WET AREAS WALL TILING

DEFECT – SPOT-FIXING OF TILES

ISSUE

Spot-fixing of wall tiles in wet areas.

This may lead to serious defects due to water penetrating cavities or voids.

ACTION NEEDED

AS3958.1 - 2007 Clause 5.6 requires minimum contactcoverage of 90% for wet areas.

Supervise trades onsite to ensure they are correctly fixing tiles. It is a serious defect and can result in significant rectification costs for the developer and builder.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

STORMWATER PIT BASE TO OUTLET

DEFECT – STORMWATER PITS FAILING TO FLOW TO OUTLET

ISSUE

Stormwater pits that are not benched to allow flow to outlet will hold stagnant water.

This can lead to bad odours and increased mosquito population.

ACTION NEEDED

Ensure the base of stormwater pits are benched with concrete to the outlet level.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

MEMBRANE HEIGHT

DEFECT – LACK OF MEMBRANE HEIGHT TOWARD TERMINATIONS

ISSUE

Insufficient height for termination of the waterproof membrane due to defective design and/or defective or faulty workmanship.

This may lead to serious defects due to water penetration.

ACTION NEEDED

Waterproofing membranes for external above ground use must comply with AS4564.2-2012 -Clause 2.8.1.1 Height; Clause 2.8.1.3 Membrane termination finishing and NCC Vol.1 performance requirements FP1.4.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

MEMBRANE HEIGHT

DEFECT – LACK OF MEMBRANE HEIGHT TOWARD TERMINATIONS

ISSUE

Waterproofing can be compromised by fixtures, fittings and PVC pipes.

Inadequate membrane height at terminations can allow water to seep below.

ACTION NEEDED

AS4564.2-2012 - 2.8.4 Penetrations specifies the requirements for waterproofing membranes for external above ground use

The waterproofing membrane should be lapped inside the floor drain waste.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

MEMBRANE HEIGHT

DEFECT – WATER LEAKING ON THE WALLS

ISSUE

Water leaking through the wall due to a compromised seal, with signs of rust and corrosion.

This may lead to serious defects in multiple building elements.

ACTION NEEDED

Any fixings that penetrate the membrane must be sealed. The sealant is to be compatible with the surface material.

Where a backing rod is used in support of the sealant, they shall be a minimum diameter of 12mm.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

OVERFLOWS

DEFECT – MISSING OR WRONG HEIGHT OVERFLOWS

ISSUE

Balconies with concrete upturns and floor wastes to the same stormwater stack that are missing or have incorrect height or size of the overflows.

This can lead to flooding of an apartment if the floor waste is blocked.

ACTION NEEDED

Construct overflows lower than the FFL of the apartment.

Overflows must big enough to allow the flow of water as per AS4654.2-2012.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

SPOON DRAINS

DEFECT – WATER LEAKING ON THE WALLS

ISSUE

Water ponding on the floor due to lack of adequate falls in the drain.

This can cause serious defect to the flooring and structural elements. It can also cause mould and attract mosquitoes.

ACTION NEEDED

Adequate surface and subsoil drainage systems as per AS 3500.3 Plumbing and Drainage – Part 3; Stormwater drainage – Section 6.

The builder should cut open the line of trench drain and re-form it with sufficient fall to the drain inlet.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

FIRE SAFETY

DEFECT – MISSING ROOFTOPS TO STORAGE CAGES

ISSUE

Storage cages with missing roof tops allows unit occupiers to store items to the ceiling.

This may block the fire sprinkler or risk damaging the fire sprinkler head.

ACTION NEEDED:

Ensure storage cages are installed with roof tops with a minimum of 500mm below the sprinkler head. This may require design coordination.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

PENETRATIONS WITHOUT COLLARS

DEFECT – UNTREATED PENETRATIONS AND MISSING FIRE COLLARS

ISSUE

No fire protection (fire collar) installed around the pipework to prevent the spread of fire.

ACTION NEEDED

Adequate pipe seal as per AS2032 - PVC Piping Installation Clause 6.2.2 Setting of pipes in concrete and NCC 2019 Volume One Clause C3.15 and CP8.

Supervise installation of fire collars around all pipes throughout the carpark to prevent the spread of fire. Ensure there is no rigid connection between slab and service pipes.

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards

FIRE PUMP ROOM

DEFECT –

ISSUE

Fire pump enclosures require a minimum of: • 2.10m head clearance • 1m clear path of travel to fire

pump • 1m clear path of travel to manual

shut-down of diesel drivers and other control valves.

Without accessibility to the equipment, its maintenance and operation will be compromised.

ACTION REQUIRED

Ensure the design and construction of the pump room meets all dimensions as per: • BCA 2009 (Part E1); • AS2941-2008 (Section 11,

Clause 11.3); • AS2419.1-2005 (Clause 6.4;

Sub-Clause 6.4.1).

MINIMUM HEIGHT AND CLEARANCE FOR FIRE PUMP ROOM

This is a guide only and to refer to relevant laws, codes and standards