Case Study: Non-Compliant Balcony in Torquay

Non-compliant balcony waterproofing in Torquay

As a part of a new home inspection package, we completed a waterproof inspection of this balcony in Torquay’s Stretton Estate.

The homeowner was building with a well-known volume builder and engaged Manse Group to complete a pre-pour, frame, pre-plaster, waterproof/fix and final inspection throughout the construction of their double storey home.

During the waterproof/fix inspection, we identified numerous significant defects, particularly with the balcony which included:

1. Non-compliance with AS 4654 Waterproofing membranes for external above ground use.
2. The balcony was not constructed as per the design drawing including the waterproofing system and fall requirements specified on the plans differed to the onsite construction.
3. No sub sill flashing was installed.
4. No balcony overflow was installed.
5. The balcony waste pipe had been drilled through the solid floor joists below and compromised their structural integrity.

As this is not a mandatory stage inspection, this would not have been seen by the Relevant Building Surveyor.

 

Water ingress related to a non-compliant balcony has potential to cause serious damage to the home down the track including:

• Structural damage over time to framing, floor joists, structural flooring, structural steel and other structural members which are integral to the stability of the home.
• Damage to internal linings such as carpets, plasterboard, timber flooring, internal timber trims etc.
• Growth of harmful mould which poses a risk to the health and safety of occupants.
• Damage to neighbouring properties or shared spaces, particularly in apartment and townhouses.
• Expensive repair costs. Often a non-compliant balcony can be difficult to rectify without demolishing it back to a bare frame and starting again.
• Safety issues: Further degradation of non-compliant balconies can compromise its load-bearing capacity and increase the risk of collapse.

 

Understanding the seriousness of the situation, the homeowner therefore requested that we re-attend the site to complete a re-inspection of the rectification works, to give peace of mind that the builder had appropriately rectified the defects.

At the time of the waterproof re-inspection, we found:

1. That there was additional damage to the balcony which included damage to the membrane in numerous locations.
2. The membrane was not protected.
3. The previous items raised had not been attended to.

The below photos were taken at the time of our re-inspection.

Water ingress is a common issue raised in complaints to the VBA, insurance claims with the Victorian Managed Insurance Agency (VMIA) and disputes managed by Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV). Ensuring proper construction and waterproofing from the beginning is key to avoiding issues down the track which commonly result in disputes.

Independent inspections by Manse Group at the critical stages throughout your new home build will ensure quality on site and you have peace of mind with your investment.

 

If you’d like an expert set of eyes checking over your new home build, get in touch with us today.