Water, TDS & Groundwater
Can groundwater be used for mixing FHICO products?
Only water suitable for the intended construction application should be used. Groundwater quality can vary considerably.
Why does water quality matter?
Dissolved salts, chlorides, sulphates, alkalinity and other constituents can influence cement hydration, setting, durability and appearance.
What is TDS?
TDS means Total Dissolved Solids. It indicates the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, but TDS alone does not identify which salts are present.
Does FHICO neutralize TDS?
No product should be understood as chemically removing all dissolved solids from construction water. FHICO’s performance technologies may be engineered to reduce mechanisms such as permeability and capillary transport, but unsuitable water should still not be used.
Are FHICO products fluoride-resistant?
FHICO should not currently make an absolute ‘fluoride-resistant’ claim unless supported by the applicable validated testing. Where groundwater quality is a concern, water testing is recommended.
What should be tested if groundwater quality is doubtful?
Depending on the project, parameters such as pH, dissolved solids, chlorides, sulphates, alkalinity and other relevant constituents may require evaluation.
What are the white salts sometimes visible on plastered walls?
This phenomenon is commonly known as efflorescence. Soluble salts can be transported by moisture through masonry/plaster and become visible when water evaporates at the surface.
Can FHICO plaster stop salts already present inside bricks?
A dense, moisture-resistant plaster can help reduce pathways for moisture and salt migration, but a heavily salt-contaminated and continuously wet substrate may require separate treatment.
Should visible salts simply be plastered over?
No. Existing salt deposits and the source of moisture should first be assessed. Appropriate surface preparation is important before applying a new plaster system.
What if the wall has active leakage?
The leakage source should be repaired first. Applying plaster over an actively leaking wall is not an appropriate substitute for correcting the source.
What if the wall has rising damp?
The cause and route of rising moisture should be evaluated and appropriately treated. A finishing plaster alone cannot be expected to replace a required damp-proofing system.
Do cement or sand need to be added separately?
No, when used as prescribed. Dura Bond is supplied as a complete dry plaster system. Add only the recommended quantity of suitable water.
Dampness, Salts & Efflorescence
Mixing & Application
How much water should be added?
Use only the quantity/range specified in the current product instructions. Adding excessive water can negatively affect strength, shrinkage, sagging and final surface performance.
Can extra water be added when the plaster starts becoming stiff?
Do not re-temper material unless specifically permitted by the applicable product instructions.
Should the product be mixed manually or mechanically?
Follow the applicable FHICO application guide. Controlled mechanical mixing will generally provide more uniform dispersion where specified.
Is surface preparation necessary?
Yes. A premium product cannot compensate for an unsuitable substrate. Dust, loose particles, contamination, unstable material and other surface defects should be addressed before application.
Should the wall be pre-wetted?
This depends on the substrate and product. Follow the specific application guide rather than applying one rule to every surface.
What plaster thickness should be applied?
Use the thickness recommended for the specific FHICO product and substrate. Excessive single-layer thickness can influence sagging, cracking and drying.
Can FHICO plaster be applied over an existing plastered surface?
Not unless specifically approved by FHICO. Each product has its own engineered formulation.
Can another waterproofing chemical or polymer be added to FHICO plaster?
Do not add third-party modifiers unless specifically approved. Additional chemicals can alter the designed performance of the system.
Does FHICO plaster require curing?
Product-specific curing instructions must be followed. Performance modification may support improved moisture management, but this should not automatically be interpreted as ‘no curing.’
Does Molecule Bonder eliminate curing?
No. It should not be represented as eliminating good curing practice unless a particular application has been specifically validated and instructed otherwise.
Why is curing important?
Adequate moisture during cement hydration contributes to strength development, bonding and durability.
Curing
Cracking, Sagging & Shedding
Why does conventional plaster crack?
Possible causes include excessive water, shrinkage, unsuitable aggregate grading, substrate movement, improper thickness, poor curing, environmental conditions and workmanship.
Can FHICO completely guarantee crack-free plaster?
No plaster should be represented as immune to all cracking because structural movement and site conditions can cause cracks independently of the plaster formulation.
What does 'reduced cracking tendency' mean?
It means the product is engineered to control formulation- and application-related mechanisms contributing to cracking when correctly used.
What causes plaster sagging?
Excessive water, unsuitable consistency, excessive thickness, poor rheology and application conditions can contribute to sagging/slumping.
What is plaster shedding?
Shedding describes deterioration, powdering or loss of surface/material integrity and can arise from poor bonding, insufficient hydration, weak substrate, contamination or inappropriate application.
How should FHICO products be stored?
Keep products sealed, dry, covered and protected from moisture, rain and standing water.
Can a wet or damaged bag be used?
Material exposed to moisture may begin reacting or deteriorating before application. Damaged or wet material should not be used without appropriate assessment.
Can an opened bag be stored for later use?
Avoid prolonged storage after opening. If permitted, reseal immediately and protect completely from moisture, following the product instructions.
What is the shelf life?
Refer to the shelf-life information printed on the applicable product packaging or current technical documentation.
Can expired material be used?
No product should be used beyond its stated expiry/shelf-life period without formal technical assessment.
Storage & Handling
Quality & Traceability
How does FHICO maintain product consistency?
FHICO’s manufacturing approach is based on controlled raw-material selection, defined batching, engineered blending, process controls and quality verification.
Why is the batch number important?
It enables product traceability and assists technical investigation if a question arises.
What should I do if I suspect a product-quality issue?
Stop substantial further application where practicable, preserve the product and packaging, record the batch details and contact the authorized seller or FHICO.
What information may FHICO require?
Batch number, invoice, application date, photographs/videos, substrate details, water source, mixing procedure, environmental/site conditions and an unused sample may be requested.
Are website descriptions laboratory specifications?
No. General website descriptions explain product positioning. Validated numerical performance should be taken from the latest applicable Technical Data Sheet or test documentation.
Why does FHICO use terms such as 'designed to support' or 'reduced tendency'?
Construction performance depends on both material and site conditions. These terms communicate the intended engineering objective without suggesting that external factors can never influence the result.
Does FHICO disclose its product formulations?
No. Product formulations, ingredient proportions, manufacturing know-how and proprietary technology are confidential intellectual property.
Then how can customers evaluate FHICO products?
Customers should evaluate validated performance, application guidance, technical data, field performance and appropriate test documentation, rather than requiring disclosure of proprietary formulations.
Product Claims & Technical Information
Purchasing & Distribution
How are FHICO products sold?
FHICO follows an authorized distribution-led model. The normal channel is FHICO -> Authorized Distributor -> Retailer -> Customer/User.
Can retailers purchase directly from FHICO?
Retailers are normally serviced through the authorized FHICO distributor for the applicable territory/district, subject to company policy.
How can I find an authorized FHICO retailer or distributor?
Use the dealer/distributor information on fhico.in or contact FHICO for assistance.
How can I verify that a product is genuine?
Purchase through authorized channels and check original packaging, product identification, batch information and applicable authentication features provided by FHICO.
Is FHICO appointing distributors?
FHICO may open select district-level distribution opportunities as part of its market-development programme.
Who can apply?
Building-material businesses, construction-chemical distributors, cement/building-material dealers and suitable entrepreneurs with the capability to develop the local market may apply.
Does applying guarantee distributorship?
No. Applications are subject to FHICO’s evaluation, territory availability, and applicable commercial criteria.
Is a distributorship automatically exclusive?
No. Any territorial rights or exclusivity apply only where specifically confirmed in the executed distributorship agreement.
What does FHICO expect from a distributor?
Beyond stock and supply, FHICO expects appropriate market development, retailer servicing, product education, brand representation, commercial discipline and customer support in accordance with company policy.
Does FHICO support distributors with marketing?
Approved partners may receive applicable product literature, training, digital marketing material, technical information, product demonstrations and other support under the prevailing programme.
How can I apply?
Use the District Distribution Enquiry form on fhico.in and provide your business details, district/state, current business activity, and contact information.
District Distributorship
Retailers
Can a retailer become an authorized FHICO seller?
Retail participation is subject to the applicable distributor and company market policy.
Can retailers make their own product-performance claims?
No. Retailers and distributors should use only FHICO-approved technical and marketing information.
Can FHICO products be repacked into smaller quantities?
Not without written authorization. Original packaging protects product identity, traceability and usage information.
How can I verify that a product is genuine?
Purchase through authorized channels and check original packaging, product identification, batch information and applicable authentication features provided by FHICO.
Can builders request a product demonstration?
Where available, FHICO may provide technical discussion, demonstration or site-trial support depending on project requirements and location.
Can architects or engineers request technical documentation?
Yes. Applicable product information, Technical Data Sheets, application guidance and validated reports can be requested through FHICO Technical Support.
Can FHICO recommend which plaster to use?
Yes. Product selection can be guided based on substrate, application, finish expectation, site conditions and project requirements.
Does FHICO provide project-specific engineering design?
Product technical support should not automatically be interpreted as structural, architectural or waterproofing engineering consultancy. Where specialist engineering design is required, an appropriately qualified professional should be engaged.
Builders, Contractors & Professionals
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact our team for expert guidance and support regarding FHICO products, applications, and solutions.
Contact Us →