Maintenance Tips for High-rise Residential Buildings in Nigeria.

Keywords: Maintenance Management, High-rise, Residential Nigeria, and Environment.

The primary purpose of buildings in modern times is more than that of ordinary shelter but to provide occupants with a conducive, safe, healthy, and secure indoor environment to carry out different activities. To achieve this purpose in high-rise buildings, maintenance poses a major challenge to resident property managers due to their complex designs.

The factors that challenge the maintenance of high-rise residential buildings in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria include substandard designs and poor workmanship, inadequate construction supervision, low quality of construction materials, wear, and tear, as well as aging.

Moreover, variables such as delay in carrying out repair works, service charge administration, outsourcing of services, disconnect between owners and managers, as well as late response to complaints are indicated as posing the major challenges to maintenance management of the high-rise building.

Effective management and maintenance of high-rise buildings in a developing nation like Nigeria is a herculean task, considering the incessant power outages, the imported technology challenges occasioned by language and operational guidelines in the construction process, and for which experts may be required to be flown into the country from other nations, amongst other problems.

The maintenance of high-rise buildings can be challenging due to their scale, complexity, and the urban environments in which they are often located.

Here are Tips for effective high-rise building maintenance.

1. Inspections and Regularly Audits:

It is important to conduct regular inspections to ascertain the state and strength of the structural elements, HVAC systems or air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire safety equipment.

When a fault or damage is discovered, maintenance is advised to be carried out to avoid further damage or accident.

2. Preventive Maintenance:

A preventive maintenance schedule for all critical systems, including elevators, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems should be conducted regularly with adequate records to determine the next time for the maintenance to be carried out by using condition monitoring tools and techniques to predict and prevent system failures.

Proper and regular training for maintenance staff on safety protocols and emergency procedures. Regularly test fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire suppression systems, conduct regular fire drills, and update evacuation plans as needed.

3. Cleaning Schedule:

The effectiveness of high-rise buildings is largely dependent on a regular cleaning schedule for the building's facade and windows and the implementation of efficient waste disposal systems, which include regular collection, recycling programs, and pest control programs to prevent infestation.

It is also important to regularly check and maintain weatherproofing elements such as sealants and coatings to prevent water ingress and other damage to enhance the strength of the building.

The usage of advanced leak detection systems to identify and repair leaks promptly is encouraged and ensures consistent water pressure by maintaining booster pumps and pressure regulating valves.

By following these tips, building managers can ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of tall buildings, providing a comfortable and secure environment for all occupants.