A damp spot appearing on a wall, a musty smell in a closet, a window that lets water in at the slightest rain shower: in Dakar, the rainy season puts every home to the test, whether it’s new or old. If you own or rent an apartment in the capital, you’re probably wondering how to get through the summer without damage. Maintaining and protecting your apartment during the rainy season in Senegal comes down to a few simple steps, combined with sound construction choices made early on. Check out our tips and solutions in this article.
Check for leaks and ensure proper drainage before the first rains
The first step is to be prepared. Before the first rainstorms arrive, inspect the vulnerable areas of your home. Check the seals around windows and picture windows. A cracked seal will let water in within a few weeks. Also check the drainage on your patio. A grate clogged with leaves or sand traps water, which eventually seeps in. If you live on a higher floor, take a look at the building’s gutters and downspouts. A simple cleaning, done in time, can prevent a lot of damage.
Keep indoor humidity and mold to a minimum
Once the season is in full swing, the air becomes heavier and more humid. This is the time to protect the interior of your apartment from mold. The first tip is to air out each room for ten to fifteen minutes a day, even when it’s raining: this allows air to circulate and moisture to escape. Another recommendation: be sure to pay special attention to the bathroom, kitchen, and closed cabinets—three areas where moisture tends to linger. If you notice a musty smell or a dark spot on a wall, act quickly. Mold can develop in just a few days in a humid environment. A dehumidifier or a good air conditioning system, when used properly, can also make a real difference in the comfort and healthiness of your home.
Entrust the maintenance of common areas to a professional
If you live in a condominium, as an owner, you are responsible for maintaining the common areas: the roof, the lobby, the elevator, and the drainage systems. In Senegal, Law No. 88-04 of June 16, 1988, governs the management of these condominiums and entrusts this responsibility to a property manager. Duringthe rainy season in Dakar, the property manager plays a crucial role. The property manager must:
- Inspect the communal drainage systems,
- Choose qualified service providers,
- Supervise the work,
- Be responsive in the event of an incident.
At REALITES SENEGAL, this support is provided byConfialys, our subsidiary dedicated to rental management and condominium management. It handlesthe technical maintenance of your common areas, so you don’t have to deal with any issues on your own. In fact, the quality of a building’s management is a key factor to consider right from the time of purchase.
Choose materials designed to withstand Dakar’s climate
The best way to maintain these structures is to choose certain materials right from the start of construction. With that in mind, we have selected the following products for their durability and longevity in Dakar’s climate.
Floors and Floor Coverings
Casalgrande Padana porcelain stoneware, used in our real estate projects, resists moisture and heat without losing its luster. A simple cleaning is all it takes to keep it looking impeccable, season after season.
Woodwork and Doors and Windows
Schüco aluminum windows and doors are sturdy enough to withstand wind and heavy rain, while also keeping heat in. They minimize the risk of water seepage around the windows.
Amenities and Comfort
Daikin and Toshiba air conditioning systems regulate indoor humidity. Hansgrohe faucets and Blum hardware are built to withstand daily use in a humid climate over the long term. For electrical systems, we have chosen the following brands: Legrand and Schneider Electric. For elevators, we work with products from ThyssenKrupp, Schindler, and Otis.
This high standard is not limited to just one of our residential developments. It is a principle that REALITES SENEGAL applies to all of its developments—from the selection of tiles to that of faucets—so that every homebuyer enjoys the same level of quality, regardless of their neighborhood.
Maintaining Your Apartment During the Rainy Season in Dakar for Peace of Mind as an Investor
A home that’s properly prepared for the winter actually requires very little effort: a few checks, daily ventilation, and keeping an eye on the common areas. But everything becomes simpler when it was designed, from the very beginning, to withstand the Senegalese climate. That’s the commitment of REALITES SENEGAL: selecting materials and brands that last, and supporting each client well beyond the handover of the keys, thanks to Confialys. A home that withstands the seasons without deteriorating is an asset that retains its value.
Source: Law No. 88-04 of June 16, 1988, on Condominium Ownership in Senegal