5 Ways To Protect Against Water Ingress
- By Simon Donnelly
- •
- 22 May, 2017
- •
Summer Maintenance To Protect Your Home
1. Check Your Rainwater Goods
Blocked guttering, broken downpipes can enable water to splash or run against the structure of your home, which over time can lead to penetrating dampness, so be sure to clear out and leaves/dirt debris, check the drains that your downpipes run into are not blocked and repair or replace any items that are not in good condition.
2. Carry Out External Wall Repairs
Check your external wall surfaces for any cracks in pointing/render, areas where external render may have come away or bricks which have 'blown', leaving a rough/porous surface and repair or replace as necessary to prevent water ingress. Areas where external paintwork has deteriorated or brickwork has become porous can be treated with an external water repellant solution, contact us for further details.
3. Remove Vegetation
Whilst it may look pretty, climbing plants and vegetation such as ivy etc. can cause damage and hold moisture against the wall surfaces, leading to moisture penetration. Cut back and remove any plants and check the surface behind for cracks or damage as detailed above.
4. Check Doors & Windows
As well as keeping your property looking good, wooden window and door frames require maintenance/repainting every few years to protect against rot and decay, and dry weather is the time to deal with any areas in need of attention, but even if you have UPVC it is still worthwhile checking that all sealant is in good condition and there are no areas that may allow water to get through.
5. Look In The Loft!
Have a look in your loft for any signs of water ingress and ensure any loose or missing tiles/chimney flashings are replaced. Any open chimney pots should also have cowls fitted to prevent rainwater running down the stack.
Carrying out external maintenance during dry weather is not only much more pleasant than in freezing temperatures or pouring rain, but can pre-empt water ingress causing upheaval and potentially costly repairs to internal decor. Preserva CSS can provide long term guaranteed solutions to many dampness problems but this should always be in addition to regular house maintenance.
Preserva CSS is the East Midlands largest privately owned, family run
preservation company, providing specialist advice and solutions for
treatment of dampness, timber and wall stabilisation issues along extensive below ground waterproofing.
Due to our continued growth we are now seeking Preservation Technicians and Multi Skilled Joiners, whose day to day duties could include the following:-
JOINERS:-
- Chemical treatment of fungal decay and/or wood boring insects
- Floor/joist replacement/repairs and fitting of skirting boards
- Removing/refixing kitchen units, pipe boxing etc.
- Structural timber and resin repairs
- Studding
As we deal with a broad range of preservation issues, the successful candidate may also be required to assist with non-joinery items on occasion.
TECHNICIANS:-
- Removal of wall plaster and skirting boards
- Damp proof course installation
- Tanking/membrane systems
- Chemical treatment of fungal decay and/or wood boring insects
- Wall tie replacement
- Some joinery work such as floor replacement/repairs and fitting of skirtings
- Removing/refixing radiators/kitchen units, pipe boxing etc.
This is a hands on role which often involves working with minimal supervision, so we would be looking for a trustworthy candidate who is able to plan/manage their own workload and act on their own initiative as well as part of a team, whilst maintaining a tidy work environment and providing a high standard of customer service.
In return we offer a competitive salary (negotiable based on
experience), company van and mobile phone, along with in house training
tailored to the candidates existing skill level. If you feel you have
the qualities we’re looking for and would like to join our team, please
send your CV and brief covering letter by email to vikki.armstrong@preservacss.com
Preserva CSS is the East Midlands largest privately owned, family run
preservation company, providing specialist advice and solutions for
treatment of dampness, timber and wall stabilisation issues along extensive below ground waterproofing.
Due to our continued growth we are now seeking Preservation Technicians and Multi Skilled Joiners, whose day to day duties could include the following:-
JOINERS:-
- Chemical treatment of fungal decay and/or wood boring insects
- Floor/joist replacement/repairs and fitting of skirting boards
- Removing/refixing kitchen units, pipe boxing etc.
- Structural timber and resin repairs
- Studding
As we deal with a broad range of preservation issues, the successful candidate may also be required to assist with non-joinery items on occasion.
TECHNICIANS:-
- Removal of wall plaster and skirting boards
- Damp proof course installation
- Tanking/membrane systems
- Chemical treatment of fungal decay and/or wood boring insects
- Wall tie replacement
- Some joinery work such as floor replacement/repairs and fitting of skirtings
- Removing/refixing radiators/kitchen units, pipe boxing etc.
This is a hands on role which often involves working with minimal supervision, so we would be looking for a trustworthy candidate who is able to plan/manage their own workload and act on their own initiative as well as part of a team, whilst maintaining a tidy work environment and providing a high standard of customer service.
In return we offer a competitive salary (negotiable based on
experience), company van and mobile phone, along with in house training
tailored to the candidates existing skill level. If you feel you have
the qualities we’re looking for and would like to join our team, please
send your CV and brief covering letter by email to vikki.armstrong@preservacss.com
- Ensure any external/vulnerable pipework (such as in lofts, garages or outbuildings) is insulated to prevent freezing, as this can cause expansion of the pipes which may result in breaks/bursts and lead to major leaks when thawed.
- If your pipes do freeze, warm them using a hairdryer or hot water bottle where possible.
- Leave the heating on, even at a low temperature if you aren't at home or overnight, also to help prevent frozen pipes.
- Check your roof regularly for slipped/missing tiles etc. and ensure any necessary repairs are carried out during good weather.
- If possible, remove snow from accessible roofs as soon as possible to prevent the excess weight from heavy snowfall causing problems.
- If you have a header tank, ensure it is properly lagged/insulated.
- Keep gutters clear during normal house maintenance to help prevent ice build up.
- Drain and disconnect garden hoses.
- Ensure there are no overhanging trees/branches that may break and damage your property under excessive weight from snowfall.
You can listen to the story of Invinsible's birth on yesterdays show by clicking HERE and skipping to 2 hours 15 mins.
Catch up with his recent interview all about cow behaviour at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p054zhxn and keep your ears open for more, as word has it that he's aiming for a regular slot!
Directions and further information can be found at http://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/poppies-are-coming-to-derby1
You can also find our more about our Trade Association, The Property Care Association, by clicking HERE.
