Building property maintenance can have significant financial impacts if done incorrectly. Out of sight – out of mind, is often a philosophy that is adopted to avoid having to take accountability.
However, this approach to building maintenance can have drastic effects if left unattended. Typically, visible effects of poor building property maintenance only become apparent when it is too late.
By the time these problems require attention, heavy financial outlays are often a result.
There are ways in which you can avoid becoming prey to building maintenance costs and headache. I have listed these below.
Top 5 Property Maintenance Tips
Tip 1 - Regular Rainwater System Checks
This is often one of the most overlooked aspects of good building property maintenance. When rainwater systems are installed, they are often left to perform perfectly without intervention or assistance.
Unfortunately, like most things, regular maintenance is required. These rainwater systems are susceptible to vegetation growth, debris build up and blockages. When this happens, the intended function of the whole system is impeded.
Thus, resulting in water building up at blocked areas and overflowing. Damaged rainwater systems don’t allow water to flow down the correct route, as the water will exit at the point of damage.
When It's Too Late
Most of the time, rainwater system problems don’t present themselves immediately. They tend to start off small and develop over time. During this time, the resulting water damage is often far more extensive than it should be if it was caught on time.
Gutters, downpipes, drains and other rainwater systems are notorious for causing problems if left unattended. When water drains outside of these systems, they impact various things such as.
Masonry and jointing
Structural wood
Plastering and drywalling
Windows and sealants
When these things are affected, the cost of the damage dramatically increases. The price increases almost 3-fold when damages such as these are first identified. Therefore, Specialist Access Technicians recommend that rainwater systems be checked annually. It is a small price to pay, against heavy financial outlays when visible damage is first noticed.
Find out more about our Specialist Access Technicians gutter cleaning services.
Tip 2 - Periodic Roof Surveys
When a roof is installed, it is left to perform a certain task. Many of use believe that it will stand the test of time, without any intervention, support, or care. Especially when installed by a time served roofing tradesmen.
The truth is a roof is like anything else. It requires attention, care, and monitoring. After all, it is the only thing stopping torrential downpours from entering the property. Having external roof surveys conducted periodically, will ensure you as a property owner or tenant, are always aware of the condition of your roof.
Why are roof surveys important?
Well apart from the fact that they are costly to repair, they are also the barrier between heavy financial impacts and a good night’s sleep. Not to mention, unless you physically climb up and out onto the roof, you will never know the real condition your roof is in.
If the water stays out, there isn’t a problem. How many landlords and homeowners have this mindset?
The reality is a roof does require some “TLC”. It is exposed to all the elements daily. The roof materials do deteriorate. Gaps do form and fixings do weaken. Regardless of how well the roof has been installed, it will weaken over time if not cared for.
Making sure you are aware!
Fixing a loose or deteriorated roof slate is far more cost effective than replacing a roof section, structural supports, and internal aesthetics.
You are only able to stay ahead of such financial impacts if you constantly monitor the condition of your roof.
Newer properties or newly installed roofs do not require a higher frequency of roof inspections. However, properties that are more established should undergo regular roof surveys. Find out more about roof survey services Specialist Access Technicians have to offer our clients.
Tip 3 - Building Ventilation
While this topic is rather broad in nature, it is important to remember two things.
A building and its materials need to be properly ventilated (able to breath)
Ventilation systems need to be always clear
With heat and cold, internal areas of buildings are susceptible to moisture build up and growth. There are good reasons ventilation systems are installed on buildings. Ensuring these systems are always clear, is crucial to reducing unforeseen costs associated with damage repairs.
Moisture and build up
When the internal areas of a building (that require breathing) are not properly vented, moisture build-up starts occurring. This build-up of moisture becomes the perfect breeding ground for various insects, bacteria, and rot.
Once a moisture build-up has been established, and rot or wood boring insects have taken root, the damage process begins. Often, this is a slow process and one that will end up costings thousands.
Ensuring your building is properly ventilated will save you thousands in the long run and prevent unnecessary headaches and downtime.
Tip 4 - Annual Stonework Inspections
Full stonework condition surveys do not require a high inspection frequency. Typically, these inspections are not exclusively physical in nature, therefore the opportunity to miss loose stonework is greater.
Having physical stonework inspections undertaken by time served professionals, ensures you are always aware of the physical condition of your property stonework.
Loose stonework is not always visible from the ground or from drone inspections. It is almost impossible to determine whether a section of stonework is loose or not without physically touching it.
Therefore, having a technician physically check each section of stonework for its integrity is vital to ensuring your stonework remains in a safe condition.
Public safety is Number 1!
Loose stonework that falls from its position poses a significant threat to the public and environment. The last thing that is thought of is the financial impact of stonework that has fallen to the ground. Imagine a member of the public has been injured or worse still, killed.
Stonework that is no longer secured, can become dislodged from its position for three reasons.
High winds can blow/pull the stonework loose from its position
Unintended physical contact made such as, tradesmen or animals knocking loose stonework
The weight of the stonework, outweighs the strength of its intended supports or anchors
Specialist Access Technicians undertake stonework inspections on behalf of our clients. Each inspection is documented within our highly sought-after inspection management system.
In addition to these physical inspections, we also report on findings via video evidence, so our clients can see exactly what is happening on their property. Find out more about our stonework inspection services our clients benefit from.
Tip 5 - Crucial Seals and Joint Inspections
These are typically found around chimney stacks, lead flashing, roof slates and extensions. It is important to ensure these joints are always physically sound. This ensures no water ingress into the internal areas of the property.
Having these joints regularly inspected, ensures any defects are quickly picked up and addressed. Nowadays, it is difficult to determine whether a contractor has used industry recognized materials or techniques to undertake work on buildings.
Certain brick and stonework mortar joints are repointed with a cement that is stronger than the surrounding stonework. When this happens, the resulting factor is more water retention in the surrounding stonework as the cement reduces water evaporation.
Certain walls will inherently suffer with internal wall surface damp. A costly result of poor seal and joint inspections.
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