Addressing the Crisis of Leaky Buildings in Victoria - A Call to Action for the Waterproofing Industry
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF WATERPROOFING(AIW)
Represents the interests of the waterproofing industry in raising the standard of waterproofing in Australia.
The Australian Institute of Waterproofing (AIW) is urging its members, consisting of waterproofing contractors, materials suppliers, and designers, to focus their attention on the alarming rise of leaky buildings in Victoria, which experts have now dubbed as reaching "pandemic proportions." Construction experts warn that faulty design, improper installation of waterproof membranes, and use of inappropriate products have led to rising issues of mould, rust, and corrosion in various properties.
According to Dr. Nicole Johnston, a qualified professional researcher from Deakin University, issues impacting waterproofing practices are so widespread that Victoria could be facing a domestic building crisis without immediate action. This is greatly concerning, given that many builders, designers, and contractors may be unaware of the mistakes they are making regarding waterproofing. Dr. Johnston further stresses the need for the government to allocate more resources towards researching the extent of this problem.
In an effort to combat this issue, the Victorian government had announced plans to register several trades, including waterproofing, back in 2017. Unfortunately, this change is yet to take effect. Although the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has a proactive inspections team to find areas of building and plumbing non-compliance related to water ingress, more must be done to address the root causes behind the increasing prevalence of leaky buildings.
As an organization that represents many professionals in the waterproofing industry, the AIW emphasizes the importance of education, regulation, and raising the minimum standards for all involved trades. This includes licensing waterproofing contractors, which may lead to more accountability and high-quality work in the industry.
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Julie McLean, president of the Victorian Strata Community Association, suggests implementing a "warrant of fitness" for buildings at the 15 or 20-year mark as an additional measure to ensure the soundness of these structures.
In response to this growing crisis, the AIW seeks to reach out to all stakeholders, urging them to work together to address the issue of leaky buildings in Victoria proactively. By staying informed and making the necessary improvements in practices, the waterproofing industry can help mitigate the far-reaching consequences of this problem.
Written by: David Previte as the AIW President?