Category Maintenance Tips

ApnaComplex
October 18, 2011

Apartment Fire Safety – Safety Measures within the Complex

The need for fire management has become an integral part of every housing society, and this is especially true in a housing system where hundreds and thousands of people reside in close quarters.

Effective safety measures including actions or precautions should be adopted in a housing society in order to forestall any hazards or accidents and make sure that no residents are harmed, or even the buildings for that matter.

Fire Safety Measures in a Housing Society

Fire safety measures should be taken when a housing society building is being constructed; steps should be implemented to protect the structure while the building is standing; and general safety tips need to be taught to all residents in order to train them for emergencies.

There are some basic conditions that need to be fulfilled:

  • Your housing society buildings should conform to the local building code.
  • The upper limit tenancy within any part of the building should not be exceeded.
  • Fire suppression systems should be installed (like sprinkler systems), and fire hose reels, fire hydrants, and fire extinguishers need to be provided.
  • The residents of the housing society must be given lessons on how to use fire extinguishers and fire hose reels.
  • Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible spots so that the occupants of the housing society know about their location and can easily access it at the time of need.
  • Fire extinguishers need to be checked and maintained on a monthly basis by the maintenance crew.

fire safety measures

  • Automatic fire detection and alarm systems (smoke detectors) should be installed on all floors and these will inform the occupants about the impending danger ahead of time and they will be able to evacuate the building without any mishap.
  • The maintenance team should ensure that all alarms are free of dust by regularly vacuuming over and around them. They should replace the batteries in smoke alarms regularly.
  • Proper exit signs should be installed as these will help the occupants to act quickly in case of a fire.
  • Smoke exhaust systems can be installed on every floor as they help in minimizing the accumulation of smoke in case of fire, which could be quite dangerous and life threatening.
  • Hazardous materials should be stored very carefully as they are most likely to catch fire within the building.
  • Flammable materials should be monitored within the building.
  • One of the important steps is to conduct fire drills throughout the year. Once this is done in a regular manner there will be less chaos during an emergency.
  • The housing society management can conduct fire safety education programs for children during the weekends.

Failure to meet these safety measures will significantly affect the levels of fire safety in a housing society building and can compromise on the safety of the occupants.

Tips for Residents

You can also work towards maintaining a fire safe housing society by following these small tips.

  • Don’t overload electrical systems.
  • Be careful about smoking near combustible objects.
  • Don’t store combustibles near equipments that emit heat, sparks or flame.
  • Maintain all electrical wiring in good condition.
  • Maintain your heating and cooking appliances.

Once these safety measures are followed, the housing society will be truly protected against sudden mishaps and accidents.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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ApnaComplex
October 10, 2011

Maintaining the Roads in an Layout / Apartment Complex – Some Basic Knowhow

Proper roads are absolutely necessary in every apartment complex. The roads in an apartment complex are mainly used for traveling purposes, and they also add an element of beauty to the apartment complex.

The Need for Maintenance

apartment complex road maintenance

Maintaining the roads is quite important, for daily activities within the complex to pass unhindered. Well maintained roads in an apartment complex also increase the value of the place.

When roads in an apartment complex are not maintained in a regular manner, the apartment association will have to spend much money on filling the potholes or setting up new roads.

This money, which can be saved through periodic maintenance, can be channelized to various other projects that require attention in an apartment.

In order to ensure that the roads are properly maintained, take up the issue with the apartment association during resident body meetings. While residents can take small steps in order to contribute their bit, the apartment association can get the maintenance team to do the difficult tasks.

  • Residents should be constantly updated about the need to maintain roads by the apartment association
  • Littering on roads should be strictly prohibited and waste bins should be provided for this purpose
  • Stagnant bodies of water should be immediately cleared, especially after instances of rain
  • The roads should be swept regularly by the maintenance crew

Maintenance Measures in Apartment Complex Roads

The roads in an apartment complex undergo a lot of destructive changes, and fatigue cracking, rutting, roughness, weathering, and raveling are common problems that can be noted.

The apartment association will have to take on different approaches based on the problem involved. Crack sealing is a process that’s followed in order to maintain roads and surface treatment can be done in order to prolong the life of the particular road.

This treatment measures should be taken up by professionals, who can be hired by the apartment association. Through surface treatment measures, these problems can be solved.

  • Fatigue Cracks – These are cracks that are seen on the roads due to fatigue.  These cracks occur due to the added effects of wheel loads. Fatigue cracks are a sure sign of the road’s structural deterioration, and the treatment depends on the severity of the cracks. Water and dirt should be prevented from entering these cracks as they might grow worse this way.
  • Environmental Cracking – This is transverse or longitudinal cracking that develops in asphalt as it ages and endures thermal stresses related to everyday temperature changes. These cracks are very small when compared to fatigue cracks, and moisture should be prevented from entering these cracks for them to not develop.
  • Surface Wear – The wear on the surface is mainly due to tire wear and material degradation (raveling). Its maintenance includes removing the surface and/or covering up the surface which is worn. Again, surface treatment depends on the severity of the surface wear.
  • Rutting – This signifies permanent degradation in the layers of the road. This can happen if the structure design is improper or if the roads are overloaded. It can also happen if the surface layer is of poor quality.
  • Potholes – Pits or holes produced by wear or weathering on the road surfaces can be fixed through surface treatments.

A lot of factors affect the type of maintenance undertaken within the housing complex. These include the type of distress, vehicle loading, the general climate in the region, the cost of treatment; the roads expected life, the existing road type, and availability of good materials.

Residents can help maintain the quality of roads within the apartment complex by giving regular feedback on their defects to the management as well as bearing with the inconvenience caused during the repair of the roads.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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ApnaComplex
September 23, 2011

Roads in a Housing Society – Concrete Roads Vs Asphalt Roads

A housing society can either sport concrete roads or asphalt roads. Asphalt roads are steadily replacing concrete roads because of the low costs involved, despite the obvious advantages of concrete roads.While both types of roads, concrete and asphalt, have their own advantages and disadvantages; there is always the debate of which one among them is better. When it comes to choosing between concrete roads and asphalt roads for a housing society, the properties of both should be considered while deciding upon the material.

Advantages of Concrete Roads

concrete roads vs asphalt roads

  • Durability – Concrete roads are more durable than the asphalt roads and have a long life of 40 years whereas asphalt roads last only for 10 years.
  • Maintenance Free – Concrete roads don’t often require repair or patch work like asphalt roads.  They are more adaptable to stress and wear that’s caused by everyday vehicles. Maintenance of asphalt roads is often required as breakage and pit formation can be commonly noted in asphalt roads.
  • Better Efficiency – While running on concrete roads, a vehicle consumes 15% to 20% less fuel than on asphalt roads; this is because of the fact that concrete roads don’t get deflected under the wheels of loaded vehicles.
  • Tolerant to Automobile Fuel Spill – Concrete roads are more tolerant to vehicular fuel spill and leaking oils, although this might not be a problem in a housing society.
  • Resistant to Extreme Climatic Conditions – Concrete roads are more resistant to extreme weather conditions like heavy rains and extreme heat. Excessive rains and other climatic conditions damage asphalt roads, and the roads need to be often repaired.
  • Eco Friendly Versions – When asphalt roads are laid, the asphalt (bitumen) produces highly polluting gases. The melting process of asphalt produces a lot of harmful gases and is not eco-friendly. Also, vehicles consume less fuel while running on concrete roads. Concrete roads are better options for the eco conscious.
  • Abundant Resources – Asphalt (bitumen) is obtained from imported petroleum, the reserve of which is reducing in a drastic manner. Concrete is obtained from locally and abundantly available limestone.

Advantages of Asphalt Roads

  • Lower Costs of Road Laying – The paving cost for a concrete road is higher than the paving cost for an asphalt road. Asphalt is less costly when compared to concrete roads and it takes lesser time to build an asphalt road than a concrete road as it dries up faster.
  • Easier Maintenance – In case of breaks or cracks in the concrete road, the whole concrete slab has to be replaced and this process can be a problem. Repairing a pit in the asphalt road is quite easier when compared to that of concrete roads. Asphalt roads can also be layered multiple times over the older layer.
  • Better Traction – There is always an issue of safety in the case of snow or rain on concrete roads, as vehicles tend to slide or slip on concrete roads during the winter and monsoon. Asphalt roads offer better traction.
  • Recyclable Types – Asphalt is a recyclable material. It can be repeatedly used after melting, and this is one huge advantage.

Taking these factors into consideration and after a general consensus, the housing society management can install asphalt or concrete roads within the premises.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!

ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trail as well so that you can try before you buy!

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ApnaComplex
September 16, 2011

Maintaining the Common Terrace in a Housing Society

The common terrace, as the name suggests, is a public space that’s open to all residents in a housing society. Since this space is used by everybody in the housing society, it’s the responsibility of every resident to contribute towards its maintenance.

When dirt accumulates in the terrace and water is allowed to stagnate, the terrace will turn into a hotbed for mosquitoes and other parasites, giving rise to diseases and infections that the residents will be exposed to.

For this reason, every person using the terrace should make it a point to keep the terrace clean and tidy throughout the year.

common terrace maintenance

Maintenance Tips for the Terrace

If you find that your housing society terrace is in bad condition, you can inform the apartment association about the same so that some steps can be taken in order to rectify the situation. The maintenance team should at least clean the terrace once a week.

Apart from the maintenance team, all residents should take a keen interest in maintaining the terrace as it qualifies as common property.

  • The terrace should be regularly washed and dirt should be periodically removed.
  • The maintenance team should regularly sweep the terrace floor and keep the place clean of leaves or feathers or plastic covers.
  • Water should not be allowed to stagnate and the terrace should always be kept dry. Stagnant water or seepage can also weaken the building, so this should be avoided.
  • The rain water from the terrace should be diverted to a storage area. The RWH system should have a proper outlet and this structure should be regularly maintained.
  • The outlets of the RWH system should be cleaned so that there’s no seepage or leaks in the system. Sometimes the drain might be blocked due to accumulating rubbish, so this should be cleaned in a timely manner.
  • If the residents use the open terrace for organizing functions, get-togethers, or parties, the space should be extensively cleaned after the event.
  • The railing in a terrace should be properly maintained as it is an important safety feature. Metal railing should be oiled and kept clean by the maintenance crew in order to prevent its weakening.

Maintaining a good terrace certainly has its benefits:

  • The terrace could be place where all the residents come together for festivals and functions.
  • A well maintained terrace can be an ideal spot for a playing range (if the walls are safely high) or a small garden.

Even special terraces like these need to be maintained well, because terrace gardens can make the space prone to dry and dead leaves. You can contribute to the maintenance of the terrace by taking the initiative and organizing a cleaning schedule for all residents.

This can be held during a weekend and it can be a fun way for the residents to get together while cleaning the terrace and clearing away the dust and dirt. A well maintained terrace can help you prevent infections and diseases and in keeping the housing society clean.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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ApnaComplex
August 30, 2011

Apartment Management Monsoon Maintenance – Gardening Tips During Monsoon

The monsoon is a great time to make new additions to your garden. You have to plan ahead for this season so that your garden thrives for the whole year.

Preparing Your Garden

The rainy season is an excellent time to grow new plants, but excess water can prove to be too much of a good thing. Make sure that young plants and plants that are too fragile to withstand the onslaught of a storm are well sheltered.

Trim your trees and plants before the rain starts. This ensures that enough air and sunshine gets through to every part of the tree and also to any plants that are growing in their shade. Clear your garden and ensure that water does not stagnate anywhere. Excess water that collects and stagnates can cause the plants to rot and die. If you are putting in new plants, choose those plants that can withstand the moisture of the season. Prepare the ground around new plants so that the excess water drains away.

Make sure that the pits around your plants are shallow during this season. Stagnant water not only serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, it can also result in root-rot. Spread mulch around your plants. The rain water that soaks through this will bring in additional nutrients for your garden.

Earthworms are good for your garden, so if you find them concentrated in a single place, pick them up and spread them around. They dig deep into the earth and nitrate the soil.

Maintaining Your Garden During Monsoon

Getting Rid of Weeds and Pests

Remember, if the select plants of your choice can thrive in this season, so can weeds. Pull them out and ensure that they don’t grow back again during this season. Otherwise they could spread fast and choke up your garden.

Grasshoppers and other insects that can attack your plants also thrive during the monsoon season. Take preventive measures to keep them out and address the issue at once if you see any signs of pests in your garden. Frogs, toads and birds are excellent natural pest control options. Encourage them, if you have the space, with small ponds and bird-baths.

If you have to use pesticides, try to go in for the safe and organic options. They might cost more initially, but they can pay back a lot in terms of good health besides being better ecologically.

Watch out for plant mildew, a white powdery substance that can shrivel up leaves and stems, which affects photosynthesis. Get rid of it if you spot it. Constant dampness in the stems and leaves serves an invitation to this disease. Do not water plants from the top during monsoons. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and some liquid soap in a gallon of water and spray it on susceptible plants. This is a preventive measure; it will not be of much use once the plants are affected.

Take Advantage of the Rains

Move indoor plants outside but ensure that delicate plants are not exposed directly to the rains. Keep these in a sheltered area or under the shades of trees.

Harvest rain water. If you don’t have collecting tanks, at least channel the rain water so that it flows through your garden. Do not allow the rain water to drain away on the streets. Preferably, excess water should be allowed to drain away into the earth so that it can return to the water table.

Take advantage of the rains to grow your garden. You will need to plan well and take measures to control pests and diseases. If you plan your monsoon gardening well, your garden will sport a rich look for the entire year with home-grown fruits and vegetables and beautiful flowers.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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August 29, 2011

Apartment Management Monsoon Maintenance – Steps To Prevent and Remove Rust

Housing society buildings are specifically designed and constructed to withstand the thundering downpours of the monsoon and the issues that come along with the season.  While most major issues like the stability of the building will be taken care of, residents and members of the maintenance team will need to solve the minor issues like cracks and fissures on the roof, and problems related to moss and rust.
Prevent and remove rust

The Rust Factor

The building structure will normally comprise of bricks, steel and cement, and varied seasons can bring about varied changes. Metal parts in a housing society’s infrastructure tend to shrink, expand or rust, depending on the season. During the monsoon, while the wooden parts of doors and windows may expand, the hinges tend to become rusty. Metal structures like swings and see saws in the play area and gates will rust over time as well, making it harder to use these.

Rust is dangerous because when a metal structure is affected by rust, it disintegrates and loses stability. The metal may give way beyond a point of time, resulting in monetary losses and physical injuries.

Steps must be taken to identify and solve the problem time and again, as rusty parts can hurt you when you’re caught unawares.

How to Prevent Rust

Painting your windows and doors with protective coatings like varnishes or other paints can help in preventing rusting. Using a water-proof paint can prevent the iron bars in your windows from rusting. Although painting the metal parts in common areas can be quite hard for you to do, you can talk to the maintenance team and get it done.

Greasing the hinges in your doors and windows helps in avoiding the problem. Ensure that you grease or oil the other metal items in your household throughout the year so that they don’t rust over time.

Getting Rid of Rust

Rust spots from metals can be easily removed by using an ink eraser.

If you find rust stains in your sink, tub or toilet, it generally points towards high iron content. While household scrubbing powders can only help in removing food stains, you will have to use a chemical solution to remove rust stains. Soap cleaners that are widely available help in this regard too.

Rust stains on your granite flooring can be removed by mixing rust removal solutions along with powdered whiting. This can be procured from any paint dealer or hardware shop. If there are stubborn stains, use the solution well and leave it on for a few hours without washing it away. You can also remove rust stains from steel utensils, cutlery and spoons in a similar fashion.

Rust stains in carpets can be hard to remove, and lime juice will help in removing these. You can use blotting paper to wipe the stains out. Keep repeating the process till the stains are removed entirely. Rinsing the carpet and then blot drying is also a good way to deal with rust. A professional carpet cleaning company will help you eliminate really stubborn stains.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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ApnaComplex
August 18, 2011

Indoor Gardening 101 – Growing Vegetables in a Housing Society Flat

People assume that maintaining a vegetable garden in the city is something that’s unthinkable, but if you stay in a apartment flat with a balcony or a veranda, you can build a small vegetable garden of your own. Although this might seem like a difficult proposition, it can be achieved with minimal effort and good planning.Indoor gardening

There are a number of factors that will play an important role when you try and start your own vegetable garden, including:

  • The type of containers you use
  • The vegetables that you’re planning to grow
  • The space available for growing these vegetables

Choosing the Right Vegetables

With a little creativity and research, you can set up a fresh herb and vegetable garden with simple vegetables like tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers and eggplants. Also, you can consider growing herbs like curry leaf, mint and coriander plants. Although potatoes and onions are also easy to grow, the space available in a housing society flat will not be enough for these plants.

Choosing the Right Containers

Choosing the right container for growing vegetables is essential. Small containers are sufficient for growing plants like chilly or curry leaf. Capsicum and cucumber plants may require more space and you will have to buy bigger pots for these. Window boxes can be purchased as they are convenient and they also look attractive.

You can go earthen by purchasing terracotta or stone pots. The only disadvantage of using these pots is that moving or shifting them may be difficult as they can be quite bulky and heavy.

Wooden pots for growing vegetables may look aesthetic but they’ll emit a foul smell after continued use, so it’s better to avoid these. Always place plastic saucers beneath the pots so that excessive water does not spill out.

The Guide to Growing Vegetables

Tomato seeds or bitter gourd seeds can be purchased and sown in the container. The soil that is used for growing vegetables should be clean, free of pollutants and moisture retaining. Compost can be added to the soil for increasing its fertility and organic kitchen waste can also be added to the soil.

Plants require moisture, and for this reason, watering your vegetable garden regularly is important. Excessive watering may lead your plants to rot, so you need to pour the right quantity of water every single time.

Organic fertilisers should be your preferred choice when compared to chemical ones. If you are planting tomatoes, then try and grow a garlic plant close by so that insects and pests can be kept at bay. This method of ‘companion gardening’ will help in giving you better produce.

Seasonal vegetables need to be sown during the months of April, May and June as this is the ideal season for planting. Over exposure to sunlight may hamper the growth of your plants, so make sure that you don’t place them directly under sunlight in your balcony. Choosing high quality seeds will ensure that your plants grow more quickly and the vegetables that you get will be fresh.

Ensure that you read up on proper watering techniques and what each plant uniquely requires so that you don’t face too many issues when you set up an indoor vegetable garden.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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ApnaComplex
August 12, 2011

Indoor Gardening 101 – How to Create and Maintain a Balcony Garden in your Apartment

With the space constraint that’s prevalent in cities, it can be a tad difficult to plant big trees and plants or own independent houses with gardens – but you can create your mini garden in your very apartment!

Indoor Gardening

Indoor plants can help in improving the overall appearance and lend an aesthetic appeal to your house in an apartment complex. Although the idea might seem quite hard to implement, it is possible to have a green surrounding if you use your balcony optimally by growing some indoor plants.

If you have access to the apartment complex terrace, you can talk to the managing committee and lend a touch of green and spruce up the overall environment there too.

Choosing the Right Plants

Depending on the amount of space you have in your balcony, you can decide on what plants your indoor garden should sport.

#1 – Regular Plants
If you’re not too keen about flowering plants or other categories, you can opt for regular plants which will add a hint of green to your interiors. If your balcony is well shaded, you can opt for plants like the Chinese Evergreen Plant and the Snake Plant. These grow well even in dark spaces and don’t require too much sunlight. English Ivy is another plant that you can opt for, while setting up your indoor garden.

#2 – Flowering Plants
Certain high rise apartments provide separate spaces for flower beds in all flats so that people can place their flowering shrubs. You can grow brightly coloured flowering plants in earthen pot containers. Your balcony space can also accommodate small flowering and fruit and bearing plants.

The choice of flowering plants is important and you can opt for peace lily plants or poinsettias. The quintessential rose bush can also give your balcony an attractive look. Get plants and shrubs that are of medium height so that maintaining them is simpler and hassle free. If you like shrubs, you can also grow a hibiscus shrub and the flowers from these plants can be used for everyday purposes as well.

#3 – Climbers and Creepers
If you like climbers and creepers, your balcony can be an ideal place to grow them once you provide the right kind of support. Climbers will have soft stems and these can grow out of control if you don’t maintain the garden properly and restrict their growth. Ideal options for climbers would be the Grape Ivy Plant, the Bleeding Heart Plant and Clematis. If you want to opt for creepers, Bougainvilleas will be a good choice.

#4 – Ornamental Plants

Ornamental plants can also be planted in your indoor garden, although you’ll have to note that these are high maintenance options. You can go for plants like Magnolia, Flowering Dogwood, Jacaranda and Cassia Javanica.

The choice of tiles and bricks that you use is important too. They need to get along with the home décor and should not look starkly different, singling out the balcony from the main living space. With a proper indoor garden, you can bring in some zing into your apartment.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!

ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

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August 2, 2011

Housing Society Knowhow – Preparing Your House for the Monsoon

The smell of wet earth and the feel of a light drizzle on your face during the monsoon can seem very appealing indeed. Rain in India comes as a welcome relief after stiflingly hot weather, but the monsoon rains can cause their fair share of problems. Are you prepared to deal with all the monsoon related issues this season in your housing society?Preparing your house for monsoon

Preparing for the Rains

While your housing society was being built, the builders would have taken measures to weatherproof your house to ensure that there are no cracks on the wall and no leaky ceilings. In case you detect any signs of moisture seeping in, you have to take immediate steps to deal with it. Dampness over time can affect your walls and roofs and damage the overall housing society structures and weaken them.

Drainage and Ventilation

Your housing society flat should have a proper drainage system that leads water away from the house and does not allow it to settle near the walls. You should also set up a good ventilation system to let out the humidity and air the rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms need special care as these are the areas most exposed to smoke, steam and moisture. A good chimney and exhaust fan in the kitchen and good ventilation in the bathrooms should take care of this. If your bathrooms do not have adequate ventilation, try installing a ceiling fan to dry up the excess moisture.

Keep your cupboards well aired and dry. If the rain gets in through the windows, make sure it dries up quickly. Mop up any extra water that enters your house and wipe the place dry.

Decorating Your House for the Rains

The monsoon brings with it heavy grey clouds and subdued sunlight. To offset the darkness outside, make sure that the space inside is well lit and cheery. Do not use shades and colored lights during this season. Make sure that the lights are bright enough to light up the room, yet soft enough so that they are not hard on the eyes.

Carpets and Mats

Roll up your expensive soft carpets in the living room. This is the season of mud and damp footprints, so replace the carpet with acrylic or plastic matting. These come in attractive colors, designs and textures, so you can choose them to suit your home and tastes.

Make sure that you have enough mats at the entrance to scrape off mud from shoes and dry wet feet. Use rubber and coir mats at entrances and soft mats that can soak up moisture inside. Make sure you have enough spare mats to replace the soft mats when they get dirty and need to be washed.

Brighten Up the Rooms

Use bright flowers and decorations to lend a cheery air to the rooms. Use light, translucent curtains and brightly colored linens and bed sheets to perk up the interiors. Shut the windows tight during a heavy downpour and open them when the rain stops. Mesh net screen windows are a good way to let in the air and light and grab a splendid view of freshly washed plants and trees after a shower, while keeping out all insects.

If you take some simple steps and precautions to prevent the moist conditions from invading your house, you can enjoy all the positive sights and sounds of the monsoon season without worrying about the amount of water that the rain dumps outside your house. Prepare your housing society flat for the monsoon and then go ahead and enjoy the rains.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
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August 1, 2011

Housing Society Knowhow – Waterproof Paints and How to Choose Them

Waterproof paints are gaining popularity both as interior as well as exterior painting options. These paints are good options through which you can add protection to the walls and give a good finish to a building in the housing society.Waterproofing your houses

About Waterproof Paints

Waterproof paints can add a layer of protection against moisture to your walls and other surfaces. They also prevent the formation of mold and mildew and are not prone to peeling and flaking. But you need to keep in mind the fact that mere waterproof paint can’t solve your problems if you have trouble with moisture getting into your building.

The building materials should have been picked well, and masonry, plastering, roofing and weather-coating need to have been done with care to prevent water from seeping through the walls. If this has not been done properly, you’ll need to address these issues before going out and buying gallons of paint.

That being said, waterproof paints do have enhanced resistance to moisture. They are easier to maintain and also offer protection against mold.

The Varieties of Waterproof Paints

Waterproof paints can come in many varieties, the main being acrylic emulsions and oil-based enamel paints. Both are waterproof and have a longer life than traditional distempers. They also give a good finish to the surfaces that they are used on.

Surfaces Waterproof Paints Can Be Used On

While acrylic and enamel paints are both waterproof, you need to keep in mind the surface you are going to paint on when choosing between them.

Mostly, walls and other building surfaces are painted with acrylic emulsion paints. They are water-solvent paints, but once dry, they are water-resistant. They dry quickly and can be washed with mild soap solutions to remove stains. They’ll give a good finish to your walls, both interior and exterior and will last longer than traditional distemper paints. They also don’t peel or flake easily.

Enamel paints are oil-based paints that require special solvents and take a longer time to dry. They are generally more appropriate for doors, windows and metallic surfaces. They can give a good glossy finish to the painted surface. Because they take longer to dry, you have to take care that the painted surface is not touched or disturbed in any other way. You also have to take care that dust does not settle on the paint before it dries. The dust will stick to the paint and affect the finish.

Moisture and Weather Considerations

When choosing the paint, you also need to keep in mind the climate and general weather condition in your region. If you get a lot of rainfall and expect high moisture content in the air, you need to consider stronger water-resistance grades in the paint.

You can consider oil paints or high-grade acrylic paints for your rooms in such conditions. If you often face problems with mold growth, you can use special anti-mold paints in the areas of your house most susceptible to mold and mildew.

Choosing paint is not just a matter of colors and looks. You can add an additional layer of protection against dampness and fungal growth by buying the right kind of paint to suit your specific needs. Keep in mind the surface you are painting on, the humidity and weather conditions when getting the paints.

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