Looking after your new home: exterior maintenance
The exterior of your house is the part that experiences the worst wear and tear. From inclement weather to the general passing of time, the exterior elements of your house will need keeping a close eye on. Your new-build will be finished to a high-quality spec, so there should be little chance that you will have to address external issues immediately – unless it’s simply a matter of personal preference for colour scheme or design, of fascias and guttering for example. However, as you will have no doubt given a great deal of thought to the designs, this is the exception rather than the rule. But over time, it’s important to keep an eye on the exterior of the house.
Keep yourself covered
The outside of your house needs to be functioning properly, as everything from the roof down is doing a job. Take the roof itself, for example. The roof covering will need to be kept in good order, so that there can be no leaks allowing water to penetrate the roof covering. Any tiles or slates that become chipped or broken will need to be replaced at the earliest opportunity. Although there will be a membrane below the roof covering, the water getting in can cause problems over time. The same is true of any problems with the ridge or hip tiles, the specially-angled tiles that protect the extremities of the roof covering. If they or the mortar that holds them in place become damaged or dislodged – by high winds or a storm, for instance – they will need attention as soon as possible.
Clear the channels
The gutters too need to be doing their job. This is one maintenance aspect of a new-build that will need addressing regularly from year one. It’s especially important if your property is near any deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the autumn. The falling leaves and dead twigs can clog up guttering channels and eventually this can cause an issue. The layers of leaves can build up, especially if the conditions are damp for extended periods, and meld together or become mouldy. This can cause major clogging issues in the channels and means water cannot drain to the downspout. At the bottom of the downspout, the same process can occur and block the galleys, so rainwater will then pool at ground level. A general building maintenance contractor can help you clear them if needs be.
Groundwater drainage
When it comes to exterior maintenance below ground, your drains need to be working properly too, so that any surface water can drain away well. Surface water flooding from gullies and manholes will not only cause problems to ground surfaces, but also cause damp problems with brickwork and pathways, due to lying water. If you think that debris has been washed down your drains, you will need to engage a drainage specialist to examine the drains and clear any blockages. Surface water can be problematic if it’s allowed to stand for too long. If drainage away from a property is a problem then this will need to be addressed. Is there too much hard standing and not enough drainage, and how can this be remedied?
Outside views on exterior maintenance
Other aspects of exterior maintenance include windows and walls. Windows will need some attention if there are any cracks or scratches to the glass. The best thing about modern UPVC window units is that the glazing can easily be replaced. It’s simply a case of removing the beading and replacing the glass. Older timber units may have putty and tacks holding the glass in that can be more difficult to replace. If cracks in glass – especially in double-glazed units and VELUX roof lights – remain, they can cause problems over time, such as condensation. Even if the glass isn’t letting water in, it can be doing damage in other ways. Seals around windows should also be checked regularly, and repointing to brickwork or any cracks in the mortar render need to be addressed too sooner rather than later – especially before winter arrives.
CB Homes is an A1+ member of the National House Building Council (NHBC), registered builder with the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), as well as a member of the Federation of Master Builders.
Each of our homes is backed by our unique and dedicated personalised approach to customer service. This ensures every CB Homes development delivers ultimate peace of mind to its new owner, long after we’ve handed you the keys.
Contact CB Homes today to discuss your next move.
