Clock Tower Care and Maintenance

Version date: 18 August 2026

Bespoke Tower Clocks are designed for long exterior service using modified timber, durable coating systems and proven roof finishes. Low maintenance does not mean no inspection. A simple, recorded care routine helps protect the tower, clock equipment and receiving building.

Project-specific handover instructions take priority over this general guidance.

1. Safety first

Do not climb onto a roof or tower without suitable training, access equipment and fall protection.

High-level inspection, electrical work, lifting and repair must be completed by competent persons.

Isolate electrical supplies before opening clock-control or lighting enclosures.

2. Inspection frequency

Arrange a visual inspection:

• at least once every 12 months;
• after a severe storm, impact, lightning event or suspected water ingress;
• after work to the surrounding roof or building;
• before and after moving a demountable turret; and
• whenever clock performance, visible alignment or the condition of the finish changes unexpectedly.

3. External timber and coating

Check:

• impact damage, chips, cuts or abrasion in the coating;
• open joints, loose mouldings or unusual movement;
• damage caused by ladders, slings, scaffolding or roof work;
• areas where another item has been fixed to the tower; and
• dirt or debris holding moisture against a surface.

Clean only when required using clean water, a soft cloth or sponge and a mild non-abrasive detergent. Rinse gently.

Do not use pressure washers, steam cleaners, abrasive pads, aggressive solvents, paint stripper or metal tools on the coating.

Repair accidental coating damage promptly with the compatible preparation and coating system stated in the handover information. Contact us if the correct system is uncertain.

4. Accoya and ThermoWood

Accoya and ThermoWood are selected for stability and durability, but their performance still depends on correct detailing, ventilation, drainage, coating care and installation.

Surface grain and minor dimensional movement can occur naturally. Report any softening, persistent dampness, open structural joint or unusual movement.

Do not drill or cut a structural component without confirming the detail first.

5. Lead roofs

Lead naturally develops a patina and may weather unevenly. Check for:

• impact or puncture damage;
• lifted or displaced details;
• damage around a finial or weathervane;
• obstruction of drips or drainage paths; and
• movement or failure in surrounding roof flashings.

Do not apply unsuitable sealants, bitumen coatings or rigid fixings to leadwork. Use a competent leadworker for repair.

6. Copper roofs

Copper changes from bright metal through brown tones and may ultimately develop a green patina. This is natural.

Check for accidental damage, incompatible-metal contact, loose details and blocked drainage.

Do not use aggressive metal polish unless the project specification expressly requires a maintained bright finish.

7. Fibreglass roofs

Check for impact damage, cracking, failed edge details, surface wear and movement at junctions.

Use only compatible repair materials and follow the system supplier’s guidance.

8. Louvres, ventilation and drainage

Keep ventilation openings, insect mesh and drainage paths clear of leaves, nests, dust and debris.

Do not seal a louvre or ventilation opening unless the design has been reviewed, as trapped moisture or heat may damage timber or clock equipment.

Investigate internal condensation, staining or persistent dampness promptly.

9. Weathervanes, finials and external fittings

Check that visible fittings remain secure and correctly aligned.

Do not attempt to tighten or adjust a high-level fitting without safe access and the correct fixing information.

A weathervane must rotate freely without striking the roof or clock-tower body.

10. Clock faces, hands and mechanisms

Check that:

• hands move freely and do not contact each other, the dial or glazing;
• faces, numerals and glazing remain secure;
• time remains reasonably synchronised across multiple faces;
• access panels and internal fixings remain secure; and
• cables show no visible damage.

Service mechanisms, controllers, batteries and illumination in accordance with the specialist supplier’s instructions.

Do not lubricate a mechanism unless its manufacturer specifically requires it.

11. Receiving roof and waterproofing

The surrounding building roof, curb, flashings, underlay and waterproof integration are separate from the tower unless included in our Contract.

Check for:

• slipped or broken roof coverings;
• failed flashings or sealants;
• movement in the support or curb;
• water staining below or around the tower; and
• blocked roof drainage.

Deal with water ingress immediately. Water entering from the receiving roof can damage both the building and the tower.

12. Cleaning clock faces

Use a soft non-abrasive cloth and a cleaning method compatible with the dial, coating, glass or acrylic specified.

Do not press on clock hands or allow water to enter the mechanism.

For high or large faces, use a competent contractor.

13. Records

Keep:

• dated inspection photographs;
• service and repair invoices;
• details of coating touch-up materials;
• clock-equipment service records;
• installation and structural information; and
• correspondence about any defect or repair.

Core records should be passed to a new owner if the property is sold.

14. Reporting a concern

Contact enquiries@bespoketowerclocks.co.uk with the order number, Site address, photographs and a clear description.

Prompt reporting helps distinguish a product issue from surrounding building work and can prevent a minor defect becoming more serious.

15. Effect on the guarantee

Failure to perform an inspection or keep a record does not automatically cancel all rights. However, the 25-Year Timber Guarantee does not cover damage to the extent that reasonable inspection, notification or repair would probably have prevented or materially reduced it.