Period Property Preventative Maintenance

By combining an established knowledge of period property with the use of thermal imaging cameras, sophisticated damp detecting and monitoring equipment, pole cameras and drone photography, Phillips and Co can offer owners of residential period property comprehensive Maintenance Surveys.

We suggest properties are inspected annually and after severe weather.

The inspection will highlight developing defects, faults in need of repair and areas at risk. 

Advice will be given on required remedial works and a Project Management service can be provided.

The inspection will look include a detailed examination of.

Rainwater gutters, channels and hopper heads

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

Check for 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

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

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

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

Interior roof voids, ceilings, walls and floors.

            Inspect timbers for insect attack and rot. 

            Examine all surfaces for evidence of damp, condensation and associated mould.

If you're interested in enquiring about a Maintenance Survey on a Period Property or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from and helping you!