Common Issues Found in Australian Homes Part II
By Resicert Property Inspections|March 05, 2013
Contrary to what you may think, your home may be plagued with a lot of issues. It may look perfect, but a building inspection may prove otherwise. In another article, we have discussed some common issues that are found in most Australian homes during a building or property inspection. This article will cover more of the issues that most property inspectors unearth during a home inspection.
Asbestos
Most homeowners are not aware that they have asbestos problem in their home. Asbestos are silicate minerals that naturally occurs. When silicate minerals are disturbed they tend to produce asbestos fibres which if ingested may result into a range of health problems including mesothelioma or lung cancer.
You are most at risk if you are living in a home which was built between the 40’s and the 80’s. Asbestos was commonly used then because it is durable. It is also fire resistant and it is an efficient insulator. Nowadays, asbestos is no longer used in construction. In fact, it is not even imported in any product in Australia.
During a home inspection, the inspector attempts to identify items that may contain asbestos. Usually, he would recommend that any material containing asbestos be identified as such until otherwise proven through laboratory testing. Generally, asbestos does not pose a health risk except when it is broken and then inhaled. So, it is important that proper care is observed when handling materials containing asbestos.
Although construction materials containing asbestos is no longer used in Australia, there are still instances when building inspectors find asbestos containing materials in Australian homes. Asbestos may be found in artificial brick cladding, flue pipes, texture paint, vinyl floor tiles or fibre cement. You may also find it in stove insulation, ceiling insulation materials or hot water pipes insulation.
Fencing
Property inspectors also check fences, particularly brick fences. Any movement in the foundation of a brick wall may break the whole structure altogether. You may have to remove portions of the structure in order to do repairs. Walls can collapse due to poor structural foundation. Drainage problems may result in wet soil. Moisture can weaken the foundation of brick fences. This is just one example of fence issue.
During a property inspection, the building inspector will make sure that fences have sufficient footings. Fences are not subject to the same requirements as home walls, but they still need to comply with certain standards. The inspector will make sure that all fencing condition is functional and safe.
Roof Covering
Most homeowners do not have the ability to access the roof covering of their homes. A building inspector will check the roof covering. They check for broken or loose tiles, rusted sheeting and damaged guttering.
Unforeseen roofing problems often cause painful and significant expense. Minor problems, if left alone, may soon become catastrophic. Roof leaks or moisture is one of the most common problems. There are several causes for leaks. Improper installation and inadequate tile laps may cause the problem.
Improper installation may also result in other roofing problems. If not installed properly, roofs may be at risk to be blown off. They may also be at risk for billowing. Faulty installation increases the likelihood of roofing issues. It also significantly reduces the system’s usefulness and decreases its life expectancy.
Of course, there are numerous possible causes for various roof issues. Absence of repairs and maintenance may also result in significant problems later on. A property inspection will reveal all existing, hidden and probable problems.
Asbestos
Most homeowners are not aware that they have asbestos problem in their home. Asbestos are silicate minerals that naturally occurs. When silicate minerals are disturbed they tend to produce asbestos fibres which if ingested may result into a range of health problems including mesothelioma or lung cancer.
You are most at risk if you are living in a home which was built between the 40’s and the 80’s. Asbestos was commonly used then because it is durable. It is also fire resistant and it is an efficient insulator. Nowadays, asbestos is no longer used in construction. In fact, it is not even imported in any product in Australia.
During a home inspection, the inspector attempts to identify items that may contain asbestos. Usually, he would recommend that any material containing asbestos be identified as such until otherwise proven through laboratory testing. Generally, asbestos does not pose a health risk except when it is broken and then inhaled. So, it is important that proper care is observed when handling materials containing asbestos.
Although construction materials containing asbestos is no longer used in Australia, there are still instances when building inspectors find asbestos containing materials in Australian homes. Asbestos may be found in artificial brick cladding, flue pipes, texture paint, vinyl floor tiles or fibre cement. You may also find it in stove insulation, ceiling insulation materials or hot water pipes insulation.
Fencing
Property inspectors also check fences, particularly brick fences. Any movement in the foundation of a brick wall may break the whole structure altogether. You may have to remove portions of the structure in order to do repairs. Walls can collapse due to poor structural foundation. Drainage problems may result in wet soil. Moisture can weaken the foundation of brick fences. This is just one example of fence issue.
During a property inspection, the building inspector will make sure that fences have sufficient footings. Fences are not subject to the same requirements as home walls, but they still need to comply with certain standards. The inspector will make sure that all fencing condition is functional and safe.
Roof Covering
Most homeowners do not have the ability to access the roof covering of their homes. A building inspector will check the roof covering. They check for broken or loose tiles, rusted sheeting and damaged guttering.
Unforeseen roofing problems often cause painful and significant expense. Minor problems, if left alone, may soon become catastrophic. Roof leaks or moisture is one of the most common problems. There are several causes for leaks. Improper installation and inadequate tile laps may cause the problem.
Improper installation may also result in other roofing problems. If not installed properly, roofs may be at risk to be blown off. They may also be at risk for billowing. Faulty installation increases the likelihood of roofing issues. It also significantly reduces the system’s usefulness and decreases its life expectancy.
Of course, there are numerous possible causes for various roof issues. Absence of repairs and maintenance may also result in significant problems later on. A property inspection will reveal all existing, hidden and probable problems.
