Category: MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS

It is better to have an ELCB trip switch in the electrical system of the buildings. This is helpful to show the earth leakage. All electrical switches should be kept clean, particularly ones at the kitchen which are liable to be clogged up by grits accumulated. In order to avoid menace of ants and white…

Although adequate care has been taken by providing weatherproofing of roofs, leakage may occur with time due to lack of proper maintenance. Leakage of roof due to rain water may spoil the materials stored in the room, may damage the electrical circuits, may wet the walls, etc. Leakages may occur in different types and different…

Causes of cracks, remedial measures and repair of cracks in concrete are discussed. Causes of Cracks in Concrete Cracks in concrete may be plastic shrinkage cracks, settlement cracks, cracks due to bleeding, cracks due to delayed concrete casting and cracks due to construction effects are discussed in Section 8.11. Preventive Measures for Crack in Concrete…

Maintenance of stonework involves in removing efflorescence and stains, repair of cracks and waterproofing. Removal of Efflorescence in Stonework Appearance of efflorescence occurs commonly due to use of certain type of mortars. Removal of efflorescence has to be done as done in brickwork. Stones are to be kept saturated with water to remove the action…

Cracks are frequently found in brick masonry wall. Causes for such cracks have been discussed in Section 17.2. It has been discussed that prevention of cracks in brick masonry may be avoided by proper foundation design and providing different joints such as expansion joints, isolation joints, sliding joints, etc. Maintenance of brickwork involves in cleaning,…

Washable paints can be cleaned with clean water. Most of the paints, viz., soda, soft soap and other alkaline substances are injurious. In order to remove stains, they should be highly diluted and removed off the paint with clean water as soon as the dirt is removed. Re-paint of surfaces have to be done before…

In the maintenance of doors and windows both wood work and glass work should be taken care of. Maintenance of Woodwork Woods in general get deteriorated with time due to water and direct exposure to sun. However, teak wood may need less maintenance. Other woods should be periodically painted and kept clean. With moist condition…

As there are many types of floors constructed, maintenance of some of the important floors are dealt below. Terrazzo Floors Cleaning of terrazzo floors with water may be taken up after 3 months of laying. After this period, it should be swabbed daily using clean water and a clean rough swab (floor cloth) which should…

Primarily it is needed to take preventive measures wherever feasible before facing any failure in small or large scale. A small investment or preventive measure taken at the initial stage not only prevents failure but also gives a long life of the building. Then maintenance plays a major role to make every component of a…