Property Plus
Coimbatore
Keep your building strong and healthy
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Here are some steps an occupant should take to have a well-maintained building, writes M. Soundariya Preetha
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Photos: M. Siva Saravanan
Key factors: Timely repairs and checks on plumbing and electric lines are most important in maintaining a building. –
At a time when Coimbatore, a relatively younger city, surges ahead on the construction front with several new projects, it is crucial for its residents to give a thought to ensure safe living. Are the constructions meeting the prescribed standards? Are the buildings maintained as they should be? How much aware are we of these issues and what is it that we can do to have a dwelling, working or leisure space that is fit and strong?
V.P. Ponnuswami, chairman of the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India), Coimbatore Chapter, and G. Srinivasan, chairman of the Builders’ Association of India, Coimbatore Centre, share their views with The Property Plus:
Similar to a computer or any other valuable item, a building is also a product that needs maintenance. It needs care at all stages from design to choice of materials, execution and maintenance. A well-maintained building can easily last 75 years or more. “The occupier should have concern about the building and take the necessary steps,” they say.
Damage to a building can come at the stage of construction or later. It can be caused by the use of wrong technology, poor design, defective construction, poor maintenance or natural calamity.
With huge leaps in technology, buildings are constructed even under sea.
Hence, consumers should go in for the right design and technology that is suitable to the location and keep the structure strong for a longer period.
Remember these
Some of the points to remember are: Soil should be tested before construction. Most of the locations in Coimbatore have black soil. In such cases, it is advisable not to throw back the excavated soil into the foundation. And, use of hard water for construction should be avoided. The terrace should have pressed clay tiles for finishing to avoid water stagnation and also to arrest heat radiation. “Buyers should start giving credit to certification of buildings,” they add.
What do we need to do once the building is completed and occupied?
External painting should be done once in four years. Plumbing and electrical lines need to be checked once a year thoroughly.
The outlet pipes from the terrace and sunshades should be cleaned regularly. Pest control should be monitored once in five years. Water stagnation, especially on the terrace and around the building, should be avoided. PVC conduit pipes used or meant for cable and electrical connections should not be left open.
Corrosion
Mr. Ponnuswami and Mr. Srinivasan explain that corrosion is like cancer. It spreads and can go out of control. Water should not be allowed to find its way to the steel rods. “So, there should be no room for corrosion.”
Further, the applied load varies according to the use for which the building is constructed.
For instance, it is 200 kg a sq m for residential units and will differ for offices or educational institutions. Use of a house for any industrial purpose will have its impact on the structure.
In the case of ageing or defects in a building, it gives enough warning.
Some of the early signs are small cracks, plastering peeling off, etc. From design to maintenance of the building, consumers should consult a professional, they emphasise.
(For guidance on building maintenance, readers can send in their queries to cbepropertyplus @thehindu.co.in)
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Property Plus
Coimbatore
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