External steps down to boiler rooms should not be neglected and these require frequent and careful attention to remove moss etc. Early attention to defects may prevent costly repairs later on. A falling grave stone can cause injury or fatality. The DAC Secretary or local Conservation Officer will be able to advise on which monuments are listed. Repairs to all historic monuments, listed or not, need to be carried out by an experienced stonemason.
Trees can cause serious damage in a variety of ways.
During windy conditions they may fall onto or lash against the building and rocking of the roots can cause collapse of the boundary walls. Leaves and twigs block gutters and underground drains. Roots removing moisture from clay soils can lead to shrinkage of the clay causing foundations to move and walls to crack. Branches falling onto visitors, neighbouring property or cars are a frequent source of claims. Regular inspections of trees, at least every six months, should be considered essential and at least every five years by a tree surgeon.