One of the Leading Retail Chain of Departmental Store at Kolkata was having Severe Damp / Leakage / Seepage Problem. The Source couldn’t be traced easily and the seepage was effecting the Basement parking Area. Witness how Team MACJ reached to the root cause of the leakage using Infrared Thermal Imaging Technology and solve the Mystery. MACJ suggested the best possible Solution with Low Cost, Least Destruction & Long Lasting Results.
Madhya Pradesh RERA proposes modification in rules
Bhopal
To ensure that its orders are implemented without any delay, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Madhya Pradesh, has proposed a modification in the rules. If the government gives its nod, MP would be the first state in the country to do so.
According to sources, RERA has suggested appointment of a district judge level officer as an executing officer with the powers of the civil court as well as revenue court. The proposed tweak will require a modification in state RERA rules 27 and 28 that deal with recovery of interest; penalty and compensation; implementing the orders; directions and decisions of the authority.
RERA chairman Anthony de Sa said the proposal has already been sent to the government. Prior to sending the proposal in black and white, the proposal was discussed with the state government. The government has shown its willingness to do so, said sources.
Once the proposed modifications are done, orders of RERA would be implemented more effectively and bring in respite to both buyers and builders, de Sa added.
As per the existing set up, if RERA passes an order and the party concerned is unwilling to accept it, RERA takes up the matter in civil court. Odds are that the matter may get delayed in legal procedures.
On the other hand, if the authority has an executing officer — with the powers of the civil and revenue court — it can settle the grievance at its level.
The case disposal rate of RERA is around 70 per cent. Out of the 3,300 complaints that RERA received so far, 2,200 have already been disposed, while 1,000 are pending. Out of the total disposed cases, 85 per cent went in favour of allottees, while the remaining 15 per cent went in favour of builders. Complaints from Bhopal and Indore account for 60 per cent of the total, while the number of projects registered with RERA is around 2,200.
According to officials, the need for an executing officer was felt in around 300 cases. The number may not be huge, but to ensure all its orders are executed in their true spirit, modification is needed in the rules, the officials added.
Do you know the Source & Cause of moisture on your ceiling?
Detect Issues
Presence of moisture at ceiling surface.
Describe Issues
As seen by infrared image flow of moisture noted from ceiling mid span towards wall. This moisture has originated from entrapped moisture under hollow roof tile surface which has intruded through the gap at tile joints in the adjacent roof area. If not rectified, hollowness can further lead to cracked tiles. Can lead to further problems in other associated or attached areas like damp/ seepage issues, will increase maintenance cost and create hassles for residents.
Direct Solutions
We recommend:
Step 1 – Tiles joint cutting with a suitable tool.
Step 2 – Preparation & pouring of high viscosity cement grout & adequate vibration to be made on floor tile with a rubber hammer during pouring.
Step 3 – Tile joint to be sealed with pigmented flexible tile grout.
Setting AC to ‘Dry Mode’ Reduces Excess Indoor Humidity
The ultimate mantra of healthy home maintenance is: “Say Goodbye to Excess Moisture.” The more humid it is inside a house, the worse it gets for you to live in it. However, in India, if you are not living in a place such as Indore, Kota, or New Delhi where the annual average humidity1 levels are the lowest you are likely to find it challenging to keep the excess moisture in your home under control. It is more or less sultry throughout the year with the condition in some places getting even worse during monsoons. An appliance such as dehumidifier can bring you some relief in these scenarios.
Known for eliminating excess moisture from the indoor air, a dehumidifier can be a real Messiah in those unbearable, sweaty days but then, it is not that popular in India yet. Not everyone has a dehumidifier at home. If you are one of them, do not worry. Find out if your air conditioning system has a dry mode of operation. When it is too humid outside and you are sweating sitting under the fan, even on a rainy day, just turn the feature on and see what magical job it does!
What is the Dry mode in an AC?
Dry mode is a special function in the air conditioning system which when used, keeps the room atmosphere dry. The normal function of an AC is to cool the air in an enclosed area so that the temperature of that space is lower than the outside temperature. It does so via a refrigeration cycle in which warm air (containing moisture) is removed and replaced with cooled air. So, it does remove some amount of moisture as part of its normal functioning but during monsoon, when the humidity level is too high, the ‘dry’ mode categorically removes excess moisture from the indoor air making it all the more dry and fresh.
To ensure maximum dehumidification in dry mode, operate your AC at temperatures either lower or higher than the set one.
Do all ACs have dry mode?
No. The dry function is not a common feature of all air conditioners. Only a few brands have introduced it in their products. This mode allows the air conditioner to blow out cool air inside the room in a restrained manner as its main intent is to dry the air laden with moisture and not to lower the temperature of the room.
What is the right time to use dry mode?
In India, during the rainy season, when the average daily humidity in most parts of the country is above 70-80%, just removing the extra moisture from indoor air provides a lot of comforts. It is the ideal time for running the AC in dry mode. Besides, you can use the function in the following conditions:
- During the most humid hours of the day
- When the temperature is acceptable but the humidity level is too high
- When you want to save electricity
How does dry mode in air conditioner work?
In dry mode, the air conditioning system sucks the moisture out of the indoor air, keeping the room temperature at a comfortable level. The hot and humid air is taken into the unit and dried on the evaporator. Then it is again released into the room as dry air. However, the dry mode does not eliminate all moisture from the room. It keeps the room atmosphere relatively comfortable with 60% of humidity.
Do dehumidifiers and dry mode in AC working the same way?
There is a belief that air conditioners on dry mode work just the same way as dehumidifies but make no mistake, the functionality of the two appliances are quite different. Both reduce indoor humidity but in different ways. Dehumidifiers are specialized appliances which are used in cold and damp regions where excess humidity is found to cause major structural damages. It is undoubtedly the best home appliance for moisture control and water damage restoration.
An air conditioner on dry mode, on the other hand, ensures lower levels of moisture in a room while keeping the room temperature at a comfortable level. As stated earlier, it does not eliminate all the moisture from the air. The fan inside the AC unit runs at a lower speed and the compressor is on only for short durations in large cycles just to remove excess humidity or marginal humidity. Thanks to the low fan speed and shorter duration of compressor operation, the AC dry mode also saves electricity2 significantly unlike a full-powered dehumidifier which completely dehumidifies a room but consumes a lot of power in return. Using air conditioners on dry mode, hence, can save you up to30-50% of energy.
Is it really important that you use either a dehumidifier or an AC with dry mode in your home?
Dehumidifier and dry mode in air conditioner3 are two different things. The first one is a machine while the second one is a particular function of a machine. They cannot replace each other completely. But air conditioner with dry mode can certainly be an alternative of dehumidifier within a limited scope. If your home suffers from excess moisture problem, monsoon or no monsoon, and there is no dehumidifier to remove it, you can surely put your air conditioner on dry mode to enjoy an almost similar level of comfort.
It is okay if you do not have a dehumidifier or dry mode option in your air conditioner as long as moisture intrusion is not a problem in your home. Mind you, dampness not only affects the structural integrity of a house and devalues it by destroying its aesthetics but also brings along several chronic health problems. A damp house becomes a thriving spot for dust mites and other allergens which causes diseases like bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and skin rashes etc. Dampness welcomes water damage, decay, and many other household hazards which become recurring cost points for you and completely ruins ones mental peace.
Know it here why excess moisture is considered as a threat to your home.
Choose your Appliance wisely
India is experiencing significant climate change. You can feel the humidity rising across the country at an alarming rate and so is the average daily temperature. Indian houses are not built to withstand the effects of these changed weather conditions. To live comfortably in your house, you need to think of ways that are both pro-health as well as economical. Since dehumidifiers are yet to become popular in this part of the world and air conditioners are still our go-to appliance for controlling indoor heat and humidity, you must buy the latter with advanced functionality. Be wise appliance-wise because technology is a key driver in making healthy lifestyle choices.
Reference links used:
1. https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/India/humidity-annual.php
2. https://www.bijlibachao.com/air-conditioners/various-modes-for-running-air-conditioners-and-their-impact-on-electricity-bill.html
3. https://aerindustries.com/blog/2019/02/06/dehumidifier-vs-air-conditioner/
Hidden Damp/Leakage Mystery Solved at a Palace through Thermal Imaging!
One of the most Premium Property in Central Kolkata was having Severe Damp / Leakage / Seepage Problem. The Source couldn’t be traced easily by the Waterproofing Vendors, and the solution given by them were also temporary. Witness how Team MACJ reached to the root cause of the leakage using Infrared Thermal Imaging Technology and solve the Mystery. MACJ suggested the best possible Solution with Low Cost, Least Destruction & Long Lasting Results.
RERA lawyers form Bar Association of MahaRERA
Mumbai
With more and more lawyers representing clients in Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) cases, the advocates handling these cases on Friday registered their Bar Association of MahaRERA with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.
State Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni on Friday formally presented a certificate of registration to the Bar Association of MahaRERA members at his office. Advocate Harshad Bhadbhade has been elected as the President of the association while advocate Anil D’souza and advocate Bishwajeet Mukherjee will serve as the Secretary and Joint Secretary.
The association was registered under the Bar Association (Constitution, Registration and Control) Rules, 2005 framed by the Bar Council under the Advocates Act, 1961 and Maharashtra Advocats Welfare Fund Act, 1981.
“MahaRERA cases with serial numbers having crossed the magical one lakh figure, it is easily the fastest growing and most approached quasi-judicial body in India. The Bar Association of MahaRera will strive to be the crucial link between the Bar and the Bench. There are many issues that litigants and advocates themselves are facing and this Bar Association will do its very best to be the bridge between all stake holders,” said secretary Anil Dsouza. He said the association has 50 members at the moment.
Maharashtra is the leading state in the implementation of RERA and has the highest 21,812 ongoing real estate projects registered with it. Out of these 16,946 projects are ongoing under the Authority’s monitoring, while 4,698 or 21 per cent of these projects have been successfully completed since May 1, 2017. MahaRERA received more than 8,217 complaints, and it has resolved and given orders in 62 per cent or 5,103 cases. 3,114 complaints are presently in the process of hearings.
Is your electric socket suitable for using a specific appliance?
Detect Issues
6 amps Switch socket provided for Geyser.
Describe Issues
As per current rating, Geyser requires current greater than 6 amps. Providing 6 amps switch socket instead of 16 amps will lead to damaged switch socket board and frequent tripping off MCB due to overheating. Hence, it can create electrical & safety hazard if not rectified on time.
Direct Solutions
We recommend replacement of 6 amp with 16 amps switch socket board for geyser.
Five Seepage-Prone Areas That Can Get Worse During Monsoon
Mrs. Roy left their rented house after her husband’s transfer and moved to this flat two years back. It was a newly built first-hand property with all the modern facilities. But soon after she started living there, Mrs. Roy noticed wet patches appearing in some parts of the apartment. She ignored the patches initially thinking that they were just one-time effect of heavy rainfall that had occurred that year and would disappear once the monsoon was over, but she was not right. Next year, again, there were damp patches on the ceilings and bathroom walls during monsoon and this time, the patches looked more watery. She knew they were the signs of seepage but had no clue as to what was the source!
Rainwater damage in properties is not a rare phenomenon in India given the extended monsoon that we have here. Both the exterior as well as the interior of a house gets affected due to it. Having said that, it is not the rain itself that causes any structural damage; leakage from any gap or crack on the walls or roof or pipeline leads to damp that can become costly and troublesome to clean up. It is always advised that you make your home monsoon-ready so that the effect of the damage is minimal, but if you skip it you better be careful. Following are the five areas prone to seepage and/or leakage. Keep an eye on them and take the necessary action as soon as you notice water droplets/ dampness gathering around them.
1. Exterior Walls of the Building
The exterior walls of your home are always the first to face the raging weather. During the monsoon, they may fail to hold down the fort. Low-grade paint leads to fast wall surface deterioration. When this happens, rainwater seeps through the exterior coat into the concrete and gets collected in the inner pores, which further penetrate the wall causing damp patches on the inner walls and peeling paint. The best solution to avoid this problem is to get the exterior walls of your house painted with weather-resistant paint solutions1. Paint the walls prior to monsoon, that is, between February and April so that the paint gets enough time to dry and settle and your walls are thoroughly protected.
Most of the exterior wall problems worsen due to sheer neglect and ill-maintenance. Follow these rules to stop seepage during the rainy season:
- Check your building walls for cracks and leakages from time to time. If you find the cracks upto 3 mm, repair it with asian paints SmartCare Crack Seal2. This will not only restore the aesthetics of the building but will also prevent the rainwater from spreading into the inner walls. However, if you find the cracks needs to be checked, call professionals for advice. Few cracks may still go unnoticed; in those cases, a home inspection is the best solution.
- Take adequate waterproofing precautions, if required.
- Replace damaged exterior wall tiles if any. We would suggest better to avoid the installation of wall tiles on exterior walls.
Water seepage during monsoon can also happen due to any of the following reasons:
- Increased permeability of the construction materials
- Loosened construction joints in the walls
- Rising dampness due to capillary action
- Honeycomb structures in the concrete or plaster formed due to faulty construction
- Widened separation gaps
Get a home inspection done to know the exact cause of seepage and resolve it before damp plays havoc in your house.
2. Old Cast Iron Pipes
Sturdy water pipe installation on the exterior walls of a building is crucial to ensure zero leakage. If the building you are living in is old and there are still many cast iron pipes, get them checked well for cracks and rust which can lead to further deterioration. During monsoon, these cracks become difficult to repair leading to major leakage and dampness in the inner walls.
3. Roof and Terrace
An uncovered roof or terrace gets a lot of water during monsoon. This may turn out to be a cause of concern if –
- there aren’t sufficient outlets in the roof
- outlets are clogged with leaves and other waste particles
- the roof slope is incorrect which leads to water stagnation
- the roof waterproofing system is not provided or damaged
- the concrete texture beneath the roof is worn and distressed
- And most importantly, there is a crack in the ceiling beneath the roof!
In all these cases, seepage is almost a given outcome leading to prominent damp patches in the ceiling. In the worst situation, water may start leaking from the ceiling which then becomes a costly affair to deal with.
Leakage from the roof during monsoon can be avoided if the source(s) is identified beforehand. For example, if the house is old and you think the roof needs a repair or remedial waterproofing, you must get that done without delay. As precautions, you must check for cracks in the roof. If it is made of RCC, then it needs to inspected or checked by professionals and if it is made of screed concrete then it needs to chipped off and then repaired. Cleaning the roof surface and unclogging the outlets and drainage pipes should not be considered as occasional jobs. You must do it regularly to reduce roof damage from monsoon to a significant extent.
4. Windows
Windows needs to be properly maintained to avoid the entry of rain water in your home as they can be big contributor to seepage.
- Check the condition of sealant for deterioration or any gaps. Usually sealant has shelf life of 10 to 15 years.
- Check if gasket and weather strip are provided or not. If provided the condition of both can be checked as this can avoid further seepage problem.
To get idea about more window maintenance tips, click here.
5. The Bathroom: Faucets, Sinks, and Bath Slabs
No matter how often you clean your bathroom or take good care of the faucets, sinks, and bath slabs, leakage and damp problems tend to resurface during monsoon. You know the problems are back when you see cracks and undefined stains on the floor and walls. Discolouration or stains on ceiling can be indication of leakage or any other source of moisture.
Some of the plumbing failures like leaky faucets, sinks, and bath slabs are easy to spot while others could be misunderstood for water splashed during a shower. Keep a watch out for these minor leaks as they tend to worsen with time.
If heavy leakages are observed around the bath fixtures, chances are high that the concealed plumbing pipe joints are internally damaged. To be sure, call a plumber or a team of home inspectors. Once the reason is detected, implement the solution. A few things that you can do to save your bathroom from getting further damaged during monsoon are – sealing the tile joints with waterproof grouts, filling the cracks with mortar, and replacing the concealed plumbing pipes (if needed).
Conclusion
Water damage can be a sinister, creeping issue that you may not discover until it has grown into a big and expensive problem. Think worse- water seepage can damage your beloved home and also cause health effects such as damp-induced allergy and asthma. So, be alert. Keep an eye on the areas that are most prone to seepage and leakage during monsoon. Catch a problem early and stop it before it becomes a nightmare. If you still think you want to hire some professional for this work, click here for further information.
Punjab RERA constitutes group to examine laws related to Real Estate
Chandigarh
Punjab’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority has constituted a group to examine various laws related to real estate sector with a view to bring transparency and harmonise the real estate laws in the state, an official statement said here.
The statement quoting spokesperson of the Housing and Urban Development Department said the two-member group would examine various laws such as Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995; Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act and Punjab Apartment Ownership Act, 1995.
“After analysing the existing laws of the state dealing in the field of real estate, the group would submit its suggestions to make necessary modifications so that these could be harmonised with the provisions of The Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 (RERA)…,” he said.
The amendments proposed by the group would be submitted to the government for approval.
The Punjab State Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017 were notified by Punjab Housing and Urban Development Department over two years ago.
To bring the prevalent laws in conformity with the provisions of The Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016, it was felt there is a need to examine and amend these, the spokesperson said.
The Housing and Urban Development Department had requested Real Estate Regulatory Authority, Punjab to form a group to take up the job of scrutinising and examining the laws and identify necessary changes, he added.
Under RERA, each state and union territory has its own regulatory authority which frames regulations and rules as per the Act.
RERA covers both new project launches and the on-going projects which have not been completed or the occupation certificate not received.
It makes it obligatory on the part of the builders not to book, sell or offer for sale, or invite persons to purchase any plot, apartment or building in any real estate project without registering the project with the authority.
Detect & Repair Concealed leakage to save money
Detect Issues
Concealed leakage from WC and soil pipe junction.
Describe Issues
Inadequate packing along WC and soil pipe junction can lead to leakage from the joint. If the leak is not rectified at the right time can lead to moisture intrusion and damage the associated/ attached areas. It will create a hassle for the residents in future by adding cost for repair of the leak and associated damage at the area.
Direct Solutions
We recommend, re-installation of WC with manufacturer specified gasket packing at soil pipe junction.
