2022 has not been shy on suprises and challenges for everyone. The latest storms and rain event caused by the La Nina cycle has devastated the south east coast leaving many people with property damage or even homeless.
Having extensive experience with insurance building inspections, we know first hand the the devastation and heart ache this can cause and our heart goes out to all those affected.
The thought arises now more than ever . "What can I do to make sure I never put myself in a flood prone area?"
Well Most councils including the Sunshine coast have flood mapping available. check with your local council website for flood mapping . On the sunshine coast we also have access to the disaster hub. this hub includes flood and fire mapping just to name a few. you can find out more at https://disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/#Dashboard . Other than that you can make sure your dwelling has good fall away from the home. the National construction code states :
3.1.3.3 Surface water drainage
Surface water must be diverted away from Class 1 buildings as follows:
Slab-on-ground — finished ground level adjacent to buildings:
the external finished surface surrounding the slab must be drained to move surface water away from the building and graded to give a slope of not less than (see Figure 3.1.3.2)—
25 mm over the first 1 m from the building in low rainfall intensity areas for surfaces that are reasonably impermeable (such as concrete or clay paving); or
50 mm over the first 1 m from the building in any other case.
Good fall and drainage is key to keeping a well maintained property. A well drained property limits conducive conditions for timber pests and foundation movement. Another common problem we see is water ingress through the roof space. You can limit this by ensuring leaf litter and debris is regularly cleaned away from gutters and downpipes. (this includes valley gutters.)
Tiled roofs can be more prone to storm damage via wind driven rain under the tiles or direct damage causing cracked tiles. You can limit this by inspecting the roof void from the access hole or asking the vendor if the roof has sarking installed. But what is Sarking??
Sarking is a pliable membrane that sits under your roof -kind of like a protective second skin. ..Sarking can help protect your home from unseen mould growth or even worse, ceiling staining or permanent damage which can result from the entry of storm driven rain into the roof cavity. It also can help your thermal properties and ember attack.
If you are building a new home make sure you don't skimp out on this as builders usually offer it as an optional extra.
They main take away points are:
1. Always use a qualified Building and pest inspector.
2. Research flood areas. (even check with neighbours if possible.)
3. Ensure the dwelling has good fall away from the home.
4. Metal roofs are less prone to leaking and if tiled sarking is always an added form of welcome protection.
Happy house hunting.