The Building Manager has compiled a list of the top 10 maintenance tips to help ensure your property remains in great condition and safe year-round.

1. Take steps to minimise condensation & mould buildup.

Condensation is when humid air turns to water as it comes into contact with a cold surface. Day-to-day activities such as cooking, washing, and even breathing while sleeping can create a surprising amount of condensation, so it is important to take steps to avoid mould growth & water marks on ceilings and walls. Top tips include:

• Covering pans when cooking to reduce steam.

• Using an extractor on high power when cooking on the hob.

• Keeping bathroom doors closed when showering or bathing.

• Keeping your home at an even temperature throughout the day.

• Using a crystal or electric dehumidifier in high use areas such as living room and bedroom.

• Opening the windows and doors to ventilate.

Did you know the windows in Chinnocks Wharf include a tilt mechanism to provide ventilation without letting in rain? If the tilt mechanism in your windows isn't working correctly the Building Manager can often assist or let you know who to contact if specialist window repairs may be necessary.

Following these steps can help reduce humidity and prevent the build up of mould over time.

2. Open window and door trickle vents during the winter months.

In the winter months properties are less ventilated, we spend more time in them, and often dry clothes indoors. All windows and doors in Chinnocks Wharf include trickle vents at the top of the frame to allow controlled ventilation and fresh air into rooms. These are designed to allow enough air to fully ventilate a room, and should always be left open if you have curtains. It's generally advisable to leave trickle vents fully open throughout the year, but especially so in the winter in rooms in which you sleep.

Vents can sometimes be stiff to open; if you need help opening the trickle vents contact the Building Manager who will be happy to help.

3. Test your smoke alarm once a week.

You can test your smoke alarm by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds. If you don't hear the alarm or there are no lights illuminated or flashing on the alarm, replace the batteries immediately.

4. Vacuum or dust your smoke alarm once a month.

Keeping your smoke alarm clean can help prevent false alarms caused by dust and debris clogging the sensor. This is especially important for alarms in high-use areas such as hallways and kitchens.

5. If you have a battery-powered smoke alarm, change the batteries every year.

The only exception is if your alarm has a 10 year battery. If your smoke alarm is beeping on a regular basis, you need to replace the battery immediately. If your alarm keeps beeping after the batteries have been changed there may be a fault with the alarm so seek additional advice straight away.

6. Service your plumbing and heating equipment every year.

Regular servicing helps prevent leaks and reduce repair costs. Keeping appliances serviced helps lower Chinnocks Wharf service charges by reducing the number of insurance claims, leak investigation fees, and repairs.

7. Check the mechanisms and seals of your windows every year.

Over time the window seals can degrade and the mechanisms can become stiff or jammed. The Building Manager can help inspect your windows to ensure they are working correctly, and let you know who to contact if specialist window repairs may be necessary.

8. Check your front door closes properly every year.

The building and properties have design features that support a stay put policy, with the property front doors being a critical part of this protection. The Management are responsible for undertaking an annual inspection with the relevant authorities and may contact you to check for defective or tampered door closers, letter boxes, door viewer, hinges, or intumescent seals. The Building Manager & Managing Agent can help advise on repairs. Can you remember what to do in case of a fire? It's also a good idea to refresh yourself on the Fire Plan every year.

9. Consider an electrical inspection every 10 years.

If your wiring & lighting has not been re-examined or changed within 10 years, it's advisable to complete an electrical inspection (known as an EICR). Wires can develop arcing and lights can overheat, so regular electrical equipment checks reduce the risk of fire or electric malfunction (which can lead to a fire).

10. Replace your battery-powered or wired smoke alarm every 10 years.

When you buy a smoke alarm it will come with instructions that will indicate how long it will last and when it will need replacing. If the instructions are no longer available, the general rule of thumb is to replace alarms every 10 years.