The expert mentioned the risks of using used materials during repairs

The used building materials market seems like an easy way to cut down on repair costs. Ads with leftover paint, bags of plaster, coils of wire and almost new fixtures create the feeling of a lucky find. However, Fyodor Vasiliev, an expert on building materials, founder and CEO of GLAVSNAB, told Izvestia on November 28.

"The interior decoration of the apartment belongs to high-risk areas: not only the appearance, but also the safety depends on the quality of the materials. The condition of the electrics is especially important. A wire that has already worked at another facility or has been in a warehouse for years may have damaged insulation, broken cores, or signs of overheating," he explained.

When a chandelier or sockets are connected, such wiring begins to heat up, the automatic in the shield is triggered with a delay, and the contact in the cartridge sparks. Externally, the lamp only blinks or periodically goes out, but processes develop inside that easily lead to a short circuit and fire.

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Dry mixes and waterproofing compounds are sensitive to shelf life and storage conditions. Partially wet powder does not mix well, it gives a weak solution that does not hold the load. Cracks appear on the walls, the putty peels off, the ceramic tiles in the bathroom come off with a layer of glue.

"Expired waterproofing leaks water, leaks to neighbors, and saving on a cheap bucket turns into paying for the repair of an entire riser," Vasilyev warned.

Windows and doors often lose their geometry and tightness after dismantling. The profile deforms, the fittings run out of resources, and the sealer dries out. In this design, there is a purge from the corners, wet streaks run along the slopes, the corner of the room freezes and becomes covered with mold. Even with a good heating system, the room temperature drops and energy consumption increases.

Plumbing and sewer pipes that have been in use carry the risk of hidden microcracks. Plastic ages, the walls weaken, and the joints have already gone through several cycles of assembly and disassembly. At one point, a leak forms in the place of the old voltage, which is difficult to detect quickly. Water flows through the ceiling, spoils the decoration and causes conflicts with neighbors and the management organization.

Using materials with an unknown history turns repairs into a lottery. It is impossible to predict when the defect will appear: it may make itself felt in a week or in several seasons.

"It is much more reliable to rely on new certified products with an up-to-date expiration date and official documents. In this case, the owner receives building materials with the calculated characteristics, and the finish lasts longer without emergency surprises and unexpected expenses," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on November 24, Sofya Lukinova, head of the legal department of VMT Consult, warned about a possible fine for placing a garland. According to her, from the point of view of fire safety, any decorative electrical appliances are a potential source of risk. Therefore, before decorating a house with garlands, you need to understand where their placement is really prohibited.

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