FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 Practical guidance on choosing the right construction chemical for your site.

Every site has its own conditions, so the right product depends on the surface, the exposure and the problem you are solving.

The answers below cover the questions we are asked most often before a purchase. If your situation is not covered, send us your details and our technical team will advise.

 

      • Choosing And Enquiring
      • Waterflooring
      • Protective Coatings
      • Flooring sloutions
      • Concrete And Structural
      • Sealants And joints
      • Genuine Products

Choosing and Enquiring

How do I know which product is right for my site?

Start with the problem, not the product. Tell us where the issue is (terrace, bathroom, basement, floor or wall), what you see (leakage, dampness, cracks or surface damage) and the size of the area. Photos help. Our technical team reviews this and recommends a product or system, with the preparation steps and the quantity required.

  • Where the problem is and what it looks like
  • Approximate area in square feet or square metres
  • Age and condition of the surface
  • Exposure to sun, rain, traffic or chemicals
  • Anything already tried or applied
  • Clear photos of the affected area

Product choice, system build-up and quantity differ from site to site, so a single listed price would be misleading. We confirm the requirement first, then share pricing for the recommended products and quantities.

Use the Enquire Now button on any product page, call us, message us on WhatsApp or visit our store in Guduvanchery. An order is confirmed once the requirement and quotation are agreed.

Yes. We support contractors, builders, site engineers and homeowners. For larger or repeat requirements, share

We supply materials and technical guidance. Application should be carried out by trained applicators following the manufacturer’s data sheet. [Confirm with client: whether Ashik Enterprises can recommend applicators.]

[Confirm with client: delivery area, charges and usual timelines.] Share your site location and quantity when you enquire, and we will confirm availability and delivery.

The website shows the products we currently stock from our partner brands. If you need something else, send us the details and we will advise whether we can supply it or suggest a suitable alternative.

Waterproofing

Which waterproofing system suits a roof or terrace?

It depends on exposure and movement. Terraces that will be covered by tiles or screed commonly use flexible cementitious coatings, while fully exposed roofs need a UV-stable liquid membrane (acrylic or polyurethane) or a bituminous sheet membrane. Cracking, slope, access and the finish you plan to apply also affect the choice, so we recommend a system once we know these conditions.

Cementitious coatings are cement and polymer based and suit areas that will be covered, such as bathrooms and terraces under tiles. Liquid-applied membranes (acrylic, polyurethane or polyurea) form a seamless, flexible layer that handles movement and complex details well. Bituminous membranes are factory-made sheets, usually APP or SBS modified, laid on roofs and decks with consistent thickness.

Waterproof the floor, the lower part of the walls and the wall-floor junction using a flexible coating, with sealed pipe penetrations and coved corners. Allow it to cure, then run a flood test for 24 to 48 hours before tiling. Leaks commonly start at junctions and penetrations rather than the flat floor, so detailing matters as much as the product.

Yes, though the method differs. During construction, membranes are applied on the water-facing side, which is the most effective approach. For existing basements, internal cementitious or crystalline systems and injection grouting can control seepage and active leaks. The right method depends on water pressure and where the leak originates.

Common causes are rainwater entering through external walls or the roof, plumbing leaks, moisture rising from the ground and condensation. Treating the wrong cause wastes time and money, so the source must be identified first. Send us photos and tell us where and when the dampness appears.

Active leaks through cracks or joints are usually sealed with polyurethane injection foam or grout, which reacts with water and expands to close the path. Once the flow is controlled, the area is repaired and waterproofed to prevent recurrence.

Choose products confirmed by the manufacturer as suitable for potable water contact. The coating must be fully cured and the tank flushed before use. Tell us whether the tank is concrete, above or below ground, and whether it holds drinking water.

Protective Coatings

What is the difference between epoxy and polyurethane coatings?

Epoxy offers high hardness and strong resistance to abrasion and chemicals, which suits industrial interiors, but it chalks and fades in sunlight. Polyurethane is more flexible and UV-stable, so it is preferred outdoors and as a topcoat. Many systems pair an epoxy primer with a polyurethane finish to combine both strengths.

Carbon dioxide and moisture gradually reduce the natural alkalinity that protects reinforcement steel inside concrete, which allows the steel to corrode. An anti-carbonation coating slows this process and extends the life of the structure. It is commonly applied after repairs on facades, columns and parking structures.

They reflect sunlight and lower the roof surface temperature. How much this reduces indoor temperature depends on roof construction, insulation and exposure, so results vary by building. They work best on exposed terraces and are often combined with waterproofing.

The right system depends on the specific chemical, its concentration and temperature, and whether exposure is continuous or occasional. Share these details so that we can recommend a compatible lining or coating. A general-purpose coating can fail quickly in chemical service.

The surface must be sound, clean and dry. Oil, laitance, loose paint and dust are removed, cracks and damaged areas are repaired, and the specified primer is applied. Most coating failures such as peeling and blistering trace back to poor preparation or trapped moisture.

Flooring Solutions

Which floor system should I choose: epoxy, polyurethane or self-levelling?

Epoxy suits heavy-duty industrial areas that need hardness and chemical resistance. Polyurethane is more flexible and copes better with impact and temperature variation. Self-levelling systems create a smooth, level base or finished surface where the substrate is uneven. The right choice depends on traffic, chemicals, temperature and the finish you want.

The concrete should be cured (typically at least 28 days), sound, clean and dry. Oil, laitance and loose material are removed by grinding or shot blasting, cracks are repaired and moisture levels are checked. Preparation is the most important factor in how long a floor coating lasts.

Parking decks need systems that resist abrasion, tyre marks and minor cracking, while ramps need anti-skid finishes for safety, especially when wet. Tell us the traffic type and whether the deck is open to rain.

A floor hardener is a dry-shake material troweled into fresh concrete to improve wear resistance and reduce dusting. A densifier is a liquid applied to cured concrete to harden the surface. The choice depends on whether the floor is new or existing.

Concrete slabs shrink and move, so joints are provided to control cracking. Dowels transfer load across joints so that slab edges do not break under forklift or heavy traffic, and rust-free joint systems prevent corrosion damage over time.

It depends on the system, thickness and temperature. Light foot traffic is usually possible within a day or two, while heavy traffic and chemical exposure typically need about a week for full cure. Always follow the product data sheet.

Concrete and Structural

Are cracks in walls or slabs serious?

Hairline shrinkage cracks are common and usually cosmetic. Wide, growing or diagonal cracks, especially near beams, columns or load points, may indicate a structural issue and should be assessed by a qualified structural engineer. We supply repair materials, but they do not replace an engineering assessment.

Loose and damaged concrete is removed, the steel is cleaned and treated with an anti-corrosion primer, a bonding agent is applied, and the section is rebuilt with a polymer-modified repair mortar. A protective coating then helps prevent the problem from returning.

Ordinary mortar shrinks as it dries and tends to separate from the old concrete. Repair mortars are formulated to be low-shrink, bond strongly and match the strength of the surrounding concrete, so the repair lasts longer.

It fills the gap under machine base plates, anchor bolts, columns and bearings, where full contact and load transfer matter. Cementitious grouts suit most applications, while epoxy grouts are chosen for vibration, dynamic loads or chemical exposure.

Admixtures modify fresh or hardened concrete. plasticizer improve workability or allow less water for higher strength, waterproofing admixtures reduce permeability, and others control setting time. Dosage is set as a percentage of cement weight in the data sheet, and a trial mix is recommended before large pours.

A bonding agent is applied between old and new concrete, plaster or screed to improve adhesion. It is usually an SBR or acrylic latex and can also be added to mortars. Use it for repairs, thin toppings and plaster over smooth surfaces.

Sealants and Joints

Polyurethane or polysulphide sealant: which should I use?

Joint depth is typically about half its width, within the limits in the product data sheet. A backer rod controls the depth and prevents the sealant bonding on three sides, which can tear it when the joint moves.

A waterstop is a flexible PVC strip embedded across a concrete joint to block the passage of water. It is used at construction and expansion joints in basements, tanks, retaining walls and other water-retaining structures.

A waterstop is a flexible PVC strip embedded across a concrete joint to block the passage of water. It is used at construction and expansion joints in basements, tanks, retaining walls and other water-retaining structures.

Polymer-modified tile adhesive gives a stronger and more reliable bond than plain mortar, especially for large-format, vitrified and low-absorption tiles. Cement grout suits general areas, while epoxy grout is preferred where stain or chemical resistance matters, such as kitchens and wet zones.

Genuine Products

How do I know the products are genuine?

We supply products from our partner manufacturers through their authorized channels. [Confirm with client before publishing: authorization or dealership status.] Check the batch number and manufacturing date on each pack, and ask for an invoice with your purchase.

Warranty terms are set by each manufacturer and usually depend on correct surface preparation and application. Each manufacturer also publishes a technical data sheet covering coverage, mixing, curing and limitations. [Confirm with client: whether data sheets can be shared on request.]

Avoid it. Primers, membranes and topcoats are tested to work together as a system, and mixing brands can cause poor adhesion or curing problems. Use the components recommended together unless the manufacturer states otherwise.

Choose dry weather with moderate temperatures, ideally outside the monsoon. Surfaces should be dry unless the product is designed for damp substrates, and rain should be avoided until the material has cured. Always follow the temperature and humidity limits on the data sheet.

Store packs sealed, in a cool, dry, covered area away from direct sunlight, and use older stock first. Check the manufacturing date and shelf life printed on the pack at purchase and before use, since cementitious powders absorb moisture and liquids can deteriorate if stored carelessly.

Still Have a Question?

Share your site details and photos with our technical team by call or WhatsApp and we will recommend the right solution.

Contact Us Today
Scroll to Top