It should be mixed vigorously so that there is no lump formation and a uniform and smooth paste is formed. Another important thing is that the putty paste should be used within 2-3 hours of preparation. It should be stored at a dry place and should be opened just before use.

White cement based wall putty is a multifaceted product. It is ideal for application on concrete and on plaster to render a smooth finish. The putty can be used for filling cracks in brick masonry on terrace, parapet walls and RCC structures. It dries quickly and does require water curing. Also any paint can be applied directly to the walls as the putty is uniformly white, non absorbent and provides a smooth base.

Ready mix putty which fills the pores of mortar/concrete walls and ceiling to provide a white, smooth & dry surface for painting. It has superior water resisting and adhesive properties and can be applied on both exterior and interior surface.


Wall putty provides a protective base for your expensive paints. Its superior water resisting property prevents the paint from flaking even if the walls are damp. It is used to fill the pores in walls and ceiling, so you get smooth & dry surface that’s so important in painting. Wall putty being cement based has better compatibility with the base plaster and forms a durable base for paint. It can be applied on both interior and exterior walls making it a revolution in putties.

Available in fine and coarse finish. Fine putty provides a thin skin coat, which acts as protective base for expensive paint. Packing is usually available in 20 and 40 kg packs.

3.5.10

Malayalam Article on Rainwater Harvesting





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3.4.10

Malayalam Article on Interlocking Bricks





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15.3.10

Malayalam Article on Ceiling Fans





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2.3.10

Interlocking Bricks






Interlocking Bricks is the latest advancement in Wall Construction in Kerala. These bricks are 'locked' against each other without the use of cement mortar, to form a structurally stable wall that reduces the cost and time of construction to almost half. In our State of Kerala, where Sand is becoming increasingly scarce and cement prices are soaring, interlocking bricks come as a welcome alternative to Home builders.
Interlocking Bricks are used to construct Walls without the use of Cement Mortar. Laterite Stone is ground and filtered using a sieve, which is then mixed with 5% cement mixture and a chemical setting agent. This mixture is then machine compressed to form high density Interlocking Bricks. They are manufactured in two widths of 6 inches and 8 inches; and are also available in varying lengths. Each Interlocking Brick has grooves and locks on it's sides which can be fitted with each other to form a block wall that does not need cement mortar for bonding. The roof slab that is placed over these walls will keep them structurally stable.
Advantages of Interlocking Bricks-

  • Cost-savings as cement and sand are not used for constructing the wall.
  • Being a less heat-intensive and natural material, laterite retains coolness inside the house.
  • Less labor-intensive and more time-saving as the Interlocking blocks need only be fitted to each other; instead of conventional cement mortar construction.
  • The Interlocking bricks can be salvaged without damage when the house is being dismantled in the future.




    • Points to consider

    • Make sure that every batch of Interlocking bricks arriving from the factory is tested for strength and consistency.
    • Have the Bricks laid evenly with the joint of one course being in the middle of the subsequent course, so as to ensure strength of the wall.
    • Plastering towards the bottom of the wall above the foundation will prevent moisture from seeping up the wall.
    • It is not advisable to have Interlocking walls in areas which are prone to get wet frequently (like bathrooms).
    • Use marble cutters to make channels in the Interlocking Brick wall to get smoother finish for concealed wiring.
    • Apply waterproof finish to the wall to prevent moisture and increase durability.




    • More links on Interlocking Bricks-




      27.2.10

      Comments on the Article on Interlocking Bricks






      KeralaArchitect.com said...
      Thank you for all your comments and good wishes.

      • Interlocking bricks are available in building material stores throughout Kerala.
      • To know more about Interlocking Bricks, you may contact manufacturing centers in each district. They can provide strength test reports and modes of construction.
      • Interlocking bricks can be used to construct Load bearing walls upto 2 floors.
        By providing beams and columns, they can be used to construct non-load bearing walls for many floors.
      • Although Interlocking Bricks are manufactured in various sizes, the popular dimensions are- 6”x4”x10” and 8”x4”x10”.
      Given below is the picture of a single-storeyed cost effective residence built using Interlocking Bricks-


      Anu said...
      Dear Friend,
      This article contains most valuable information for who is interested in cost effective construction. Requesting to all please provide the details of the brick manufacturers.
      Thank you for your effort.
      Anura.A

      Liju said...
      Little sceptical about this concept, unless see a finished structre. Will be a great progress if it is true what is being claimed. Thanks for the information though.
      Cheers

      Prasad said...
      Hi,
      It is realy a valuable inforamtion. Please post or send me a mail about the manufacturers address.

      Abhi said...
      I am planning to use interlock blocks for my home construction. Please let me know of good references - manufacturers and labours. Also any good interior designer based on your experience
      Thanks
      Abhi

      Ashok Kumar said...
      I want to contact the suppliers for possible distribution in Bangalore. Please give contact details.
      Ashok Kumar Singh

      Siji said...
      Even though the idea is good what about the yearly maintenance of protection of wall, similarly the safty aspect.
      Adv.Siji

      Marijan said...
      Though I reside in Delhi and planning to build a home at Kerala, I get useful and effective infmn from KeralaArchitect.com.
      Thanks dears and this cost effective measures to build a house is very useful. Pls carry on.
      Marijan Jacob

      Anoop said...
      I would like to more about it .. pl give details of bricks ...
      Rahul said...
      What about the strength of the structure and how many floors can be constructed using this?
      Regards Rahul C.Menon

      Jamsheed said...
      Thank you very very much your Information, Du you have any Experienced person to explain this matter. I really appreciate your suport. I am keep waiting your reply.
      Thanks
      Regards, Jamsheed Karuthedath

      Abdul Shukoor said...
      Thank you for this useful information. Is it possible to use this interlocking bricks for a 2 layer building?. Could you please give the details of interlocking bricks manufuactures?
      Thank you, Mulla K Abdul Shukoor.

      Sabarisan said...
      Interested in interlocking bricks construction. can u specifiy the measurement of the brick
      Sabarisan Valsala Krishnan

      More links on Interlocking Bricks-




      19.2.10

      Technoseal Damp Proof Paint


      Product Description
      Technoseal Damp Proof Paint provides a waterproof membrane, used for water-proofing walls. Technoseal DPM is fast drying and can be applied to sound masonry by brush, roller or spray. Non-toxic, non-hazardous and solvent free liquid damp proof membrane suitable for walls both above and below ground.


      Applications
      Floors: Under/above screeds to provide a damp proof membrane.
      Basements: As part of a waterproofing system beneath ground level.
      Walls: Can be used under render or plaster as a water barrier or vapour barrier.
      Tiling: As secondary protection under tiles in wet areas e.g. bathrooms, food processing areas, balconies, etc.
      Water Storage: The membranes perform well in our tests even when continuously immersed in water.
      Silage Storage: The membrane protects concrete from silage attack.


      Advantages
      Single pack system
      Water based compounds that can be applied even to damp backgrounds
      Non-toxic, non hazardous, solvent and plasticiser free
      Good bond to many substrates
      Toughness, high flexibility, extensibility and good crack bridging properties
      Low water vapour permeability
      Alkali resistant, can be applied to alkaline surfaces
      Resistant to silage acids
      Non staining and stain blocking
      Available in a range of colours
      Quick drying. Typically touch dry in 1 hour

      Coverage
      A minimum dried coating thickness of 0.6mm is needed to provide a physical barrier. This should be applied in a minimum of two coats (i.e 0.3mm per dried coat) This corresponds to approx 1.2kg/m².

      For enquiries, contact:
      Adorn Enterprises
      Category: Interior Decorators and Designers Supplies and Accessories - Ernakulam
      Contact: ABDUL SULHAR T K
      S.R.M. Rd Enk North-682018. Phone: 0484-2405801

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