Biennial External Reviews

Every other year, carry out the following checks to the external fabric of your house to prevent any minor problems from becoming serious.

External Walls

Damaged walls allow damp to penetrate, and subsidence can cause problems with the basic structure. Check that:

• brickwork and mortar (pointing) are in good condition.
• there are no zigzag cracks in walls.
• mastic round door and window frames is continuous and intact.
• rendering is not cracked or loose.
• soil in flower beds is kept at least 150 mm (6 in) below the level of the damp-proof course in the house walls, to counter the risk of rising damp.

Repair minor defects and call in a builder for bigger problems. Engage a surveyor to inspect and monitor major cracks.

Doors and Windows

Windows and doors should open and close easily without sticking. Check that:

• glass is free of cracks.
• handles and locks engage properly and operate smoothly.

Plane down, prime, and repaint any edges that stick. Reinforce sagging window joints with metal repair plates. Tighten loose hinge screws, and lubricate hinges. Replace cracked glass.

Paintwork

Disintegrating paint can allow rot and insect attack to develop, especially in outside walls. Check that:

• there are no signs of wet rot - the wood would feel soft and spongy.
• paint is intact, and free from cracks and blisters.
• putty round windows is intact.

Strip defective paint back to bare wood, then prime and repaint. Cut out and repair areas of rot, using exterior wood filler or replacement sections of wood. Chip out and replace defective putty.

Eaves

Eaves woodwork - the vertical fascias to which the gutters are fixed, and the horizontal soffits that fill the space between fascia and wall - is exposed and prone to rot. Check that:

• gutter bracket fixings are secure.
• the woodwork and any decorative finish are in good condition.

Cut out and replace any rotten woodwork, or get a builder to do this. Remove and re-fix gutter brackets as necessary.

Drains

Underground drains seldom cause problems. Above ground you can check for:

• debris or standing water over inspection covers.
• cracked inspection chamber covers.

Remove debris from inspection chamber covers.

Chimneys

Check the actual structures, and have chimneys swept regularly if you burn coal or wood. Using binoculars, look for:

• any sign of the stack leaning from the vertical.
• damaged pointing (mortar).
• cracked or leaning pots.
• loose or missing flashings.

Use professionals to fix chimney problems. Call a builder to fix masonry, and a chimney sweep to clear soot build-up in the flue.