Why is this blitz important?
Water damage is consistently one of the most frequently reported building defects in Victoria, leading to serious structural issues, widespread consumer complaints, and health concerns.
From weakening the structural integrity of buildings to fostering unhealthy mould growth, water ingress not only contributes to ongoing maintenance problems and expensive repairs but also poses a risk to the health and safety of occupants.
Our inspections aim to address the root causes of these issues, including:
- Adequate detail of waterproofing methodology or waterproofing system shown in the approved plans.
- Poor waterproofing techniques. Incorrect installation or use of waterproofing membranes on balconies is a primary cause of water penetration.
- Inadequate drainage systems. When balconies lack sufficient drainage or have poorly designed drainage with inadequate overflow provision, water can accumulate and cause damage over time.
- Improper construction practices. Flaws in the design or construction process, such as insufficient sloping towards a drain or inadequate sealing, increase the likelihood of water ingress.
What should you expect?
If your project is selected, VBA inspectors will review the approved permit documentation and conduct thorough inspections, with a focus on balcony waterproofing and drainage. Any non-compliance found will need to be rectified promptly.
We encourage all practitioners to review their practices in line with the VBA's published guidance on preventing water ingress, available on our 'activities to minimise harms' web page. This includes a guide with important points to remember when designing, assessing, approving and building waterproofed balconies.
Our commitment:
- The VBA is committed to ensuring that the building industry delivers safe, compliant, and buildings that last.
- Through this inspection blitz targeting water ingress on balconies, we aim to prevent defects before they lead to significant consumer harm.
