What is the average age of a house?

[ecis2016.org] We look at the factors that determine the age of a property and how home owners can increase the lifespan of their homes

As most houses in India are passed on from one generation to another, there is no doubt that an average Indian home mostly outlives his/her owner. However, over time, houses lose their structural strength – the concrete may develop cracks, seepage may damage the internal walls and the paint on the outer walls may begin to fade or peel away. Such dilapidated buildings are not safe for the residents, as they are prone to collapsing, which may result in loss of human life.

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What is the average age of your home?

According to structural engineers, the lifespan of any concrete structure ranges from 75 to 100 years. There are various factors, which may alter this age range. For example, the life of an apartment is 50-60 years while independent homes have a higher lifespan. Since all apartment buildings have common amenities and a lot of shared facilities, the usage of such buildings will be more. However, if maintained properly, the average lifespan could be improved by 10%-20%.

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What causes homes to age?

A house is a concrete structure made of other earthly elements that are bound to deteriorate over time. Moreover, extreme weather, environmental conditions and rigorous usage, damage the structure in its own way. This is another reason why your home should be planned and constructed, according to the weather conditions in the region, as a poorly-designed structure will fall apart sooner.

Also read our article on how indigenous architecture can make the Earth a better place.

Other major components of a home, such as power cables, water pipelines, flooring, window and door hinges, water-proofing, wall texture and paint, etc., are also prone to damage over time. Moreover, if the construction quality is poor, the home will age way before time.

How to increase the lifespan of your home?

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There are some measures that residents can take, to improve the average age of your home:

• Since weather conditions play a pivotal role in altering the age of the building, you need to prepare your construction beforehand. For example, buildings in coastal areas have to face intense heat and humidity. Similarly, some cities receive higher rainfall than average, which may result in seepage, cracks and dampness in the structure. All these factors have to be considered, during the construction of the building. Water-proofing of walls, good quality exterior paint and regular maintenance, can help you to increase the longevity of the structure.

Also read: How to protect the exterior walls of your home during monsoons

• Opt for sustainable materials rather than fancy ones, as it will help you in designing your home more efficiently. It is always advisable to buy locally-built things, as it will suit the local conditions better. This can also improve the lifespan of the structure.
• Do not use metal or any material which can get corroded if you live in a coastal area. This is because the salt content in the sea breeze will cause the metal items to rust. If you have a balcony, opt for wooden railings, rather than metal ones.
• Make sure you use the right kind materials for construction, as it can increase the average lifespan of your home. Regular maintenance and proper upkeep, can ensure a longer life for your house.

[ecis2016.org] The essential checklist for constructing a house

• Not just the structure, other items inside your home also require maintenance. This includes the furniture, artifacts, appliances, etc. Check regularly for termites or damp walls. Get a whitewash done every year, to keep your home in a healthy condition.

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Category: Lifestyle