The rains are upon us and despite the lovely weather, it also brings a slew of problems with it. If you happen to live in low lying areas, then water stagnation is inevitable. There’s water seepage in old buildings, mold in all homes, and power cuts to add insult to injury. Life in flats in Chennai is no stranger to these things, as Chennai is extremely humid even during the rainy seasons and winters.
Here are some tips to help prevent and even post-damage control for these rainy day problems that we face.
Power Backup:
Most apartments come with power back up in the form of generators. But these need regular maintenance by trained professionals. Make sure that the generators are serviced ahead of the rainy season. If your area has underground power lines, then power cuts are inevitable, and you will need the generators’ help. The service will keep the Gensets running smoothly for the rainy months.
Lift service:
The lifts and elevators in the apartments also need to be serviced before the rainy season. The parts need to be greased and oiled well to ensure the smooth running of the equipment. People can get stuck inside the elevators during power cuts, and the equipment needs to be on point for the emergency measures to work properly.
Fixing leaks and cracks:
Any visible cracks need to be filled and rectified before the rainy season starts. If you experience leaks or seepage anywhere on your walls, these need to be addressed by a civil engineer, preferably in the dry spells between the rains. If the leaks are not repaired on time, then you could face permanent damage on your walls from water seepage. It can also compromise structural integrity.
Install inverters:
The gensets are run by the association in flats in Chennai, and usually cover the common areas and certain phases of your home. Another alternative is to install an inverter at home. This can be used to your convenience, even to run appliances. This ensures that your life does not stop for anything. You are adequately covered as far as power supply goes both at the community and individual level.
Swollen door and window frames:
The wooden frames of fixtures like doors and windows swell up due to the moisture content in the air or from exposure to the rains. Their doors and windows get stuck in their frames due to the bulging. Sometimes the doors need to be sandpapered and painted back for them to open and close properly.
Check the wiring:
Faulty wiring is a hazard at the best of times. But they pose a very specific threat during the rainy season. Combined with the water that may enter the home, they are a source of electric shocks, which can even prove to be fatal. Cover the joints and other exposed wiring with duct tape or electrical insulation tape. Make sure all the switchboards are properly wired and there are separate fuses for each board. Never load any switchboard to excess power and avoid connecting all appliances and chargers to any particular spike board.
Keep Balconies and windows covered:
Wet floors are slippery. Rainwater accumulates on the balconies and the rooms beyond that. To prevent this from happening, cover the balcony openings and windows with tarpaulins. Mop up the water immediately so people don’t slip on it. Also, encourage the maintenance personnel to do the same in the common areas like corridors and stairs to prevent anyone from slipping and falling.
Dampness care:
The moisture in the air gets in to all the closed spaces. The dampness gets on the clothes and even leads to mold and fungal growth. Accelerated by the humidity, this can cause respiratory illness in even healthy individuals. It is advisable to use camphor, neem leaves, cloves, etc. in the cupboards to keep them dry and free of pests like silverfish.
Lifestyle Housing is one of the reputed developers of 4 BHK apartments in Chennai. Along with our international quality homes, we bring you useful resources on home care, interior design, and all things real estate.
