Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Discuss various finishes applied to fascia, railings, and plinths.
• Explain the technologies for applying specific finishes.
• Identify the adhesives, tools, and equipment used.
• Select appropriate finishes based on building use and location.

Lesson summary

Welcome, future builders and engineers! Today, we are looking at the final touches that make a building not only beautiful but also strong and long-lasting. Think about any house you see in your community. The paint on the walls, the smooth feel of a handrail, or the strong base of the building—these are all called 'finishes'. They are the building's "skin" and "armour". They protect the main structure from Ghana's harsh sun, heavy rains, and general wear and tear. This lesson focuses specifically on the finishes for three important parts of a building: the fascia board (at the edge of the roof), the railings (on stairs and balconies), and the plinth (the base of the wall near the ground).

Lesson notes

Before we discuss the finishes, let's be sure we understand the parts of the building we are talking about. Fascia Board: This is the long, straight board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. It is fixed directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and rafters. Its job is to support the bottom row of tiles/roofing sheets and carry the guttering. In Ghana, it's commonly made of wood, but modern buildings may use PVC or fibre cement. Railing (or Balustrade): This is a barrier or fence along the edge of a staircase, balcony, porch, or veranda. Its primary purpose is safety—to prevent people from falling off. It can be made from mild steel, stainless steel, wood, concrete, or glass. Plinth: This is the part of the wall between the ground level and the main floor level. It forms the base of the building's superstructure. The plinth is very important because it protects the main wall from ground moisture, rainwater splashes (splatter), and physical damage from people or objects.

Now, let's explore the finishes for each component. A. Finishes for Fascia Boards

Fascia boards are heavily exposed to sun and rain. The finish must protect them from rotting (wood) or degradation.

| Finish Type | Description & Purpose | Common Materials | Ghanaian Context Example | | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Paint | Provides a protective, waterproof layer and adds colour. It's the most common finish. | Oil-based (Gloss) Paint: Excellent water resistance and durability for wood. Acrylic/Emulsion Paint: Less durable for wood outdoors but can be used on fibre cement fascia. | A wooden fascia board on a house in Kumasi is painted with white gloss paint to protect it from rain and match the windows. | | Varnish / Stain | A transparent or semi-transparent finish that protects the wood while allowing its natural grain and beauty to show through. | Polyurethane Varnish, Wood Stain. | A resort building near the Wli waterfalls might use a dark wood stain on its fascia to give it a natural, rustic look. | | PVC Capping | A modern, low-maintenance solution where a pre-finished plastic (PVC) profile is fixed over the existing timber or fascia board. | UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride). | New estate houses in East Legon, Accra, often use white PVC fascia because it doesn't need repainting and lasts long. | B. Finishes for Railings

Evaluation guide

• Discuss finishes applied to fascia’s, railing and plinth of building.
• Communication: Organize whole class and ask learners to select the finishes to apply
• given the specific components involved. This is a brainstorming method that elicits
• critical thinking among learners as they sincerely discuss and come out with the

Reference guide

• to apply a weatherproof emulsion paint finish to a newly rendered concrete plinth.
• > Solution and Commentary:
• > * Tools:
• > * Scraper/Wire Brush: To remove any loose particles from the new render.
• > * Paint Brushes: A large one (4-inch) for large areas and a smaller one (1-2 inch) for cutting in at the edges.
• > * Paint Roller and Tray: For applying paint quickly and evenly over the main surface.