Maintaining both residential and commercial buildings in the UK can seem like a huge task. From our unpredictable weather to ageing infrastructure, building owners and facilities managers often find themselves battling a long list of recurring maintenance issues.
If issues are left unchecked and unresolved, they can turn into costly repairs or even safety hazards. That’s why proactive maintenance is crucial for preserving property value, ensuring compliance standards are met and occupants are safe and comfortable.
Let’s explore some of the most common maintenance issues seen in UK buildings today, and how to prevent them.
Why It Happens:
Damp is one of the most persistent and damaging issues in UK properties, thanks to the country’s wet climate. Poor vent, inadequate insulation leaking roofs and gutters are all contributors to the buildup of moisture.
Prevention Tips:
- Regularly inspect roofs, windows, and guttering for leaks or damage.
- Ensure good airflow in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, install extractor fans where necessary.
- Treat minor damp early before it spreads.
- Keep heating at a consistent low level in colder months to prevent condensation.
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Faulty Heating and HVAC Systems
Heating issues are especially common in older buildings, where ageing boilers or outdated systems are still in place. Poor maintenance and irregular servicing can cause breakdowns, poor energy efficiency, and uncomfortable working or living conditions.
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule annual servicing of boilers and HVAC systems by certified engineers.
- Install smart thermostats to optimise performance and energy usage.
- Upgrade to modern, energy-efficient systems if your current setup is over 10–15 years old.
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Plumbing Problems
Why It Happens:
Leaks, burst pipes and blocked drains can occur in any building. However, the these problems run higher risk of occurring in older properties with poorly maintained plumbing. Hard water, which is common in many areas of the UK, can also cause limescale build up in pipes and appliances.
Prevention Tips:
- Conduct regular checks for hidden leaks under sinks or in basements.
- Insulate external pipes to prevent freezing in winter.
- Flush out systems periodically to prevent scale build-up.
- Encourage occupants not to flush inappropriate items down toilets or pour fats down sinks.
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Electrical Faults
Why It Happens:
From flickering lights to overloaded circuits, electrical problems can be both a nuisance and a serious hazard. Many commercial buildings rely heavily on lighting, IT infrastructure, and appliances, so electrical faults can disrupt operations.
Prevention Tips:
- Ensure all installations comply with current UK electrical safety standards (BS 7671).
- Have a qualified electrician perform regular Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR).
- Don’t ignore warning signs like burning smells or tripping circuits.
Why It Happens:
Exterior materials such as brickwork, paint, rendering, and cladding are subject to gradual deterioration due to pollution, moisture, and UV exposure. Cracks in masonry or peeling paintwork are often signs of deeper structural or weatherproofing issues.
Prevention Tips:
- Perform periodic façade inspections to check for cracks, discolouration, or erosion.
- Repoint brickwork and repaint or seal exposed surfaces when required.
- Ensure expansion joints and drainage systems are functioning correctly.
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Security and Access Control Failures
Why It Happens:
As security technology advances, so do the methods used to bypass it. Faulty locks, outdated entry systems, or unmonitored CCTV setups can compromise building safety and cause concerns among tenants or employees.
Prevention Tips:
- Upgrade outdated access systems to key fob or smart entry systems.
- Maintain security cameras and ensure footage is stored securely.
- Conduct annual security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
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Compliance and Fire Safety Oversights
Why It Happens:
UK regulations around building safety, especially post-Grenfell, have become much stricter. However, fire doors, extinguishers, alarms, and emergency exits are often overlooked during day-to-day operations.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep an up-to-date log of all fire safety equipment inspections.
- Test alarms and emergency lighting monthly.
- Ensure escape routes are always clear and fire doors are functional.
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Pest Infestations
Why It Happens:
Rodents, pigeons, and insects often seek shelter in older buildings, particularly if waste is not managed correctly or there are entry points around the exterior.
Prevention Tips:
- Keep bin areas clean and sealed.
- Regularly inspect for signs of pests (droppings, gnawed wires, nests).
- Seal gaps around doors, vents, and pipework.
Why Proactive Maintenance Matters
Many building owners still operate reactively dealing with issues only after they have occurred. But reactive maintenance can lead to bigger repair bills, reputational damage, and tenant dissatisfaction.
Instead, proactive facilities management can:
- Reduce long-term costs
- Improve asset performance
- Enhance tenant comfort and safety
- Increase compliance and peace of mind
At Presence & Co., we’ve seen first-hand how integrated, in-house facilities management makes it easier to stay on top of maintenance. When all aspects of a building’s lifecycle are managed together from design and construction to day-to-day operations, problems are spotted early and resolved efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Building maintenance isn’t just about keeping things clean or ticking off checklists, it’s about preserving value, minimising risk, and creating environments where people want to live and work. By understanding the most common maintenance issues and taking steps to prevent them, building owners and managers can save time, money, and stress.
Whether you oversee a heritage property, a modern office building, or a mixed-use scheme, proactive maintenance is the foundation of long-term success in 2025 and beyond.
