Maintenance and Repair
What the domain tests
Maintenance and Repair tests defect diagnosis, repair methods, planned and reactive maintenance, inspection, damp, cracks, roof leaks and plumbing repairs.
Core rules
- Diagnose before repairing: record crack pattern, damp source and leak path.
- Cracks need interpretation. Diagonal cracks from openings can indicate movement; hairline shrinkage cracks behave differently.
- Damp may be rising, penetrating or condensation. Remedies include DPC repair, drainage, ventilation and repair of defects.
- Roof leaks often come from flashings, broken coverings, blocked gutters or failed joints.
- For plumbing repairs, isolate the supply, repair or replace the part, then test under pressure.
- Keep a snag list and maintenance schedule; distinguish planned maintenance from emergency reactive work.
Worked example
A diagonal crack runs from the corner of a window towards the wall corner and widens upward. This pattern suggests foundation movement or a structural problem rather than simple shrinkage. Fit tell-tales, monitor for movement and refer for structural assessment before filling. Reasoning: crack direction and widening indicate differential movement.
Traps
- Painting over damp without finding the source.
- Filling a movement crack rigidly.
- Replacing a roof tile without repairing the flashing.
- Ignoring a structural crack as cosmetic.
- Testing a repaired pipe before the joint has cured.