5 Tips on Maintaining Older Buildings

Maintaining and managing older buildings, particularly historic or ageing structures, is crucial for ensuring their safety, longevity, and comfort. This guide breaks down five essential tips for maintaining aged buildings, with a focus on educational institutions and similar facilities.

Be mindful of Asbestos

Asbestos management is essential for buildings constructed before 2000. This naturally occurring mineral, was used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties in the past, can pose serious health risks if disturbed. Professional surveys are vital to identifing asbestos-containing materials, and an up-to-date asbestos register should be maintained at all times. Only licensed contractors should handle asbestos-related work.

Health & Safety considerations:

As well as asbestos, wider health and safety considerations should be considered when planning building maintenance. These include the safety of those carrying out the works as well as all other building users. Building maintenance should be carried out by qualified professionals and only when planned risk assessments and method statements, appropriate to the works, are in place. Depending on the scale of the works being undertaken, they may need to comply with other health and safety regulations.

Maintain a regular cleaning schedule:

Regular cleaning is fundamental to building maintenance and can prevent many common issues before they develop into serious problems. A cleaning schedule should account for different areas, specific needs and usage patterns. High-traffic areas require more frequent attention (such as toilets), while historic materials may need specialised cleaning products and techniques to maintain their original state.

The importance of maintaining cleaning logs cannot be overlooked. These records help track completed work and identify emerging patterns or problems.

Priotise pest control:

Pest prevention is crucial for protecting older buildings from damage and maintaining healthy conditions. A good approach to pest control begins with regular building inspections and addressing any signs of pest activity. Professional pest assessments should be conducted on a regular basis, with findings thoroughly documented.

An effective pest management strategy combines physical barriers, proper waste management, and careful monitoring. Modern integrated pest management approaches can provide effective control while minimising the use of harmful chemicals that might damage historic materials or affect occupant health.

Address Repairs Promptly

Quick response to maintenance issues is crucial for preventing smaller problems from escalating into major repairs. A regular inspection schedule, combined with a clear reporting system, helps ensure that problems are identified and addressed. When prioritising repairs, consider both the urgency of the issue and its potential impact on the building. Building a relationship witha specialised company who understand historic buildings is a great way to ensure repairs are carried out effectively and in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Maintaining older buildings requires a careful balance of preventive care, prompt attention to issues, and respect for historic materials and methods. By following these five essential tips and implementing a comprehensive maintenance strategy, you can help ensure your building remains safe, functional, and preserved for the future.

How can M+C help?

Here at Munday + Cramer, we are experts when it comes to project and facilities management. With over 40 years experience with working within schools, we understand your needs and wants better than most. With this in mind, you can be confident in our delivery of a tailored, top-quality service.

We can also help with:

• Architecture
• Surveying
• Applying for funding (bid writing)
• Procurement

Contact us

Spotted a larger issue whilst carrying out your school maintenance check? In need of further support to fix it? Get in touch with our team today!

Contact a member of our team today on 01245 326 200 or reach us by email on info@mcessex.co.uk.