FINISHES IN FLOOR, WALL AND CEILING

Finishes are used in the final part of the construction or manufacturing process, forming the final surface
of an element. They can protect the element from impact, water, frost, corrosion, abrasion, and so on,
and/or they can be decorative. it form the interface between building users and the building and hence
affect the way in which we interact and perceive our built environment. Surfaces are seen, touched and
smelt by building users. Colour , or the lack of it, affects our psychology and the atmosphere of our
buildings. Materials give off scent and this too will influence our internal environment and may affect
our health. Given the wide variety of finishes available, the materials used to form a finish are quite
extensive. In this volume, we have confined ourselves to the floor, wall and ceiling finishes most
commonly found in domestic properties and small-office developments.

Function of finishes to floor wall and ceiling

The primary function of a surface finish is to provide a durable, visually attractive and low-maintenance
surface to floors, walls and ceilings. There may be differences between the functional requirements of
the finish depending on whether it is an external or internal finish. The External finishes are important in
determining the aesthetic appeal of the building also, in conjunction with the detailing and quality of the
construction, determine how the building will weather over time. Thus, the quality of the materials used
for external finishes and the manner in which they are applied will determine the durability of the
building fabric. Internal finishes are important in creating a sense of place and in helping to ensure a
healthy indoor environment. As we spend a great deal of time within buildings, the quality of the
internal environment is particularly important in ensuring a sense of well-being and enjoyment.
Materials will be touched, experienced visually and will give off scent, which, combined with furnishings
and appliances, will influence our perception of the space in which we live or work and affect indoor air
quality.

Types of finish

There are two different types of finish to the building fabric: those inherent in the material and those
applied to a background.

Inherent finishes

Many materials such as timber, stone, brick and glass provide a natural finish without any need for
further work – an inherent finish. Attention to joints, fixings and the quality of work is critical (because
they will not be covered up). When brickwork and block work is to be left fair face (not plastered) it is
important to specify this so that the joints are built to an appropriate quality. Carefully chosen, materials
with an inherent finish may help to reduce construction time and initial construction costs. Furthermore,
the use of materials with an inherent finish may be an important consideration when disassembling the
building and reclaiming materials at a future date for reuse, since the material has not been
compromised by the application of a finish.

Applied finishes: ecological consideration

Application of materials to existing backgrounds, such as plaster or render to a wall, or paint to timber, is
an applied finish. The durability of the finish will depend upon the material properties of the finish and
the material it is applied to, as well as the bond between the two materials. Ecological design goals aim
to minimize the pollution from applied finishes. Petrochemical paints, stains and varnishes should be
avoided and preference given to products with natural pigments that are not harmful to animals, plants
or people. Frequency of maintenance and re-application of applied finishes needs to be considered in
the overall life cycle of the building, and compared against inherent finishes.

TYPES OF FLOOR FINISHES

 Granolithic floor finishes

 Terrazzo floor finishes
 Magnesite floor finishes
 Bitumastic floor finishes
 Ceramics floor finishes
 Wood floor finishes
 Polyvinyl chloride floor finishes