The lowland area of Nepal, colloquially referred to as the Terai region lies in the southern part of the country. Unlike the Himalayan and the Hilly region of Nepal, the lowland terai has a pretty plain topography making it most suitable for building houses and human settlement. The Terai region of Nepal offers Warm and humid climate conditions and prolific fertile soil and due to these conditions along with other reasons, around 53.66 percent of the population now lives in the Terai region of Nepal. A more habitable topography and hospitable bio-climatic conditions have allowed people to live in traditional houses made from locally resourced materials.
Houses made from mud, wood frame, and abode wall with a thatched room of hay or similar material have housed people in terai for a long time. While houses made from this material are perfect for insulation and effective in the hot and humid climate of Terai, these houses are easily affected by strong wind and can be completely swept away during flooding. However, things have started to look different as people now have begun infusing modern building methods with traditional designs, making the houses long-lasting and beautiful at the same time. The Terai area has a warm, humid climate and is renowned for its lush plains, making it the perfect location for constructing a home. However, constructing a home in this area can be difficult, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the topography and local environment.
Here are some of the best practices for successful and durable construction in a subtropical climate zone like the Terai region of Nepal.
1. Insulation
Any building needs good insulation, but it’s especially important when building a home in an area with subtropical climates like the Terai region of Nepal. High amounts of humidity and moisture can cause rot and mold, which weaken the wall structure if the building is improperly insulated. The average temperature of the Terai region exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and above 45 degrees Celsius in some areas, while winter temperature ranges from 7-23 degrees
Celsius. In these cases, thermal bridging can happen because of the higher subtropical temperatures.
Thermal bridging is an area or component of an object which has higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials, creating a path of least resistance for heat transfer. Wood, metal and concrete in exterior walls act as thermal bridges, conducting far more heat than the insulation on either side of them. To prevent heat loss caused by thermal bridging it is important to use heat conducting material such as softwood lumber or fiberglass/cellulose insulating material as wall frames in order to lower the wall’s overall R-value.
When exposed to high temperatures, studs of wall expand along with the surrounding materials, forming a route for heat conduction. Continuous insulation acts as an extra barrier to moisture and avoids thermal bridging.
2. Choose the Right Location
It is critical to find the correct site while building a house in Terai. As the region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, make sure the area you choose is not prone to flooding. Furthermore, make certain that the area is not prone to landslides, which can cause significant damage to your property.
3. Use Appropriate Materials with Local Help
Because the Terai region has a warm and humid climate, it is critical to use materials that can withstand the weather conditions. For example, you may build your house out of bricks, concrete, or mud. It is preferable to import steel bars and other critical building materials from reputable producers such as Jagdamba Steels.
4. Roofing and Siding
Roofs might overheat due to the subtropical heat and sun. However, there are some precautions that can be taken to avoid this happening. One option is to use lighter-colored roofing materials, such as terracotta shingles, which will not heat up as rapidly as standard black asphalt shingles. Buildings in this region should also have ventilated attic spaces. This aids in the removal of heat and the maintenance of optimum temperatures on both the interior and exterior of the structure. Finally, metal roofing is another option that will give additional protection during high-wind storms, which are more common in these areas. For metal roofing, using a galvalume metal roof like Jagdamba Supershine Galvalume Jasta Pata can ensure longevity and superb protection. The sheets are manufactured through advanced Galvalume line technology with electrolytic cleaning, NOF (Non-Ox) Furnace, in-line tension leveling equipment, and skin pass mill process. These sheets are not just eye-appealing, they are also safe to install and highly durable. Due to its durability, and low maintenance, Jagdamba Super Shine is preferred for diverse purposes from commercial buildings to residents.
Metal siding, like metal roofing, offers excellent protection against wind and moisture damage. Brick or stucco, on the other hand, is a more aesthetically beautiful alternative. Both materials are appropriate for hot and humid climates because they resist moisture damage, provide adequate insulation, and have proven to be extremely durable.
5. Walls, Windows, and Flooring
The sun may also inflict serious damage on a building’s windows and walls in certain areas. Porches are widespread in the Terai because they create a shadow barrier that shields walls and windows from direct sunshine. High winds that accompany subtropical cyclones can also cause damage to windows. High-impact windows and doors serve to defend against wind and moisture damage.
Water may harm floors in addition to causing damage to walls and windows. Carpet is more vulnerable to water damage and mildew because it absorbs moisture more than other materials such as wood, tile, and concrete. Consider utilizing water-resistant materials, such as tiles, which have the added benefit of being cooler than carpet when the heat gets unbearable.
To summarize, building a house in the Terai region of Nepal might be difficult, but with the appropriate attitude and mindset, it can also be a rewarding experience. You can guarantee that your house is designed to endure the local environment and is in accordance with local construction laws and regulations by following the suggestions provided above. You may also make your property more appealing to the local community by including local cultural themes in your design. Likewise using construction materials from trusted and reputed brands such as Jagdamba Steels can give you a long-lasting assurance. All the products from Jagdamba Steels have to pass through various quality tests so that your future is safe and secure.