Funding and advice for Underbanks building owners

Property maintenance tips for spring and summer

Ever wondered how you can care for your historic building? Want to keep the Underbanks looking in tip top shape?

Whether you are a building owner or tenant, check out these handy tips on what to look out for each month.

Heading into spring, you can help your property recover from the harsh winter by carrying out essential maintenance tasks.

Water damage measures you might consider include:

You might also consider:

pruning trees and shrubs near your building to ensure spring growth does not damage the property
checking your windows for signs of warping, condensation between double glazing, and broken seals. Get an expert to repair or replace the window, or if minor repairs are required, re-seal them with silicone or other appropriate sealants

As we head into summer, you could:

check your roof for frost, snow, or wind damage caused by winter weather. Missing tiles or debris on the ground can often indicate that something needs attention
check for signs of deterioration on lead flashings and mortar fillets at chimney and roof wall abutments
check for leadwork issues such as splits or holes, as well as corrosion of mortar fillets
check for signs of damp behind walls hidden behind furniture, such as flaking paint
remove foliage that begins to grow on or around the building. This includes invasive species such as ivy, grass and moss in gutters, and buddleia
check for nesting birds in chimneys, and fit cowls if necessary. Material build up in a chimney flue can be a fire risk
ensure your building can correctly respond to warmer temperatures by increasing the property's ventilation
clear drains of blockages if they have been overflowing during wet weather
ensure that all windows in the building can open properly so that the building can be completely ventilated during drier days
check the rear side of external pipes with a mirror and look for signs of cracks and corrosion

As long days and short nights arrive, you could:

inspect the windows of the property to look for any problems with the glazing and putty, and check to see if the timberwork surrounding the window shows any signs of rot
check internal woodwork for any signs of rot, including roof voids, under the stairs, inside of cupboards, and in basements
assess the external paintwork and brickwork of the property for cracks, flaking paint, or loose pipes. Re-paint, re-seal and re-attach as required
check your air conditioning filter and replace it if it's dirty, as well as keeping the coils clean
clear away any new plant growth that could potentially damage the property. Look closely around the base of the walls, around gullies and drains, and in gutters
clean windows and surrounding ills to remove any dirt and tree sap to protect the stone and wood from corrosion
inspect the surrounding external area for any cracks in pavements, drives and gardens. Report any significant findings to us if it's part of the public realm, as this can signify burst drainpipes or sinking land
inspect your property to check for any damage caused by dry and hot conditions, as well as damage caused by summer storms
inspect external brickwork and check for any gaps in mortar surrounding this brick. It may need repointing to prevent damp seeping into the brickwork in winter months
test lighting conductors for proper operation, especially when lightning storms have occurred
check interior and exterior taps for leaks and replace washers if necessary