Category: Preventive Measures and Maintenance of Buildings

Brickwork has to be cleaned with steam or steam and hot water jets. This treatment is suitable for fine-textured and hard-burnt bricks. Sand blasting can also be done. However, this disturbs the texture of the bricks and absorbs the painting.

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…

Before the rainy season, the roof drainage system should be inspected. Horizontal and vertical drainage systems are to be cleaned and leakages repaired. Rectification should be attended to, particularly horizontal drain pipes, prevent blockage of wastewater. Septic Tanks Grease, slow decomposing matter, etc., should be avoided in the drains for the efficient working of a…

Before the onset of monsoon, gulleys, manholes, manhole covers and drain pipes are to be examined. In order to prevent backflow from street sewer, the outlet to the sewer should be checked. By chemical sprays, cockroaches are to be destroyed and stagnation of water should be avoided.

Waste pipes and soil pipes which are fixed on the walls are to be checked periodically. Wherever feasible PVC pipes may be used with balloons on the top should be checked and replaced if necessary.

Water taps, wastewater pipes, traps in fittings, grating above floor trap, etc., should be periodically checked. This is done by pouring water on them and examining their performance. Otherwise they are liable to be clogged if the passage of water is not with adequate force. Gratings at bathrooms have to be periodically checked for clogging…

All the soil and waste-disposal system must be kept clean and should be in working condition. Otherwise nuisance and unhealthy conditions prevail. Main item of the drainage system to be taken care are discussed below (Varghese, 2012).

The main problems with sanitary applications like water closet, washbasins, etc., are the growth of fungus and algae. A solution of chloride of lime (bleaching powder) in hot water will remove surface stains from ceramic ware and tiles. Simple application of moistened cloth in hot water and a little paraffin will effectively restore the lustre…

Sumps and overhead tanks are to be in closed conditions and should be cleaned periodically. Exposure of sump and overhead tanks lead to mosquito breeding and formation of algae. Taps and other fixtures should be kept in working condition so as to avoid wastage of water. They should be repaired wherever they become defective. Taps,…