Heat, humidity, salt air and sand put concrete in the Gulf under constant pressure. A simple routine catches most problems while they are still cheap to fix.
Every month
A short walk-round by the facilities team is enough:
- Look for new cracks, staining or loose material
- Check drains, gullies and roof outlets are clear of sand
- Note any damp patches on soffits or walls
Every quarter
Go a little deeper on the areas that work hardest:
- Inspect balcony edges, parapets and exposed beams
- Check movement joints and sealants for splitting or debonding
- Review car park decks for wear, ponding and leaks
Every year
Bring in a specialist for a condition survey of the whole building. Before the summer peak is the ideal time, so repairs and coatings can go on in cooler months.
Maintenance is the cheapest structural strengthening there is.
Keep a record
Photos with dates, a simple log of what was found and what was done. Over a few years this record becomes the most useful document a building owner has.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Short, frequent checks catch most problems early.
- Sand-blocked drains cause a surprising amount of concrete damage.
- Plan coatings and repairs for the cooler months.
