Your Go-To Guide for Spotting Leaky Homes: Red LBP’s Handy Tips and the Big Picture

Leaky homes are a bit of a headache. They're homes with a problem - they trap water between their walls, which is not good news. These problematic houses were mostly built between the late 1980s and the mid-2000s. They often look smooth on the outside, like a plaster finish, but not always. Figuring out if a home has big issues or just needs some regular care can be tricky. But don't worry; Red LBP (Licensed Building Practitioners) has some tips to help you spot them and understand how widespread this problem really is.

Leaky Building Basics

Leaky homes are like a sponge, soaking up moisture in their walls. They mainly affect houses built from the late 1980s to the mid-2000s. You can usually spot them by their smooth exterior plaster finish, but not always. But telling the difference between a home with major issues and one that just needs a little TLC can be tough.

As builders, we know all about the E2 building standard. It's like our rulebook to stop water from getting inside a building. When we inspect homes, we look for some key things to check if they might have leaky home issues.

1. Soffits:

These are like the eaves that shield the exterior from the weather. Bigger soffits give better protection. If a home doesn't have any soffits or they're too small, that's a sign of a higher risk of water getting in.

2. Penetrations:

We look at any holes or gaps in the building's outside. Were these holes there from the start, or were they added later? Holes made before 2004 probably don't have the right protection against water getting in. The original features matter a lot in judging the risk.

3. Pergolas:

If there's a fancy garden structure like a pergola connected to the house, it can be a weak point for water getting in.

4. Multi-Storey Homes:

Homes with more than one floor can have extra problems. If there aren't any expansion joints, it's like a time bomb waiting to crack, which lets water sneak in. Expansion joints are crucial because they allow the building to move without breaking.

5. Window Setup:

We also check how the windows are set up. Do they have a special shield on top? If they're set back a bit, is there something to stop water from dripping inside? Keeping a good seal around the window is super important to keep the water out.

6. Where Things Connect:

We pay attention to the places where different parts of the building meet, like where the walls and the roof touch. They need the right bits and pieces to keep the water out.

7. Ground Space:

We measure the space between the bottom of the walls and the ground. If there's not enough room, water can't drain away properly, and things can get mushy.

8. Plants and Stuff:

If there's a jungle of plants right next to the house, it's like having a sponge up against the wall. Water can't run away, and it can make things rot. So, it's good to keep the plants in check.

Remember, how much risk there is depends on how well the home has been taken care of. A home could have lots of issues in all these areas, and we might recommend getting a weathertightness report from a building expert. Or a home could have just a few minor problems, even if it's at risk. In that case, it might just need some painting and clearing the space around the foundation.

In a Nutshell

Leaky homes can be a real headache for homeowners. Knowing how to spot possible issues is crucial. Red LBP's friendly tips are here to help you make informed decisions. The problem might be big, but with the right knowledge and some care, you can keep the risk of leaky homes at bay and make sure your property stays strong and healthy for years to come.