12 May
Construction

HISTORY OF TOILETS

The invention of toilets dates back thousands of years, with the earliest known toilets dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley civilization and ancient Egypt. These early toilets were often simple pits or holes in the ground, with some featuring basic plumbing systems to transport waste away from populated areas.

However, the modern flushing toilet as we know it today was invented in the 19th century by English inventor Sir John Harrington. He designed and built the first flushing toilet, which he called the “Ajax,” in 1596. The Ajax used a water closet and a valve system to flush waste away and was considered a luxury item at the time.

It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that flushing toilets became more widespread, with several inventors and companies developing their own designs. In 1852, American inventor J.F. Brondel created the first flush toilet with a built-in trap to prevent odors and gases from escaping. In 1870, Thomas Crapper, a plumber in London, developed and popularized the “valve and siphon” design that is still used in many modern toilets today.

Since then, toilets have continued to evolve and improve, with new technologies such as dual-flush systems, low-flow toilets, and composting toilets being developed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Today, toilets are a ubiquitous fixture in modern society and are considered an essential part of basic sanitation and hygiene.

12 May
Construction

Angles and bars (Steel) CONSTRUCTION

Angles and bars are two common types of steel profiles that are commonly used in construction. They are used for a variety of purposes, including structural support, reinforcement, and finishing work.

Angles, also known as L-shaped profiles, are commonly used for structural support in buildings. They are typically used in conjunction with other structural elements such as beams and columns to provide additional stability and strength to the building. Angles can also be used as braces or ties to prevent lateral movement in a structure.

Bars, also known as round bars or steel rods, are typically used for reinforcement in concrete structures such as foundations, columns, and walls. They provide additional strength and durability to the structure and help to prevent cracking and damage from external forces. Bars are also commonly used in the construction of fences, railings, and other finishing work.

Both angles and bars can be made from different types of steel, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, depending on the specific application and requirements of the construction project. They can also be fabricated in different sizes and lengths to meet the specific needs of the project.

Overall, angles and bars are versatile and commonly used building materials that provide strength, durability, and stability to construction projects.

12 May
Construction

EAT AFRICA PORTLAND CEMENT

East Africa Portland Cement (EAPC) is a leading cement manufacturer in East Africa, based in Athi River, Kenya. The company was established in 1933 and has since grown to become one of the most reputable and reliable cement producers in the region.

EAPC produces a wide range of cement products, including Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Pozzolanic Portland Cement (PPC), and Rapid Hardening Portland Cement (RHPC). The company also produces a variety of specialty cements, such as oil well cement, paving cement, and masonry cement.

One of the key factors that sets EAPC apart from its competitors is its commitment to quality and sustainability. The company uses advanced manufacturing processes and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that its products are of the highest quality and meet international standards. Additionally, EAPC is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and operates in a sustainable and responsible manner.

EAPC has a strong distribution network that allows it to serve customers throughout East Africa and beyond. The company has established partnerships with leading distributors and retailers in the region, ensuring that its products are readily available to customers.

In addition to its cement products, EAPC is also involved in other industries, such as property development and land reclamation. The company is committed to contributing to the economic development of the region and to creating sustainable and viable communities.

Overall, East Africa Portland Cement is a leading cement manufacturer in East Africa, with a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community development. The company’s dedication to innovation, technology, and customer service has helped it to establish a strong brand and a loyal customer base in the region.

12 May
Construction

WHOLESALE & RETAIL MUTUAL BENEFIT

The relationship between wholesalers and retailers is a critical dynamic in many industries, including manufacturing, consumer goods, and retail. Wholesalers act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers, purchasing goods in bulk and selling them to retailers, who then sell the products to the end consumer.

One of the primary drivers of this dynamic is the profit margin that each party can achieve. Wholesalers typically purchase goods at a lower price than retailers, due to their ability to buy in bulk and negotiate favorable pricing from manufacturers. They then sell these goods to retailers at a markup, which allows them to make a profit.

Retailers, in turn, purchase goods from wholesalers and then sell them to consumers at a higher price. This markup allows retailers to cover their own expenses, such as rent, employee salaries, and other operational costs, while also generating a profit for their business.

The profit margin for both wholesalers and retailers can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of product being sold, the demand for that product, and the level of competition in the market. In some cases, retailers may be able to negotiate lower prices from wholesalers by purchasing larger quantities or by developing a long-term relationship with the wholesaler. This can allow retailers to increase their profit margin by reducing their cost of goods sold.

Wholesalers, on the other hand, may focus on maximizing their profit margins by increasing the volume of products sold and negotiating favorable pricing with manufacturers. They may also look for opportunities to add value to their products, such as offering additional services or providing specialized expertise that can help retailers sell more effectively to consumers.

Overall, the relationship between wholesalers and retailers is a complex one that is driven by a variety of factors. Profit margin is a critical component of this dynamic, as it allows both parties to generate revenue and cover their expenses while also ensuring that consumers have access to a wide range of products at competitive prices. By working together, wholesalers and retailers can help to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create a thriving market for both parties.

12 May
Construction

WHY BUY FROM PALEAH WHOLESALE


Buying from a retailer and buying from a wholesaler both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:

Buying from a retailer:

Pros:

  • Convenience: Retailers are often located in convenient locations, making it easy to access their products.
  • Small quantities: Retailers are great for buying small quantities of products, as you don’t need to meet a minimum order requirement.
  • Customer service: Retailers often have customer service departments that can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Cons:

  • Higher prices: Retailers often charge higher prices than wholesalers, as they need to cover their overhead costs.
  • Limited product selection: Retailers may not have as wide a selection of products as wholesalers, as they typically carry products from a limited number of suppliers.
  • Lower profit margins: If you are a business owner, buying from a retailer may result in lower profit margins due to the higher prices.

Buying from a wholesaler:

Pros:

  • Lower prices: Wholesalers often offer lower prices than retailers, as they buy products in bulk and pass on the savings to their customers.
  • Wide product selection: Wholesalers typically carry products from a wide range of suppliers, giving you more options to choose from.
  • Higher profit margins: If you are a business owner, buying from a wholesaler can result in higher profit margins due to the lower prices.

Cons:

  • Minimum order requirements: Wholesalers often require a minimum order size, which can be a disadvantage if you only need a small quantity of products but at PALEAH the customer gets what he/she wants.
  • Location: Wholesalers may be located further away from your business or home, making it less convenient to access their products but PALEAH delivers countrywide.

Ultimately, the choice between buying from a retailer and buying from a wholesaler depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors such as price, product selection, convenience, and customer service when making your decision.

12 May
Construction

CEMENT MIXING

How to Mix Cement to Make Mortar of Concrete

The two sorts of mixtures that use cement to join other ingredients and create sturdy building materials.

A complete building material is concrete. It can be employed to create the foundations for masonry walls and other constructions. For much smaller projects, pre-made concrete bags are helpful; all you need to do is add water.

Mortar, which is composed of cement and sand, is used to adhere paving flags for projects like patios even though it isn’t as robust as concrete.

How to make a mortar or concrete mix

A excellent skill to learn is cement mixing, which can be used for a wide variety of outside home improvement projects.

You can create your own mortar or concrete mix at home, ready for use on your next project, with the right tools, materials, safety gear, and a little elbow grease.

You can mix your own cement for the majority of household projects. Investing in a concrete mixer might make sense if your job involves a larger area or is more difficult.

But if you want to build something , mixing cement is simple and just takes a few minutes:

  1. Get the tools and materials ready.
  2. To form a mortar, combine sand, cement, and water. Add aggregates to the mixture to create concrete.
  3. Mix thoroughly until it reaches the right consistency
  4. Mix materials to make mortar or cement
  5. Get cleaning to prevent hardening

REQUIREMENTS

We’ll walk you through the things you need to do with our helpful guide and teach you how to make cement mortar mix or concrete in just five simple steps. Find out more about what you’ll need and how to get started with Marshalls.

Before you get started, you need to purchase all the materials necessary to make your cement:

  • Cement
  • Sand
  • Water
  • Aggregates (if making a concrete mix)

Don’t get mortar mix confused with a concrete mix, they don’t contain the aggregates necessary to get the correct thickness and strength of concrete.

Amounts of each material depend on the size of the job and how much mortar or concrete you want to mix. If you’re unsure of the ratios to use for your mixture, check the instructions which came with your different materials to see what the manufacturer recommends.

Once you’ve got the basic materials to hand, it’s time to get safety equipment and supplies.

Equipment for mixing the cement mortar or concrete

During the process of mixing the cement, dust and debris can be harmful, so prior to starting any mixing, make sure you protect yourself with the following safety equipment:

  • Mask or mouth protector
  • Safety goggles or eye protector
  • Thick safety gloves

Personal protective equipment in place, gather all your tools within easy reach of your project. You’ll need:

  • Wheelbarrow/plastic tub or wooden mixing board
  • A sheet of tarpaulin
  • Plastic buckets x3 for a mortar mix or x4 for concrete
  • Builders shovel
  • Stiff bristle brush

Lay down your sheet of tarpaulin first, then place your mixing board or container on top – brush the board down with water to clear debris and remove any residue water.

Now your prep has been completed, let’s get going.

Mixing a cement mortar or concrete

Step 1: Start measuring your ingredients

Using the manufacturer’s recommendations, place the cement, sand, (aggregates if making concrete), and water into separate plastic buckets. For a standard mortar mix this normally on a ratio basis (usually around 3 or 4 parts building sand to 1 part cement) recommendations vary – but you don’t want the mixture to be too wet or too dry. In terms of the ratio for concrete, it depends on what strength you are trying to achieve, but as a general guide a standard concrete mix would be 1 part cement to 2 parts sand to 4 parts aggregates. For foundations, a mix of 1 part cement to 3 parts sand to 6 parts aggregates can be used.

Measure around half of the cement, sand and aggregates (for a concrete mix only) you’re going to mix. Using half now will prevent the mix from drying out before you get chance to use all of it – you can mix the other half later.

Tip the sand and aggregates (if making a concrete mix) onto your mixing board or into your container. If using a board, form a crater in the middle of the pile. Measure out half the cement you’re using and pour this into the middle of the crater, which should create a cone-like shape.

Warning. This will kick-up dust when you pour the cement out, so ensure your protective mask or mouth protector is in place.

Step 2: Begin mixing

It’s time to start mixing. Using your shovel, mix your ingredients together, working the shovel around the pile of cement, sand and aggregates (if making concrete mix).

There is no specific method here, simply turn the pile over around three to four times to evenly mix everything and get a consistent colour throughout your pile.

Bring your pile together again in a cone-like shape and create another crater in the middle. Size-wise, the crater should be around half the diameter of the mound itself.

To fill in this crater, you’re going to use your water. Again, there’s no precise amount to add, just pour in enough water to fill the crater slightly – enough to form a smooth paste once you start mixing it.

Move the sides of your crater into the mixture and turn it over to evenly distribute the water throughout your mixture.

As the water starts to absorb into your ingredients, you need to repeat this process, whether it’s on a wooden mixing board or in a container.

Keep on turning your mix until the mixture is wet. Don’t worry if it’s doesn’t seem perfect, you’ll be testing the consistency next.

Step 3: Check the mix and adjust

When the mix becomes wet enough, use the edges of the shovel to make imprints in the top of your mixture to test its consistency, creating ridges as you go.

A mixture that is just right should be smooth and consistent – not dry or crumbly.

If your mixture looks too runny and watery, or the ridges collapse very quickly, there’s too much water in there. Try adding more dry ingredients to solidify your mix.

Getting it right is all about trial and error, so don’t become too disheartened if you don’t get the perfect mix first time around.

Step 4: Get to work

Once you’re satisfied with your mixture and it has the right consistency and texture, it’s time to get it to work. Mortar is normally used for walling and laying paving flags so the mix is simply troweled or shoveled out of a container.

Concrete may be poured or shoveled into the desired area and then screeded if necessary, to get a smooth even finish.

Step 5: Get cleaning

As soon as you’ve finished, get cleaning. This step should be done as quickly possible, as you want to ensure the mortar or concrete mix doesn’t dry on the tools you’ve been using and damage them.

Use a power washer or hosepipe to clean excess mortar or concrete mix off your mixing board and tools, scrubbing them with your stiff bristle brush.

Always take care to responsibly dispose of the run-off from your cleaning.

Using a cement mixer?

Cement mixers can be hired for larger household jobs. A few top tips for effective cement mixing:

  1. Make sure the cement mixer is stable and well positioned.
  2. Continuously run the mixer once you’ve started loading
  3. Point the drum upwards at a 45-degree angle
  4. Start with half your required materials
  5. Gradually add water to ensure the mixture doesn’t get too sloppy

Don’t forget to clean the drum of the mixer by using a mixture of sand, aggregates and water, and running it for a few minutes.

If mixing your own cement mortar or concrete has whet your appetite for some DIY and got you hungry to revamp your outdoor areas at home, Marshalls have a wealth of guides to inspire you.

We have a selection of comprehensive guides to help you get creative with your outdoor building projects.

Ranging from budget patio ideas for your garden, to garden planning image galleries, we at Marshalls encourage you to get out there and transform your outdoor spaces.
 

How to lay a patio?

Although we would always recommend getting a professional installer to lay a patio, we have guides to laying a patio on sand and laying a patio on concrete to help you get started in making a transformation to your garden.