If you are looking to renovate your home, then you should think of going Moroccan style this time. Many homemakers are favouring the Moroccan style of architecture and this unique architecture from Morocco has become increasingly popular. Simple yet classy with a touch of ethnicity in it, Moroccan architecture has emerged as a trending home decor style for many house makers across the globe. Thus, even you should try this ongoing global trend while renovating your house.
The beauty of the Moroccan way of architecture is the traditional tadelakt technique.
What is Tadelakt Technique?
Tadelakt is a unique wall surfacing technique used in Morocco for covering the walls to give a waterproof coat. This coat is made of lime plaster and black soaps derivative from olives.
Materials Required to Prepare Tadelakt
The traditional tadelakt technique involves few interrelated steps when it comes to preparing the materials required. Also, the wall has to be prepared before applying the Tadelakt plaster.
Here are the steps:
Plaster powder needs to be blended with water 15 hours prior to colour pigment application. This involves mixing of the colour pigment, lime plaster and water, which takes a few hours to be mixed thoroughly.
Walls, where the plaster needs to be applied, is to be prepared with multiple holes in the hall to allow for better water absorption and better hold of tadelakt application. Post this, the walls need to be prepared with cement. There are machines available for spreading the cement smoothly and efficiently on the wall for a good wall preparation.
After this, the first coat of tadelakt paste can be applied to the wall. There are several ways for smoothing the tadelakt plaster for protecting the tadelakt covering. These techniques involve using a wooden shovel or using a smooth stone for removing any imperfections.
Why Prefer Tadelakt?
The first and foremost point to use tadelakt is that it is composed of natural materials, avoiding the use of any volatile organic compounds.Moreover, the finishing is absolutely stunning with no lines or seams visible in its application.
The plaster is mold and mildew resistant.
The Durability Factor
While tadelakt is made of completely natural materials and gives great finishing, it is also to be noted that the plaster can wither away if not maintained properly. The plaster covering of limestone can be easily damaged and ruined by the use of bleach and other abrasive and rough chemicals.
However, there is a technique of posterior wall waxing that uses the traditional Moroccan olive oil soap, so as to protect it for stains.
How can Tadelakt Plastered wall be Maintained?
While it is not resistant to stains and can be damaged by harsh chemicals, maintenance is an important facet here. It is vital to clean the wall once every week with black soap, water, and sponge. Sponging the wall with black soap reconditions the tadelakt wall. It is also to be kept in mind that once the tadelakt covered wall is damaged by the use of chemicals, it cannot be repaired. Also, if one section is destroyed, the entire panel needs replacement.
Advantages of Tadelakt
It is free of hazardous materials and compounds since it is made of natural materials.
The colour pigmentation does not fade away over the time.
It is resistant to mildew and molds.
It can be cleaned easily using a sponge and mild cleaners.
Tadelakt walls show no grout lines or seams.
Cons of Tadelakt
Tadelakt is an expensive architecture style.
Easily damaged when used harsh chemicals, even by accident.
If one section is damaged, the entire panel needs to be replaced and there is no repairing option.
Though tadelakt plaster is a bit tricky to apply and install, it is a good option for bathrooms and kitchens plastering as this process offers shinier finishing to the walls.
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