Important Construction Tips to Keep in Mind for Jails and Prisons
When it comes to implementing construction on a new prison, or renovating an old jail, it is good business to consider the well-being of the inmates and staff that are inside. Not only should you be concerned about quality of safety, but also achieve overall quality of life and the amount of maintenance costs that the facility could achieve in the near future. Keep these construction tips below in mind for jails and prisons.
Slanting the Roof
Because most jails and prisons have flat roofs, there is a need to maintain these areas and try to avoid causing extensive water damage. One of the best ways to fix these issues with jails and prisons is to add slants to new construction roofs so that the water doesn't sit in pools for extended periods. Too much water damage could lead to foundational and health issues for the inmates who spend their entire day in these buildings. According to Forbes, approximately $950 is spent annually on roof repairs in America. This includes jails and prisons that could repurpose that money into security funds or projects for the inmates.
Updating the Plumbing
Another major concern in jails and prisons is plumbing since many inmates and staff use the facilities around the clock. Maintaining a steady plumbing system is essential, and when a leak develops, it can be expensive to repair and cause unexpected utility expenses. According to the EPA, over 10,000 gallons of water are wasted annually due to small leakages. In prison, that can be much more, especially with so many potential causes for leaks; some are classified as larger leaks. Ensuring quality pipes in an older building can prevent long-term expenses met with standard plumbing patches.
Building Adequate Cells
There has been a growing need for many jails and prisons to expand due to overpopulation. According to The Sentencing Project, there has been a 500% increase in inmates, resulting in over 2 million people being incarcerated. This means that older buildings will need repairs and expanded to meet the demands of these properties with cells. These cells must be large enough to allow two inmates to live efficiently in the space, with floor space, a bathroom area, and beds that can accommodate inmates of large sizes and lengths. Keeping these attributes in mind for each cell, they are able to allow a secure and safe place for the inmates to undergo their rehabilitation without too much crowding.
Reinforce Steel Doors
Many of the older prisons are due for some renovations, and it is more important that ever to invest in reinforced steel. This material will keep the doors secure, and allow you to close off and open certain areas of the facility at the staff's discretion. It is also durable and has a long lifespan, reducing the amount of renovations that the prison will need in the future. Keep in mind that these doors and cells take a lot of beatings over time from inmates, so it is important to use something that will stay strong, keep inmates both in and out of particular areas.
Restructure Prison Yards
Being able to offer inmates a safe and secure place for outdoor exercise is essential in terms of construction tips. When building and designing yards on new properties, or remodeling older ones, it is important to keep a portion of this outdoor yard green with natural grass that has direct sunlight. This is ideal for the mental and physical health of the inmates. Also, spreading out the different areas of the yard, such as basketball courts, weight areas, and nets for other games means giving these spaces the standard court space that they would have in the outside world to avoid conflict during this time.
Moving Forward
Whether you are looking to create a new jail, or do some expansion on an existing prison, there are some things to keep in mind. A jail should operate like a business, and there are areas that you need to keep in mind for maintenance, security, and overall health purposes before you move forward.
