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May

Answer:

Upper floors

Top tip

Have gutters adjusted if they are discharging water onto the wall – look for staining to the walls.

Both

Make sure that windows open easily so that the building can be ventilated on dry days during the summer months. Lubricate door and window fittings and check security locks. 

Shut down the heating system and arrange to have the boiler serviced. Bleed radiators and ensure that the frost thermostat is operational.

Shopfront

Drains should be cleaned and rodded out if they overflow during wet weather. Remove silt and debris to ensure water discharges freely. 

Clear away plant growth from drains, drainage channels and around gullies and the base of the walls generally.

Petticoat Building Calendar - May

Answer:

Upper floor

If your roof space has safe access and is boarded, during heavy rain check whether there is evidence of leaks or damage to roof covering.

Check that gutters and downpipes have not been damaged during frosts. Look for cracks or leaks in rainwater goods and organise for any damaged sections to be repaired.

Petticoat Building Calendar - March

Shopfront

Inspect the flashings at the shopfront wall abutments for signs of decay. Problems include holes or splits in the lead-work and cracked or missing mortar.

Answer:

Upper front

Check your roof for storm and wind damage. As well as slipped slates or tiles, debris on the ground or in gutters can indicate a problem. 

Make sure gutters and downpipes are clear of leaves and other debris. Regular attention may be needed if there are trees nearby in blossom or coming into leaf.

Top tip

Fit bird/leaf guards to the tops of soil stacks and downpipes and gullies to the base of downpipes to prevent blockages. 

Shopfront

Look out for cast iron gutters and downpipes that may also require repainting. Check the shopfront for storm and wind damage. Gullies beneath downpipes and around drains should be cleared out regularly.

Answer:

Upper floors

Check the brickwork or stonework, for signs of damage. Seek expert advice if it is badly eroded or mortar joints are missing. Also look out for cracks or signs of movement. 

If your building has a render or a painted finish check the render is sound or paint isn’t peeling or flaking. Repair and redecoration may be required.

Petticoat Building Calendar - June

Shopfront

Check timberwork for signs of rot including less accessible areas such as floor and roof voids and under stairs. Don’t forget to check in and behind your cupboards. 

Check vermin can’t access roof and floor voids.

Answer:

Upper floors

If the building has a lightening protection system have it serviced every five years.

Top tip

Regular painting of cast iron is essential to prevent rust and keeps your property looking good.

Look at timber windows, doors and shopfronts. Check for peeling or flaking paint, cracked and rotten wood. Repair and redecoration may be required.

Petticoat Building Calendar - July

Shopfront

Check for and remove any plant growth on the top of the shopfront.

Answer:

Upper floors

Here are some illustrations of some of the building terms used in this guide.

 Petticoat Building Calendar - Glossary

  1. Lead flashing
  2. Lead valley
  3. Gutter
  4. Parapet gutter
  5. Parapet
  6. Hopper
  7. Sash window
  8. Downpipe
  9. Shopfront
  10. Gulley
Answer:

Upper floors

If your roof space has safe access, check for evidence of leaks or damage to the roof covering during or after heavy rain. You might spot light coming through gaps left by missing or slipped slates.

 Petticoat Building Calendar - September

The best time to look at gutters and rainwater goods is during or just after the rain as this will help you to spot any leaking sections.

Shopfront

Clear away any plant growth from around the base of the walls and in particular around gullies and drains.

Top tip

Regular checks are a vital part of building maintenance. Check as frequently as you can, it will save you a lot of time and money in the long run!

Answer:

Upper floors

If you can, regularly check for and clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes. If you have them, check valley or parapet gutter particularly if the building is perched on by pigeons.

Petticoat Building Calendar - October

Shopfront

Check that the heating system is working properly.

Top tip

To reduce the cost of getting gutters cleared at high level try banding together with neighbours to use a single contractor to save money.

Answer:

Upper floors

Inspect the roof for damage after storms or heavy rain. Look out for broken or missing slates that may allow water to get in. 

On larger buildings check that any access walkways on the roof are in a good state of repair.

Petticoat Building Calendar - November

Shopfront

Check for loose downpipes. Tighten or replace broken or missing bolts and clips. Remove any dead plant growth or leaves from around gullies and the base of the walls.

Answer:

Upper floors

If you have them, clear valley or parapet gutters to prevent water rising above the leadwork and causing damp internally. Take extra care if it is wet or icy under foot. 

Make sure that any fire safety equipment has been serviced. Drains should be rodded out if they overflow during wet weather. Remove silt and debris to ensure water discharges freely.

Petticoat Building Calendar - Cover

WELL DONE!

You’ve kept your building well maintained for another year.

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