Apartments in buildings made of large concrete slabs are popular due to their affordability and convenient locations in cities like Wrocław. However, renovating these apartments can come with specific challenges. In this article, we will discuss the main issues related to renovations of slab apartments and present effective solutions.
Apartments in slab buildings often have aluminum electrical installations, which are prone to short circuits and can pose a fire hazard.
Gas water heaters, which heat water, are often outdated and malfunctioning, affecting residents' comfort.
Walls in slab buildings have poor sound insulation, making sounds from neighboring apartments clearly audible.
Poorly executed ventilation leads to a lack of air circulation, which can cause health issues and affect quality of life.
In high-rise buildings, trash bins are located inside the buildings, which can lead to unpleasant odors and hygiene problems.
Slab buildings in Poland were constructed using various construction systems, such as OWT, W-70, PBU, Domino, Fadom, WUF-T, WWP, Rataje, or Winogrady. These systems can be divided into:
Closed systems: In these systems, all walls are load-bearing, which limits the possibilities for interior remodeling.
Open systems: Since the 1970s, systems have been introduced where the absence of internal load-bearing walls allows for free arrangement of living space.
Walls: External walls are three-layered and consist of a load-bearing layer made of reinforced concrete, an insulating layer (mineral wool or polystyrene), and an outer layer made of concrete. Connections between internal walls are reinforced with steel connectors and concrete.
Floors: Floors are made of channel slabs or solid slabs, reinforced unidirectionally. The maximum span of floors is 6 meters.
+-
Modernizing electrical installations: Replacing aluminum wires with copper ones significantly improves the safety and functionality of the electrical system.
Modern water heating: Replacing gas water heaters with modern electric boilers or installing central heating provides a stable and safe source of hot water.
Improving sound insulation: Installing additional layers of insulation on internal walls can greatly enhance the acoustic comfort of apartments.
Mechanical ventilation: Installing mechanical ventilation with heat recovery allows for effective air exchange and improves air quality in the apartment.
Renovations of slab apartments in Wrocław require specialized knowledge and experience. Identifying and addressing issues specific to these buildings is crucial to creating a comfortable and safe living environment.