5th Class Science Housing

Housing

Housing

People at different places build different types of houses. There are some factors on which building of houses depends. 

These are:

• The climate of the place
• Materials used for making houses
• The budget

Climate

In place where climate is hot, houses have thick walls and flat roofs. Thick walls keep the houses cool from inside. Flat roofs can be used by people for sleeping outdoors. In places where it rains a lot and climate is hot and damp, houses are built on stilts. These houses, built a few feet above the ground on raised platforms, remain safe from floods. The sloping roofs of houses on hills do not allow rainwater or snow to collect and make the houses damp and cold. Most houses in cold areas have fireplaces to keep their houses warm from inside.

Material Used

Bricks and stones keep a house cool in hot places. Building houses in hilly areas may be more challenging and expensive than building on a flat area. Therefore, houses are made of bamboo and wood. Houses are built of wood to prevent more damage in case of collapsing. Mud, bamboo and palm leaves are used to make kachcha houses or temporary house called huts. These materials are cheap and easily available. Some other common building materials are concrete, glass, iron and thatch.

Budget

Budget is the money available for building the house. A small hut requires less amount of money. Whereas, a large sum of money is required for making a concrete house. In big cities whereas, a large sum of money is required for making a concrete house. In big cities where space is very less, people build multistorey buildings.

Building a house

There are certain factors which are to be remembered before, during and after the construction of a house.

We should consult an architect for making a plan of the house depending upon space available and on the needs of the people who are going to build house.

• A sun-facing house gets a lot of sunlight.
• The walls of the house must be strong, damp-proof and well plastered. Insects do not breed on such walls.
• A house can be made safe by fitting the doors and windows with grills.
• Doors and windows must be in a direction such that fresh air and sunlight can enter every room. Wire-netting should be placed in windows to prevent flies and mosquitoes entering into the house.
• The floor of the house must be levelled and made smooth. It must have a good drainage system. Covered drains and outlets seal out foul smells and germs.

We should take care of our house after the construction also. The house should be kept clean. The floor of the house should be swept every day.

• The walls, windows, doors and other parts of the house must be dusted regularly. They need to be painted after regular time interval.
• The kitchen, bathroom and the toilets must be washed and disinfected regularly