Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify different types of floor finishes.
• Discuss the functions of various floor finishes.
• Describe the tools and materials used for application.
• Explain the process of applying a specific floor finish.

Lesson summary

A building is not complete until the final surfaces are treated. The floor, which we walk, work, and live on, is one of the most important surfaces. The bare concrete slab that is first constructed is often rough, porous, and unattractive. Floor finishes are the final layers applied to this structural floor to make it functional, durable, beautiful, and safe. In Ghana, from our homes and schools to hospitals like Korle Bu and shopping malls like the Accra Mall, the choice of floor finish significantly impacts the building's use and feel. This lesson will explore the common types of floor finishes used in Ghana, how they are applied, and how to choose the right one for a specific purpose.

Lesson notes

A. What is a Floor Finish?

A floor finish is the final, uppermost layer of a floor structure, applied over the structural slab (usually concrete). It is the surface that is seen, walked on, and exposed to wear and tear. It is also known as floor covering or flooring.

Functions of a Floor Finish: Protection: It protects the structural floor slab from abrasion (wear), impact, and chemical spills. A bare concrete floor can easily get damaged and produce dust. Aesthetics: It provides a visually appealing surface that enhances the interior design and beauty of a space. Different colours, patterns, and textures can be used to create a desired mood or look. Safety & Comfort: It provides a safe, non-slip surface to walk on. Some finishes, like wood or vinyl, are warmer and more comfortable underfoot than bare concrete. Hygiene & Ease of Maintenance: A good floor finish should be easy to clean, non-absorbent, and prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. This is especially important in kitchens, hospitals, and bathrooms. B. Common Types of Floor Finishes in Ghana Sand-Cement Screed Description: A screed is a layer of a sand and cement mortar, typically mixed in a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio (1 part cement to 3 or 4 parts sand) with water. It is laid over a concrete slab to provide a smooth, level, and hard-wearing surface. It can be a base for another finish (like tiles) or serve as the final finish itself. Application Process: Preparation: The concrete slab is cleaned of all debris, dust, and oil. It is then wetted to prevent it from absorbing water too quickly from the screed mix. Mixing: Cement and sand are mixed dry until the colour is uniform. Water is then added gradually to achieve a workable consistency (not too wet, not too dry). Laying: The screed mix is spread over the floor to the desired thickness (usually 25mm - 40mm). Levelling: Using a straight edge (screed board) resting on guide strips (battens), the screed is levelled and compacted. Finishing: The surface is smoothed using a wooden or steel float. For a very smooth finish, a thin layer of cement slurry can be applied and trowelled (this is often called "polishing" in local terms). Curing: The screed must be cured for at least 7 days by keeping it damp (e.g., covering with plastic sheets or sprinkling with water). This prevents cracking and ensures it gains full strength. Common Uses: Garages, storerooms, workshops, verandas, and as a base for other flooring. Tiles (Ceramic & Porcelain) Description: Tiles are thin, flat slabs manufactured from fired clay. Ceramic Tiles: Made from red or white clay, fired at a lower temperature. They are softer, more porous, and best suited for walls or low-traffic residential floors. Porcelain Tiles: Made from a finer, denser clay and fired at a much higher temperature. They are extremely hard, dense, durable, and resistant to water, making them ideal for any area, including high-traffic commercial spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms. Application Process: Surface Preparation: The floor (usually a screed) must be clean, dry, and perfectly level. Layout: The centre of the room is found, and chalk lines are snapped to guide the placement of the first tiles. Applying Adhesive: A special tile adhesive (thin-set mortar) is mixed and spread on a small section of the floor using a notched trowel. The notches create ridges that help the tile bond properly. Laying Tiles: The tiles are pressed firmly into the adhesive with a slight twisting motion. Plastic spacers are placed between tiles to ensure uniform gaps (grout lines). Cutting Tiles: A manual tile cutter or a wet tile saw is used to cut tiles to fit around edges and obstacles. Grouting: After the adhesive has set (usually 24 hours), the spacers are removed. Grout (a special cement-based filler) is mixed and applied over the tiles, filling the gaps. Cleaning: Excess grout is wiped off the tile surfaces with a damp sponge before it hardens completely. The floor is then left to cure. Tools & Materials: Notched trowel, tile cutter, level, rubber mallet, tile spacers, grout float, sponge, tile adhesive, grout. Terrazzo Description: A composite flooring material made by embedding chips of marble, granite, quartz, or glass in a binder that is cement-based or epoxy-based. After it cures, it is ground and polished to a smooth, shiny surface. It is extremely durable and long-lasting. Application Process (*in-situ* or poured on-site): Preparation: The concrete slab is prepared. Metal or plastic divider strips are laid on the floor to create patterns and control cracking. Mixing & Pouring: The cement/epoxy binder is mixed with the aggregate chips and water (if cement-based). The mixture is poured onto the floor between the divider strips. Spreading & Compacting: The mixture is spread evenly to the top of the divider strips and compacted with a heavy roller to remove air pockets. Curing: The floor is allowed to cure for several days. Grinding: A heavy-duty floor grinding machine with abrasive stones is used to grind down the surface, exposing the decorative chips. This is done in several stages, using finer grits of stone each time. Polishing & Sealing: The floor is polished to a high gloss and then a penetrating sealer is applied to protect it from stains and make it non-porous. Common Uses: High-traffic areas like hospitals, schools, airports, banks, and shopping centres due to its extreme durability and hygiene. Wood Flooring Description: Flooring made from timber. In Ghana, hardwoods like Odum, Danta, and Mahogany are sometimes used. Engineered wood and laminate flooring are also popular imported options. It provides a warm, natural, and elegant look. Application Process (for solid hardwood): Subfloor Preparation: The subfloor (concrete) must be level, dry, and clean. A moisture barrier (e.g., polythene sheet) is often laid first. Installation: The wooden planks, which usually have a "tongue and groove" profile, are laid starting from one wall. They are either nailed to a wooden subfloor, or glued directly to the concrete slab using a special wood flooring adhesive. Sanding: After installation, the entire floor is sanded using a floor sander to make it perfectly smooth and level. Finishing: The floor is cleaned of all dust, and several coats of varnish, lacquer, or oil are applied to protect the wood and give it a shine. Common Uses: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and dance halls. Not suitable for wet areas like bathrooms. Floor Paint Description: A simple and cost-effective finish using specially formulated paint that can withstand foot traffic. Epoxy floor coatings are a more advanced, two-part system (resin and hardener) that creates a very hard, durable, and chemical-resistant surface. Application Process: Surface Preparation: This is the most critical step. The concrete floor must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased, and completely dry. Any cracks must be repaired. Sometimes, the floor is acid-etched or ground to create a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Priming: A coat of primer is applied to seal the concrete and ensure a strong bond with the topcoat. Application: The floor paint or mixed epoxy is applied using a roller or brush, usually in two or more coats, allowing for the recommended drying time between coats. Common Uses: Garages, workshops, factory floors, sports courts (for markings), and low-cost residential flooring.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Evaluation guide

• Discuss finishes applied to the Floor.
• Communication: Organize whole class and ask learners to select the finishes to apply
• given the specific space involved. This is a brainstorming method that elicits critical
• thinking among learners as they sincerely discuss AND come out with the meaning,

Reference guide

• to tile a 4m x 5m classroom. If one box of tiles covers 1.5 square meters, how many boxes of tiles would you need to buy? (Show your calculation).
• Real-life Applications / Integration
• Local Economy and Entrepreneurship: The flooring industry creates many jobs in Ghana. This includes tilers (masons), terrazzo specialists, wood floor installers, and people who sell these materials at shops in places like Kasoa or the Opera Square market. Students can be encouraged to see these as viable, skilled professions. Discussing the cost difference between imported tiles (e.g., from Spain or China) and locally produced ones (e.g., KROMA tiles) connects the topic to trade and local manufacturing.
• Health, Safety, and Environment: The choice of floor finish has direct health implications. A terrazzo floor in a hospital is seamless and easy to disinfect, helping to control infections. In a home, choosing non-slip tiles for the bathroom can prevent serious accidents. We can also discuss environmental aspects, such as using sustainably sourced wood or low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and sealers to improve indoor air quality.
• Socio-cultural Significance: In many Ghanaian communities, a polished cement floor was traditionally a sign of a well-kept home. Today, the transition to tile flooring is often seen as a sign of social mobility and modernity. Discussing these trends helps learners connect building technology to social and cultural values within their own communities.
• Differentiation, Remediation and Extension