FAQs

Moisture Curing – The substrates which need external application water for gaining its complete strength. The substrate surface forms a protective coating film by reacting chemically with the moisture in the air. Some advantages of moisture-curing coatings are that they offer resistance to ponding water, produce a highly reflective surface and possess good adhesion properties.

Self-Curing – The coating that does not require the application of water for gaining its strength but cures due to the moisture present in the atmosphere. Such coatings require protection surface over it if exposed to the weather.

Critical Repairs – These repairs need your instant attention as it can severely affect your building health. Cracks in RCC structure above 2mm, masonry wall if it is load-bearing, spalling of concrete/plaster, broken tiles, gaps between tiles, corroded reinforcement, choked drainage, broken plumbing fixtures, cracks in chajja, blown-out fuse and open electrical wiring, areas where water accumulation occurs during rain, leaking taps, deteriorated roofs, and external building parts.

Non-critical repairs – Cracks in RCC structure below 2mm, masonry wall if it is not load-bearing, painting, patch repair to plaster, housekeeping, replacement of broken interiors, anti-termite treatment, loose switches and sockets, damage of false flooring/ceiling.

Sealants – Sealants are used in construction to prevent fluids and other substances from passing through material surfaces, joints, or openings. They are typically used to close openings between that are too small for other materials such as concrete, timber or mortar to be used. They have a wide range of properties in terms of strength, flexibility, appearance permanence, solubility, corrosion resistance, etc. Few major types of Sealants and uses:

• Expanding foam – Expands 2-3 times its original size. Cured foam is heat and cold resistant. Applied around pipe sleeve packing, ducts, cracks, etc.
• Bituminous Sealant – Bitumen based sealant applied where surfaces are subjected to typically hot conditions during its service life.
• Polysulfide sealants – Building structure joint, roofs, external joint, cladding, retaining wall, water retaining structures. Joints in the bridge, roads, etc.
• Polyurethane sealants – Used on porous substrates. Joints in concrete, blockwork, precast panel joints, stone cladding, perimeter sealing around doors and windows, tiles joints in roofs.
• Silicone sealant – Used on non- porous substrates. Perimeter sealing in window and door frames.

The main difference between them is of chemical composition. Silicone is an inorganic substance while Polyurethane is Organic. Inorganic materials are less responsive to UV rays than organic chemicals, which makes them excellent sealant for UV exposure uses and has a longer life span. Silicone is a versatile sealant which can be applied to a wide range of non-porous materials like glass, aluminium frame, metals etc. And PU is mainly applied in joints of porous materials like concrete, blockwork, stones and wood.

The primary criteria for deciding the type of roof flooring depends on:

• Weather resistance
• Drainage
• Slip resistance
• Durability
• Costing and style

There are a wide variety of roof floor finishes from plain cement concrete to wooden deck, to porcelain, ceramic tiles; rubber flooring, to natural stones like marbles and granites; mosaic and Kota floorings are also some of common floor finishes we use.

It all boils down to the budget one affords. If you are too tight on your budget, then simply you can do the water proofing of the terrace after which can you do a plain cement concrete in a harder format. For a little more budget, you can go for 14mm textured terrace tile and this heavy duty tile can be used on the terrace as well as parking. If your budget is good then you can also go for natural materials like blazed granite leather finish for non-slip surface. You can also go for wpc (wood plastic composite) flooring which you can combine it with grass matte (artificial) and pebbles or chips with plantations in the corner or some shaped format. But make sure while going for any of these options the water proofing should be properly done.

• Fly ash bricks are environmentally very beneficial. Fly ash bricks are made of waste materials which come from the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. Clay bricks are made of clay which is collected from fertile land or the topsoil. This is the prime reason that makes Fly ash bricks more preferable than Clay bricks.
• Normal red bricks require a lot of heat energy to make, whereas fly ash bricks do not require as much additional energy. So fly ash bricks can be considered to be more environmentally friendly.
• Fly ash bricks have higher compression strength. The water absorbility is lower hence saves up to 20% water usage and also mortar and rendering material by up to 20%. Fly Ash bricks have a very smooth finish hence plaster is not required on the bricks to create a smooth surface. Clay bricks require plastering. Hence lowers the overall project cost.
• Fly ash bricks are lighter in weight and less costly than Clay bricks.
• Wastage is low in fly ash bricks during transit.
• Higher compressive strength than red bricks.
• Red clay bricks can be recycled and can be used for landfills. But same cannot be done with fly ash bricks as they are made up of concrete.
• For load bearing structure red brick is more serviceable than fly ash brick. For framed structure fly ash brick is better than red brick, because there wall is only for partition not more than this.
• Cement brick adhesive strength comparatively less than red bricks.
• Red brick has a higher decay rate than fly ash.
• Red clay bricks can sustain a very heavy and fully developed fire far better than a home made from blocks or any other material.
• Thermal insulation is high in fly ash bricks.

The Brick v/s block debate is a very close one and anyone who is about to get a construction started with have to deal with the comparing of pros and cons of both. However, a lot depends on place, budget and situation of the builder. For some, brick masonry constructions are necessary because they ultimately want lesser maintenance even when the cost of building is higher. Some people, on the other side would prefer less cost of construction and regular renovations to keep the blocks well maintained.

Making of red bricks is not so eco-friendly it seems but the same can be said about the blocks not being up for the purpose of recycle.

The APP membrane, short for Atactic Polypropylene Membrane, is a special waterproofing material that is manufactured from Bitumen. They come in rolls. Each roll measures 10 metres by 1 metre and covers an area of 8.7 m². They comes in different thickness from 1.5mm to 5mm. APP membranes are two major types polyester and fibre. With proper workmanship, the APP membrane is a very efficient and durable waterproofing material used in most constructions.

Some advantages of using the APP membrane are that it has enhanced bitumen performance which helps in UV resistance. It is not affected by rapid changes in temperature and is still efficient during extreme hot and cold temperatures. APP waterproofing membranes also provide superior tensile strength while maintaining critical flexibility.

• Total impermeability for total waterproofing.
• Excellent resistance to aging and weathering.
• Outstanding bondability and seam integrity.
• Flexibility at low temperature.
• Stability at high temperature.
• Very high resistance to impact & puncture.
• Application friendly. (Labour cost saving).
• High tensile strength and tear resistance.

It is a common waterproofing material used on concrete flat roofs (which are still roofs) or roofs with low pitch. Apart from concrete roofs and low pitched roofs, other areas of application are concrete gutters, basements and retaining walls, underground waterproofing, multi-storey car parks, pond lining, irrigation canals lining, swimming pools or any structure that requires high performance waterproofing.

APP membranes are excellent water barrier when installed properly in roofs. Modified-bitumen options are even more complex than built-up roofing options. Due to this they require highly skilled professionals to do the job. Also due to colour restrictions they are less entertained in residential buildings and apartments. They are not advised in accessible roofs where foot traffic and other activities are obvious, which can puncture the membrane and result in failure of system.

Healthy Homes excels in installing APP membranes with its highly skilled and years of experienced team which is backed by warranty. Trust us in giving your home a complete waterproofing solution.

A rooftop garden (also known as a green roof) is basically a layer of vegetation growing over a layer of substrate across a flat or sloping roof surface. The substrate layer contains drainage and landscaping materials and under this is a protective waterproof membrane, which acts as a barrier to prevent water seepage from above.

• Protection from temperature fluctuations, reducing the need for heating and cooling and lowering energy costs
• A private rooftop oasis above the urban landscape
• The opportunity to grow food and plants and enhance the biodiversity of urban areas
• Improved general air quality by trapping allergens and other airborne particles
• A reduction in storm water runoff rates and volumes
• Added property value through the creation of additional space

Weight Capacity
If you remember only one piece of advice before installing a rooftop garden, remember this: Dirt is heavy and wet dirt is even heavier. So for this, you need to consult a builder or structural engineer to calculate maximum load capacity of your roof and plan your garden type accordingly.

Environmental Factors
Before finalizing the type of plants you want in your garden, you need to understand the sun and wind exposure on your roof. Ample amount of daylight gives you many options otherwise sedums, lettuce will be good options. Also extremely windy areas can dry out the plants or break the stem system before they can mature.

Drainage and Waterproofing
This is the most important step your rooftop garden needs. Cutting cost in it not only will you have a soggy garden with drowned roots, but you could set yourself up for serious structural damage.
First, install a tapered layer of insulation (Screed Concrete) to the rooftop to channel excess water into a storage tank system or drainage on the ground. Over it you need a waterproofing membrane. You can go for polymer coating but going for something sturdier like rubber or synthetic membrane will stop roots to penetrate into the roof. Then you need a drainage surface to drain out all that excess water given to plant. Drainage cells offer a perfect solution for this. Its high load bearing capacity and water retention properties are some of its properties. Over it comes a layer of Geo-textile membrane. Non-woven geo-textile fabrics are excellent in filtration. They allow water to pass through them whilst keeping out fine soil particles. You can now go for growing medium i.e soil and with that you’ll be ready to plant any number of plants, flowers, herbs, and veggies.

So what are you waiting for? Raise your eyes to the heavens, grab a ladder and tape measure and take your gardening to a whole new level with a rooftop or balcony garden. And for more information on waterproofing that works, ask Healthy Homes or visit www.healthyhomes.co.in

Waterproofing is not just application of chemicals. From knowing suitable product for different conditions and situations to proper surface preparation to correct mixing of chemicals in appropriate ratio to applying them in correct rate and thickness to protection coating, and in between them the small but important steps to follow, it is a profession which require skill and knowledge to ensure positive results.