1

Maintenance Checklist

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.

November 2011

2

Rainwater Goods and Drains

Item Check points Action points

Gutters anddownpipes

Do the gutters slope correctly?Is the water carried awayeffectively?Are there any stains on the wallsuggesting blocked or damagedsections?Are the fixings secure?Do the gutters and downpipes needto be repainted?Check the condition of fascia boards

Clear away leaves and debrisregularly.Consider fitting bird/leaf guards.

Gulleys Does the gulley catch all the waterfrom the downpipe?Are gulleys free from leaves andother debris?Does the water flow awayeffectively after rainfall?

Clean gulleys regularly and removeany silt and debris.Clear any blockages using drainrods.Empty any silt traps every threemonths.

Ground gutters Is the pointing between the bricksor flags in good condition or does itneed to be repaired?

Surface waterdrains

Is water satisfactorily carried awayfrom the structure?Is water pooling on any surface?

Consider installing a water butt tocollect rainwater.

Foul andcombined

Are accessible drains, manholes,inspection chambers and outletsclear and in good condition?

Soakaways Does the water drain away quicklyafter rainfall?

Check for silting or contaminationevery few months or so.Remove any silt deposits when thesoakaway chamber is empty.

Blocked gutter

Blocked drain

Vegetation blocking drain

3

Roofs

Item Check points Action points

Clay tiles, naturalslate and stone

Is there any sign of frost, snow orwind damage?Is there debris from broken slatesand tiles on the ground?Are there any loose, slipped ormissing slates or tiles?Are there any large areas of mosson the roof covering?Are there any internal signs ofdampness on ceilings that mayindicate roof leaks?

Record the location of slipped slatesand tiles before having themreplaced.

Ridges and hips Are there any missing ridge or hiptiles?Are there any areas where thepointing is missing?

Sheet metalroofing

Are there any splits or cracks inareas of flat or sloping sheetroofing?

Use mastic or repair tapes as anemergency measure until a properrepair can be carried out.Consider having heating tapes fittedin inaccessible gutters.

Asphalt, flatroofs

Are there any splits, cracks, blistersor bumps that are allowing water topenetrate the roof covering?

Use mastic or repair tapes as anemergency measure until a properrepair can be carried out. Inspecttwice a year.

Thatch Does the thatch appear to be ingood condition or are some areasstarting to look thin or worn?Is there any evidence of wateringress?

Think about fire preventionmeasures.Ensure that any electrical wiring inroof spaces is checked regularly bya qualified electrician.

Roof valleys andparapet gutters

Are plants, birds’ nests or othermaterials blocking the passage orwater in valley and parapet gutters?

Clear debris from roof valleys adparapet gutters at least twice ayear.Clear away snow from parapet andvalley gutters in the winter.

Flashings Are any flashings in good condition,without holes or splits?Are flashings securely fixed?Is the mortar pointing in goodcondition?

Access Are duckboards, access platformsand handrails safe and in goodcondition?

Remove leaves and other debristhat has become trappedunderneath duckboards.

Chimneys Is the chimney stack leaning or outof position?Is there vegetation growing out ofthe chimney?Are there any cracks, loose orbulging stones or brick and badlyeroded or open joints?

Take prompt action to arrange aclose inspection by a professionaladvisor if any of these problems arenoted.

4

Broken roof tile

Chimney requiring attention

Poor thatch

Flat roof cracking

5

Walls

Item Check points Action points

Structural issues Have you noticed any unusual orprogressive cracks, bumps orbulges?Have you observed any spalling ofthe edges and corners of blocks ofmasonry?

Note down the position of anyexisting cracks, bulges or othersuch defects.Take advice from a professionaladvisor (surveyor/architect) aboutwhether monitoring is required.Report any significant changes inany cracks to your professionaladvisor.

Masonry Are there any signs of damage,particularly to key features such asstring courses, cornices and hoodmoulds?Are there any areas of masonry thathave become deeply eroded?Is the pointing in good condition orare there areas where it is deeplyrecessed, crumbly, loose or missing?

Render Are there any areas where the limerender has worn away exposing thestone underneath?Are there any cracks in the cementrender that could be allowing waterto penetrate into the wall core?

Timber Are there any signs of timber decayor possible insect infestation?

Ensure that the integrity of paintfinishes is maintained by repaintingexternal timberwork every fewyears.

Plants Are there any plants or shrubsgrowing close to the wall andblocking air bricks or ventilation?Are there any plants growing on thewalls that may cause damage?

Clear away plant growth fromaround the building.Consider removing ivy and otherclimbing plants.

Ground levels Are there any signs that high groundlevels are contributing to excessivedamp in the building?

Air bricks andventilators

Are air bricks or ventilation grilles ingood condition and free ofobstruction?

Clear air bricks or ventilators ifnecessary.Consider fitting fine mesh behindthe ventilator to exclude rodentsand insects.

6

Doors and Windows

Item Check points Action points

Doors Is it possible to open and closedoors easily, without using anyforce?Are any metal coverings andflashings intact?

Lubricate door ironmongery.Check the security of any locks.

Timber / metalwindows

Do windows ‘stick’ or are theydifficult to open?Is the timber/metal in goodcondition and free from decay?Are any paint finishes in goodcondition?

Ensure that the integrity of paintfinishes is maintained byrepainting timber /metal windowsevery few years.Make sure that windows can beopened easily so that the buildingcan be ventilated.Lubricate window ironmongery.Check the security of any locks.

Leaded windows Is the lead matrix in goodcondition?Are any opening lights easy tooperate?

Make sure that windows can beopened easily so that the buildingcan be ventilated.Clear away any dirt fromcondensation drainage channels.

Glass Are there any broken, cracked ormissing panes of glass?

Ironmongery Are metal supports in goodcondition and free from corrosion?Are all paint finishes in goodcondition?

External joinery Are there any areas of cracked orrotten wood?Are all paint finishes in goodcondition?

Ensure that the integrity of paintfinishes is maintained byrepointing external joinery everyfew years.

Poor paint work and ironmongery

Rotten window frame

Cracked/damaged glass

7

Inside the Building

Item Check points Action points

Roof spaces Is there evidence of leaks ordamage to the roof covering duringheavy rain?Does the roof insulation restrictventilation?

Ceilings Can you see any patches of stainingon the underside of the roof orceiling?

Consider carrying out an inspectionof the roof covering if you observeany new stains.

Internal walls Are there any patches of staining onthe walls or other signs of excessivedampness?

Identify and address the cause ofany dampness indicated by patchesof staining or peeling paint.Open windows and doors on drydays during the summer months toallow water vapor to escape.

Floors Are timber floors in good conditionand free from decay?Do any floor coverings show signs ofexcess wear and tear or do theypresent a hazard?

Internal joinery Are there any signs of timber decayor insect attack?Have you checked less accessibleareas such as floor and roof voids,under stairs and in cupboards?

Water damage

Dry rot

Timber decay

8

Services

Item Check points Action points

Plumbing Fix dripping taps and leaksimmediately to prevent moistureseeping into nearby timber ormasonry and causing decay.

Electricalsystems

Commission an electrical inspectionby a qualified person at least onceevery five years.Ensure that a competent personcarries out the annual ‘routine’check.

Heating systems Is the heating system operatingcorrectly?Have you checked that all exposedwater tanks and heating pipes areprotected against severe frost?

Shut down the heating system oncea year and have the boiler serviced.Bleed radiators if you have them.Ensure that the frost thermostat isoperational.

Fire safety Test and clean smoke alarmsregularly.

Health & Safety

Ensure you maintain your building safely. Ladders, lofts and roofs present particularhazards. It is best not to work alone, but think of the safety of helpers and others beneath ifworking above ground level. Safety equipment is needed for some jobs, including gloves forthe clearance of drains or removal of pigeon droppings from gutters.

Do not touch gas or electrical supplies unless you are qualified.

If in any doubt about safe access, particularly on roofs and in attics, use a reputable,professional builder for inspection or work. Binoculars can be a useful tool to help you inspectroofs and other high level items.

For further advice contact the Health and Safety Executive – www.hse.gov.uk

9

Useful web addresses:

http://www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk/index.php

http://www.spab.org.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

http://www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk

http://www.buildingconservation.com

http://www.aabc-register.co.uk

http://www.rics.org/site/scripts/download_info.aspx?fileID=2466

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/regeneration/townscape_heritage_initiative.aspx

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/regeneration/townscape_heritage_initiative/property_maintenance.aspx

For free building conservation advice, telephone theSPAB Technical Advice Line on 0207 456 0916

Published by Bedford Borough Council,Economic Development, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP

01234 267422www.bedford.gov.uk