The maintenance cycle of a building depends on the latter’s individual circumstances (e.g. the use, classification and condition), expectations of users and their affordability, with adjustments made in accordance with certain special conditions and expected standards. Nonetheless, the maintenance cycles of facilities or structures crucial to the safety or hygiene of residents and the public, or those whose inspection and testing are prescribed by law, e.g. external finishes, fire safety provisions, fire service installations and facilities, electrical and lift installations, etc., shall not be extended.
Maintenance Cycle for General Buildings (For Reference Only)
|
Facility |
Repair Work |
Life Cycle |
|
External wall Paints |
Repainting |
4 to 5 years |
|
External finishes |
Periodic inspection |
Every year |
|
Thorough inspection |
5 to 6 years |
|
|
Structural elements |
Periodic inspection |
Every year |
|
Thorough inspection |
5 to 6 years |
|
|
Structural overhaul |
Whenever necessary |
|
|
Interior partition walls |
Refurbishment/repair |
3 years |
|
Structural overhaul |
Whenever necessary |
|
|
Fresh water supply system |
Inspection and lubrication of water pumps and inspection of valves |
Every month |
|
Cleaning of water tanks and inspection of valves |
3 months |
|
|
Flushing water supply system
|
Inspection and lubrication of water pumps and inspection of valves |
Every month |
|
Cleaning of water tanks |
6 months |
|
|
Windows, external balustrades and metal parts |
Inspection and reinstallation |
Every year |
|
Repainting (for steel and iron parts) |
2 to 3 years |
|
|
Rooftop drainage system |
Inspection and cleaning of drainages and nullahs |
Every 2 weeks or before and after typhoon/heavy rain |
|
Surface inspection of aboveground sewage system for defects or overgrowth |
Every year |
|
|
Underground sewage system
|
Inspection and cleaning of manholes |
2 months |
|
Surveying of underground drainages through surveillance cameras (e.g. when frequent movements or sedimentation of underground soil is forecast) |
2 years
|
|
|
Lifts |
Oiling and maintenance |
Every month |
|
Overhaul |
Every year |
|
|
Electrical installations (Fixed electrical installations whose load exceeds 100 amps) |
Inspection, testing and certification by qualified electrical work contractors |
At least once every 5 years |
|
Fire service installations
|
Inspection and reinstallation by managing personnel |
Every week |
|
Implementation of overhaul and reporting to the Fire Service Department |
Every year |
|
|
Inspection of fire doors |
1 to 2 days |
|
|
Service risers of gas supply |
Inspection by qualified gas work contractors
|
At least once every 18 months |
|
Recreational facilities
|
Inspection by managerial personnel |
1 to 2 days |
|
Inspection by mechanical technicians/professionals |
Every year |
|
|
Slopes and retaining walls
|
Inspection of aboveground drainages and protective coating by managerial personnel |
At least once after the commencement of the monsoon season every year and after rainstorm or typhoon |
|
Routine inspection and maintenance
|
At least once after the commencement of the monsoon season every year and after rainstorm or typhoon |
|
|
Inspection by qualified geotechnical engineers |
At least once every 5 years |
|
|
Others |
Alarms, public antenna systems and security systems, etc. |
6 months to 1 year |
|
Rooftops, floorings and finishes |
Every year |
Reference: Building Maintenance Guidebook by the Buildings Department.