Maintenance Checklist

The starting point for regular maintenance is to use a checklist from which you can inspect a building in a logical sequence.

The following is not an exhaustive list but it covers the most critical elements:

Rainwater gutters, channels and hopper heads

• Inspect and clear any debris at least every autumn and preferably more often
• Are there any leaking joints?
• Does rainfall cascade over the gutter from the roof?
• Does the water pool in any one area?
• Do the gutters slope correctly towards outlets?
• If gutters are fixed to timber fascia boards, check the condition of fascia boards and at the same time soffit and barge boards

Rainwater pipes

• Inspect when it is raining and note leakages
• Clear any blockages
• Check rear side of pipes with a mirror and look for cracks and corrosion
• Are pipes securely fixed to the wall?
• Are there any signs of staining or algae growth, or any washed-out mortar joints, on the wall behind the pipe?

Pitched roof coverings

• Inspections should be carried out twice a year and after storms or high winds
• Debris on the ground will give an indication of roof problems
• Are there any loose, slipped, broken or missing slates or tiles?
• Is there a lot of moss? This could block gutters and damage slates and tiles
• Look for signs of dampness on ceilings as a possible indication of roof leaks

Flat roof coverings

• Inspections should be carried out twice a year
• Are there any splits, tears, cracks or holes in the roof coverings?
• Look for signs of dampness on ceilings as a possible indication of roof leaks

Chimneys

• Are the chimney stacks or chimney pots leaning?
• Are any chimney pots out of position?
• Is there any vegetation growing out of the chimney?
• Check for cracks, loose or bulging stones or brick, and badly eroded or open joints
• Arrange for a close inspection promptly if any of the above is noted

Ridge tiles

• Are any of the ridge tiles missing?
• Check to see if there are any gaps between each ridge tile and arrange for close inspection if necessary

Flashings

• Are all flashings fixed into the wall?
• Check to ensure that the joints, where they are fixed, are in good condition
• Ensure that flashings are dressed down and have not been blown or moved away from the surface of the wall

Drainage gullies

• Inspections should be carried out every autumn and preferably more often
• Check that drainage gullies are free from silt, debris, vegetation and other objects
• Make sure that all gully inlets are covered by a grating

Exterior walls

• Is there deep erosion or missing pointing in the joints?
• Are there any cracks? 
• Look for defects in stonework, brickwork and rendering

Base of wall

• Check to ensure that ground levels are at least 150mm below the level of any known damp-proof course or 150mm below internal floor levels
• Ensure that vents are not obstructed
• Remove plants and vegetation abutting and growing on the building

Windows and doors

• If made of timber or metal, is the paintwork in good condition and is there any decay?
• Check for bare timber, especially on thresholds, sills and lower and underside areas of window sashes

Interior building services, pipes and flues

• Check water and heating systems for leaks
• Ensure that pipes are lagged
• Electrical and gas installations should be regularly inspected by certified experts
• Inspect chimney flues and ensure that they are clear from obstruction and do not leak