Interior Construction Fit Outs
The term interior construction fit outs used with reference to a building construction describes the different activities and processes involved in making the premises fit for occupation for the purpose for which it was designed. In this context it may refer to the development of office buildings wherein the developer hands over the premises after the basic and it becomes the responsibility of the occupant to complete the interiors and other related works. The premises concerned will generally be taken on lease by the occupant from the developer or the owner as the case may be.
Getting the building ready for Fit Outs
The interior construction fit outs details will depend upon at what stage the building is at the time of handing over by the developer to the occupant and the specifications for the fit out will also depend upon the requirements of the occupant. Normally the developer would have completed the structure, the cladding, common areas, and external works like roads, lighting, pavements, fencing, outer walls, drainage systems, landscaping, mechanical, and electrical systems to plant rooms, including transformers, water supply etc. Air circulation and air conditioning plants would have been installed.
Main Fit Out
In this category, all those items of interior construction fit outs in the allotted space of the occupant completed by the developer and the level to which it is done are considered. Though this cannot be defined clearly, the following are some examples:
False ceilings supported from roof, and floors at raised levels.
Installation of electrical and mechanical equipment.
Finishing of interior surfaces like walls, doors windows and blinds.
Secondary fit out
This is the last stage of internal fit out as per the occupant’s requirements. The final finishes to the office spaces are carried out. Conference rooms, board rooms, and other special facilities are set up. This will also include special lighting facilities, audio visual equipments, computer cubicles, office cabins, reception lounge, furniture installation, canteen, and kitchen areas.
Suggestions
Some of the fit outs may have to be done in coordination with the developer even before handing over in order to avoid waste of time and money. Examples are main reception, staircases, lobbies, lift shafts, toilets, basements, car parking, loading bays, and so on. Some occupants may have very complex fit out requirements which may affect the main fit out. Even if it means that some money has to be spent at this stage it will go a long way in saving wasted time and money to be spent at a later stage for modifying work already done earlier. So a detailed discussion between the developer and the occupant will help to sort out issues pertaining to interior construction fit outs.
Fiber Cement Board Siding
Fiber cement board siding is a building material used for covering the outside of a building in both domestic and commercial applications. Fiber cement is a composite material made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It has a wide range of styles and colors resembling conventional siding materials mainly cedar shingles, stucco, and wood clapboards. The cost of fiber cement siding is little more than vinyl siding but less than stucco. It lasts longer than its competitors by decades because it withstands many common hazards, including wind, fire, rain, and insects. Fiber cement board siding can be used in all climates, but is ideal for hot, humid regions. Regardless of its wetness it won’t rot. Because it is made up sand and cement it’s resistant to termites. Due to its durability fiber cement siding reduces maintenance costs and it’s unlikely to end up in landfills in comparison to conventional siding. It is an inert material that, if finally sent to a landfill, should not cause danger to the environment.
Benefits of Fiber Cement Board Siding
1. The Design Versatility. While purchasing fiber cement sidings you can choose from many different textures. Color matching can also be done if you want. Besides its appearance, it is available is different sizes and shapes.
2. Dimensional Tolerances and Stability. You can rely on the quality of the products and dimensional stability. Its fire rating is class A and the texture and color does not fade or warp.
3. Warranty benefits. The paint of Fiber cement sidings remains fresh in an average expectation of 7 to 15 years.
4. Painting. Before the purchase fiber cement sidings are usually primed in the factory. After installation the fiber siding is then protected from moisture entering it with finally coating it with exterior paint.
5. Installed Cost. The installation cost of fiber sidings is lesser than installation for cedar, natural stone, hardboard siding, and wood siding.
Usage of Fiber Cement Board Siding
Fiber cement board siding is mostly made of overlapping horizontal boards imitating clapboard, wooden siding, and imitation shingles. It is also made in a sheet form and not only used as cladding but also usually used as a softit / eave lining and is placed under tiles in bathrooms and on decks. Not only can fiber cement board siding be used as an outside siding, it also can be used instead of bargeboards and timber fascias in high fire areas.
Tips for better Fiber Cement Siding Installation
Follow the instructions of your fiber cement manufacturer, prepare the wall surface properly before installing fiber cement board siding, use the recommended materials and tools, for leveling the wall use a siding insulation product and align each fiber cement board siding panel, and apply any finishing materials.
Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Barrier is heavy, yet flexible, and thin making it a perfect soundproofing material for particular kinds of applications. MLV is a flexible product that is heavy in weight and it prevents sound from entering. For most modern products the weight is due to calcium silicate, although barium sulfate is also still in use. MLV is a limp-mass material used for blocking unwanted noise and reducing sound transmission without reduction in space. It is made of non-reinforced vinyl at high temperature with no lead fillers. This material has a weight equivalent to lead, yet is safe and can be cut easily with a utility knife. Initially MLV was developed as a non-toxic option to lead lined materials. In industrial settings they prevent sound. Then through marketing other possible uses for the material were found. Presently there are many products sold under the MLV name.
Advantages of Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier
Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier controls noise, reduces sound transmission, improves communications, and improves health and safety. When you need to effectively control noise and sound transmission, Mass Loaded Vinyl Noise Barrier can be used to build soundproof and noise barriers walls. MLV is mainly used for soundproofing applications due to its thinness and flexibility. It can be screwed, stapled, nailed, or hung (using grommets and reinforcement). A 1/8 inch thick MLV sheet has a weight of about 1 pound per square foot. It’s twice more than the mass of a drywall of equal thickness. For your soundproofing project if space is important, MLV offers a solution. For soundproofing mass, drywall is the classic source. It comes in rigid panels. In contrast MLV is useful in situations where a flexible sound barrier is needed such as a wrapper around pipes.
Applications of Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier
The applications of Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier are to create a sound screen around noisy machinery, turn dish washers into stealth washers, block vibrations in vehicles and road noise, improve sound and increase bass in your car, making HVAC ductwork and pipes soundproof, eliminate leakage of noise around windows and doors in a home studio, and add a sound deadening layer above suspended ceilings.
Choices of Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier
In purchasing mass loaded vinyl, you have to mainly decide what thickness you want. The commonly used thicknesses are 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch. Sheets of 1/16 inch are also available. The thickness you choose will be dependent on your soundproofing requirements, space limitations, and your budget. A variety of additional options are offered by few MLV suppliers like color selection, peel-and-stick adhesive backing, addition of a foam layer, and enhanced flexibility. Many suppliers offer generic MLV which is cheaper than the name-brand products, and still providing the main elements making mass loaded vinyl barrier a good choice for the right applications.