tiles . However , there were frequent leakages from the roof , which was above the Dewan Rakyat . Below the Pinnacle Roof , the slab was finished with vermiculite gypsum plaster which provided excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties . After heavy rain , due to the leakages from the roof , patches of wet plaster could be seen on the underside of the Pinnacle Roof . In a few incidences , these wet patches of lightweight vermiculite gypsum plaster became heavy and disintegrated and dropped down from the ceiling and splashed below . In 1988 major water proofing repairs were carried out where the existing plaster and mosaic tiles were removed and replaced with cementitious waterproofing applied by grouting . The air vent at the top area of the pinnacle also had to be closed as rain brought in by high winds occasionally sprayed into the Dewan Rakyat . In addition , there were occurrences when birds entered the vent , perched and nested on the internal ledge , and sometimes chirped so loudly that the sound echoed into the hall .
Repairs to Flat Roofs The Main Block roof area was about two acres and the whole roof was designed as a two-tier flat roof . However , throughout the years its function deteriorated and became ineffective . Frequent leakages from the flat roof and the failing rainwater downpipes caused damage to the existing finishing materials . Amongst the finishes were carpets , ceiling plaster panels and wooden wall panels . In addition , the leakages had caused the finish to peel off the vinyl floor . The air-conditioning insulation and sound insulation materials in the ceiling were also affected by the leakages . The dampness , which took a long time to dry in the ceiling , resulted in termite attacks . In some cases , some of the rainwater had also affected the electrical wiring . Extensive waterproofing works were done to the flat roof to overcome the constant leaking .
Repairs to existing Rainwater Downpipes The original rainwater downpipes consisted of 3¼ inch by 2¼ inch rectangular aluminium pipes .
Figure 11 : View of the rainwater downpipes
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