Weep holes with insufficient height clearance can allow for water entry into the property.
Weep holes underneath windows are a requirement to brick veneer dwellings where the window opening is greater than 1000mm to allow for the escape of water through the porous wall material.
Efflorescence is the seepage of salt to the surface of a material. It is a problem because it can result in a ‘salt attack’ on the construction joints.
The misalignment of vertical mortar joints is defective if the joints exceed a maximum deviation of 20mm per 2m height.
Mould is a health risk and should be removed at the earliest instance of detection.
Cracking to the mortar joints on the roof ridge and hip will require repairs to prevent water entry into the dwelling. The procedure for these repairs is called roof repointing.
Corrosion to the gutters and downpipes will restrict stormwater flow on the property, which can affect the overall stormwater drainage.
Blockages to the gutters can result in a back-flow of stormwater into the property which can result in water staining and mould growth.
Moss growth that is found around a building occurs due to excessive external moisture conditions and insufficient ventilation. Removal is recommended, especially on hard-surfaces, as it is extremely slippery when wet.
The installation of an agricultural line (aggline) drainage system will assist with removing surface water around the dwelling. The drainage system is installed around the perimeter of a structure to remove excess surface water.
Inadequate ventilation within the roof spaces and subfloor can result in stagnant air. In the event of water entry into these areas, odours can form and a reduction in ventilation.
Mechanical fan systems are recommended to assist with ventilation in the subfloor areas of a building. Limited ventilation in the subfloor can allow for moisture to build up which can result in a timber pest attack.
Excess moisture that is detected in the property is indicative of poor ventilation or leakages in the property. It can lead to mould growth and termite attacks.
Downlight covers are recommended to newer dwellings to prevent the overheating of the fixture, which may result in fires, if the insulation is kept too close to the lighting fixture.
Cracking that is less than 5mm in width is classified as a cosmetic crack. These cracks can be easily filled with gap filler or by painting over the surface.
Cracking that is greater than 5mm will usually require repairs to the surface which may require partial removal of the wall/ceiling. These cracks can result in decreased mobility of the windows and doors, fractures to the building services and impact the weather-tightness of the dwelling.
The failure of a waterproofing membrane can result in mould growth to walls and ceilings. The failure of a waterproofing membrane will require the removal of the entire affected wet area and reinstatement of a new membrane. Early signs of a deteriorated waterproofing membrane will include increased moisture levels to the adjacent walls/ceiling and water staining.
Sealant is recommended to all expansion joints on a dwelling to prevent water and pest entry into a dwelling.
Concrete cancer occurs through the corrosion of the steel reinforcement of a wall or slab. As the corrosion spreads, it can affect the structural integrity of the area. Limiting the amount of exposed reinforcement through concrete will reduce the risk of concrete cancer.
Blockages to the kerb outlet restricts the ability for stormwater to drain from the dwelling and are quite common in older buildings. Blockages can occur through cracks in the drainage or through a build-up of leaf litter along the street,
Some meter boxes are outdated and do not have sufficient safety switches installed. The installation of safety switches will protect the dwelling from sudden electrical surges which can overload the supply and damage appliances.
The insulation foil can be found on the underside of the roof tiles to assist with the weather-tightness of the dwelling. Torn insulation foil can result in water staining to the ceilings if there is a water leak to the roof.
All excess timber and materials should be removed from subfloor areas and around the dwelling to prevent the risk of a timber pest attack.
The usage of asbestos materials was quite common prior to 1982. Asbestos fibres can result in serious respiratory illnesses when exposed. Due care must be taken when working around asbestos material to minimise the exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Timber decay is caused by excessive periods of dampness that results in decomposition of fibres. Timber decay can attract timber pests to the property and can be commonly found to timber fencing, fascia, windows and doors.
Termite damages can be detrimental to your home. It is recommended to conduct regular inspections to detect the early signs of termite activity. Termite activity can be detected by mud shelters around the property, hollow sounding timber, sagging floors or doors, cracking to paint or plasterboard and brittle timber fixtures around the property. Active termites can be detected through the use of a thermal imaging camera.
Timber borer damage can be as bad as termite damage to your property. Borer damage is usually evident with small holes found to the deteriorated timber and are prevalent in untreated timber.
A thermal camera inspection can assist with the detection of termite activity behind wall and ceiling lining.
Chemical delignification is often identified when the timber becomes ‘hairy’. This occurs when the organic fibres in the timber deteriorates due to the exposure to water or chemical fumes.