1/4-inch wide and 1 l/2-inch deep should be allowed around all door and window frames to allow for adequate caulking. When caulking is applied, ensure the joints are
clean and filled with the proper backing material, such as oakum, rockwood, styrofoam, or a urethane foam. Open spaces between wood and masonry sills must be caulked. Remember, watertightness is what you are trying to achieve. Air flow loss is very common through window and doorframes due to improper installation of the jambs. Remember, the presence of foreign material will prevent a good bond of the caulking material.
CEILINGS
In view of space limitations, our conclusion of finishes for ceilings is held to three materials: acoustical tile, acoustical plaster, and drywall. However, since drywall is classified as a finish, we will cover this in the next section.
Acoustical Tile
Acoustical tiles are available in various materials, such as wood, vegetable, or mineral fiber, perforated metal, or cemented shavings in different thicknesses, shapes, and dimensions and with varying textures, perforations, and joint treatment. They may be nailed, clipped, or cemented in place, depending on the ceiling construction.
The inspector must make sure that the tile, hardware for fastening, and adhesive cement conform to the project specifications or the standard specifications referenced therein. You must make sure that tiles are handled and stored carefully and are not allowed to get wet or even damp. Furthermore, be sure that all marred, broken, or damaged tiles are culled and not used.
If the tile is installed on suspended ceilings, the inspector must make certain that the furring construction is strong, rigid, and according to the specifications. If wood furring is prescribed, you must be sure that the furring strips are spaced accurately and suited to the tile width. Tiles must be fastened to furring strips by either blind nailing (nailheads that are concealed) or by screwing through the perforations, as specified. If metal furring channels are prescribed, you must ensure that the tiles are fastened to the channels with approved coupling devices and hangers. When tiles are applied to a finished solid surface, they are cemented with special adhesives, usually with five spots per tile, one near each comer and one in the center, applied to the back of the tiles, and pressed into place to 6-18 a true, level plane. The inspector must make certain that all work is accurate and true to plane and line; that all special fitting around pipes, sleeves, and fixtures is neatly done; and that all tiles adhere tightly to the backing material.
Acoustical Plaster
Acoustical plaster is a manufactured product composed usually of asbestos fiber and rock-wool fibers, lime or cement binder, and an aerating agent, factory-blended, ready for mixing with water. It is available in white and in light pastel colors.
Acoustical plaster is seldom used in the industry today because the material is composed of asbestos fiber. However, with the continuing renovations to our naval facilities, you will encounter ceilings with acoustical plaster. Take the necessary precautions and contact your safety officer and ROICC before the installation of, or the removal of, this product.
Acoustical plaster is usually applied over a scratch course of gypsum plaster. The inspector must make certain that this coat is applied as prescribed, cross scratched for bond, and allowed to dry thoroughly. You must be sure that the acoustical plaster is applied in the prescribed number of coats to the specified thickness; that the undercoats are each leveled, rodded, and scratched; and that the finish coat is brought to a true, level surface of uniform texture with a minimum of troweling to avoid reduction in acoustical qualities. As the inspector, make sure that the plaster conforms to any special requirements of the specifications, such as porosity, density, or hardness.
FINISHES
The inspection of finishes for floors, walls and partitions, and ceilings is an important phase of your job. Be sure that each finishing job is properly done and gives a neat, attractive appearance. Now we will cover some items to look for during an inspection of interior and exterior finishes.
Interior Finishes
Interior finishes are those materials installed to cover the surfaces of the floors, the walls, and the ceilings. Because of the broad scope of material on finishes, we cover this topic by focusing on floor tile, drywall, and wall tile.
FLOOR FINISH. - Floor finish is any material used as the final surface of a floor. There are a wide