Concrete Canopy Repairs Hong Kong
With a growing population predicted to reach over eight million within 2033, not to mention the number of visitors for both business and pleasure, Hong Kong is a busy hub. The streets are crowded and the atmosphere is vibrant, with many pedestrians getting around on foot. With so many people walking under canopies, whether going in and out of a building or just passing by, these structures need to be safe.
Of course, this goes without saying anywhere in the world, but the issue is of heightened pertinence in Hong Kong, which has so many canopies and is so densely populated. Concrete canopy repairs in Hong Kong based are necessary with many of the older buildings, built during the property-development boom half a century ago. Often less concrete was used and this only adds to the porous nature, meaning that water damage, cracks, oxidation of steel reinforcements and spalling can take place.
In more recent times, there has been a real upsurge in the number of commercial properties, such as office tower blocks and large mixed-use developments, along with residential buildings including high-rise condominiums with rooftop features and podium facilities. The result is that canopies, offering cover with open-sides are being added into architectural plans more readily.
Health and safety is not only a social issue, it is a legal one, with building regulations dictating when repairs need to be carried out and other maintenance factors for property developers and owners to consider. If pre-construction quality is not assured, then the likelihood is that post-construction problems will occur. Of course, there are other factors too that can impact concrete, such as climates, which cannot be discounted.
A major risk to people is the possibility of concrete spalling or breaking away. This can often start as a less-serious problem of concrete flaking. However, this can exacerbate with large slabs coming off. If one of these pieces falls from a canopy and hits an individual the result could be life-changing and life-threatening.
The best way to not only avoid putting lives in danger but to also ensure costs of repairs are kept to a minimum, is to be focused on the upkeep of any testing and maintenance. There are non-destructive tests that spot issues early without threatening a canopy’s integrity. If more in-depth testing and work is required, this could become expensive and highly inconvenient.
