Current Press Releases
SPAB helps owners prepare their homes for winter.
Date
17 November 2006
Friday 17 November sees the launch of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings' (SPAB) National Maintenance Week, for the fifth year running. This November The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) takes its annual National Maintenance Week to new heights – literally, as ‘Up On The Roof’ is the theme for the 2006 campaign.
This November The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) takes its annual National Maintenance Week to new heights - literally, as ‘Up On The Roof' is the theme for the 2006 campaign. Maintaining roofs and chimneys is one of the best ways to protect a property, as these are often the place where damaging rainwater finds a way in. As winter approaches, SPAB, once again, aims to give anyone who cares for a building practical advice on the best ways to batten down the hatches and potentially save a great deal of money.
Now an established event in the calendar SPAB's National Maintenance Week provides property owners throughout the UK with practical tips and advice on maintaining their properties in preparation for winter. SPAB's 2006 rooftop theme will be part of a wider campaign supported by TV presenter and design/property expert Kevin McCloud, to encourage homeowners (and people who care for public buildings such as churches, village halls and local authority properties), to be aware of the simple, economic and achievable maintenance steps they can take at the beginning of winter to stave off costly major faults and damage at a later date.
SPAB is Britain's oldest conservation body fighting to save old buildings from decay and dereliction, but the message of National Maintenance Week is relevant to everyone who owns or cares for a property, whether it's 500-years-old or brand new. Water damage is a particular concern - especially as the winter rains approach. The annual cleaning of gutters and drains (at roof and ground level) can be much cheaper and less inconvenient than having to cope with a serious outbreak of dry rot in timber roof trusses and floorboards following years of neglect.
National Gutters Day (Friday 24 November 2006) is a timely reminder to homeowners that just a few minutes spent clearing weeds and debris, or just a few pounds spent to mend a leaky gutter can save many hundreds, and possibly thousands of pounds!
"It's really common sense", says Marianne Suhr, SPAB's roving education officer and presenter of TV's Restoration series (back for a third series this summer). "National Maintenance Week aims to provide people with simple practical advice that can really make a difference to the condition of their property now and in the future. A lot of people are daunted by maintenance. We want to reassure them that they are not alone and that there is somewhere they can get straightforward, free advice that could save them money."
For further information visit SPAB's dedicated National Maintenance Week website, www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk
On founding SPAB in 1877, William Morris spoke of the need to "stave off decay by daily care, to prop a perilous wall or mend a leaky roof.". Maintenance is important to buildings of all ages and types and is as vital today as it was in Morris's time.
ENDS
Notes to editors
***Pictures available***
Up On The Roof - SPAB's top ten tips for maintenance
1. Ladders lofts and roofs present particular hazards if in doubt use a surveyor or a reputable builder
2. Inspect your roof twice a year from ground level, binoculars can be helpful, a neighbouring property may be a useful vantage point
3. Inspection through the loft access trap may show daylight penetration possibly caused by missing covering or damaged flashings
4. Debris on the ground from broken slates tiles or shingles indicates that there may be a problem
5. Have missing tiles slates or shingles reinstated before damage occurs to roof timbers or plaster ceilings
6. Moss can block gutters and retain moisture which may damage the roof covering in frosty weather, careful removal is advisable
7. Hips ridges and flashings can become detached in windy weather if pointing is not maintained. Look in gutters or gullies for signs of mortar droppings
8. Leaning chimneys or pots may need attention, seek expert advice.
9. Where a fuel fire is used check for smoke exiting through brickwork or at base of pots. Pointing and reflaunching may be required.
10. Many roof coverings such as lead or thatch require specialist repair. Do not use unskilled labour or quick-fix materials as these will cause greater long-term damage.
Getting to Grips with Gutters
- Every spring and autumn, clear any plants, leaves and silt from gutters, hopperheads, flat roofs and drainage channels
- Look for blocked downpipes (best done during heavy rain to see water coming from any leaky joints - in dry weather look for stained brickwork)
- Keep gullies at ground level clear and have them cleaned out if necessary
- Remove vegetation from behind downpipes by cutting back or removing the plant altogether
- Use a hand mirror to look behind rainwater pipes as splits and cracks in old cast iron and aluminium often occur there and are not easily noticed
- Fit bird/leaf guards to the tops of soil pipes and rainwater outlets to prevent blockages.
- Check that gutters junctions are watertight by watching them in rainy conditions
- Have gutters refixed if they are sloping the wrong way or discharging water onto the wall
- If sections are beyond repair, make sure that replacements are made of the same material as the originals (on older houses, this is sometimes lead, but more usually cast iron)
- Regular painting of cast iron is essential to prevent rust
Always wear protective gloves when necessary and act safely and responsibly
Details of the programme of events supporting SPAB's National Maintenance Week can be viewed at www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) was founded by William Morris 125 years ago to care for and preserve the UK's architectural heritage. Since its foundation, SPAB has been committed to maintenance matters, in line with William Morris' exhortation to: "Stave off decay by daily care." Today it is a dynamic organisation, and registered charity (no. 231307), taking building conservation into the future. To find out more visit www.spab.org.uk / www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk
For more information please contact Kate Griffin, SPAB press office, 0207456 0909 email: kate@spab.org.uk
