How to make your building strong, durable

Q What should be done for a house to be strong?

A If you want your house to last long, you will have to use professionals and select durable materials.

For a house to serve you for long before developing cracks or doors getting broken and window hooks falling off, you must consider appropriate aspects that bolster comfort and durability.

Q What should be considered before the start?

A The foundation is a key aspect of any building; it supports and gives the whole structure stability and durability. If you do not build a strong foundation, it will hurt to have an impressive house that will collapse even before completion.

Q Does the type of foundation matter?

A There are different types of foundations such as the striped, raft and pad, but the foundation depends on one's choice and the type of the house being built. A storeyed house requires a firmer foundation.

Q What is the use of water proofing?

A When building near water-logged areas, ensure that the foundation is not made water tight.

Water flow channels or pipes can be provided within the foundation to allow constant and smooth flow of excess water through and out of the building

Using water proofing at all levels will be an advantage. The dump proof course protects a house from cracking due to moisture or water.

Q Do floors make a difference during the construction period?

AF loors can make a difference in the appearance of your house.

A floor will contribute to the sale value and also enhance the ambiance of a house.

If you want to make your floor attractive, you will consider using cement, tiles, wood or you carpet the house with wall to wall carpets after the cementing is done. These types of floors are strong if done well.

For a cement floor to serve longer, it will be achieved if the materials such as aggregate, sand and cement are mixed appropriately.

Q Is good roofing important?

A The roof is also an important part of the house if you want it to serve you for long.

The roof protects the occupants from rain and sunshine or any other weather-related conditions.

The different types of roofing styles include grass, iron sheets, tiles, concrete and wood.

The roof is made up of two elements; the roof structure which acts as the support for the roof finishing and the roof itself.

Q After roofing, is the ceiling important?

A The ceiling is another vital aspect of a good quality house. We have different types of ceilings, soft board, plywood, concrete, wooden and gypsum. A good ceiling must be fixed on the traces, but a wooden ceiling will be fixed using bolts or nails.

Q What would be the best?

A A concrete ceiling would be the best option, if you want your house or structure to serve you for long. This is because even when the roof leaks, the water will not go through, because it is made out of cement.

Responses by David Kireli a civil engineer at the Ministry of Education