HOW TO

Displaced insulation.
Obvious active borer infestation.
Sagging beams or rafters.
Wait until dry spell before forcing open. Replace worn
hinges and/or strip too thick paint on edges.
5. For sticking doors:
Replacing rotten timber
1. Cut away a further 600mm on each side of rot if possible.
2. Cut square so new piece of timber is easy to fit.
21
Insecure, worn or rubber sheathed wiring. Ensure door is dry, plane top or bottom (whichever is 3. Paint exposed timber with timber preser vative.
sticking) or the hinge side, until 2mm gap all round.
Evidence of rats, mice or birds. 4. Cut replacement piece from H3 treated timber.
Insecure header tank or hot water cylinder: (earthquake
Repaint or varnish edge. Where the hinge side is planed,
reset the hinges and rehang the door. 5. Prime all round with two coats. Maintaining
your home.
risk). 6. Fix in place: nail or screw with glue.
6. Lubricate sticking locks with graphite powder.
Action 7. Fill joint with flexible paintable sealant .
1. Repair leaks in roofing or pipes.
Bathrooms & Kitchens
2. Redistribute or add insulation to achieve total coverage. Easing a binding door
Check for;
3. Replace badly borer ridden structural timbers. 1. Check for loose hinges.
Lifting or loose tiles.
4. Have sagging beams strengit1ened (consult reputable 2. Remove loose screws.
builder). Cracked tiles or grout.
3. Replace with larger ones, or fill screw holes with glued
5. Remove rats/mice/birds nest. Rot in wet wall linings: especially around tap or shower
in dowel, then redrill and screw as before.
mixer/rose and along bottom edge.
6. Secure loose pipes or tanks. 4. Check the thickness of paint on the door edge. Strip and
Degraded sealant around baths, tubs and basins.
repaint if necessary.
Dripping taps.
Interior
Action:
Check for; If binding is caused by building movement or subsidence,
1. Reglue or replace tiles. that must be rectified before repairing the door or it will
Evidence of dampness: mildew, water stains or residual probably recur.
2. Replace tile grout with waterproof grout or suitable
dampness, bubbling floor vinyl, failing paint or clear
silicone sealant.
finishes, buckled hardboard, sagging ceilings, mouldy or
lifting wallpaper, rot in window frames. 3. Replace rotten wet wall linings. TIP - With loose pin hinges, the door can be removed
Failing paint and timber finishes. 4. Strip out old sealants, clean gap and reseal. without taking the hinges off.
Springy flooring. 5. Replace tap washers.
Squeaky flooring.
Jammed windows. Getting professional help
Sticking doors. In some cases, you may not be confident about taking
Sticking locks. remedial or maintenance action yourself. You may not even
be sure what the problem is. In those cases, seek professional Produced in association with
Action: advice and diagnosis from a builder, plumber, electrician,
1. Dampness: improve ventilation, insulation and heating. engineer or building consultant. Do that sooner rather than
Vent clothes driers outside. Reduce the use of kerosene later. The consultation will cost the same whenever it's done,
and LPG heaters. but the cost of dealing with a problem will only increase,
2. Prepare and repaint where necessary. if left unattended.
3. For squeaky floors: The Building Research Association of New Zealand
Screw and glue a batten to underside of each of a line of Common Tasks
floorboards. Please Note:
Finding a roof leak
Whilst the advice and recommendations contained in this brochure
Screw and glue a batten onto floor joists, pushed hard up 1. With a soft flow head, gently hose over one small area have been produced with proper care, they are offered only with
under the flooring. of the roof at a time. the objective of assisting those interested in home improvement projects
Paint the floor with flooring oil, or sprinkle with talcum 2. Start at the bottom and work up. and PlaceMakers does not accept responsibility for the advice,
powder. 3. Have someone Inside the roof space checking for leaks recommendations, etc. contained herein.
4. For jammed windows: as you go. Information correct at time of printing: December 2002
5 6 7 [Link]
Maintaining your Home 2. Have cracked tiles replaced. 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and - Disconnected waste pipe.
3. Clean out blocked valleys. frame), brick and blockwork. - Leaking pipe.
Regular maintenance keeps your house looking good,
maintains its value and maximises the life of the building 4. Seal gaps and holes with appropriate sealant (may be 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on - Blocked drain or gully traps.
materials. temporary). areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
eaves. - Inadequate underfloor ventilation.
5. Clean out spouting: especially before winter. WARNING - Leaking bath or shower.
-For corrugated steel roofs, wear leather gloves. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Regular checks of your home - Surface run-off going under house.
6. Clear all downpipe outlets. Consider fitting plastic
• Identify immediate problems. spouting mesh where close to trees. - High water table.
Bricks, blocks, plaster and concrete
• Allow planning for major maintenance. 7. Wash down roof. Recommended 6 monthly for uncoated Sagging or broken structural timbers: caused by borer,
Check for; too much notching through timber to run services, or
• Enable early planning of renewal projects. metals and 3 monthly if near the sea.
Cracks. too large a span.
Crumbling mortar between bricks. Tears or gaps in insulation.
Annual routine Exterior walls (Best done in spring) Damaged or loose wiring and unsupported pipes.
Drumming sounds from solid plaster.
Keep track of both checks and maintenance with an annual Paintwork Action Corroded metal fixings: tie wires, staples, nail plates,
routine. Checks take only 2 or 3 hours every 6 or 12 bolts.
Check for; 1. Wash down annually.
months. Loose structural bolts.
Peeling or flaking paint, particularly on corners, edges 2. Repair cracked or loose mortar or drummy plaster.
and joints where paint fails first. North and west walls Also check for; Gaps between pile and bearer or loose wedges.
Roofs & Spouting receive more destructive UV rays than south facing walls, Rotten timber piles; test by thrusting heavy screwdriver
which are usually damper. Evidence of movement or subsidence, via planks or boards
Roof inspections must be approached carefully to ensure that seem out of line or level, or for walls or chimneys out Into the pile just below ground level.
that the risk of falling or slipping is minimised. Ensure that Action of plumb. Cracks in concrete walls: N.B. New or worsening cracks
the roof is dry and that the ladder is secure (preferably 1. Sand or scrape off existing paint, prime or seal bare Overflowing toilet cisterns or hot water cylinder drain pipes. should be checked by a builder or engineer.
tied to a solid object) and at the correct angle (1M out from cladding material and repaint. Action
the wall for every 4M of height). Other roof inspection Loose window putties.
requirements are: Corrosion of deck and post fittings. For subsidence obtain 1. Remove all rubbish, rubble and building debris.
Timber and sheet claddings specialist advice before carr ying out repairs. 2. Repair or tighten leaking pipes and wastes.
• be careful when adjacent to electrical wires, particularly
with aluminium ladders on steep roofs, use a roof ladder. Check for; Action 3. Clear drains and gulley traps.
• for PVC guttering, installing a timber block within the Any damaged cladding: impact damage to fibre cement 1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off abrasive 4. Have soil drains dug.
gutter immediately behind the ladder and after the ladder board, EIFS and Stucco, broken or rotten battens. dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material life. 5. Treat or replace corroded metal fittings.
is erected protects the gutter from being crushed. Vertical board damage: especially where bottom edges 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and 6. Tighten pile wedges.
• for profiled steel roofing, walk only along the fixing touch soil, roof, deck or flashing. frame), brick and blockwork.
7. Unblock or create sub floor vents.
lines. Rot: especially at joints between different materials and 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on
8. Support insulation, wiring and pipes.
• for tiled roofs, step only on the front edge of the tile - where water can be trapped. areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
for full inspections lay a plank over the tiles and use it eaves. 9. To replace piles, bearers, rotten timber or badly cracked
Gaps or opening of joints: often on mitred corners. walls, or deal with subsidence, consult a qualified builder.
as a walk way. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Uncoated weatherboards: particularly cracking.
Loose fixings or cladding. 5. Remove any soil piled up against walls. Unblock or create
Check for; sub floor vents or brick veneer drainage slots. Roof space
Cracked or split sealant filled joints.
Generally - valleys blocked with leaves and dirt. 6. Lubricate hinges and locks. Check for;
Sealing around pipes or other items penetrating the
Metal roofs - loose fixings, ridging and flashings, rust, cladding. Condensation on underside of roofing paper or roofing
flaking or cracked paint. Underfloor material which can be caused by lack of ventilation or
Cracking of monolithic claddings (cracks need to be
Clay and concrete tiles - cracked or loose tiles, cracked repaired as soon as possible). roofing paper.
mortar. Take a strong torch and get into the sub floor space if possible.
Coating deterioration on monolithic claddings (look Dig a crawl space if necessary. Buildings with a concrete Wet insulation. Look for possible causes:
Spouting - leaks (holes or leaking joints) rust in steel particularly at any horizontal surfaces and anywhere perimeter foundation should have a trap door or hatch in the - Leaks in roof or pipes.
guttering, broken brackets, blockages or outlets. Water water can lie on the surface). floor, usually in the laundr y. Cut a hatch if not.
should drain completely from the gutter. - Extractor fan venting into roof space.
Action Check for;
Action - Condensation (see above).
1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off Damp soil, wet building surfaces, leaks, and rot.
1. Replace loose roofing fixings with spiral shanked roofing abrasive dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material Leaks or water stains.
nails or screws that have sealing washers. Look for possible causes:
life. Corrosion of metal fittings or roofing.
1 2 3 4
Maintaining your Home 2. Have cracked tiles replaced. 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and - Disconnected waste pipe.
3. Clean out blocked valleys. frame), brick and blockwork. - Leaking pipe.
Regular maintenance keeps your house looking good,
maintains its value and maximises the life of the building 4. Seal gaps and holes with appropriate sealant (may be 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on - Blocked drain or gully traps.
materials. temporary). areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
eaves. - Inadequate underfloor ventilation.
5. Clean out spouting: especially before winter. WARNING - Leaking bath or shower.
-For corrugated steel roofs, wear leather gloves. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Regular checks of your home - Surface run-off going under house.
6. Clear all downpipe outlets. Consider fitting plastic
• Identify immediate problems. spouting mesh where close to trees. - High water table.
Bricks, blocks, plaster and concrete
• Allow planning for major maintenance. 7. Wash down roof. Recommended 6 monthly for uncoated Sagging or broken structural timbers: caused by borer,
Check for; too much notching through timber to run services, or
• Enable early planning of renewal projects. metals and 3 monthly if near the sea.
Cracks. too large a span.
Crumbling mortar between bricks. Tears or gaps in insulation.
Annual routine Exterior walls (Best done in spring) Damaged or loose wiring and unsupported pipes.
Drumming sounds from solid plaster.
Keep track of both checks and maintenance with an annual Paintwork Action Corroded metal fixings: tie wires, staples, nail plates,
routine. Checks take only 2 or 3 hours every 6 or 12 bolts.
Check for; 1. Wash down annually.
months. Loose structural bolts.
Peeling or flaking paint, particularly on corners, edges 2. Repair cracked or loose mortar or drummy plaster.
and joints where paint fails first. North and west walls Also check for; Gaps between pile and bearer or loose wedges.
Roofs & Spouting receive more destructive UV rays than south facing walls, Rotten timber piles; test by thrusting heavy screwdriver
which are usually damper. Evidence of movement or subsidence, via planks or boards
Roof inspections must be approached carefully to ensure that seem out of line or level, or for walls or chimneys out Into the pile just below ground level.
that the risk of falling or slipping is minimised. Ensure that Action of plumb. Cracks in concrete walls: N.B. New or worsening cracks
the roof is dry and that the ladder is secure (preferably 1. Sand or scrape off existing paint, prime or seal bare Overflowing toilet cisterns or hot water cylinder drain pipes. should be checked by a builder or engineer.
tied to a solid object) and at the correct angle (1M out from cladding material and repaint. Action
the wall for every 4M of height). Other roof inspection Loose window putties.
requirements are: Corrosion of deck and post fittings. For subsidence obtain 1. Remove all rubbish, rubble and building debris.
Timber and sheet claddings specialist advice before carr ying out repairs. 2. Repair or tighten leaking pipes and wastes.
• be careful when adjacent to electrical wires, particularly
with aluminium ladders on steep roofs, use a roof ladder. Check for; Action 3. Clear drains and gulley traps.
• for PVC guttering, installing a timber block within the Any damaged cladding: impact damage to fibre cement 1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off abrasive 4. Have soil drains dug.
gutter immediately behind the ladder and after the ladder board, EIFS and Stucco, broken or rotten battens. dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material life. 5. Treat or replace corroded metal fittings.
is erected protects the gutter from being crushed. Vertical board damage: especially where bottom edges 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and 6. Tighten pile wedges.
• for profiled steel roofing, walk only along the fixing touch soil, roof, deck or flashing. frame), brick and blockwork.
7. Unblock or create sub floor vents.
lines. Rot: especially at joints between different materials and 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on
8. Support insulation, wiring and pipes.
• for tiled roofs, step only on the front edge of the tile - where water can be trapped. areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
for full inspections lay a plank over the tiles and use it eaves. 9. To replace piles, bearers, rotten timber or badly cracked
Gaps or opening of joints: often on mitred corners. walls, or deal with subsidence, consult a qualified builder.
as a walk way. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Uncoated weatherboards: particularly cracking.
Loose fixings or cladding. 5. Remove any soil piled up against walls. Unblock or create
Check for; sub floor vents or brick veneer drainage slots. Roof space
Cracked or split sealant filled joints.
Generally - valleys blocked with leaves and dirt. 6. Lubricate hinges and locks. Check for;
Sealing around pipes or other items penetrating the
Metal roofs - loose fixings, ridging and flashings, rust, cladding. Condensation on underside of roofing paper or roofing
flaking or cracked paint. Underfloor material which can be caused by lack of ventilation or
Cracking of monolithic claddings (cracks need to be
Clay and concrete tiles - cracked or loose tiles, cracked repaired as soon as possible). roofing paper.
mortar. Take a strong torch and get into the sub floor space if possible.
Coating deterioration on monolithic claddings (look Dig a crawl space if necessary. Buildings with a concrete Wet insulation. Look for possible causes:
Spouting - leaks (holes or leaking joints) rust in steel particularly at any horizontal surfaces and anywhere perimeter foundation should have a trap door or hatch in the - Leaks in roof or pipes.
guttering, broken brackets, blockages or outlets. Water water can lie on the surface). floor, usually in the laundr y. Cut a hatch if not.
should drain completely from the gutter. - Extractor fan venting into roof space.
Action Check for;
Action - Condensation (see above).
1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off Damp soil, wet building surfaces, leaks, and rot.
1. Replace loose roofing fixings with spiral shanked roofing abrasive dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material Leaks or water stains.
nails or screws that have sealing washers. Look for possible causes:
life. Corrosion of metal fittings or roofing.
1 2 3 4
Maintaining your Home 2. Have cracked tiles replaced. 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and - Disconnected waste pipe.
3. Clean out blocked valleys. frame), brick and blockwork. - Leaking pipe.
Regular maintenance keeps your house looking good,
maintains its value and maximises the life of the building 4. Seal gaps and holes with appropriate sealant (may be 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on - Blocked drain or gully traps.
materials. temporary). areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
eaves. - Inadequate underfloor ventilation.
5. Clean out spouting: especially before winter. WARNING - Leaking bath or shower.
-For corrugated steel roofs, wear leather gloves. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Regular checks of your home - Surface run-off going under house.
6. Clear all downpipe outlets. Consider fitting plastic
• Identify immediate problems. spouting mesh where close to trees. - High water table.
Bricks, blocks, plaster and concrete
• Allow planning for major maintenance. 7. Wash down roof. Recommended 6 monthly for uncoated Sagging or broken structural timbers: caused by borer,
Check for; too much notching through timber to run services, or
• Enable early planning of renewal projects. metals and 3 monthly if near the sea.
Cracks. too large a span.
Crumbling mortar between bricks. Tears or gaps in insulation.
Annual routine Exterior walls (Best done in spring) Damaged or loose wiring and unsupported pipes.
Drumming sounds from solid plaster.
Keep track of both checks and maintenance with an annual Paintwork Action Corroded metal fixings: tie wires, staples, nail plates,
routine. Checks take only 2 or 3 hours every 6 or 12 bolts.
Check for; 1. Wash down annually.
months. Loose structural bolts.
Peeling or flaking paint, particularly on corners, edges 2. Repair cracked or loose mortar or drummy plaster.
and joints where paint fails first. North and west walls Also check for; Gaps between pile and bearer or loose wedges.
Roofs & Spouting receive more destructive UV rays than south facing walls, Rotten timber piles; test by thrusting heavy screwdriver
which are usually damper. Evidence of movement or subsidence, via planks or boards
Roof inspections must be approached carefully to ensure that seem out of line or level, or for walls or chimneys out Into the pile just below ground level.
that the risk of falling or slipping is minimised. Ensure that Action of plumb. Cracks in concrete walls: N.B. New or worsening cracks
the roof is dry and that the ladder is secure (preferably 1. Sand or scrape off existing paint, prime or seal bare Overflowing toilet cisterns or hot water cylinder drain pipes. should be checked by a builder or engineer.
tied to a solid object) and at the correct angle (1M out from cladding material and repaint. Action
the wall for every 4M of height). Other roof inspection Loose window putties.
requirements are: Corrosion of deck and post fittings. For subsidence obtain 1. Remove all rubbish, rubble and building debris.
Timber and sheet claddings specialist advice before carr ying out repairs. 2. Repair or tighten leaking pipes and wastes.
• be careful when adjacent to electrical wires, particularly
with aluminium ladders on steep roofs, use a roof ladder. Check for; Action 3. Clear drains and gulley traps.
• for PVC guttering, installing a timber block within the Any damaged cladding: impact damage to fibre cement 1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off abrasive 4. Have soil drains dug.
gutter immediately behind the ladder and after the ladder board, EIFS and Stucco, broken or rotten battens. dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material life. 5. Treat or replace corroded metal fittings.
is erected protects the gutter from being crushed. Vertical board damage: especially where bottom edges 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and 6. Tighten pile wedges.
• for profiled steel roofing, walk only along the fixing touch soil, roof, deck or flashing. frame), brick and blockwork.
7. Unblock or create sub floor vents.
lines. Rot: especially at joints between different materials and 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on
8. Support insulation, wiring and pipes.
• for tiled roofs, step only on the front edge of the tile - where water can be trapped. areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
for full inspections lay a plank over the tiles and use it eaves. 9. To replace piles, bearers, rotten timber or badly cracked
Gaps or opening of joints: often on mitred corners. walls, or deal with subsidence, consult a qualified builder.
as a walk way. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Uncoated weatherboards: particularly cracking.
Loose fixings or cladding. 5. Remove any soil piled up against walls. Unblock or create
Check for; sub floor vents or brick veneer drainage slots. Roof space
Cracked or split sealant filled joints.
Generally - valleys blocked with leaves and dirt. 6. Lubricate hinges and locks. Check for;
Sealing around pipes or other items penetrating the
Metal roofs - loose fixings, ridging and flashings, rust, cladding. Condensation on underside of roofing paper or roofing
flaking or cracked paint. Underfloor material which can be caused by lack of ventilation or
Cracking of monolithic claddings (cracks need to be
Clay and concrete tiles - cracked or loose tiles, cracked repaired as soon as possible). roofing paper.
mortar. Take a strong torch and get into the sub floor space if possible.
Coating deterioration on monolithic claddings (look Dig a crawl space if necessary. Buildings with a concrete Wet insulation. Look for possible causes:
Spouting - leaks (holes or leaking joints) rust in steel particularly at any horizontal surfaces and anywhere perimeter foundation should have a trap door or hatch in the - Leaks in roof or pipes.
guttering, broken brackets, blockages or outlets. Water water can lie on the surface). floor, usually in the laundr y. Cut a hatch if not.
should drain completely from the gutter. - Extractor fan venting into roof space.
Action Check for;
Action - Condensation (see above).
1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off Damp soil, wet building surfaces, leaks, and rot.
1. Replace loose roofing fixings with spiral shanked roofing abrasive dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material Leaks or water stains.
nails or screws that have sealing washers. Look for possible causes:
life. Corrosion of metal fittings or roofing.
1 2 3 4
Maintaining your Home 2. Have cracked tiles replaced. 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and - Disconnected waste pipe.
3. Clean out blocked valleys. frame), brick and blockwork. - Leaking pipe.
Regular maintenance keeps your house looking good,
maintains its value and maximises the life of the building 4. Seal gaps and holes with appropriate sealant (may be 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on - Blocked drain or gully traps.
materials. temporary). areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
eaves. - Inadequate underfloor ventilation.
5. Clean out spouting: especially before winter. WARNING - Leaking bath or shower.
-For corrugated steel roofs, wear leather gloves. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Regular checks of your home - Surface run-off going under house.
6. Clear all downpipe outlets. Consider fitting plastic
• Identify immediate problems. spouting mesh where close to trees. - High water table.
Bricks, blocks, plaster and concrete
• Allow planning for major maintenance. 7. Wash down roof. Recommended 6 monthly for uncoated Sagging or broken structural timbers: caused by borer,
Check for; too much notching through timber to run services, or
• Enable early planning of renewal projects. metals and 3 monthly if near the sea.
Cracks. too large a span.
Crumbling mortar between bricks. Tears or gaps in insulation.
Annual routine Exterior walls (Best done in spring) Damaged or loose wiring and unsupported pipes.
Drumming sounds from solid plaster.
Keep track of both checks and maintenance with an annual Paintwork Action Corroded metal fixings: tie wires, staples, nail plates,
routine. Checks take only 2 or 3 hours every 6 or 12 bolts.
Check for; 1. Wash down annually.
months. Loose structural bolts.
Peeling or flaking paint, particularly on corners, edges 2. Repair cracked or loose mortar or drummy plaster.
and joints where paint fails first. North and west walls Also check for; Gaps between pile and bearer or loose wedges.
Roofs & Spouting receive more destructive UV rays than south facing walls, Rotten timber piles; test by thrusting heavy screwdriver
which are usually damper. Evidence of movement or subsidence, via planks or boards
Roof inspections must be approached carefully to ensure that seem out of line or level, or for walls or chimneys out Into the pile just below ground level.
that the risk of falling or slipping is minimised. Ensure that Action of plumb. Cracks in concrete walls: N.B. New or worsening cracks
the roof is dry and that the ladder is secure (preferably 1. Sand or scrape off existing paint, prime or seal bare Overflowing toilet cisterns or hot water cylinder drain pipes. should be checked by a builder or engineer.
tied to a solid object) and at the correct angle (1M out from cladding material and repaint. Action
the wall for every 4M of height). Other roof inspection Loose window putties.
requirements are: Corrosion of deck and post fittings. For subsidence obtain 1. Remove all rubbish, rubble and building debris.
Timber and sheet claddings specialist advice before carr ying out repairs. 2. Repair or tighten leaking pipes and wastes.
• be careful when adjacent to electrical wires, particularly
with aluminium ladders on steep roofs, use a roof ladder. Check for; Action 3. Clear drains and gulley traps.
• for PVC guttering, installing a timber block within the Any damaged cladding: impact damage to fibre cement 1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off abrasive 4. Have soil drains dug.
gutter immediately behind the ladder and after the ladder board, EIFS and Stucco, broken or rotten battens. dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material life. 5. Treat or replace corroded metal fittings.
is erected protects the gutter from being crushed. Vertical board damage: especially where bottom edges 2. Clean every surface: paintwork, windows (both glass and 6. Tighten pile wedges.
• for profiled steel roofing, walk only along the fixing touch soil, roof, deck or flashing. frame), brick and blockwork.
7. Unblock or create sub floor vents.
lines. Rot: especially at joints between different materials and 3. Use a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Concentrate on
8. Support insulation, wiring and pipes.
• for tiled roofs, step only on the front edge of the tile - where water can be trapped. areas rain doesn't reach, like soffits and walls sheltered by
for full inspections lay a plank over the tiles and use it eaves. 9. To replace piles, bearers, rotten timber or badly cracked
Gaps or opening of joints: often on mitred corners. walls, or deal with subsidence, consult a qualified builder.
as a walk way. 4. Rinse off any detergent residue with clean water.
Uncoated weatherboards: particularly cracking.
Loose fixings or cladding. 5. Remove any soil piled up against walls. Unblock or create
Check for; sub floor vents or brick veneer drainage slots. Roof space
Cracked or split sealant filled joints.
Generally - valleys blocked with leaves and dirt. 6. Lubricate hinges and locks. Check for;
Sealing around pipes or other items penetrating the
Metal roofs - loose fixings, ridging and flashings, rust, cladding. Condensation on underside of roofing paper or roofing
flaking or cracked paint. Underfloor material which can be caused by lack of ventilation or
Cracking of monolithic claddings (cracks need to be
Clay and concrete tiles - cracked or loose tiles, cracked repaired as soon as possible). roofing paper.
mortar. Take a strong torch and get into the sub floor space if possible.
Coating deterioration on monolithic claddings (look Dig a crawl space if necessary. Buildings with a concrete Wet insulation. Look for possible causes:
Spouting - leaks (holes or leaking joints) rust in steel particularly at any horizontal surfaces and anywhere perimeter foundation should have a trap door or hatch in the - Leaks in roof or pipes.
guttering, broken brackets, blockages or outlets. Water water can lie on the surface). floor, usually in the laundr y. Cut a hatch if not.
should drain completely from the gutter. - Extractor fan venting into roof space.
Action Check for;
Action - Condensation (see above).
1. Wash down exterior at least annually. Washing off Damp soil, wet building surfaces, leaks, and rot.
1. Replace loose roofing fixings with spiral shanked roofing abrasive dirt, salt, mould and dust, extends the material Leaks or water stains.
nails or screws that have sealing washers. Look for possible causes:
life. Corrosion of metal fittings or roofing.
1 2 3 4
 HOW TO

Displaced insulation.
Obvious active borer infestation.
Sagging beams or rafters.
Wait until dry spell before forcing open. Replace worn
hinges and/or strip too thick paint on edges.
5. For sticking doors:
Replacing rotten timber
1. Cut away a further 600mm on each side of rot if possible.
2. Cut square so new piece of timber is easy to fit.
21
Insecure, worn or rubber sheathed wiring. Ensure door is dry, plane top or bottom (whichever is 3. Paint exposed timber with timber preser vative.
sticking) or the hinge side, until 2mm gap all round.
Evidence of rats, mice or birds. 4. Cut replacement piece from H3 treated timber.
Insecure header tank or hot water cylinder: (earthquake
Repaint or varnish edge. Where the hinge side is planed,
reset the hinges and rehang the door. 5. Prime all round with two coats. Maintaining
your home.
risk). 6. Fix in place: nail or screw with glue.
6. Lubricate sticking locks with graphite powder.
Action 7. Fill joint with flexible paintable sealant .
1. Repair leaks in roofing or pipes.
Bathrooms & Kitchens
2. Redistribute or add insulation to achieve total coverage. Easing a binding door
Check for;
3. Replace badly borer ridden structural timbers. 1. Check for loose hinges.
Lifting or loose tiles.
4. Have sagging beams strengit1ened (consult reputable 2. Remove loose screws.
builder). Cracked tiles or grout.
3. Replace with larger ones, or fill screw holes with glued
5. Remove rats/mice/birds nest. Rot in wet wall linings: especially around tap or shower
in dowel, then redrill and screw as before.
mixer/rose and along bottom edge.
6. Secure loose pipes or tanks. 4. Check the thickness of paint on the door edge. Strip and
Degraded sealant around baths, tubs and basins.
repaint if necessary.
Dripping taps.
Interior
Action:
Check for; If binding is caused by building movement or subsidence,
1. Reglue or replace tiles. that must be rectified before repairing the door or it will
Evidence of dampness: mildew, water stains or residual probably recur.
2. Replace tile grout with waterproof grout or suitable
dampness, bubbling floor vinyl, failing paint or clear
silicone sealant.
finishes, buckled hardboard, sagging ceilings, mouldy or
lifting wallpaper, rot in window frames. 3. Replace rotten wet wall linings. TIP - With loose pin hinges, the door can be removed
Failing paint and timber finishes. 4. Strip out old sealants, clean gap and reseal. without taking the hinges off.
Springy flooring. 5. Replace tap washers.
Squeaky flooring.
Jammed windows. Getting professional help
Sticking doors. In some cases, you may not be confident about taking
Sticking locks. remedial or maintenance action yourself. You may not even
be sure what the problem is. In those cases, seek professional Produced in association with
Action: advice and diagnosis from a builder, plumber, electrician,
1. Dampness: improve ventilation, insulation and heating. engineer or building consultant. Do that sooner rather than
Vent clothes driers outside. Reduce the use of kerosene later. The consultation will cost the same whenever it's done,
and LPG heaters. but the cost of dealing with a problem will only increase,
2. Prepare and repaint where necessary. if left unattended.
3. For squeaky floors: The Building Research Association of New Zealand
Screw and glue a batten to underside of each of a line of Common Tasks
floorboards. Please Note:
Finding a roof leak
Whilst the advice and recommendations contained in this brochure
Screw and glue a batten onto floor joists, pushed hard up 1. With a soft flow head, gently hose over one small area have been produced with proper care, they are offered only with
under the flooring. of the roof at a time. the objective of assisting those interested in home improvement projects
Paint the floor with flooring oil, or sprinkle with talcum 2. Start at the bottom and work up. and PlaceMakers does not accept responsibility for the advice,
powder. 3. Have someone Inside the roof space checking for leaks recommendations, etc. contained herein.
4. For jammed windows: as you go. Information correct at time of printing: December 2002
5 6 7 [Link]
 HOW TO

Displaced insulation.
Obvious active borer infestation.
Sagging beams or rafters.
Wait until dry spell before forcing open. Replace worn
hinges and/or strip too thick paint on edges.
5. For sticking doors:
Replacing rotten timber
1. Cut away a further 600mm on each side of rot if possible.
2. Cut square so new piece of timber is easy to fit.
21
Insecure, worn or rubber sheathed wiring. Ensure door is dry, plane top or bottom (whichever is 3. Paint exposed timber with timber preser vative.
sticking) or the hinge side, until 2mm gap all round.
Evidence of rats, mice or birds. 4. Cut replacement piece from H3 treated timber.
Insecure header tank or hot water cylinder: (earthquake
Repaint or varnish edge. Where the hinge side is planed,
reset the hinges and rehang the door. 5. Prime all round with two coats. Maintaining
your home.
risk). 6. Fix in place: nail or screw with glue.
6. Lubricate sticking locks with graphite powder.
Action 7. Fill joint with flexible paintable sealant .
1. Repair leaks in roofing or pipes.
Bathrooms & Kitchens
2. Redistribute or add insulation to achieve total coverage. Easing a binding door
Check for;
3. Replace badly borer ridden structural timbers. 1. Check for loose hinges.
Lifting or loose tiles.
4. Have sagging beams strengit1ened (consult reputable 2. Remove loose screws.
builder). Cracked tiles or grout.
3. Replace with larger ones, or fill screw holes with glued
5. Remove rats/mice/birds nest. Rot in wet wall linings: especially around tap or shower
in dowel, then redrill and screw as before.
mixer/rose and along bottom edge.
6. Secure loose pipes or tanks. 4. Check the thickness of paint on the door edge. Strip and
Degraded sealant around baths, tubs and basins.
repaint if necessary.
Dripping taps.
Interior
Action:
Check for; If binding is caused by building movement or subsidence,
1. Reglue or replace tiles. that must be rectified before repairing the door or it will
Evidence of dampness: mildew, water stains or residual probably recur.
2. Replace tile grout with waterproof grout or suitable
dampness, bubbling floor vinyl, failing paint or clear
silicone sealant.
finishes, buckled hardboard, sagging ceilings, mouldy or
lifting wallpaper, rot in window frames. 3. Replace rotten wet wall linings. TIP - With loose pin hinges, the door can be removed
Failing paint and timber finishes. 4. Strip out old sealants, clean gap and reseal. without taking the hinges off.
Springy flooring. 5. Replace tap washers.
Squeaky flooring.
Jammed windows. Getting professional help
Sticking doors. In some cases, you may not be confident about taking
Sticking locks. remedial or maintenance action yourself. You may not even
be sure what the problem is. In those cases, seek professional Produced in association with
Action: advice and diagnosis from a builder, plumber, electrician,
1. Dampness: improve ventilation, insulation and heating. engineer or building consultant. Do that sooner rather than
Vent clothes driers outside. Reduce the use of kerosene later. The consultation will cost the same whenever it's done,
and LPG heaters. but the cost of dealing with a problem will only increase,
2. Prepare and repaint where necessary. if left unattended.
3. For squeaky floors: The Building Research Association of New Zealand
Screw and glue a batten to underside of each of a line of Common Tasks
floorboards. Please Note:
Finding a roof leak
Whilst the advice and recommendations contained in this brochure
Screw and glue a batten onto floor joists, pushed hard up 1. With a soft flow head, gently hose over one small area have been produced with proper care, they are offered only with
under the flooring. of the roof at a time. the objective of assisting those interested in home improvement projects
Paint the floor with flooring oil, or sprinkle with talcum 2. Start at the bottom and work up. and PlaceMakers does not accept responsibility for the advice,
powder. 3. Have someone Inside the roof space checking for leaks recommendations, etc. contained herein.
4. For jammed windows: as you go. Information correct at time of printing: December 2002
5 6 7 [Link]
 HOW TO

Displaced insulation.
Obvious active borer infestation.
Sagging beams or rafters.
Wait until dry spell before forcing open. Replace worn
hinges and/or strip too thick paint on edges.
5. For sticking doors:
Replacing rotten timber
1. Cut away a further 600mm on each side of rot if possible.
2. Cut square so new piece of timber is easy to fit.
21
Insecure, worn or rubber sheathed wiring. Ensure door is dry, plane top or bottom (whichever is 3. Paint exposed timber with timber preser vative.
sticking) or the hinge side, until 2mm gap all round.
Evidence of rats, mice or birds. 4. Cut replacement piece from H3 treated timber.
Insecure header tank or hot water cylinder: (earthquake
Repaint or varnish edge. Where the hinge side is planed,
reset the hinges and rehang the door. 5. Prime all round with two coats. Maintaining
your home.
risk). 6. Fix in place: nail or screw with glue.
6. Lubricate sticking locks with graphite powder.
Action 7. Fill joint with flexible paintable sealant .
1. Repair leaks in roofing or pipes.
Bathrooms & Kitchens
2. Redistribute or add insulation to achieve total coverage. Easing a binding door
Check for;
3. Replace badly borer ridden structural timbers. 1. Check for loose hinges.
Lifting or loose tiles.
4. Have sagging beams strengit1ened (consult reputable 2. Remove loose screws.
builder). Cracked tiles or grout.
3. Replace with larger ones, or fill screw holes with glued
5. Remove rats/mice/birds nest. Rot in wet wall linings: especially around tap or shower
in dowel, then redrill and screw as before.
mixer/rose and along bottom edge.
6. Secure loose pipes or tanks. 4. Check the thickness of paint on the door edge. Strip and
Degraded sealant around baths, tubs and basins.
repaint if necessary.
Dripping taps.
Interior
Action:
Check for; If binding is caused by building movement or subsidence,
1. Reglue or replace tiles. that must be rectified before repairing the door or it will
Evidence of dampness: mildew, water stains or residual probably recur.
2. Replace tile grout with waterproof grout or suitable
dampness, bubbling floor vinyl, failing paint or clear
silicone sealant.
finishes, buckled hardboard, sagging ceilings, mouldy or
lifting wallpaper, rot in window frames. 3. Replace rotten wet wall linings. TIP - With loose pin hinges, the door can be removed
Failing paint and timber finishes. 4. Strip out old sealants, clean gap and reseal. without taking the hinges off.
Springy flooring. 5. Replace tap washers.
Squeaky flooring.
Jammed windows. Getting professional help
Sticking doors. In some cases, you may not be confident about taking
Sticking locks. remedial or maintenance action yourself. You may not even
be sure what the problem is. In those cases, seek professional Produced in association with
Action: advice and diagnosis from a builder, plumber, electrician,
1. Dampness: improve ventilation, insulation and heating. engineer or building consultant. Do that sooner rather than
Vent clothes driers outside. Reduce the use of kerosene later. The consultation will cost the same whenever it's done,
and LPG heaters. but the cost of dealing with a problem will only increase,
2. Prepare and repaint where necessary. if left unattended.
3. For squeaky floors: The Building Research Association of New Zealand
Screw and glue a batten to underside of each of a line of Common Tasks
floorboards. Please Note:
Finding a roof leak
Whilst the advice and recommendations contained in this brochure
Screw and glue a batten onto floor joists, pushed hard up 1. With a soft flow head, gently hose over one small area have been produced with proper care, they are offered only with
under the flooring. of the roof at a time. the objective of assisting those interested in home improvement projects
Paint the floor with flooring oil, or sprinkle with talcum 2. Start at the bottom and work up. and PlaceMakers does not accept responsibility for the advice,
powder. 3. Have someone Inside the roof space checking for leaks recommendations, etc. contained herein.
4. For jammed windows: as you go. Information correct at time of printing: December 2002
5 6 7 [Link]