Techniques and Method of Fixing Various Types of Walls and Ceiling for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Block Laying, Brick Laying and Concrete Work
Curriculum Theme: Building Construction Techniques
Previous Lesson: Types of Finishing in the Building Trade
Topic: TECHNIQUES AND METHOD OF FIXING VARIOUS TYPES OF WALLS AND CEILING.
Subject Matter: Procedures and precaution in laying tiles; Estimation of quality of tiles from working drawing

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Describe the procedures for fixing wall and floor tiles.
• State necessary precautions when laying tiles.
• Explain the method of estimating tile quantities from working drawings.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate (theoretically) the steps involved in laying tiles.
• Calculate the quantity of tiles required for a given area using a working drawing.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of precision in tile laying.
• Adhere to safety precautions during construction work.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Building Construction for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Actual tiles (wall and floor)
• Tiling tools (trowel, level, spacers, measuring tape)
• Diagrams or charts showing tiling procedures
• Sample working drawing with dimensions
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson provides students with practical knowledge and skills essential for construction. Understanding tile fixing techniques ensures quality finishes in building projects, while accurate estimation prevents material waste and helps in project budgeting. These skills are vital for future careers in construction and related trades.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of building materials, simple measurements, and interpreting basic construction drawings.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

TECHNIQUES AND METHOD OF FIXING VARIOUS TYPES OF WALLS AND CEILING

Procedures for Fixing Wall and Floor Tiles

Fixing tiles involves several systematic steps to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. These steps are applicable to both wall and floor tiling.

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface (wall or floor) is clean, dry, sound, and level. Remove any loose plaster, dirt, oil, or paint. For uneven surfaces, apply a leveling compound or screed.
2. Setting Out and Layout: Determine the starting point for tiling. For floors, find the centre of the room or a prominent wall. For walls, establish a datum line (horizontal) and a plumb line (vertical) using a spirit level. A dry run (laying tiles without adhesive) helps to plan the layout and minimise cuts.
3. Mixing Adhesive/Mortar: Prepare the tile adhesive or cement mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the mix is consistent and free of lumps.
4. Applying Adhesive and Laying Tiles:
   1. Apply adhesive evenly to the prepared surface using a notched trowel. Do not spread too much at once to prevent it from drying.
   2. Place the first tile firmly onto the adhesive, twisting slightly to ensure full contact.
   3. Insert tile spacers between tiles to maintain uniform joint width.
   4. Tap the tiles gently with a rubber mallet to bed them properly and remove air pockets.
   5. Regularly check the level and alignment of the tiles using a spirit level.
   6. Cut tiles as needed using a tile cutter or grinder for edges, corners, and obstacles.
5. Grouting and Cleaning:
   1. After the adhesive has cured (usually 24-48 hours), remove the tile spacers.
   2. Mix grout according to instructions and apply it to the tile joints using a rubber float.
   3. Wipe off excess grout immediately with a damp sponge, working diagonally across the tiles.
   4. Allow the grout to cure, then polish the tiles with a clean, dry cloth.

Precautions in Laying Tiles

Safety and quality control are paramount when fixing tiles. Observe the following precautions:

1. Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, knee pads, safety glasses, and dust masks, especially when cutting tiles.
2. Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area to disperse dust and fumes from adhesives or grouts.
3. Handle sharp tools like tile cutters and trowels with care to prevent injuries.
4. Avoid working on excessively wet or slippery surfaces.
5. Regularly check the levelness and plumbness of laid tiles to prevent uneven surfaces.
6. Allow sufficient curing time for both adhesive and grout before walking on or exposing the tiled surface to heavy loads.
7. Store tiles and materials in a dry, secure place to prevent damage or deterioration.

Estimation of Tile Quantities from Working Drawings

Estimating the quantity of tiles required from a working drawing is crucial for budgeting and preventing material shortages or excess. The process involves calculating the area to be tiled and the area of a single tile.

Formula for Tile Estimation

The basic formula for estimating the number of tiles is:

( text{Number of Tiles} = frac{text{Total Area to be Tiled}}{text{Area of One Tile}} times (1 + text{Wastage Percentage}) )

Where:

1. (text{Total Area to be Tiled}) = Length of area (times) Width of area (e.g., in square metres or square feet).
2. (text{Area of One Tile}) = Length of tile (times) Width of tile (e.g., in square metres or square feet).
3. (text{Wastage Percentage}) = An allowance for cuts, breakages, and future repairs, typically 5% to 10%.

Worked Example

Question: A bathroom floor measures 3m long by 2.5m wide. If tiles of size 30cm x 30cm are to be used, calculate the number of tiles required, allowing for 10% wastage.

Solution:

Step 1: Calculate the total area to be tiled.

( text{Total Area} = text{Length} times text{Width} = 3text{m} times 2.5text{m} = 7.5 text{m}^2 )

Step 2: Calculate the area of one tile. Convert cm to m.

( text{Tile Size} = 30text{cm} times 30text{cm} = 0.3text{m} times 0.3text{m} = 0.09 text{m}^2 )

Step 3: Calculate the number of tiles without wastage.

( text{Tiles (no wastage)} = frac{7.5 text{m}^2}{0.09 text{m}^2} approx 83.33 text{ tiles} )

Step 4: Apply wastage percentage (10%).

( text{Number of Tiles (with wastage)} = 83.33 times (1 + 0.10) = 83.33 times 1.10 approx 91.66 text{ tiles} )

Step 5: Round up to the nearest whole tile, as you cannot buy a fraction of a tile.

Answer: Approximately 92 tiles are required.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Problem Solving, Individual Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall different types of finishes used on building surfaces. The teacher then introduces the lesson on fixing tiles, highlighting its importance in construction.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Importance of building finishes

Step 2: Procedures for Laying Tiles (Part 1)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates (using diagrams or actual materials if available) the initial steps of tile fixing: surface preparation and setting out/layout. The teacher shows how to establish datum and plumb lines.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration, ask questions, and take notes.

Learning Point: Surface preparation, setting out

Step 3: Procedures for Laying Tiles (Part 2)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by explaining the steps of mixing adhesive, applying it with a notched trowel, and laying tiles using spacers. The teacher emphasises checking for levelness and alignment.

Pupils’ Activity: Students pay attention, ask clarifying questions, and observe the techniques.

Learning Point: Adhesive application, tile laying

Step 4: Grouting and Cleaning & Precautions

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the final steps of grouting and cleaning. The teacher then discusses important precautions to observe when laying tiles, including safety gear and proper handling of tools.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, contribute to the discussion on safety, and note down key precautions.

Learning Point: Grouting, safety precautions

Step 5: Introduction to Tile Estimation

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Introduction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of estimating tile quantities from working drawings. The teacher explains why accurate estimation is important and introduces the basic formula.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and understand the rationale behind tile estimation.

Learning Point: Tile estimation concept

Step 6: Worked Example on Tile Estimation

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Problem Solving/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher works through an example of tile estimation on the board, explaining each step clearly (calculating area, tile area, number of tiles, and wastage). The teacher encourages students to follow along.

Pupils’ Activity: Students follow the steps, ask questions, and attempt to solve the example in their notebooks.

Learning Point: Calculation of tile quantities

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. List three procedures for fixing wall tiles.
2. Mention two precautions to take when laying tiles.
3. Explain how to calculate the area of a room for tiling.
4. If a floor is 4m by 3m and tiles are 20cm by 20cm, how many tiles are needed without wastage?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding tile fixing and estimation

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on tile fixing procedures, precautions, and estimation into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the key learning points on tile fixing techniques, precautions, and the importance of accurate estimation. The teacher encourages students to practice the calculations.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidation of key concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Describe in your own words the five main stages of laying floor tiles.
2. Why is it important to add a wastage percentage when estimating tiles?
3. A kitchen wall measures 5m long and 2.8m high. If tiles of size 25cm x 40cm are to be used, calculate the number of tiles required, including a 5% wastage allowance.

Lesson Keywords

• Tiling – The process of covering a surface with tiles.
• Adhesive – A sticky substance used to bond tiles to a surface.
• Grout – A cement-based mixture used to fill the gaps between tiles.
• Spacers – Small plastic crosses used to create uniform gaps between tiles.
• Datum Line – A horizontal reference line used for setting out wall tiles.
• Estimation – The process of calculating the approximate quantity of materials needed.
• Wastage – Extra material allowance for cuts, breakages, or future repairs.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, the teacher will provide simplified diagrams of the tiling process and offer more guided practice on the estimation calculations, perhaps using simpler numbers. Faster learners will be challenged with more complex estimation problems, such as calculating tiles for irregular shapes or considering different tile sizes for a single project.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search on YouTube for:

• how to lay floor tiles nigeria
• how to lay wall tiles nigeria
• tile estimation for beginners

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have visual aids like diagrams of tiling steps or, ideally, actual tiles and basic tools (trowel, spacers, level) for a mini-demonstration. Prepare a sample working drawing with clear dimensions for the estimation exercise. When explaining tiling procedures, emphasise the practical aspects and safety. During the estimation segment, guide students through the calculations step-by-step, allowing them to attempt the examples. Encourage questions throughout the lesson. Students should copy the Board Summary notes during Step 8 (Note-Taking) to ensure they have accurate information for revision. Provide individual support to students struggling with calculations and challenge those who grasp the concepts quickly with additional problems.