Overview
A proactive inspection of a three-storey apartment building, (with lower ground carpark), identified the balconies’ waterproofing membranes did not continue under the windowsills and there were no subsill flashings, contrary to FP1.4 of Volume One of the BCA/clause 2.8.3 of AS 4654.2.
Response
A VBA notification to the RBS and builder prompted the builder to rectify the incomplete waterproofing membranes. The builder removed the relevant windows and applied an approved (to the relevant standard) waterproofing method under the windows.
Outcome
The VBA closed the matter upon receiving the photographic evidence of the rectification work. This was a positive result, as it avoided the possibility of water ingress issues occurring in the building from poorly waterproofed balconies and impacting the future amenity of the dwellings.
Case study 2: construction of a class 9b Assembly Building
Overview
A proactive inspection of a new school under construction identified a door opening out to a linkway that did not have an upturn of 50mm or a grate, (the width of the door). This is contrary to the weatherproofing requirements of performance provisions in FP1.4. (of Volume One of the BCA and Clause 2.8.3 of AS 4654.2).
Response
A Victorian Building Authority (VBA) notification to the RBS and builder prompted the RBS to request amendments to the design and building permit to ensure a compliant trench grate to AS 4652.2 is installed.
Outcome
The VBA closed the matter upon receiving the amended building permit documentation. This was a positive result, as it could have resulted in water ingress and damage to the building in future and would have been very difficult to fit a grate drain to the linkway once the concrete had been poured.
Image is an example of door opening out to a linkway that did not have an upturn of 50mm or a grate.
