Aspect Maintenance advises homeowners to look out for signs of wear and tear

Online, October 7, 2009 (Newswire.com) - -Aspect Maintenance advises homeowners to look out for
signs of wear and tear-

Due to the recession, UK homeowners have sought to repair some elements of their property, rather than replacing them. And, whilst the majority of systems have probably worked well over summer 2009, the story could be very different during the winter months - when they have to work far harder.

William Davies, managing director at Aspect Maintenance (www.allaspectsltd.co.uk), comments: "In the winter months, appliances such as the boiler, are called upon to work much harder, and it's usually during this period they fall over. Now is the perfect time to undertake property health checks; not only to help prevent system break downs, but also to save more costly repair bills later on down the line."

Despite the fact that September 2009 was a warm month, Aspect Maintenance undertook double the amount of boiler installations, compared with the same month last year. William Davies adds: "Where people opted not to replace their boiler last year, and where it hasn't been used all summer, this year, many are experiencing problems the moment they decide to turn it on.

"As the cold snap starts, I believe we will see an even bigger increase on our September figure as more and more homeowners have to replace their boilers. I'd anticipate that we will get a lot more calls into our switchboard."

But, Davies is quick to warn homeowners not to delay the inevitable. He advises that during busy periods, it isn't always possible to get an engineer (from any company) out immediately. He comments:

"Homeowners should think about having their boiler checked now. A gas and plumbing inspection will check all elements and provide guidance on what needs doing. And, boilers should be checked/serviced on an annual basis. Planned installations are always better and more cost-effective than reactive work. They also enable you to plan the expenditure on your property, as opposed to being caught out."

Aspect Maintenance also carries out electrical, roof and drainage inspections.

Here, the company offers some tips on how to look after your property, in preparation for the winter ahead.

1/ One way of providing increased longevity to the operation of a boiler is to undertake preventative measures such as boiler servicing and mechanical 'Powerflushing'.
2/ Consider electricity, which is now being used for heating and cooling - for space and liquid heating; providing instant controllability, and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
3/ Make sure you properly insulate your property, from lofts to cavity fillings to exclude draft. This will prevent heat lost, and conserve energy.
4/ Check your pipes are insulated to protect from frost and to prevent heat loss.
5/ Check your roof for missing tiles, and check the flashings to the chimney look intact. Make sure the guttering looks clear with no missing sections. Clear away pebbles, moss and vegetation that may have built up on your roof.
6/ Clean your drains - from inside and do an external check to ensure there aren't any blockages.

William Davies comments: "Our homes are our castles, so we should treat them with the utmost care and respect, and never underestimate what the harsh winter weather can do to them."

-Ends-

Notes to editors

About Aspect Maintenance:

Aspect Maintenance is a leading property maintenance and refurbishment company operating across the domestic and commercial sectors.

Specialising on all areas of maintenance, from the drains to the roof and anything in between, Aspect Maintenance sets new, modern and highly professional standards. The company provides both reactive emergency breakdown maintenance and planned and estimated works.

Aspect Maintenance prides itself on the fact that its engineers turn up on time for their scheduled two-hour appointment window. The company does not charge hidden costs, such as parking, congestion charge or travel time, and jobs are completed as professionally and promptly as possible.

Founded in 2004, Aspect Maintenance has grown at over 100% year-on-year. The company is based in South West London, and operates primarily across the city and all areas inside the M25. Today, more than 100 staff are employed by the company.

For further information, interviews and photography, please contact:

Katrina Suppiah, Publicite
Tel: 020 8543 6582/ 07809 028711
Email: [email protected]