Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
≈SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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≈SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 19
Grade code: 3.3.2.LI.3
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.3.2.CS.2
Indicator code: 3.3.2.LI.3
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: ≈SUBSTRUCTURE AND SUPERSTRUCTURE
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When we look at a completed building, whether it's our school, a hospital, or a home in our community, the surfaces we see and touch are the finishes. Wall finishes are the final layer applied to a wall's surface. They are not just for beauty; they protect the wall from rain, dirt, and damage, make spaces hygienic, and contribute to the overall strength and feel of a building. In Ghana, the choice of wall finish can affect how cool a room feels, how easy it is to clean, and how much it costs to build and maintain a house. Understanding wall finishes is crucial for anyone involved in building, from the architect to the mason and the painter.
A. What is a Wall Finish?
A wall finish is the final treatment or coating applied to the internal or external surface of a wall. It serves as the interface between the structural wall (e.g., sandcrete blocks) and the environment.
Importance of Wall Finishes: Aesthetics (Beauty): To provide a visually pleasing appearance, adding colour, texture, and character to a space. Protection: To protect the underlying wall structure from environmental factors like rain, sun (UV radiation), humidity, and physical impact (knocks and scratches). Durability: To provide a hard, wearing surface that can withstand daily use and last for a long time. Hygiene & Maintenance: To create a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean and does not harbour dirt or germs. This is critical in kitchens, hospitals, and bathrooms. Concealment: To hide imperfections, joints in blockwork, and conduits for electrical wiring or plumbing. Special Functions: Some finishes can provide fire resistance, sound insulation (acoustics), or damp proofing. B. Common Types of Wall Finishes in Ghana Plastering / Rendering This is often the first finish applied to a raw block wall. It provides a smooth, flat base for other finishes like paint. Sand-Cement Plaster/Render: A mixture of cement, sand, and water. Application: Applied with a steel trowel and hawk, then smoothed with a wooden or plastic float. Use: Very common for both interior and exterior walls in Ghana. It is strong and durable. Curing: Must be kept damp for several days (cured) to gain its full strength and prevent cracking. Plaster of Paris (P.O.P) Plastering: A gypsum-based plaster. Application: Mixed with water to form a paste and applied over a sand-cement base coat. It can be moulded into decorative shapes (e.g., for ceilings and cornices). Use: Primarily for interior walls and ceilings to achieve a very smooth, high-end finish. Common in hotels, offices, and modern homes. Properties: Dries faster than sand-cement but is more expensive and not suitable for exteriors. Painting This is the most common decorative finish applied over plaster. Emulsion Paint: Water-based paint. Use: Mostly for interior walls and ceilings. Properties: Dries quickly, low odour, easy to clean up with water. Comes in finishes like *Matt* (non-shiny) and *Silk* (slight sheen). Gloss Paint: Oil-based paint. Use: Often used on wooden or metal surfaces (doors, window frames) and sometimes on walls in high-traffic areas or kitchens because it is very durable and washable. Properties: Hard-wearing, shiny finish, but has a strong smell and takes longer to dry. Textured Paint (e.g., Tyrolean/Roughcast): Contains aggregates like sand or marble chips. Use: Very popular for exterior walls in Ghana. Application: Applied using a special hand-cranked machine (Tyrolean flicker machine) or a trowel. Properties: Creates a rough, decorative texture that is excellent for hiding imperfections and is very durable against harsh weather. Tiling Applying tiles made from ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone to a wall surface. Use: Essential in wet areas like bathrooms, washrooms, and kitchens. Also used for decorative feature walls. Properties: Impervious to water: Protects the wall from moisture damage. Hygienic: Very easy to clean and disinfect. Durable: Resistant to stains and scratches. Application: Fixed to the wall using a special adhesive called tile cement or tile adhesive. The gaps between tiles are filled with grout. Wall Cladding Covering a wall with a different material, either for protection or decoration. Materials: Stone (e.g., slate, granite), wood panels (e.g., T&G - Tongue and Groove), Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP), PVC panels. Use: Common for exterior feature walls on commercial buildings (e.g., banks), hotels, and modern homes to create a prestigious look. Wood T&G is sometimes used for interior feature walls. Properties: Can be expensive but offers excellent durability and a unique aesthetic. C. Factors Influencing the Choice of Wall Finish
Choosing the right finish is a critical decision. Here are the factors to consider: