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Leaky Homes - Which Wall Claddings Are Most at Risk?
Leaky Homes - Which Wall Claddings Are Most at Risk?
Renovations.co.nz is a home renovations service provider with a complete range of repairing services for leaky homes in Auckland. We provide excellent renovations solutions and maintenance of leaky homes in Auckland at very reasonable rates.
Albany,
Auckland,
New Zealand
(prbd.net)
11/01/2012
There are various types of monolithic claddings or covering systems, yet some of those are apt to leaky home problems compared to others. Those buildings that comprise of structural framing made from non-cavity solid cladding systems are normally at risk.
If these monolithic cladding systems do not have a breach between the cladding and timber framing, water can easily make its way there. After the water gets in, it cannot simply dry out and the stuck water can be the reason for the wood to rot. This method is called leaky homes syndrome. Because of the unseen water and the moisture hidden, folks are not aware that there is an ongoing problem, thus precautionary maintenance to make the water out is risky.
In a country like New Zealand, most of the homes are made of timber frames and because of this, any problems about changes to standards which may possibly affect the robustness of the framing might be critical. Since the framing is hugely covered, there is the possibility that any damage for leaky homes is difficult to detect until it will reach to a decaying stage. Wood is widely used in New Zealand, as their most important structural material in building homes, because it has huge strength to weight ratio, it is easy to build and is economical compared to other structural methods. Yet the disadvantage of this material is its combustibility, pest, susceptibility to the weather and vulnerability to rot.
Stucco, Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) and texture coated fiber content is some type of monolithic claddings that are on the list of leaky home problems, because they are made of plaster type finish with a water proof coating. However, the issue with this cladding system is not on the cladding itself, rather than the way they have been fixed and finished. If you have any questions you should have to seek advices from an expert.
Stucco is a type of claddings that has been utilized since 1920. It is a cement-based plaster, applied over a selection of backings such as plywood sheeting and fiber-cement. To ensure that it is water-resistant, it should be painted and if you have this material, you should carefully check cracking of the plaster and flashing, and then the location of the plaster that has been penetrated. Another type of claddings is EIFS cladding sheets, which are comprised of polystyrene boards with a plaster as well as a paint finish. You should be careful on the exposed edges and window corners, because the paint finish might crack. Contact and seek professional advice in case this happens, since it cannot be repaired.
If you are looking for claddings that are made up of fine sand, cement and cellulose, then texture coated fiber cement is all you need. It is important that it should be maintained, because the system only relies on the waterproof coating. This is a way to ensure that there are no leaky homes.
Finally, it is essential to watch out for the indications that water had already inside the claddings, because of the cracks, moss, molds and staining. Washing the cladding frequently will help you extend the life span of the material, especially if you are living near the shore. Check for cracks and damage before washing it to avoid trouble and being a victim of the leaky homes syndrome.
About
We are a home renovations service provider with a complete range of repairing services for leaky homes in Auckland. We deliver excellent renovations solutions and maintenance of leaky homes in Auckland.
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