Hinckley High Street Heritage Action Zone building maintenance guide
The objective of this page is to guide property owners on how and when to undertake regular inspections and maintenance of their building. Good maintenance is important to buildings of all ages and types. Some deterioration of a building over time is inevitable, but regular maintenance helps slow the rate and lessens the need for large-scale, costly work further down the line.
This guide is designed so you can identify what to look out for across your building, a calendar of simple suggested maintenance checks that can be undertaken throughout the year, some helpful advice and information and further contact details.
By undertaking regular maintenance the condition of your building and the character of the wider Hinckley High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) and Hinckley Town Centre Conservation Area will be improved. A building with an upstanding appearance often encourages a successful business.
Grants are currently available via the HSHAZ for a range of works to historic buildings within the HSHAZ area including repairs. For more information, visit Hinckley High Street Heritage Action Zone
What to look out for on your building
Chimney
Damaged, cracked or missing brickwork
Damaged or cracked flaunching and flashing
Damaged, cracked or missing pot and cap
Leaning chimney
Roofs and gutters
Slipped, missing or damaged roof and ridge tiles
Moss and white/green staining
Missing or damaged flashing
Damaged, leaking or missing gutter/downpipe/hopper
Build-up of vegetation within gutters
Walls
Damp patches internally and externally
Missing or inappropriate mortar
Cracks in bricks or render
Flaked or peeling paint
Doors, windows and shopfronts
Damp patches internally and externally
Flaked or peeling paint
Rust or metal defects
Soft or crumbling areas of wood
Damaged glass
Cracked lintels above doors and windows
Sound operation of opening mechanism
At ground level
Bridging of damp course by raised levels
Blocked or obstructed air bricks
Vegetation abutting and growing up the building
Interior (building services, pipes and flues)
Check water and heating systems for leaks
Ensure that pipes are lagged
Get an expert to check electrical and gas installations
Check chimney flues are clear from obstruction and do not leak
Difficult to reach areas
Please note, for specific or difficult to reach areas you may need to seek the help of a professional who specialises in historic buildings and access arrangements.
Suggested maintenance check list
Regular checks are a vital part of building maintenance, so inspect as frequently as you can. Below is a calendar of suggested checks and tasks that could be carried out both internally and externally.
December, January and February
Have your electricity system checked by a qualified person every 5 years
Test and clean your smoke alarms
Clear valley gutters (if your building has them) of ice and snow
Check roofs and windows are bird-proof before bird nesting starts
Check for any defects on facing walls and chimneys and for missing flashing
March, April and May
Check that gutters and downpipes have not been damaged by frost
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes
Inspect your attic space (if there is safe access) to check for evidence of leaks or damage to the roof covering
Check roofs for frost, snow and wind damage
Check that windows can open and ventilate the building on dry and warm days
Clear away vegetation from drains and base of walls
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes
June, July and August
Check windows, doors and shopfronts for rotten timber or rusting metal. Repair and redecorate
Repair and redecorate facing walls, chimneys and roofs if possible
Check for signs of rot in hard to access areas such as roof voids and under the stairs
Have the boiler serviced and bleed air out of radiators
September, October and November
Inspect your attic space (if there is safe access) to check for evidence of leaks or damage to the roof covering
Ensure water tanks and exposed water pipes are protected from frost
Ensure any air bricks or under floor ventilators and free from obstruction and clean
Check if the heating system is working properly
Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes
After high winds and heavy rain
Check roofs and windows for any breaks and damage. Look for debris on the ground from broken slates or tiles
Check gutters and rainwater goods for leaks – during or just after the rain will help you spot any leaking sections
Check for overflowing drains – these can be rodded and cleaned out
