L2L HOMES
Expertise. Integrity. Reliable
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FAQ- LOCK UP STAGE INSPECTION
WHAT IS BRICK ARTICULATION JOINT AND THE PURPOSE?
When you are looking at the exterior of your new home you may find the gap between the window and the brickwork or a vertical gap between the bricks in the middle of the wall. These gaps are called articulated or expansion Joints. Articulation joint is used to accommodate structure movements caused by temperature, movement of frame and foundation settlement. Therefore houses can move slightly without excessive cracking. Unless the soil has been classified as either A or S, vertical articulation joints must be installed in any un-reinforced masonry walls.
HOW MUCH CAN BRICK WALL OVERHANG THE EDGE OF SLAB?
According to The Building Code of Australia (BCA), Part 3.2.2.7, Edge Rebates, states ‘Exterior masonry must not overhang more that 15mm past the edge of the slab’. Overhang issue can be rectified by provide non-shrink grout or bolt steel angle to the slab depends on the overhang size.
For any further questions contact our office and let one of our staff resolve your doubts.
WHY DO I NEED LOCK UP STAGE INSPECTIONS?
The home is at lock up stage once external wall cladding and roof covering are fixed, external doors and windows are installed. You would expect that nothing could go wrong however it is now the time that the services trades such as electricians, plumbers, duct heating, air conditioning and solar panel installers start to rough in their works. The issue is that the frame already completed and approved by the building surveyor but now we need to install a lot of items. The frame at this stage is always compromised with over penetrations to the top plates and structural studs, removal of diagonal bracing or cutting of sheet bracing, over notching to studs and removal of blocks and noggins. All of these works compromise the frame need to be rectified immediately.
WHAT ARE THE COMMOM DEFECTS IN LOCK UP STAGE?
Masonry overhang the slab edge by more than 15mm due to the slab has been constructed smaller than the required dimensions or other set out issues
Oversized holes or notched on the plate and stud by plumber or electrician’s rough in works
Cracked and broken roof tiles
Temporary downpipes have not been installed and surface drainage not been managed via sloping water away from the slab. Inappropriate water management on site will cause foundation damaged and slab failure