Preventing and

Strengthening
Buildings are investments that require careful attention and
maintenance to ensure their longevity and safety. In this presentation,
we will discuss the importance of preventive and curative
maintenance measures, and fundamental strengthening approaches.

by RENUKA CHALIKWAR
Common Defects in Buildings and Their Prevention

Water Damage 💧 Pests 🐁 Mold and Mildew 🌫️

Inspect and repair leaks, clean
gutters, and remove standing water
to avoid water infiltration and
subsequent damage to walls, floors,
and foundations.
Seal cracks and gaps around pipes,
chimneys, and windows to deter pests,
and schedule professional pest control
services regularly to prevent
infestations.
Maintain proper ventilation,
control humidity levels, and fix
water leaks to prevent mold
and mildew growth, and ensure
good indoor air quality.

Structural Damage 🚧

Inspect and repair cracking, warping, and settling of walls, floors, and roofs to ensure the building's stability and safety.
Phases of Maintenance: Routine, Preventive, and Curative

Preventive Maintenance 🚨

Scheduled, proactive tasks that aim to prevent problems and extend the
building's life, such as inspections, replacements, and upgrades of
components and systems.

1 2 3

Routine Maintenance 🛠️ Curative Maintenance 🔧

Frequent, simple tasks that keep the building in good condition, such as Unplanned, reactive tasks that aim to fix problems and restore the
cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting equipment and systems. building's functionality and safety, such as emergency repairs and
replacements.
Preventive Maintenance Measures for Buildings
Cleaning and Lubrication
Schedule regular cleaning and lubrication of
equipment, systems, and surfaces. Use appropriate
tools, chemicals, and techniques for each material
and purpose.
Inspection and Testing
Inspect and test the building's components and
systems regularly, using appropriate methods and
tools. Record and analyze the results to detect
abnormalities and plan for maintenance and
upgrades.
Upkeep and Replacement
Plan and implement regular upkeep and
replacement of the building's components and
systems, such as HVAC filters, plumbing fixtures,
and electrical panels. Use quality materials and
skilled contractors to ensure the best results.
Curative Maintenance
Measures for Buildings
1 Emergency Repairs 🚑
Establish an emergency
response plan and team to
handle urgent repairs and
replacements, such as water
leaks, power outages, and
structural failures. Follow
safety protocols and
regulations.
2 Non-emergency
Repairs 🔨
Schedule and perform non-
urgent repairs and
replacements as soon as
possible to avoid further
damage and safety hazards,
such as broken windows,
malfunctioning equipment,
and damaged walls.
Fundamental Strengthening Measures for Buildings

1 Seismic Retrofitting 🛡️

Add reinforcement and support systems to the

building's structure and foundation to resist seismic
Fireproofing 🔥 2
forces and ground movements.
Add fire-resistant materials and systems to the
building's exterior and interior to prevent or slow
down fire propagation and minimize damage. 3 Blast Protection 💣

Add blast-resistant materials and systems to the

building's exterior and interior to withstand
explosions and terrorist attacks.
Conclusion: Importance of Regular Maintenance
and Strengthening
Safety 🚨
Regular maintenance and
strengthening ensure the safety of
the building's occupants, visitors,
and neighboring properties.
Comfort 😌
Regular maintenance and
strengthening enhance the
building's comfort and
functionality by avoiding or
minimizing disruptions,
inefficiencies, and failures.
Value 💰
Regular maintenance and
strengthening protect and
enhance the building's value by
preventing or fixing defects,
extending its life, and complying
with building codes and
standards.