Useful diagrams Roofs

10 REPORTING REPAIRS TO YOUR HOME

If you have a Chimney you may be able to see obvious problems with it,such as damage to the Chimney Pot.

Please tell us • Is the type of roof pitched or flat?

• How many storeys high is the roof?

• Are any tiles or slates missing, if so can you see how many?

• Is water coming through the ceiling, if so in which rooms and is it happening

all the time?

• Does anyone live above you? If so, when will they be in?

• Are your electrics affected? – Have you switched off the electricity?

RoofsYour roof will be Pitched (1), or Flat (2)

like those illustrated the drawing below.

The roof covering for pitched roofs will

be either Tiles or Slates, some of which

may be loose or missing.

Ridge Tiles (3) or Hip Tiles (4) can

also become dislodged.

2

1

3

4

Lead Flashing

Chimney Pots

Stack

Section 2 Diagrams and helpful hints

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 1

Useful diagrams

The following pages contain information to help you to identify the repair which you are reporting to us.

Roofs

Yourroofwillbepitched(1),orflat(2)likethoseillustratedinthedrawingbelow.Theroofcoveringforpitchedroofs will be either tiles or slates, some of which may be loose or missing. Ridge tiles (3) or hip tiles (4) can also become dislodged.

If you have a chimney you may be able to see obvious problems with it, such as damage to the chimney pot.

Please tell us:• Isthetypeofroofpitchedorflat?• Howmanystoreyshighistheroof?• Areanytilesorslatesmissing,ifsocanyouseehowmany?• Iswatercomingthroughtheceiling,ifsoinwhichroomsandisithappeningallthetime?• Doesanyoneliveaboveyou?Ifso,whenwilltheybein?• Areyourelectricsaffected?Haveyouswitchedofftheelectricity?

REPORTING REPAIRS TO YOUR HOME 11

1 The downpipe may lead into a Hopperhead,

which is a possible point of blockage by leaves.

2 This small section of gutter is the Running

Outlet. It may become blocked with leaves.

3 Each section of the gutter is supported by

Gutter Brackets, which may be broken or

not securing the gutter properly.

4 Rainwater pipes can leak at seals and joints,

particularly on a Gutter Angle (this is an

external gutter angle).

5 Downpipes are secured to the wall by Pipe

Clips, which may need attention.

6 The Shoe of the downpipe discharges rainwater

into a Gulley, where leaves and other debris

may also cause blockages.

Gutters and rainwater pipes

Please tell us• Is the gutter blocked? If so, can you see where?

• Do you know what material the damaged part is made of (eg iron or plastic)?

• Is there a leak on either the gutter or rainwater pipe? if so, where is it

(eg on a joint)?

• If the guttering is broken, how many sections are damaged?

2

3

4

5

6

1

Internal Angle

Stopend Outlet

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 12

Gutters and rainwater pipes

1. The downpipe may lead into a hopperhead, which is a possible point of blockage by leaves.2. This small section of gutter is the running outlet. It may become blocked with leaves.3. Each section of the gutter is supported by gutter brackets, which may be broken or not securing the gutter

properly.4. Rainwater pipes can leak at seals and joints, particularly on a gutter angle (this is an external gutter angle).5. Downpipes are secured to the wall by pipe clips, which may need attention.6. The shoe of the downpipe discharges rainwater into a gulley, where leaves and other debris may also cause

blockages.

Please tell us:• Isthegutterblocked?Ifso,canyouseewhere?• Doyouknowwhatmaterialthedamagedpartismadeof(egironorplastic)?• Istherealeakoneitherthegutterorrainwaterpipe?Ifso,whereisit(egonajoint)?• Ifthegutteringisbroken,howmanysectionsaredamaged?

Drains and soil pipes

1. The vent pipe is the continuation of the soil stack above the roof.2. Baths, sinks and wash basins have waste traps which can become

blocked. With some traps, such as a bottle trap, it may be possible to unscrew the cap and clean them.

3. Toilets will discharge directly into a soil pipe.4. Gulley5. Occasionally, inspection chambers get blocked. Usually these can be

inspected by lifting the cover.6. To public sewer or septic tank

Please tell us:• Do you have a problem with soil water backing up, perhaps in your

toilet?• Is the waste trap to your bath, sink or wash basin still blocked following

yourattemptstoclearit?• Isthereanyfloodingfromaninspectionchamber?• Isthereanydamagetoyourhome?


Please tell us• Do you have a problem with soil water backing up, perhaps in your toilet?

• Is the waste trap to your bath, sink or wash basin still blocked following your

attempts to clear it? (Pages 15 & 16)

• Is there any flooding from an inspection chamber?

• Is there any damage to your home?

To Public Sewer or Septic Tank

Drains and soil pipes

The Vent Pipe is the continuation ofthe Soil Stack above the roof.

Baths, sinks and wash basins haveWaste Traps which can becomeblocked. With some traps, such asa Bottle Trap, it may be possibleto unscrew the cap and clean them. (See page 16).

Gulley

Occasionally, Inspection Chambersget blocked. Usually these can beinspected by lifting the cover.

Toilets will discharge directly into a Soil Pipe.

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 13

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Toilets

Please tell us:• Isthepancracked,orareanypipesorjointsleaking?• Doesthetoiletonlyleakwhenitisflushed?• Ifthetoiletwillnotflush,arethereanybrokenpartswhichyouhavenoticedfromlookinginsidethecistern?• Hasthewatersupplybeenturnedoff?• Arethereanyobviousproblems,suchasabrokenpan?• Howdidthedamageoccur?• Doyouhaveasecondtoiletinyourhome?


Toilets

Please tell us• Is the pan cracked, or are any pipes or joints leaking?

• Does the toilet only leak when it is flushed?

• If the toilet will not flush, are there any broken parts which you have noticed from

looking inside the cistern?

• Has the water supply been turned off?

• Are there any obvious problems, such as a broken pan?

• How did the damage occur? (please see note on pages 7 & 8)

• Do you have a second toilet in your home?

A leak can occur at the Soil Joint

A toilet that will not emptywhen flushed is possiblyblocked in the Pan Outlet.

A leak can occur on the FlushPipe or the joint between itand the Pan (the Cone Joint).

Sometimes a cistern will overflow. If itdoes, temporary action may be taken,which is described on the page dealingwith Overflows.

Seat Cover

Seat

Pan

There can be a problem with theCistern causing it not to fill up. If youlift the Lid you may be able to see ifthis is the case.

Handle

Water Supply Pipe

Soil PipeCone Joint

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 14


Please tell us• Which overflow is running (eg from the toilet, cold water tank, etc)?

• Where does the overflow discharge (eg outside)?

• Is the overflow running continuously or not?

A typical toilet cistern

Overflows

Ballvalve

Hot WaterVent Pipe

Float

You can take temporary action whilstwaiting for your overflow to be repaired bytying the Float in the up position, thusclosing the Ballvalve. This will shut off thewater supply to the Cistern.

Cold water tank

Overflow

Gate Valves on supplypipes

Overflow

PistonSyphon

Ballvalve

RisingMain

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 15

Please tell us:• Whichoverflowisrunning(egfromthetoilet,coldwatertank,etc)?• Wheredoestheoverflowdischarge(egoutside)?• Istheoverflowrunningcontinuouslyornot?

Overflows

A typical toilet cistern

Baths

Damaged sealant between the bath and the splashback tiles will need attention to prevent water seeping through and is usually the tenant’s responsibility.


BathsDamaged Sealant between the bath and the splashback tiles will need attention

to prevent water seeping through and is usually the tenant’s responsibility.

Please tell us• If there is a leak, which pipe is it on?

• If the leak is on a supply pipe, is it the hot or cold one?

• If there is a problem with an overflow pipe, where does it discharge?

• If the splashback tiles are broken, how many tiles are affected and what is their

colour and pattern?

• If the bath is damaged, what material, colour and pattern is it?

• Has the leak caused any damage in your home?

Leaks will be noticeable from the:

Overflow – if the bath is overfilled.

Waste Pipe – when the bath is emptied.

Supply Pipes – at all times. Supply Pipes

Waste Pipe

Overflow Pipe

Splashback Tiles

Sealant

Bath Panel

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 16

Please tell us:• Ifthereisaleak,whichpipeisiton?• Iftheleakisonasupplypipe,isitthehotorcoldone?• Ifthereisaproblemwithanoverflowpipe,wheredoesitdischarge?• Ifthesplashbacktilesarebroken,howmanytilesareaffectedandwhatistheircolourandpattern?• Ifthebathisdamaged,whatmaterial,colourandpatternisit?• Hastheleakcausedanydamageinyourhome?


Taps

Please tell us• What appliance is served by the tap (eg bath, sink, wash basin)?

• What type of tap is it? (See above)

• What is the exact problem (eg loose tap head, dripping tap etc)?

Traditional Pillar TapThe Tap Head or handle (1)might be loose, in which case theRetaining Screw (2) isprobably loose or missing.

Sometimes a tap will not turn offproperly. It is likely that theWasher (3) is worn or broken.

A tap can also be loose or leakingat the Base (4). This can usuallybe rectified by checking andtightening the retaining nutunderneath the sink.

Sink Tap(Pillar)

Bath Tap(Pillar)

Basin Tap(Pillar)

1

2

3

4

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 18


Sinks and wash basins

Please tell us• Is the problem with the sink (in the kitchen) or a wash basin (in the toilet or bathroom)?

• What exactly is the nature of the problem (eg a blockage, leak, crack, etc)?

• If there is a leak in a supply pipe, is it the hot or cold one?

• If the sink is blocked, what type of trap is fitted?

• Have you made any attempts to clear it?


• If there is a problem with the tap, what type is it? (See opposite page)

To clean a bottle trap, unscrew the base cap by hand and clean it out.

Before unscrewing it, please make sure both taps are off and a bucket or

similar receptacle, is placed underneath to catch water and debris. When

replacing the cap, make sure it is tightly fitted.

Various problems can occur withTaps (eg a slow drip indicating thepossible need for a new washer).

Waste Pipe

All wash basins are fitted with aTrap. Many have a Bottle Traplike this one, which can easily becleaned if a blockage occurs.

Supply Pipe

Supply Pipe

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 17

Sinks and wash basins

To clean a bottle trap, unscrew the base cap by hand and clean it out. Before unscrewing it, please make sure both taps are off and a bucket or similar receptacle, is placed underneath to catch water and debris. When replacing the cap,makesureitistightlyfitted.

Please tell us:• Istheproblemwiththesink(inthekitchen)orawashbasin(inthetoiletorbathroom)?• Whatexactlyisthenatureoftheproblem(egablockage,leak,crack,etc)?• Ifthereisaleakinasupplypipe,isitthehotorcoldone?• Ifthesinkisblocked,whattypeoftrapisfitted?• Haveyoumadeanyattemptstoclearit?• Howdidthedamageoccur?• Ifthereisaproblemwiththetap,whattypeisit?

Taps

Traditional pillar tap:The tap head or handle (1) might be loose, in which case the retaining screw (2) is probably loose or missing.

Sometimes a tap will not turn off properly. It is likely that the Washer (3) is worn or broken.

A tap can also be loose or leaking at the base (4).Thiscanusuallyberectifiedbycheckingandtightening the retaining nut underneath the sink.

Please tell us:• What appliance is served by the tap (eg bath,

sink,washbasin)?• Whattypeoftapisit?• What is the exact problem (eg loose tap head,

drippingtapetc)?

Water services

Some items of equipment may have their own isolation valves so that the water supply can be turned off without affecting the rest of the supply. If this is not the case, you may be able to turn the relevant supply pipe off at the gate valves on the pipes coming out of the cold water tank. This will leave you with some services even though it might only be cold water to the kitchen tap.

Please tell us:• Ifyouhavealeak,canyouseewhereitis(supplyorwaste)andwhichitemofequipmentisaffected?• Howseriousistheleakandisitthehotorcoldsupply?• Areyourelectricsaffected?• Haveyouturnedoffyourinternalstopcockandyourheating(radiatorsystem)?


Water services

Please tell us• If you have a leak, can you see where it is (supply or waste) and which item of

equipment is affected?

• How serious is the leak and is it the hot or cold supply?

• Are your electrics affected?

• Have you turned off your internal stopcock and your heating (radiator system)?

Some items of equipment may have their own Isolation Valves so that the water

supply can be turned off without affecting the rest of the supply. If this is not the case,

you may be able to turn the relevant supply pipe off at the Gate Valves on the pipes

coming out of the cold water tank. This will leave you with some services even though

it might only be cold water to the kitchen tap.

It may be necessary to turn off your Stopcock (usually situated under thesink or in the linen cupboard).

Gate Valve

Stopcock

Gate Valveson supply pipes

Hot WaterCylinder

ColdWaterCylinder

Usual position of main Stopcockin path or pavement (under aniron cover marked ‘water’).

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 19


Heating systems

If radiators are not heating up sufficiently, it might be

because air is trapped in them and you should try to

bleed them. This is easily done with a radiator key.

Be sure not to open the valve any more than

necessary to let the air out. When the hissing noise

stops and the water appears, the radiator is free of air.

Remember to re-tighten the valve afterwards.

With central heating problems• What type of fuel does the system use (gas, electricity, solid fuel or oil)?

• Have you tried to bleed the radiators?

• Does your heating system also provide hot water? If so, are you without

both services?

• Have you checked the thermostat, times or fuses?

With all heating problems• Have you any alternative means of heating (or, if also affected, of obtaining

hot water)?

• Are there any very young or elderly people within the household?

CentralHeating Pump

ThermostaticValve

Storage Heater

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 20

Heating systems

Ifradiatorsarenotheatingupsufficiently,itmightbebecauseairistrapped in them and you should try to bleed them. This is easily done with a radiator key. Be sure not to open the valve any more than necessary to let the air out. When the hissing noise stops and the water appears, the radiator is free of air. Remember to re-tighten the valve afterwards.

With central heating problems:• Whattypeoffueldoesthesystemuse(gas,electricity,solidfueloroil)?• Haveyoutriedtobleedtheradiators?• Doesyourheatingsystemalsoprovidehotwater?Ifso,areyouwithoutbothservices?• Haveyoucheckedthethermostat,timesorfuses?

With all heating problems:• Haveyouanyalternativemeansofheating(or,ifalsoaffected,ofobtaininghotwater)?• Arethereanyveryyoungorelderlypeoplewithinthehousehold?


Please tell us• What type of heating system you have and do you know the makers name

(it may be on it)?

• Do you have hot water at any time or not at all?

• Is the water cylinder hot, even when hot water is not coming through the taps?

• Do you have alternative methods of heating water in your home?

• Do you have other water supply problems?

Water heaters

There will often be a TemperatureControl Switch (2) at the top of theimmersion rod or alternatively a CylinderThermostat (3) might be fixed to theoutside of the cylinder.

Where animmersion heateris fitted, there willbe a nearbyPower Switchand perhaps aTimer.

You may haveother types ofheater in yourhome such as agas firedInstantaneousWater Heater.

It is common for homes to have a HotWater Cylinder. Water may be heated byan Immersion Rod (1).

However, it is also common for hot waterto be fed to the cylinder from a boilerwhich is either independent of, or part of acentral heating system.

2

1

3

Lagging Jacket

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 21



(it may be on it)?





Water heaters






2

1

3

Lagging Jacket

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 21

Water heaters

There will often be a temperature control switch (2) at the top of the immersion rod or alternatively a cylinder thermostat (3) might be fixedtotheoutsideofthecylinder.

Whereanimmersionheaterisfitted,therewillbeanearby power switch and perhaps a timer.

You may have other types of heater in your home such as agasfiredinstantaneouswaterheater.

It is common for homes to have a hot water cylinder. Water may be heated by an immersion rod (1).

However, it is also common for hot water to be fed to the cylinder from a boiler which is either independent of, or part of a central heating system.



(it may be on it)?





Water heaters






2

1

3

Lagging Jacket

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 21

Please tell us:• Whattypeofheatingsystemyouhaveanddoyouknowthemakersname(itmaybeonit)?• Doyouhavehotwateratanytimeornotatall?• Isthewatercylinderhot,evenwhenhotwaterisnotcomingthroughthetaps?• Doyouhavealternativemethodsofheatingwaterinyourhome?• Doyouhaveotherwatersupplyproblems?

Electrical fittings

Please remember, care should always be taken with electrical equipment and fittings. Problems such as flickering lights and overheating sockets, should be reported without delay.

Please tell us:• Whatistheexactnatureoftheproblem(socketsandorlightsnotworking,lightsflickering,brokenswitchetc)?• Haveyou,inthecaseoflightfailure,checkedthebulb?• Doestheproblemaffectoneroom,ifso,whichone?• Were you using a particular appliance at the time of the power failure and, if so, have you checked the plug

fuse?


Please tell us• What is the exact nature of the problem (sockets and or lights not working, lights

flickering, broken switch etc)?

• Have you, in the case of light failure, checked the bulb?

• Does the problem affect one room, if so, which one?

• Were you using a particular appliance at the time of the power failure and, if so,

have you checked the plug fuse?

Electrical fittings

Please remember, care should always be taken with electrical equipmentand fittings. Problems such as flickering lights and overheating sockets,should be reported without delay.

Fluorescent lights normally give long life. If they flicker when you turn them on, it could be because the Starter Switch is faulty.

Diffuser

Tube

Single and DoubleSwitches

Pullcord Fluorescent Strip Light

Batten Holders PendantLamp Holder

Double SwitchedSocket

Cooker ControlPanel and Socket

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 22

Power failure fault finding


Power failure fault finding

Miniature CircuitBreakers switch offautomatically if there isa fault on the circuit.

A B

BA

Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)

Your main electric switch may nowincorporate an automatic switch offdevice called a Residual CurrentCircuit Breaker (RCCB).

If a situation arises which creates apotential shock or fire risk, the RCCBwill switch off automatically.

If the reason for this is not clear thenyou should:

• Switch off all MCB’s (marked B in the drawing)

• Return the RCCB switch to the ‘on’position (marked A in the drawing)

• Switch on each MCB in turn until the RCCB automaticallyswitches off

• Switch off and unplug any applianceconnected to that circuit. If morethan one, try to switch the RCCB tothe ‘on’ position after disconnectingeach appliance. In this way the faultyappliance can be identified.

Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)

There might also be smaller switcheswhich replace fuses. These areMiniature Circuit Breakers(MCB’s).

If a circuit is overloaded, or a faultoccurs, the MCB protecting that circuitwill switch off automatically.

If the reason for this is not clear thenyou should:

• Put the MCB switch back to theoriginal position. If it will not stay on then...

• Switch off and unplug any applianceon that circuit. If there is more thanone, try to return the MCB switch tothe ‘on’ position after disconnectingeach appliance, so that the onecausing the fault can be identified.

Should either the RCCB or MCBswitch not return to the ‘on’position, a fault could exist inyour circuit, which you shouldreport to us.

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:56 Page 23

Miniature circuit breakers switch off automatically if there is a fault on the circuit.

A – Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB)

Your main electric switch may now incorporate an automatic switch off device called a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB).

If a situation arises which creates a potential shock orfirerisk,theRCCBwillswitchoffautomatically.

If the reason for this is not clear then you should:• Switch off all MCB’s (marked B in the

drawing)• Return the RCCB switch to the ‘on’ position

(marked A in the drawing)• Switch on each MCB in turn until the RCCB

automatically switches off• Switch off and unplug any appliance

connected to that circuit. If more than one, tryto switch the RCCB to the ‘on’ position afterdisconnecting each appliance. In this way thefaultyappliancecanbeidentified.

B – Miniature circuit breaker (MCB) Breaker (MCB)

There might also be smaller switches which replace fuses. These are Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB’s).

If a circuit is overloaded, or a fault occurs, the MCB protecting that circuit will switch off automatically.

If the reason for this is not clear then you should:• Put the MCB switch back to the original

position. If it will not stay on then...• Switch off and unplug any appliance on

that circuit. If there is more than one, try to return the MCB switch to the ‘on’ position after disconnecting each appliance, so that theonecausingthefaultcanbeidentified.

Should either the RCCB or MCB switch not return to the ‘on’ position, a fault could exist in your circuit, which you should report to us.

Locks


Locks

The Striking Plate orKeep should be fixed tothe door frame.

If the Lock is sticking,you might try lightly oilingit through the keyhole.

If you have lost or brokenyour Key, we may beable to gain entry andchange part of the Lock.

Please tell us• Which lock is affected and is there a second lock to the door?

• What type of lock is it (this may be shown on the key)?

• Has the door been forced open?

• If the lock needs refixing, what is the door made of (wood, plastic, metal)?

• Do you have a security problem?

Rim Lock Rim Deadlock

Mortice LatchMortice Lock Night Latch(Yale Lock)

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 24


Locks

The Striking Plate orKeep should be fixed tothe door frame.

If the Lock is sticking,you might try lightly oilingit through the keyhole.

If you have lost or brokenyour Key, we may beable to gain entry andchange part of the Lock.

Please tell us• Which lock is affected and is there a second lock to the door?

• What type of lock is it (this may be shown on the key)?

• Has the door been forced open?

• If the lock needs refixing, what is the door made of (wood, plastic, metal)?

• Do you have a security problem?

Rim Lock Rim Deadlock

Mortice LatchMortice Lock Night Latch(Yale Lock)

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 24

Thestrikingplateorkeepshouldbefixedtothedoorframe.

If the lock is sticking, you might try lightly oiling it through the keyhole.

If you have lost or broken your key, we may be able to gain entry and change part of the lock.

Please tell us:• Whichlockisaffectedandisthereasecondlocktothedoor?• Whattypeoflockisit(thismaybeshownonthekey)?• Hasthedoorbeenforcedopen?• Ifthelockneedsrefixing,whatisthedoormadeof(wood,plastic,metal)?• Doyouhaveasecurityproblem?

DoorsDoors

Please tell us• Which door is affected (internal or external)?

• Have you a security system?

• Was the damage the result of a forced entry?

• If the door will not close properly, has it been recently painted or does it show signs

of warping?

• Is there any damage to the frame, locks or door furniture?

• If a glazed panel is broken, what is the type of glass and how was it broken?


Flush Panelled Part Glazed Fully Glazed

Frame

Keep

Weatherboard

Glazed Panel

Night Latch

Mortice Lock

Letterplate

Door Stop

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 25

Doors





of warping?





Frame

Keep

Weatherboard

Glazed Panel

Night Latch

Mortice Lock

Letterplate

Door Stop

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 25

Doors





of warping?





Frame

Keep

Weatherboard

Glazed Panel

Night Latch

Mortice Lock

Letterplate

Door Stop

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 25

Please tell us:• Whichdoorisaffected(internalorexternal)?• Haveyouasecuritysystem?• Wasthedamagetheresultofaforcedentry?• If the door will not close properly, has it been recently painted or

doesitshowsignsofwarping?• Isthereanydamagetotheframe,locksordoorfurniture?• If a glazed panel is broken, what is the type of glass and how was

itbroken?

Windows


If the glass is broken• Is the window single or double glazed?

• Is it clear or obscure glass?

• How did the damage occur (please see note on pages 7 & 8)?

If it is a problem with the frame• What type of window is it and what is it made of (wood, metal, plastic)?

• Which floor is it on and what room is it in?

• Are there any apparent problems, such as visible cracks in the sealing between the

frame and brickwork, loose or missing putty, rot in the frame, missing broken stays

or fasteners, sash cords which do not work?

• If a tiled sill is damaged, how many tiles are broken or missing and what type

are they?

• If you have a problem closing the window, has it recently been painted or does it

show sign of warping?

Windows

Casement Window Vertical or Box Sash Window

Pivot Window

SashCords

Catch

Fastener

PivotHinge

Stay

Stay

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 26

If the glass is broken:• Isthewindowsingleordoubleglazed?• Isitclearorobscureglass?• Howdidthedamageoccur?

If it is a problem with the frame:• Whattypeofwindowisitandwhatisitmadeof(wood,metal,plastic)?• Whichfloorisitonandwhatroomisitin?• Are there any apparent problems, such as visible cracks in the sealing between the frame and brickwork, loose

ormissingputty,rotintheframe,missingbrokenstaysorfasteners,sashcordswhichdonotwork?• Ifatiledsillisdamaged,howmanytilesarebrokenormissingandwhattypearethey?• Ifyouhaveaproblemclosingthewindow,hasitrecentlybeenpaintedordoesitshowsignofwarping?

Walls and ceilings

Types of damp• Damp patches on ceilings may be caused by leaking plumbing equipment or rainwater penetration• Damp penetrating from outside will appear only on external walls• Penetration may be apparent near windows or close to gutters or rainwater pipes• Try to establish whether the damp appears only when it rains or all the time• Rising damp is caused by water from the ground penetrating damp courses. Signs include peeling wallpaper,

liftingfloortilesanddiscolouredpatchesonlowerwalls• Mould on walls can often be wiped clean but should be reported if it becomes serious• Condensation is caused by water from the air coming into contact with a colder surface. It is recognisable by

water drops on windows and mirrors and sometimes mould patches on walls and ceilings.

Plaster problems• A bulging ceiling may need early attention and should be reported as soon as possible• Plasterflakingoffwallsandceilingscouldhaveseveralcauses.Usually,aninspectionwillbenecessarytofind

the cause and best remedy• Many buildings experience some minor movement, which can cause plaster cracks. In reporting these, try to be

specificonsuchthingsaslocationandtheextentofthecracks• Cracked or fallen rendering on external walls should be reported, giving as much detail as possible• If you are reporting loose, broken or missing tiles, such as in bathrooms, tell us how many are missing or need

refixingandtheirsizeandcolour.

Some ways to reduce condensation

• Heat rooms well (but not with oil or calor gas heaters, which produce moisture)• Open windows when washing or cooking• Do not block air vents.

Fences and gates


Fences and gates

Please tell us• If a latch or lock is broken, can you describe it?

• If your fence is broken, what type is it and where is it?

• Is there any danger to passers-by or other type of risk as a result of a broken fence?

Palisade

Typical Gate

Chainlink

Larch Lap Chestnut Paling Close Boarded

Gate Latch Tower Bolt ‘T’ Hinge

Gatepost

‘T’ HingeLatch

Repairs.v15 26/1/05 13:57 Page 28

Please tell us:• Ifalatchorlockisbroken,canyoudescribeit?• Ifyourfenceisbroken,whattypeisitandwhereisit?• Isthereanydangertopassers-byorothertypeofriskasaresultofabrokenfence?

Staircases


Staircases

Tread

Please tell us• Is the staircase internal or external?

• Do you know what material the damaged part is made of (wood, metal, concrete)?

Riser

Nosing

Half Landing

Balusters sometimes workloose or break.

Stair Treads (if timber) canbecome split, broken orloose and creaky.

Wall String

Handrail (whichmay also be fixedto the wall).

Newel Post

Balusters

If the Handrail isdamaged or in need ofrefixing, please tell uswhat it is made of.

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Please tell us:• Isthestaircaseinternalorexternal?• Doyouknowwhatmaterialthedamagedpartismadeof(wood,metal,concrete)?

Cupboards


Cupboards

Please tell us• Which item needs repairing?

• Which room is the unit or cupboard in?

• In your opinion, does the item need repairing or replacing?

• What is the colour of the broken part?

• If handles are broken, what type are they?


For ease of reference, we have shown typical units. There are, of course,

various styles and sizes, such as tall larder cupboards, but they nearly all

have the same parts shown here.

Sink Unit

Shelf

Hinges

Sealant

Worktop

Drainer

Wall Tiles

Sink

Catch

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For ease of reference, we have shown typical units. There are, of course, various styles and sizes, such as tall larder cupboards, but they nearly all have the same parts shown here.

Please tell us:• Whichitemneedsrepairing?• Whichroomistheunitorcupboardin?• Inyouropinion,doestheitemneedrepairingorreplacing?• Whatisthecolourofthebrokenpart?• Ifhandlesarebroken,whattypearethey?• Howdidthedamageoccur?

Useful diagrams Roofs

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Transcript of Useful diagrams Roofs