CHAPTER 7 MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify defects and damages associated with building inspection and maintenance, and determine proper procedures for repairs to naval facilities and structures.

A newly constructed building, regardless of how well it is constructed, will start to deteriorate the moment you apply the material. Proper maintenance and repairs are necessary from time to time to keep any structure in first-class condition. An effective maintenance inspection program will disclose whether specific types of maintenance or repairs are needed on buildings or other structures. The maintenance program should be designed to do the following: (1) promptly detect deficiencies and damages and (2) expeditiously perform economical and workmanlike repairs. These requirements are essential if the maintenance standards are to be achieved.

Detection is provided by inspection of facilities at regularly scheduled frequencies by qualified inspectors. The inspection program should also include emergency inspections to cover contingencies such as the following:

Before and after unusual and severe storms where high velocity winds, abnormal tides, and heavy wave action have been experienced.

When heavy snowstorms and extremely low temperatures are anticipated or experienced.

After the occurrence of any type of operational hazard

In some instances, an inspection will turn up minor defects that can be corrected promptly and, as a result, prevent the occurrence of major defects requiring extensive repairs. As a Second or First Class Builder, you may be called upon to conduct maintenance inspections at Navy activities. This is a responsible job and one that should be assigned to well-qualified personnel.

The types of structures that you inspect will depend upon the types available at your activity. So, consider those discussed here as typical of the many types that you will find at some activities. Let us emphasize, too, that this instruction is not intended to list every item that should be checked during an inspection of a specific type of structure. Additional and more detailed information applicable to the maintenance inspection of structures, roofing, painting, and waterfront facilities can be found in the appropriate MOs which are published by NAVFAC and listed in the Index of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, NAVFAC P-349.

At some activities, forms that provide a checklist may be available showing major items to be covered in the inspection of the structure concerned. These forms may be prepared locally and, therefore, may differ from one activity to another. At times, of course, forms may not be available and the inspector will have to depend upon past experience in building and construction, as well as sound judgment, determine what to look for in the inspection.

After completing an inspection, you may have to make a written report on your findings. You may also make recommendations on the type and extent of repairs needed to correct certain defects. You must remember that each inspection is important and should be done carefully, thoroughly, and with safety in mind.

INSPECTION of BUILDINGS

Many checkpoints can be covered in a maintenance inspection of buildings, especially when the inspection extends from the basement up to and including the roof. We will not attempt here to cover all items that might involve a complete and thorough inspection of an entire building. We will, however, cover some of the primary items of concern to an inspector at Navy activities.