Regular inspection is the basis of good building maintenance practice. It will help you to identify necessary repairs at an early stage, and so help minimise the risk of major and costly problems from occurring. If any problems are found, consult an expert about carrying out repairs.
The starting point is to draw up a checklist from which you can inspect a building in a logical sequence. The following is not an exhaustive list of maintenance inspection and routine tasks, but provides the basics involving the most critical elements:
Rainwater gutters, channels and hopper heads
- Inspect and clear any debris at least every autumn and preferably more often
- Check for leaking joints
- Check to see if rainfall cascades over the gutter from the roof
- Check to see that water does not pond in one area and that gutters slope 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 blockage
- Check rear side of pipes with a mirror and look for cracks and corrosion
- Check that pipes are securely fixed to the wall
- Look at the wall behind the pipe for signs of staining or algae growth or for washed-out mortar joints
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
- Look for loose, slipped, broken or missing slates or tiles
- Look for moss which could damage slates and tiles, and block gutters
- 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
- Look for splits, tears, cracks and holes in roof coverings
- Look for signs of dampness on ceilings as a possible indication of roof leaks
Chimneys
- Check if the chimney stack is leaning
- Check if chimney pots are leaning or out of position
- Check if there is vegetation growing out of chimney
- Check for cracks, loose or bulging stones or brick and badly eroded or open joints
- Take prompt action to make a close inspection if any of the above is noted
Ridge tiles
- Check to see if any are missing
- Check to see if there are any gaps between each ridge tile and arrange for close inspection if found to be necessary
Flashings
- Check that flashings are 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 plane 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
- Check joints for deep erosion or missing pointing
- Check for cracks
- Look for defects in stonework, brickwork and rendering
Base of wall
- Check to ensure that ground levels are at least 150 mm below any known damp proof course level or 150 mm 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
Building services, pipes and flues
- Check water and heating systems for leaks
- Ensure that pipes are lagged
- Electrical and gas installations should be regularly inspection by certified experts
- Inspect chimney flues and ensure that they are clear from obstruction and do not leak
