Some buildings wear out quicker than others, which then impacts their life expectancy. An average apartment or residential building would last between thirty to fifty years.
Certain factors impact the life expectancy of an apartment building. Let’s take a look at these and learn about how you can extend the life of your building.
How to Determine the Life Expectancy of an Apartment Building?
There is more to a building than meets the eye. Regardless of how old or recently-made a building may be, its life expectancy depends on numerous factors.
Since modern buildings use more technology and better material, they are built to last longer. Some believe that they would last for up to a hundred years even.
However, this depends on the style as well. Concrete buildings may last longer, whereas modern skyscrapers might not.
This is because concrete is long-lasting and harder. On the other hand, modern buildings use materials for insulation that are not as hard.
A building works much like the human body. In it, the parts, or ‘organs’ of the building, work together to keep the building functioning.
That said, the structural features, such as pipelines, roofs, windows, and paintwork, would all impact the expectancy. Hence, the structure of the apartment building forms its foundation and is vital in determining how long it will last.
Whether you are planning to build an apartment building or buy one, it is important to determine the life expectancy. This can be determined using various factors.
This guide will highlight the various factors that contribute to an apartment building’s life expectancy.
Factors Contributing to an Apartment’s Life Expectancy
If you are wondering how long your apartment building lasts, take a look at these factors. These can be used to determine the life expectancy of your apartment or residential building:
The Materials Used to Make the Building
One of the key factors in determining the life expectancy of a building is the materials used to make it. This is why builders must spend plentiful time choosing suitable materials for the buildings.
When inefficient materials are used, they can significantly impact the structural integrity of the building. Such materials are those that lack density and weight.
Buildings made of stone and concrete can stand the test of time. Hence, they will last much longer than other apartment buildings.
However, the worst materials to make a building are poor or damaged ones. These include damaged wood or rusted metal.
While these might be cheaper, they will reduce decades from the lifespan of the building. Hence, determining the material will help identify the lifespan of the building.
Geographical Location
Regardless of how well a building is made, it won’t last long if it is positioned in the wrong geographical location. This is because it can make the building vulnerable to various damaging environmental factors.
For example, being located in a hot region can reduce the lifespan of the building. This is because heat can damage the structural integrity of the building.
Environmental Factors
The environment is a key factor that can impact the structural integrity and longevity of a building.
Moreover, it can also increase the chances of a building collapsing, which can be very dangerous. The risk of such collapses is heightened if a building is not made with suitable materials.
Natural Disasters
Another factor that can determine how long an apartment building will last is natural disasters. While there is nothing you can do when such a disaster hits, you can still take preventative measures.
Such measures can include using hard and strong materials for making the building. For example, buildings should not be made with brick in cities where earthquakes commonly hit.
This is because it can increase the chances of a collapse since brick walls cannot endure heavy shaking. You should take certain steps to reduce potential damage in areas where a tornado could hit.
Gaps in the Construction Process
Without proper planning of the building, its life expectancy can be negatively impacted. For example, improper planning would cause problems if you decide to expand the building.
This is because the foundation of the building cannot sustain heavier weight. It could lead to overloading the building, which could reduce its longevity.
Similarly, gaps in the construction process and taking too long to construct it can also have the same effect. Since the foundation has not been properly made, overloading it with building materials during the process can damage it.
This could all lead to a significant reduction in the life expectancy of the building.
Ineffective Risk Assessment
Risk management prior to the construction of a building is imperative. It determines factors that can specifically impact the apartment building and reduce its longevity.
If identified early on, the factors can be treated during the construction of the building. If not identified, they would reduce life expectancy.
Inability to Repair or Maintain On Time
One factor that can make a significant impact on the life expectancy of a building is maintenance. If maintenance and repair are not addressed in a timely manner, this could lead to negative consequences.
If you let water damage, corrosion, or mold continue damaging the building, you will be reducing its longevity. When these are addressed at the right time, you will minimize risks that would harm the building.
You would also be increasing its life expectancy in such a case.
Inadequate Designing or Limitations in Design
The design and structure majorly determine the life expectancy of an apartment building. This is because it has a direct effect on the performance of the building.
Making mistakes in the design or even making too many revisions to the design can have this effect. They can reduce the structural integrity of the building and therefore impact its life expectancy.
How to Increase the Life Expectancy of an Apartment Building
As a resident of an apartment, you should do everything you can to increase its life expectancy. This will allow the building to last longer and let you stay there safely for longer too.
An apartment will turn towards slow degradation over time until it reaches an unlivable point. To prevent that from happening anytime soon, follow these tips:
Carry Out Regular Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, maintenance is a key factor that can increase the life expectancy of a building. It is natural for a building to degrade over time, so you should check it for required maintenance.
Checking for maintenance at regular intervals will help you reduce any problems or damages. Hence, make sure to clean your apartment regularly by sweeping the floors and vacuuming.
Keep an eye out for insects and pets, and fumigate the apartment if needed. These pests can wreak havoc on the structure of your building and reduce its life expectancy.
Check for Damaged Doors and Windows
Check all the doors and windows for signs of damage. Make sure they are efficiently lubricated, and there are no missing seals in the windows or door frame.
These can all lead to the degradation of the building. For this reason, you should ensure that they are in tip-top shape.
Never Ignore Leaks or Water Damage
Water damage can have a serious negative impact on the structure of the building. For this reason, it can also reduce the building’s life expectancy.
Water seepage or damp walls can become breeding grounds for mold. It could even cause the walls to become hollow due to erosion.
Get leaks or water damages fixed immediately. If left unrepaired, they can impact the structure and become quite expensive.
Keep a Check on the Electrical Wiring
It is also essential to keep an eye out for the electrical wiring and switches of the building. Any signs of a malfunction should be repaired at the earliest.
When it comes to constructing a building with a long life expectancy, use high-quality wires. You should also hire the best professionals for the wiring work.
Run Water over Unused Areas
It is important to flush water or run water over unused sinks or toilets. This would prevent any grime from developing.
You must flush the toilets for whichever bathroom goes unused for a long time. It would actually make an impact on life expectancy in the long run.
Final Words
Some buildings have a higher life expectancy than others. This is because of a number of factors impacting the structure of the building.
Maintaining an apartment building is crucial to its life expectancy. Typically, an apartment building would last a little over fifty years.
However, modern buildings with the best materials can last up to a hundred years. Hence, builders should pay special attention to the materials used for construction.
They should also look into other factors, such as the location and climate changes. All of these can impact the longevity of the building.
Maintenance and checking for water damage and electrical issues are also important. When done regularly, they will actually contribute to the longevity of the building
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