Repairs & Maintenance

When undertaking works within site carpentry or the construction industry as a whole, we find that each task/project falls into one of two distinct categories; the construction/installation of new components, or the modification/maintenance of existing components. Having covered the procedures behind the construction of new components in other areas of this publication, we will focus here on the repairs and maintenance aspect of residential construction. Regardless of when or how well a new building was constructed, an array of familiar issues are likely to arise as time takes its toll on the structure. These issues and their causes can vary between building based on how and where the structure was erected, what materials and methods we’re used, as well as how old the structure is - though some issue are likely appear more frequently than others. Material shrinkage and expansion, subsidence, exposure to the elements, pests and rot, incorrect installation, as well as general wear-and-tear are just a handful of factors that can affect the individual components within a structure as well as the structure as a whole. Squeaky doors, floorboards, and stairs, doors that no longer close correctly, cracks, drips and leaks, and mould are some of the specific issues that may occur as a result of these factors. In this section we will look at an extensive collection of these issues, what has caused them, how they can be rectified, and how they could have been prevented.