Winter repairs to private property (From Gazette & Herald)

Winter repairs to private property

11:26am Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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THE recent spell of extreme winter weather has not only wreaked havoc on our road surfaces, it has also caused considerable damage to private property.

Left unresolved, problems can result in significant damp and wood rot, but they can be fixed relatively quickly and cheaply. I hope it doesn’t appear presumptuous to give advice to others: Look round for fallen bits of mortar or even blown tiles that will need attention. Next time it rains, take the time to identify leaking or inveffective gutters – damp plumes down the wall are a giveaway.

Look for overflowing drains, or downspouts that are obviously blocked. It’s often difficult to find tradesmen to carry out small jobs like this, but if you need a handyman, builder or plumber, only use ones recommended by people you trust and make sure you both know exactly what they are doing beforehand, so the cost reflects the job done.

Mike Potter, Pickering & District Civic Society