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British Summer Time has commenced, making now the perfect time to start thinking about your Spring Maintenance Checklist. It is essential to check your property for any damage that may have resulted from the damp and cold winter weather -use the milder conditions as a chance to amend any existing problems and inspect your property for anything new. Below we have outlined what you should be looking for.
Spring Maintenance: Roof Repairs
Stormy, winter weather can cause significant damage to your property. For this reason, carrying out a roof inspection should always be at the top of your Spring Checklist. We would recommend using a qualified contractor to carry this out.
Look out for the following:
Exposed Cladding
Dislodged Tiles
Missing/ Broken Tiles
Roof damage can lead to leaks which will pose a significant risk to the overall structure of your property if left untreated. Problems can arise in the loft and, in the worst cases, cause damage to lower rooms as well as soft furnishings. You should also use this as an opportunity to check and clear any guttering as disruption in guttering or build-up of debris could cause a leak or blockage that would be unwelcome come April showers.
Looking for Signs of Subsidence
Check your property for any signs of subsidence, a severe problem caused by the ground underneath your property sinking. Identifying subsidence as soon as possible will give you the best chance to resolve the issue.
Signs of subsidence include the following:
Diagonal cracks that increase in width the higher from the ground they are
Cracks that are visible internally and externally
Cracks around windows and doors
Wrinkled wallpaper
Warped door & window frames
Understanding the causes of subsidence are key for prevention. Ensure that drainage systems around your property are in working order and that any plants & vegetation do not grow too near to your property. As spring begins, these causes of subsidence can lead to the issue worsening.
Seal Inspections
Inspect seals and trimmings around windows and doors as damaged seal can lead to drafts and excess moisture. This can result in a decrease in the energy efficiency of the property.
Smoke Detector Maintenance
Ensuring your property is equipped with functioning smoke detectors is a legal requirement of Landlords in the UK. Use your spring maintenance as a chance to check your smoke detectors are in full working order by testing and replacing batteries.
Checking your Heating Systems
Although the temperature is rising, it is still important to check the heating systems in your property are in working order. A fully working heating system will not only help protect your property from mould & damp but it will also keep your tenants comfortable in your property.
Start by scheduling a professional boiler service to identify any underlying issues. You should be servicing your boiler at least once a year and also holding a boiler safety check annually. We would recommend carrying out the service as part of your spring preparations - don’t forget that the boiler has just had an intense few months of working through winter and you want to ensure it is still in good working order.
You should also have the radiators bled to remove any trapped air. This will help them to heat efficiently. Remember that whilst this is important to complete, this is not a Landlord obligation. Take the time to educate the tenants on how to do this - it will save you time and effort and allow your tenants to resolve issues in a more timely manner.
As a landlord it is important to make sure your tenants are educated on how to properly take care of your property as we move from winter into spring. At Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent each property has an allocated property manager and property inspector to ensure upkeep. Tenant guides are provided on topics such as bleeding a radiator, boiler use and changing a lightbulb amongst others. We also provide maintenance 24/7 to your property on behalf of you and minor repairs come free of charge. Find out more of the benefits of Guaranteed Rent here.