A rental refurbishment is a good time to inspect parts of the exterior that are harder to deal with once tenants move in. Fresh paint and flooring may be more noticeable, but damaged gutters, loose roof tiles or failed pointing can allow water into the building and create further repair work.
Repairing responsibilities are another reason to inspect the exterior before the property is occupied again. For landlords in England, repairing responsibilities cover the structure and exterior of the property, including drains, gutters and external pipes. A refurbishment gives you an opportunity to identify problems in these areas while other work is already being planned.
Start With Guttering and Drainage
Check the guttering for leaking joints, loose brackets, blocked outlets and sections that no longer fall correctly towards the downpipe. Overflowing water can run down walls or onto fascia boards, while blocked or damaged gutters can contribute to moisture entering the building.
If the existing system needs replacing, consider the material as well as the profile and capacity. If you need a marine-grade aluminium rainwater system, you can shop aluminium gutters available in half round, deepflow, box and moulded ogee profiles. Some marine-grade aluminium guttering systems have a stated functional life expectancy of 50 years or more, although periodic cleaning, debris removal and joint checks are still required.
Does the existing gutter setup still suit the property? Roof area, outlet size and downpipe arrangement all affect how rainwater is carried away, so replacement is a good time to check the system as a whole.
Inspect Fascias, Soffits and the Roof Together
Once you are working at roofline level, check the fascia, soffits and roof covering during the same inspection. Look for rotten timber, open joints, damaged soffit sections, slipped or broken tiles and deterioration around chimney stacks or other roof penetrations.
These parts of the building can affect one another. A leaking gutter can wet the fascia behind it, while a roof defect can allow moisture into the roof space. Fitting new guttering without checking the fascia first could leave damaged timber behind the replacement system.
Repair Render and Masonry Where Water Can Get In
Cracked render, damaged brickwork and failed mortar joints should be checked before internal decorating is finished. Government guidance on damp and mould for landlords in England identifies damaged or blocked gutters, defective roof finishes, cracks in render and other facade defects among the external areas to check when looking for sources of moisture.
Pay close attention around window openings, corners and areas below leaking gutters or downpipes. Flaking brick faces, loose mortar and cracks extending across render may need more than a cosmetic repair.
An internal damp patch does not tell you the cause on its own. Penetrating damp can result from defects in walls, roofs or windows, so the source should be identified before damaged internal finishes are repaired.
Check Windows and External Doors
Windows and external doors should close properly and keep out rain. During a refurbishment, check window frames, seals and opening mechanisms, then look for staining or damaged finishes around the openings that could point to water ingress.
External doors need a similar inspection. Check the frame, threshold, hinges and locking mechanism, along with gaps where rainwater or draughts may enter.
If you are a landlord in England or Wales and replacement windows are already being considered, you can check the property’s Energy Performance Certificate recommendations before deciding what work to include. The recommendations can identify energy efficiency measures relevant to the property, which may include replacing single glazing with low-E double glazing.
Plan the Exterior Work in the Right Order
Check for roof and rainwater problems before repairing damaged render, and deal with wet or rotten fascia boards before replacement guttering is fitted. This helps avoid completing one job only to find that another defect affects the same area.
Think about contractor access at the same stage. Roof repairs, fascia work, gutter replacement and high-level masonry can involve overlapping areas of the building, so identifying the work together can avoid discovering another defect after one job has already been completed.
Before setting the refurbishment budget, walk around the property and record defects from the roofline down to the drainage points. This gives you a clearer basis for deciding what needs repairing, what needs replacing and what can wait.
Not every rental property will need the same exterior work. Start with the defects already present, particularly where water could enter the building or one damaged component could affect another. From there, you can decide which repairs belong in the current refurbishment and deal with connected work before the next tenancy begins.
FAQs
Should guttering be replaced during every rental refurbishment?
No. Guttering in sound condition may only need cleaning, joint checks or local repairs. Replacement may make more sense where sections are damaged, poorly aligned, leaking repeatedly or no longer able to handle the amount of rainwater coming from the roof.
How long can aluminium guttering last?
Some marine-grade aluminium guttering systems have a stated functional life expectancy of 50 years or more. Periodic maintenance is still required, with cleaning, debris removal and joint checks recommended to keep the system in good condition.
Can aluminium guttering suit a period property?
Yes, depending on the profile and the building. Aluminium guttering is available in several shapes, with moulded ogee providing a more traditional profile alongside half round, deepflow and box systems. The choice should also take roof drainage requirements into account rather than being based on appearance alone.
Which exterior areas should be checked during a rental refurbishment?
Start with areas that keep water out of the building or carry it away. Roof coverings, gutters, downpipes, fascia boards, render, masonry, windows and external doors can all reveal defects worth addressing before the next tenancy begins.