PROPERTY maintenance: STRUCTURAL REPAIRS

Proper maintenance and timely repairs of structural elements are essential to ensure the safety, longevity, and stability of a building. This manual provides detailed steps for the repair and maintenance of foundations, walls, floors, basements and crawl spaces, chimneys and fireplaces, decks, and porches. Follow these guidelines to keep these structural components in optimal condition.

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Visible cracks, water seepage, uneven floors.

Steps:

1. Clean the crack using a wire brush to remove loose debris.

2. Apply a concrete bonding adhesive to the crack.

3. Fill the crack with hydraulic cement or epoxy resin.

4. Smooth the surface and allow it to cure as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Person Responsible:

• Mason

• Concrete Repair Specialist

Tools Required:

• Wire brush

• Concrete bonding adhesive

• Hydraulic cement or epoxy resin

• Trowel

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $200-$500

Frequency: Every 5-10 years or as needed

Type: Regular Maintenance

Symptoms: Water seepage, damp basement, mold growth.

Steps:

1. Clean the foundation surface.

2. Apply a waterproofing membrane or coating.

3. Install a drainage system if necessary, such as French drains or sump pumps.

4. Ensure proper grading around the foundation to direct water away.

Person Responsible:

• Waterproofing Specialist

• Mason

Tools Required:

• Waterproofing membrane or coating

• French drains or sump pump

• Shovels

• Grading tools

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $100-$300

• Professional service: $500-$2,000

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Visible cracks, moisture intrusion, structural weakness.

Steps:

1. Clean the crack with a wire brush or vacuum.

2. Apply a patching compound or epoxy resin to fill the crack.

3. Reinforce larger cracks with mesh tape before applying the compound.

4. Sand the repaired area smooth and paint if necessary.

Person Responsible:

• Mason

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Wire brush or vacuum

• Patching compound or epoxy resin

• Mesh tape

• Sandpaper

• Paint and brushes

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $100-$300

Frequency: Every 20-30 years or as needed

Type: Regular Maintenance

Symptoms: Crumbling mortar, loose bricks or stones.

Steps:

1. Remove old, damaged mortar using a chisel and hammer.

2. Mix new mortar to match the existing color and consistency.

3. Apply the new mortar with a trowel, pressing it firmly into the joints.

4. Smooth the joints and allow the mortar to cure.

Person Responsible:

• Mason

• Bricklayer

Tools Required:

• Chisel and hammer

• Trowel

• Mortar mix

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $300-$600

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noises when walking on the floor.

Steps:

1. Locate the squeak by walking on the floor and marking the spot.

2. Apply powdered graphite or talcum powder between the floorboards.

3. Secure loose floorboards with screws or nails.

4. Add additional support from below if necessary, such as shims or blocking.

Person Responsible:

• Carpenter

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Powdered graphite or talcum powder

• Screws or nails

• Drill

• Shims or blocking

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $10-$30

• Professional service: $100-$300

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Cracked, warped, or broken floorboards.

Steps:

1. Remove the damaged floorboard using a saw or pry bar.

2. Measure and cut a replacement board to fit.

3. Secure the new board with nails or screws.

4. Sand and finish the new board to match the existing floor.

Person Responsible:

• Carpenter

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Saw or pry bar

• Replacement floorboard

• Nails or screws

• Sandpaper

• Finish materials (stain, sealant)

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $100-$300

Frequency: Annually or as needed

Type: Regular Maintenance

Symptoms: Dampness, mold growth, musty odor.

Steps:

1. Inspect for leaks and repair any cracks or gaps.

2. Install a vapor barrier on the walls and floor.

3. Use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels.

4. Ensure proper ventilation to allow moisture to escape.

Person Responsible:

• Waterproofing Specialist

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Vapor barrier materials

• Dehumidifier

• Sealant

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $50-$150

• Professional service: $300-$1,000

Frequency: Every 10-15 years or as needed

Type: Regular Maintenance

Symptoms: Cold floors above, high energy bills.

Steps:

1. Choose appropriate insulation material (e.g., foam board, fiberglass).

2. Install insulation on the walls and between floor joists.

3. Seal any gaps or cracks to prevent air leaks.

4. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup.

Person Responsible:

• Insulation Installer

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Insulation material

• Sealant

• Utility knife

• Staple gun (for fiberglass)

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $100-$300

• Professional service: $500-$1,500

Frequency: Annually

Type: Regular Maintenance

Symptoms: Soot buildup, poor draft, smoke in the house.

Steps:

1. Use a chimney brush to clean the flue from the top down.

2. Remove soot and debris from the firebox and damper.

3. Inspect the chimney cap and replace if damaged.

4. Check for and repair any cracks or damage in the chimney structure.

Person Responsible:

• Chimney Sweep

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Chimney brush

• Ladder

• Dustpan and brush

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $100-$300

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Cracked or damaged bricks, missing mortar.

Steps:

1. Clean the firebox thoroughly.

2. Remove any loose or damaged bricks and mortar.

3. Replace damaged bricks and apply new mortar.

4. Allow the mortar to cure before using the fireplace.

Person Responsible:

• Mason

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Chisel and hammer

• Replacement bricks

• Mortar mix

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $100-$300

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Cracked, warped, or broken deck boards.

Steps:

1. Remove the damaged deck board using a pry bar or saw.

2. Measure and cut a replacement board to fit.

3. Secure the new board with screws or nails.

4. Stain or seal the new board to match the existing deck.

Person Responsible:

• Carpenter

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Pry bar

• Saw

• Measuring tape

• Replacement deck board

• Screws or nails

• Drill

• Stain or sealant

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $100-$300

Frequency: As needed

Type: Common Repair

Symptoms: Loose or broken railings, wobbling.

Steps:

1. Tighten any loose screws or bolts.

2. Replace any damaged railing components.

3. Secure the railing posts with additional screws or brackets.

4. Stain or paint the repaired railing to match the existing structure.

Person Responsible:

• Carpenter

• Handyman

Tools Required:

• Screwdrivers

• Screws or bolts

• Brackets

• Drill

• Replacement railing components

• Stain or paint

Common Costing:

• DIY materials: $20-$50

• Professional service: $100-$300