Houses built between 2005 and 2017
Between 2005 and 2017 there have been several reports of ceiling problems in buildings built in Australia. These problems were primarily caused by poor workmanship, the use of substandard materials, and lack of proper maintenance. In some cases, builders cut corners to save costs and did not properly install or secure the ceiling systems, leading to issues such as sagging, cracking, and collapsing. Additionally, the use of inadequate insulation and ventilation also contributed to the deterioration of the ceiling systems, especially in high-humidity and coastal areas.
Also in 2017, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) issued a warning about the risks of using polystyrene insulation in ceilings and walls, as it can degrade over time and may not meet the fire resistance requirements set by the National Construction Code.
Building codes have since been updated and enforced more strictly to prevent such issues from recurring and encourage proper maintenance of the building. Regular building inspections, repairs, and maintenance are important to ensure the safety and longevity of the building.
Ceilings that have sagged are not only unsightly they can eventually fall and can cause serious injury and damage to content Building Surveyor Peter Hopfinger said.
The standard REIWA contract excludes ceilings of the building inspection clause but if the ceiling has a failure to reach a stage where it is considered unsafe then we will report this as a safety issue and it might be covered under this contract.
” C2.3.5 The definition of ‘major defect’ includes defects that have to be rectified to avoid the development of unsafe conditions, and thus any defect that is a safety hazard has to be reported as a major defect”
