Building a home is an investment and one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It isn’t just bricks and mortar that makes a home- stability, a sense of safety and legacy make it worth the investment. But the true strength of a home lies in its foundation, which depends upon the construction materials used and quality.
India’s climatic conditions vary from region to region, where structures are exposed to extreme climates, from excessive rains to scorching heat and in some zones, seismic activity. Hence, the right construction materials determine the strength of your home’s foundation. This blog will cover the essential construction materials to build a durable home that isn’t just aesthetically strong but also one that lasts.
1. Cement – The Backbone of Your Home
Let’s start with the most critical material – cement– the component that binds the structure together, be it the foundation, the floor, the ceiling or the walls. It is imperative to use superior quality cement to ensure that the home withstands environmental stresses, and maintains its strength and longevity.
JK Super Cement’s range of cement is formulated to enhance compressive strength, durability and quality. The highest quality of limestone and clinker are used in every product for enhanced cohesiveness, making JK Super Cement suitable for all types of geographies.
2. Steel – Strength in Every Corner
Steel reinforcement bars (rebars) are essential to improve concrete’s tensile strength, and to withstand bending and stretching forces. Choosing the right steel is critical to ensure that the strength of your home structure is not compromised upon, and your home combats environmental stresses such as earthquakes and floods.
When picking steel, opt for ones that are highly ductile and corrosion resistant. It is also critical to ensure proper curing and placement are done to avoid structural faults.
3. Bricks– Building the Framework
Brick by brick, the home builds! Bricks have been a primary component in construction in India- they are the backbone of a structure, literally, and so, choosing the right kind of brick is important in ensuring strength and durability of your home. While traditional red bricks have been the mainstay in construction in India, contemporary versions such as Fly Ash bricks and concrete bricks have gained popularity due to their eco-friendliness and efficiency.
Fly ash bricks are lightweight, come in uniform size and have thermal insulation properties, while concrete bricks are fire resistant, have high load bearing capacity, and have high life expectancy. Whichever you choose, ensure they are uniform in shape and size, extend increased compressive strength and are crack-free.
4. Aggregates – The Unsung Hero of Concrete
Aggregates are typically raw materials that include gravel, sand, crushed stones, and form concrete. The qualitty of aggregates determines the durability of concrete mix, and so they must be strong, free from silt and clay, clean and hard.
The size and coarseness of the aggregates is important in aiding the density of the concrete and ensuring it is void-free. The right kind is key in construction, especially when building a lasting home.
5. Concrete – The Real Foundation
Concrete- a blend of cement, aggregates, sand and water- forms the real foundation of a structure. It must be kept in mind that the mix needs to be in precise proportions for lasting strength and durability. Proper curing is crucial in ensuring the concrete’s efficiency. The process of curing is very critical as it ensures the concrete is crack-free, strong, and balanced in moisture content.
JK Super Strong Concrete Special is a specialty product that undergoes strict quality tests in highly upgraded facilities- it is created in free concrete mix design, promising undeniable quality. Due to, this concrete mix cement provides 50% extra strength compared to regular cement concrete.
6. Waterproofing Materials – Shielding Your Home
If there’s one thing that can completely dampen the joy of living in a home, it is water seepage- the one cause for flaking and leakage as well. Seepage not only damages the walls, flooring and ceilings, but also weakens the structure over time. Hence, it is advisable to include waterproofing cement & building materials at the very beginning of construction of your home.
From weatherproof cement and external coatings to sealants, waterproofing solutions are many, but choosing the right one will ensure your home stays dry, strong and healthy.
JK Cement provides complete waterproofing solutions to free your home from dampness, leaks, and cracks in the bathrooms, joints, and roofs, such as JK Super Protect and JKPROFIX range for walls and roofs. These innovative products significantly reduce water permeation to concrete and mortar, providing durability to your walls.
7. Roofing Materials – Your First Line of Defense
A roof on the head is good, but a strong roof on the head is safety and security wrapped together. Hence, selecting the right roofing materials is critical to ensure a safe home. Roofing materials must be durable, lightweight, yet strong enough to withstand climatic conditions.
While Clay tiles have been the mainstay in Indian architecture for centuries as they are durable, aesthetic, and have insulation properties, Concrete tiles are its contemporary alternative but with increased strength. Other kinds of roofing materials include metal roofing that is gaining popularity due to its appearance and durability, and RCC- Cement-concrete slabs, which are fire-proof and can withstand intense weather conditions.
Clay tiles have been an integral part of Indian architecture as roofing material for centuries, imbibed with durability, natural insulation propertie,s and aesthetics. Concrete tiles are a contemporary version of clay tiles for roofing material- they offer similar benefits, but with added strength and versatility.
JK Super Cement – PPC provides enhanced cohesiveness to the concrete while mixing, and slabs made with this concrete provide durability and long-lasting strength to your home.
8. Finishing Materials – The Final Touch
Paint, plaster, emulsion, distemper, and tiles are integral to adding a premium finish to your home. Just as a good quality plaster ensures a crack-free and smooth finish, paints add aesthetic beauty – weather-resistant options extend safety to your home walls and exterior facade.
JK Cement’s range of distemper, emulsion, enamel, and wood finishes are formulated to offer superior smoothness, resistance to extreme weather conditions, and durability.
Choosing the right construction materials is the first and most crucial step in building a safe and durable home. From cement to concrete, bricks to waterproofing, every material plays a vital role in the life of your structure. Don’t compromise on quality. Remember, your home is a long-term investment, and its strength lies in the materials you choose.
