There are a variety of slab types depending on the casting materials used. From concrete, maxi pans to wood and more. However, one can also use waffles to save time and money.

According to John Tumusiime, a civil engineer with Ssenaki Waffles Manufactures Ltd located in Kakiri town along Kampala-Hoima Road, waffles are pre-cast concrete panels.

They are usually preferred in the construction of lightweight suspended slabs requiring minimal framework. “Waffles are a cost-effective and versatile construction technology,” he explains.

With waffles one doesn't need to spend on the ceiling

It helps to save up to 30% of the whole cost of installing an ordinary slab. For example; where an engineer needs three lorries of timber, you only need one for waffles.

The story is the same with iron bars, stones, sand, cement and water. Tumusiime adds that waffles may sound new to Ugandans, but this technology has been widely used for a long time by countries such as Israel and Kenya.

“With waffles, a storeyed building can be completed in a short period of time,” he emphasises.

Waffles are also used for their aesthetic attributes. The doomed design gives the ceiling a classy look. In fact, you do not need to spend on a ceiling as waffles come with amazing deigns that can be enhanced with paint.

Why consider waffles

Abdallah Ssekatawa who sells waffles says that these pieces come in different sizes and designs. They can be used in construction of storied homes (not bungalows), hotels, schools, hospitals, gyms and other commercial buildings like apartments.

Meanwhile, Tumusiime asserts that the strength of waffles cannot be compromised. In this way, they mitigate damage because their heap shape (design) helps to distribute weight evenly to different points compared to other slab types.

“One suspended waffle can freely hold four bags of cement with an able-bodied man standing on top of them,” he elaborates. He adds that waffles drastically reduce the amount of concrete for slabs compared to traditional solid slabs. Here, a little concrete is used to fill the gaps.

Challenges of waffles

Ssekatawa notes that waffle design can be monotonous. He says you can move to a gypsum ceiling in case the eye gets bored with seeing the same design every day. Tumusiime is quick to warn clients about substandard waffles which he says are as a result of impatience.

Waffle panels are made out of concrete

“These panels go through a long process to ensure strength and durability which some manufacturers cannot wait for,” he explains.

Substandard waffles lead to accidents in case the slab gives way. Therefore, Tumusiime advises homeowners buy the panels from trusted manufacturers who are certified by the National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

The cost

Ssekatawa says that the cost of waffles depends on the size.

For example;

900mmX900mm goes for sh35,000

1040mmX900mm cost sh37,500

1040mmX450mm cost sh31,000

900mmX450mm cost sh27,000

450mmX450mm goes for 21,000