Housing and You…Local company serves up alternative to tiles

Mar 23, 2014 News

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By Leonard Gildarie

We have always been seeking cheaper ways to build. I like promoting anything local, like the use of our varieties of wood and even clay bricks. Unfortunately, the latter has gone out of production. I am hoping that someone can restart the production of those red bricks.
We have all seen clay brick bridges and many homes which have all stood the test of time.
I have known folks whose clay brick bridges were built three decades ago and are still looking the same.
There have also been increasing calls for the proper use of local wood. While greenheart, purpleheart, crabwood and kabakalli have all been popular, there are other lesser known species of wood that can be as beautiful as well. It may all come down to a case of knowing how to use them. There is a process that is recommended in the proper treatment of wood and its installation. There are certain types of wood that cannot be exposed to the elements and are appropriate for internal works.

But the sawmillers and those in the wood business would also tell you that if treated correctly, the sky is limit. Wallaba for instance is a difficult, moist wood which has a sap that would turn people away. Yet there is technology that can dry the wallaba, making it ready for internal uses, like walls.
My yard is entirely concrete, but because of some poor work and neighbours who have not moved in yet, there are a few large cracks.
Now in Guyana, one local company has been promoting its concrete systems which could very well offer a solution to tiles. They say they can fix problems like mine and transform the yard into a thing of beauty.
I like tiles, mind you, but Elite Crete Guyana says that its solutions are cost-effective and extremely beautiful. Under its service, the company insists on doing the installations as part of its guarantee for quality.
Elite Crete Guyana is part of the Dax Kissoon Group Incorporated (DKG Inc.), a sister of the A. H. and L Kissoon Limited.
According to Dax, the company is focused on providing advanced and pioneering construction systems and supplies from worldwide industry leaders.
DKG wants to concentrate more on the finishing aspect of construction, including for walls. Unlike tiles, DKG’s flooring finishes are not filled with lines that come with tiles.
“For instance, it’s a good choice for the home with a small child. The beautiful part is there are no tile lines, no grout. A lot of people have to realize that grout and tile lines store most of the mould and dirt. Germs become ingrained. The elite system is completely seamless. It is as if your floor is one big tile from wall to wall. As the finish is put right over the concrete and then sealed, it’s safer for a child to crawl around on the floor,” an official of the company explained.
Elite Crete is also stronger, explains Dax, as tile is made from clay which is compressed and baked in a kiln, and afterwards finished to give it that colour and texture.
“Remember, concrete is one of the strongest building materials there is, and is much stronger than tile. What we do (is) use our epoxy or cementicious systems and place them right over your concrete – these systems are extremely durable and beautiful.”
DKG says prices start from $800 per square foot, which includes work that is completely sealed and labour inclusive.
“We have some finishes that can even run cheaper; and we go up to a high of $1,600 per square foot for our antique stained, stamped concrete floors.”
He explained that the company is not going after one “big bang buck” as they strive to help people to help themselves.
“We are Guyanese for Guyanese. We have a price base to include everyone.”
The company was part of the Housing Expo last year at the Guyana National Stadium.
“When we come to your house, we totally customise your floor. It really is a beautiful product and you see it all the time in schools, airports, malls, hospitals and movies all over the world without even realizing it’s the same system.”
How durable is the product?
“Very,” says Dax. “People want to know about longevity; tile cracks, anything cracks once the substrate is not strong. The only way you’re cracking this floor is if you’re cracking concrete. This material is used internationally in airports, malls, hotels, restaurants and so on.”
The official also spoke of maintenance. With Elite Crete, it is all a matter of another coat of sealer on the floor.
“Maintenance is key. Everything will get old – it’s important to use a product that you are able to maintain. Sealer is cheap and sealer is quick. Unfortunately, you simply can’t do that with tiles.”
I have had a look at some of the work of DKG and for many who are thinking of tiling, in the home or in the yard, this may be another solution. I also like the colours.
Enjoy the weekend and continue to drop those emails to [email protected] or call weekdays on 225-8491.

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