New Zealand construction industry suffered the leaky homes crisis in the 90s. Some houses that were built from the mid-1990s did not comply with the Building Code. The materials that were used in construction along with the designs all contributed to the leaky home syndrome. Weather tightness became an issue. Moisture began building up and penetrating behind the cladding eventually rotting the timber framing. Mould and rot were some of the issues that affected these homes. The crisis has cost the country billions of dollars, with a lot of property owners suffering financially.
In Auckland there are a large number of leaky homes. It is not just the monolithic clad homes which were popular during the 1990s to the 2000s that have weather tightness issues. Even traditional cladding like brick and weatherboard had issues with untreated timber on the walls.
Cracks on plaster walls, gib board, bad odour and damp are tell-tale signs of decay. A leaky home may not be obvious at first glance or even until the final stages of decay. Corrosion of fixings, lifting of floors leading to uneven surfaces, staining of materials like carpets, skirtings and bends in ceiling linings could also indicate that water from the outside has come into the property. Due diligence which involves bringing in experts like thermographers, checking the LIM report, talking to neighbours, asking the real estate agent are some ways home buyers can ensure that they are getting a tidy property inside out.
Some areas are more prone to taking in more moisture and building features can aggravate the situation. Flat roofs, decks that hang over living areas, low lying areas where the ground on the outside is above the level of the inside floor and lack of flashings to windows are some of the factors that contributed to this issue. Identifying a leak and fixing it is a job best left to professionals. Waterproofing products from specialists like Poly Linings can provide the peace of mind that will ensure properties that need fixing are taken care of. For new builds these products will ensure leaks are never an issue.
Products from Poly Lining are ideal for waterproofing and for internal and external application on walls, especially basements. It can seal cracks and patch weak spots that can let water slip in. The hardy waterproofing membranes can resist chemicals, strong sun, hail and other impacts. They provide customers great value while fixing issues with flat roofs, flood protection, exterior cladding, decks and gutters.
Contact the team at Poly Lining to learn more about the benefits of using their waterproofing products.