Minor items required during Grey Structure

Bitumen

Bitumen is another material that is required during construction. Like polythene, it also serves the purpose of waterproofing. Bitumen is available in different qualities and most commonly available at random hardware shops are of inferior quality. Good quality bitumen has higher viscosity. If the bitumen is very thin liquid then it should not be used, as it will have no effect because of more water content added in it.

Polythene sheets

Polythene sheets are required at different stages from start of the project for different tasks such as waterproofing, covering material from curing or rain etc. Specially made polythene is used in foundations at Damp proof course (DPC) known as “Damp polythene”. However there are better alternate options for waterproofing DPC that will be discussed at later stages. Buy polythene in form of rolls, as it is required throughout the project. Buying in small pieces or amounts can be a little costly.

Silt sand (Ghassu)

Silt sand is required for backfilling the foundations to attain the height for finish floor levels. Backfilling is required once the brickwork of foundations is complete. Purchasing dumpers or trolleys of silt sand should be carried out through dealer or middleman. Instead of purchasing dumpers separately and then hiring labor for dumping the sand in foundations, it is more convenient to do a full lump sum contract with the dealer in which he will be responsible for completing backfill up to the “agreed level”. Silt sand should be free from debris and waste material such as dirt, straw and old plants.

Chips aggregate

It is a very fine form of aggregate that is available in different colors. It is the most important ingredient of chips/terrazzo floors. However since chips floors are not in trend in present times, therefor use of chips has now been limited for waterproofing purposes and terrazzo plasters only. Chips aggregate is easily available at building material shops in packing of 10 kg bag.

Mud/Earth Soil

Mud is used as a cheap yet very effective source of insulation in Punjab region. Mud is layered on top floor slab that is exposed to sun before finishing it’s waterproofing. It has a relatively higher heat resisting capacity that makes it a very good insulator. Mud used as insulation should be dry and free from dirt and straw materials.