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Wednesday April 16 2025

Maintenance Log: Focus on the Substructure

In my previous article titled “The ABCs of a maintenance log”, I covered the basics of managing a maintenance log for condominiums. Today, we’ll take a deeper look at a crucial part of this log: the substructure (A). The substructure of a building is one of the most critical components to ensure its stability and durability. It primarily includes the foundations and basement construction, which play a key role in supporting the building.

As part of the maintenance log, it is essential to regularly monitor these components to prevent structural issues and ensure the safety of the occupants. This article explores the substructure in detail and provides practical advice for its upkeep.

Foundations (A10)

Types of foundations

Foundations are the base upon which the entire building rests. There are several types of foundations, each suited to specific soil conditions and structural loads. Standard foundations include strip footings, isolated footings, and slab-on-grade. Special foundations can include piles, caissons, and deep foundations, often used on unstable ground or for very heavy structures.

Inspection and maintenance of foundations

Regular inspection of foundations is essential to detect signs of deterioration such as cracks, settlement, or water infiltration. Here are some key steps for foundation inspection and maintenance:

Visual inspection: Check for cracks, deformation, or signs of moisture. Use a flashlight to inspect hard-to-reach areas.
Load testing: Conduct load tests to verify the bearing capacity of foundations, especially if structural modifications have been made.
Crack repair: Use sealing products to repair cracks and prevent water infiltration.
Drainage: Ensure the drainage system around the foundations is functional to avoid water accumulation.

Basement Construction (A20)

Excavation

Excavation is the first step in basement construction. It must be carried out precisely to avoid settlement and ensure the stability of basement walls. Precautions include checking soil conditions, using appropriate excavation techniques, and installing temporary supports if needed.

Basement walls

Basement walls should be inspected regularly to detect signs of deterioration and ensure their integrity. Key inspection points include:

Construction materials: Basement walls can be made from various materials such as reinforced concrete, concrete blocks, masonry, or stone. Each material has its own characteristics and requires specific inspection.
Cracks and deformations: Look for cracks, deformations, or signs of moisture. Cracks can indicate structural problems or water infiltration.
Insulation and waterproofing: Check the condition of waterproofing membranes and insulation to prevent water infiltration and heat loss. Damaged membranes should be repaired or replaced.
Drainage: Ensure that the drainage systems around basement walls are functional to avoid water buildup and moisture issues.

Maintenance Procedures

Regular inspections

Regular inspection of the substructure is crucial to detect problems before they become serious. Here are some steps for effective inspection:

Planning: Establish a regular inspection schedule, taking seasons and weather conditions into account.
Documentation: Use documentation tools to record observations and performed actions.
Professionals: Hire qualified professionals to perform thorough inspections and load tests.
Repairs and preventive maintenance

Repairs and preventive maintenance are essential to extend the life of the substructure. It is highly recommended to consult experts to ensure effective and safe interventions. Here are some practical tips:

Crack repair: Use sealing products and appropriate repair techniques to treat cracks and deformations. Consult an expert to determine the best repair methods.
Reinforcement: If necessary, reinforce foundations and basement walls with additional materials or advanced construction techniques. An expert can advise on best practices.
Drainage: Ensure that drainage systems are functional and well-maintained to prevent moisture problems. A professional can inspect and improve the drainage system if needed.

Documentation in the Maintenance Log

Recording interventions

It is essential to document all inspections, repairs, and interventions in the maintenance log. Here are some tips for effective documentation:

Intervention details: Record the details of each intervention, including date, observations, actions taken, and materials used.
Photos and videos: Use photos and videos to illustrate identified issues and completed repairs.
Follow-up: Set up a follow-up system to ensure that identified problems are addressed quickly and effectively.

Using UNIFORMAT II

UNIFORMAT II is a construction element classification standard that structures information in a consistent and systematic way. Here’s how to use it in the maintenance log:

Categorization: Classify substructure elements according to UNIFORMAT II categories for efficient management.
Standardization: Use standardized terms to describe interventions and observations, making communication and understanding easier.
Analysis: Use the collected data to analyze trends and plan future interventions.

Conclusion

The substructure of a building is a fundamental component that requires special attention in the maintenance log. By following regular inspection, repair, and documentation procedures, condominium managers can ensure the stability and longevity of their buildings. Using UNIFORMAT II helps structure information consistently, making management and communication easier. By integrating these practices into the maintenance log, managers can prevent structural issues and ensure occupant safety.

Our team can assist you in finding the right expert and ensure that your maintenance log remains up to date through the UpperBee platform. Contact us for more information !

Sébastien St-Pierre
Director of the Technical Department