N5 Building Administration – Module 3 Notes
1. Superstructure: Walls
Functions:
- Enclose and divide spaces
- Provide support for floors and roofs
- Resist wind and weather
Types of walls:
- Load-bearing walls
- Non-load bearing walls (partitions)
- Cavity walls (better insulation, damp prevention)
Wall finishes: Plastering, rendering, painting, tiling, cladding
2. Floors
Functions: Provide working/living surface, support loads, resist fire, damp and noise.
Types of floors:
- Ground floors: Solid slab, suspended floor
- Upper floors: Timber joist, reinforced concrete slab, precast units
Floor finishes: Screeds, tiles, timber, vinyl, carpets
3. Roofs
Functions: Protection against weather, structural stability, thermal insulation.
Types:
- Pitched roofs: Gable, hip, lean-to, truss types
- Flat roofs: Reinforced concrete, timber deck
Coverings: Tiles, slates, thatch, corrugated sheeting, waterproof membranes
Roof drainage: Gutters, downpipes
4. Windows and Doors
Functions: Lighting, ventilation, access, aesthetics, fire escape.
Types of windows: Casement, sliding, pivot, fixed, sash.
Types of doors: Panelled, flush, sliding, revolving, fire doors.
Materials: Timber, aluminium, steel, glass, PVC.
5. Stairs and Ramps
Functions: Provide vertical circulation.
Stair components: Tread, riser, nosing, landing, balustrade, handrail.
Types of stairs: Straight flight, dog-leg, open-well, spiral, helical.
Ramps: Gradient not steeper than 1:12, with handrails and non-slip finish.
6. Finishes and Fixtures
Internal finishes: Plaster, paint, wallpaper, panelling, ceiling finishes.
External finishes: Render, cladding, facing bricks, stone.
Fixtures & fittings: Cupboards, wardrobes, sanitary ware, kitchen units.
7. Services in Buildings
Water supply: Cold and hot water systems.
Drainage: Waste water and sewage disposal.
Electrical installation: Lighting, sockets, distribution boards.
Mechanical services: Air-conditioning, lifts, escalators, heating systems.
Fire protection systems: Alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers.
8. Maintenance and Defects
Common defects: Cracks in walls, dampness, roof leaks, settlement.
Causes: Poor design, bad workmanship, material failure, lack of maintenance.
Preventive maintenance: Regular inspections, cleaning, servicing.
Corrective maintenance: Repairs and replacements.