WATERPROOF VS water resistant - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? INSIDE: CREATING COMFORTABLE HOMES BATHROOM PODS MAKE THEIR MARK NEW STANDARD SET TO ...
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WWW.BUILDINGCONNECTION.COM.AU SUMMER 2016 WATERPROOF VS water resistant WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? INSIDE: CREATING COMFORTABLE HOMES BATHROOM PODS MAKE THEIR MARK NEW STANDARD SET TO CONTAIN THE FLAMES HOW TO ESTIMATE LABOUR RATES
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
14 THE SPIN ON WELDED VINYL
Andrew Golle delves into the
contentious world of welded
sheet vinyl for wet areas is
waterproof or water resistant,
and what it means for
compliance.
14
FEATURES
18 CREATURE COMFORTS 36 IT ALL HAPPENS IN VEGAS
It is one thing to design and build They say a picture says a
an aesthetically appealing and thousand words, and after
functional home, but it’s another taking a trip to Vegas for the
to meet the rising demand for International Business Show,
18 sustainable homes that provide
the highest level of comfort.
Hayden LePage couldn’t wait to
share a few with us.
22 SCIENCE V CONFLICT
Jerry Tyrrell explains how the
fundamentals of science can be
REGULARS
applied to the building industry, 06 Editorial
via practical applications, when
it comes to conflict prevention 08 Contributors
and solution. 10 Industry news
64 New Products
26 CONTAINING THE FLAMES
22 Standards Australia and the
ABCB have developed a new
standard that is set to improve
89 Trade stuff
fire safety through appropriate
classification of the performance
of external walls.
32 BATHROOM PODS MAKE THEIR SUMMER 2016
MARK 66 Tech
Off shore-built pods may cause 74 Tools
concern within the industry, IMPROVED
COMPETENCIES:
80 Transport
26
Virtually a reality
however one Ausie manufacturer
is off ering a total WaterMark INSIDE:
certification on all its products. TAKING SAFETY IN A NEW DIRECTION
BEING HEAR TO STAY
4 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016
EDITORIAL
THE INDUSTRY GUIDE FOR BUILDING
AND RENOVATION PROFESSIONALS
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jeff Patchell
jeffpatchell@build.com.au
GENERAL MANAGER
Jeremy Sweet
jeremysweet@build.com.au
WATERED DOWN
EDITOR - BUILDING CONNECTION
Justin Felix
03 9542 9024
justinfelix@build.com.au
T
raversing your way through With that in mind, this issue, as well EDITOR – ACROSS THE TRADES
Jacob Harris
the construction regulation as many others across the industry, jacobharris@build.com.au
minefield is a battle in itself. need to not only be addressed but the
STAFF WRITERS
Add having to absorb all of the masses needed to be educated and Jacob Harris, Joe Young
information, remember it and then then regulated... but who, how and
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ensure it is adhered to once you or why are the three burning questions Sam Elliott
your contractors are on the tools, is that are often hardest to answer.
PRODUCTION
another ball game altogether. Do yourself a favour and give Gail Dwyer, Liz Todorova
When the waters become muddied, Andrew’s article a read to get up to
CONTRIBUTORS
due to diff erences in opinion, or a speed with the ‘spin on welded vinyl’. Andrew Golle, Cecelia Haddad, Peter Coll, Hayden
strong belief that the regulations have Another big story covered in this LePage, Kevin Ezard, Ted Riddle, Jerry Tyrrell
‘always stipulated something else’, an issue is that of green or ‘comfortable’ ADVERTISING 1800 063 371
endless debate typically ensues. homes and how you can provide VIC/SA/WA
Such has been the case surrounding the highest level of comfort for Angelo Sticca 0451 374 317
angelosticca@build.com.au
the use of welded sheet vinyl for wet occupants.
areas and whether the material is As the broader population becomes NSW/ACT/QLD
Ralph Harpur 0417 449 699
waterproof or water resistant. The more aware and educated in the ralphharpur@build.com.au
confusion simply waters down what area of sustainability, you too must
TO SUBSCRIBE
regulations are meant to be about. become proficient in the area, so Australia Freecall 1800 623 214
One of our long serving contributors knowing about, and how to provide New Zealand 613 9542 9000
Fax (with credit card details) 03 9542 9090
and tiling expert Andrew Golle goes adequate insulation, optimal indoor By mail, please write to the address below
into great detail regarding the issue in air quality, air tightness and so forth,
our cover story and was spurned to do is vital to the growth of your business
PUBLISHED BY:
so given the fact it is such a hot topic now and in the years ahead. Connection Magazines Pty Ltd
in Tasmania at the moment. 2/18-22 Lexia Place,
Mulgrave, VIC 3170
While the issue has largely been Finally, check out our new Building AUSTRALIA
addressed in other states, some Connection website at: ISSN 1839-2253
builders are still neglecting to assess www.buildingconnection.com.au Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine
the material properties based on do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
Although all materials are checked for accuracy, no
previous practices. The enforcement liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses
due to the use of material in this magazine. Copyright
is also being let down by local Enjoy the read 2016 by Connection Magazines. All rights reserved.
authorities and certifiers, through No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by
ignorance and misinterpretation of any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise) without the prior permission of
the standards. Justin Felix Connection Magazines.
6 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016
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CONTRIBUTORS
KEVIN EZARD PAUL COTT ANDREW GOLLÉ
Kevin provides business Paul Cott LLB (Hons), Grad Dip Legal Andrew is a registered builder in
communication and marketing Practice, LLM is a Senior Associate Queensland, New South Wales
consultancy services to the timber Lawyer. Working in commercial and Tasmania, a qualified Cert III
and wood products industry. He litigation for a number of years Construction Waterproofer and a
also organises the Frame Australia has seen Paul amass a wealth of waterproofing and tiling assessor
Conference and Exhibition which is the knowledge and experience in building and trainer. His company, Armont
major national event for engineered and construction litigation which he is Rectification Builders, specialises
timber and building prefabrication that willing to share. Paul is also a member in solving waterproofing defects
runs every second year. Contact Kevin of the Building Dispute Practitioners throughout the country and is the owner
at ezard@bigpond.net.au. Society. of the Tile Reglue Injection Method.
See Ezard’s Connection on page 46. See Legal Matters on page 54. See Tiling Defects on page 14.
TED RIDDLE GARY SMITH JERRY TYRRELL
Ted has 47 years’ experience in the Gary has worked in the window Jerry is founder of the Institute of
timber and building industries as and glass industries for the past Building Consultants and co-founder
a merchant, wholesaler, importer, 27 years and is the marketing and of Tyrrells Property Inspections. He
producer and marketer. After an 11- communications manager of the has more than 43 years’ experience
year stint as the marketing manager Australian Window Association. His role as a labourer, tradesman, contractor,
of the NSW Timber Development at the association involves industry architect, mediator, building
Association, Ted has since run his training, membership services, consultant and author. Jerry welcomes
own contracting business, Building industry communication, technical reader feedback, thoughts and
and Timber Services. Contact Ted at support, marketing and liaising with experiences. He can be contacted at
tednoel@ozemail.com.au. other industry associations. jwtyrrell@tyrrells.com.
See Timber Tops on page 48. See Window World on page 40. See CPD Academy on page 22.
8 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016
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INDUSTRY NEWS
RESEARCH GRANT AWARDED TO MANUFACTURE MULTI-
STOREY HOUSES
The University of Sydney and Lendlease have been
awarded a $3 million grant by the Australian Government
to undertake a collaborative research project to develop
prefabricated multi-storey housing solutions.
The fi ve year industry-led project received funding from
the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science’s
Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) program
to develop and build prototype housing solutions that
use high-tech, renewable materials and advanced
manufacturing processes.
Kylie Rampa, Chief Executive Officer, Lendlease
Property, said that the demand for aff ordable and diverse
housing is calling for new housing solutions from industry. CONSUMERS WANT ENERGY-EFFICIENCY FACTS ON
“We aim to bring to market an innovative housing HOMES
system that is design-led, which will help address New research published by the CRC for Low Carbon Living
aff ordability issues, while developing advanced (CRCLCL) has shown overwhelming support for a national
manufacturing technologies and techniques for future voluntary home energy efficiency disclosure system,
housing construction,” she said. designed to empower consumers to rate and value
Associate Professor Mathew Aitchison in the Faculty homes with lower running costs and health, comfort and
of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University sustainability benefi ts.
of Sydney said that the project presents an enormous Funded by the CRCLCL, industry members of the
opportunity to bring innovation to the residential EnergyFit Homes initiative and the NSW Office of
construction market, which has remained largely Environment and Heritage, the two-year research project
unchanged in the last 100 years. also revealed that 90% of building professionals and
“Despite major advances in other manufacturing tradespersons supported providing this information
sectors, innovation in residential construction is lagging. at the time of sale or lease. Results show that 92%
This project seeks to drive efficiency and safety benefi ts of housing consumers want energy efficiency details
and boost Australia’s competitiveness internationally, revealed in building inspection reports; 82% at open
where we have seen a notable increase in advanced inspection and 72% in property advertising, with half
manufacturing in building over the past decade,” said of home buyers and renters willing to pay for this
Associate Professor Mathew Aitchison. information.
The project will develop a range of solutions for the Called the EnergyFit Homes Project, the research was
multi-storey housing market that address increasing carried out by teams from the CSIRO and Common Capital
urban density and residential market demands. and overseen by CRCLCL program leader Dr Stephen
White.
“The research’s key focus was to understand
industry and consumer support for a national voluntary
disclosure system that would measure, benchmark and
communicate information on the energy performance of
existing homes, especially at the time of sale or lease, and
provide recommendations on how to implement such a
system,” said Dr White.
“The results overwhelmingly show that such a system
would be accepted in Australia. It would also bring
financial benefi ts. For example, in Europe and North
America where mandatory home energy rating schemes
exist, the value of energy efficient homes rose between
3 and 14% when high energy efficiency performance was
disclosed to buyers.”
10 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016INDUSTRY NEWS
COLORBOND TURNS 50 NEW VBA POWERS TO BUILD CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN
Today it’s difficult to imagine an Australian city, town BUILDING INDUSTRY
or rural property without seeing COLORBOND® steel The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) will gain direct
somewhere. The iconic BlueScope brand is marking an powers to register and discipline building practitioners
incredible 50 years since its inception in 1966, over which when changes to the Building Act 1993 take eff ect
time it has become one of the most widely used and loved tomorrow.
building products in the country. The changes will aff ect all Victorian builders and owner-
Back in 1966, COLORBOND steel came in just six colours builders, with the VBA now acting as the single registering
that were used primarily for roofing, while today there and disciplinary body.
are many more, including 22 standard roofing colours The reforms introduced include:
inspired by the colours of Australia and designed to not ∫ abolition of the Building Practitioners Board, with the
only withstand the harsh Australian elements but also to VBA to register and discipline building
complement our natural environment. ∫ practitioners and issue owner-builder certificates of
“Our taste in colours is something that changes with consent
the times and colours can be seen as historical and ∫ banning builders from appointing private building
cultural markers,” said Manager Marketing & Market surveyors for domestic building work. Building
Development – Sales & Marketing BlueScope Lisa Dent. ∫ surveyors will be appointed by the consumer
“Of course the story of COLORBOND steel is much ∫ building practitioners must re-apply for registration
more than just the colour. Its history is built on decades every fi ve years
of innovation and improvement, which has earned ∫ moving to a “show cause” disciplinary process with the
COLORBOND steel a position as one of the world’s onus on building practitioners to show
toughest, most advanced building materials. ∫ why they should not be disciplined
“Australia’s widely diverse environmental conditions ∫ the VBA to approve codes of conduct for building
demand a product that is specifically tested and practitioners
developed for Australia. Our research and innovation ∫ tightening requirements around becoming an owner-
teams have been conducting real-world outdoor exposure builder
testing and accelerated laboratory testing to thousands ∫ giving home buyers access to information on owner-
of panels of COLORBOND® steel for almost fi fty years to built homes through an online register.
ensure COLORBOND® steel is an ideal building material
for Australian conditions – from the heat of the Northern “These changes allow the VBA to be a more efficient and
Territory to much cooler climate of Tasmania,” Lisa said. eff ective regulator, strengthening consumer protection in
For decades COLORBOND steel has been a popular the domestic building market,” said VBA CEO Prue Digby.
choice from roofs to fences, sheds, garages, public “Building practitioners and consumers starting
buildings and even art, and is much-loved by world- a building project should check the VBA website to
leading architects creating award-winning commercial understand how these changes may aff ect them.
buildings and residential homes, as well as farmers “The VBA has engaged extensively with stakeholder
needing a strong and durable material suited to groups to ensure the industry has been a part of the
Australia’s tough conditions. implementation process.”
For more information about COLORBOND steel including Further measures to improve regulation will come into
the latest range of colours, visit www.colorbond.com. eff ect between now and July 2017, including:
introducing off ences for registered building
practitioners undertaking work their registration does not
authorise them to do, including as owner-builders:
∫ prohibiting owner-builders from engaging practitioners
to do such work, and
∫ allowing the VBA to appoint a manager to a
private building surveyor business under certain
circumstances.
For more information about the changes go to www.
vba.vic.gov.au
12 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016ARDEN HOMES OFFERS TESLA “With rising energy bills it’s no wonder that homeowners
POWERWALL AS STANDARD are looking for ways to gain more control of their energy
INCLUSION management and live a lower impact life. This is one of
Responding to increasing the reasons that prompted us to introduce this initiative,”
consumer demand for Dean says.
residential solar solutions, “Consumers want to be less dependent on the grid and
Arden Homes has partnered have greater control over their family’s energy use. The
with CSR Bradford to provide Bradford Solar ChargePack including a Tesla Powerwall
Victorian homebuyers with a Tesla Powerwall as a battery allows them to achieve this, making a home more
standard inclusion in their new home. attractive to buyers.”
Arden is the first major Victorian building company to “We know there is a growing curiosity around
off er this package and already has plans in place to extend alternative energy sources as consumers become savvier
this technology off ering across more of its property about how these solutions can create energy savings,
ranges in the near future. increase a property’s resale value along with the obvious
“Homeowner expectations around home design are environmental benefi ts.”
changing – customers want better performing homes that “We chose CSR Bradford as our preferred partner to
are comfortable, beautiful and efficient,” explains Arden deliver this package to our customers because we have
Homes director Dean Morrison. had a long standing relationship and regard them as
“We know that through intelligent home design reliable suppliers that produce quality products.”
solutions we can maximise a home’s performance.” www.ardenhomes.com.au
BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 13COVER STORY: TILING DEFECTS
THE SPIN ON WELDED VINYL
ANDREW GOLLE DISCUSSES WHETHER WELDED SHEET VINYL FOR WET AREAS IS WATERPROOF OR WATER
RESISTANT, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR COMPLIANCE.
A
debate is currently under way in Tasmania,
regarding the compliant use of welded sheet vinyl
in wet areas, and whether the substrate beneath
the vinyl requires the application of a waterproofing
membrane system.
While this subject has supposedly been put to bed on the
big island, and all states and territories are legislated to
follow BCA requirements (then again, how many actually
comply with the BCA?), the Tasmanian waters have been
muddied by statements such as:
“We have never had to waterproof under vinyl before, so
why now?”
“Welded joints to vinyl are waterproof, therefore the whole
flooring is a waterproof thing.”
“Commercial grade vinyl doesn’t require waterproofing.”
These comments are misleading, and not supported
by any evidence of BCA compliance, or manufacturer
specifications.
We therefore need to look at BCA provisions, as a starting
point, and then wade through the various steps involved with
determining the suitability of a product when installed in a 1
wet area.
And guess what? It needs to be in writing, or it’s not true!
BCA (NCC) COMPLIANCE
The BCA requires that a Building Solution complies with
the Performance Requirements. This can be achieved by
either:
1. Complying with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
Part 3.8.1 of BCA Volume 2, references AS 3740-2010
(Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas) as the Deemed to
Satisfy Solution.
2. A Performance Solution as determined by BCA 1.0.8, 1.0.9
and 1.0.10. I won’t go into the requirements as these have
been covered by previous articles in this publication.
3. An expert judgement following the verification methods
prescribed and documenting Evidence of Suitability under
Part 1.2.
4. A combination of above where these do not adversely affect
the performance provisions of other building elements.
It is up to the building surveyor/ certifier/ local authority
to assess and accept a Building Solution as one which will 2
comply with the Performance Provisions. Will it leak, rot 1: Absence of waterproofing to WR plasterboard behind
stuff out, cause it to fail or adversely aff ect the health and lamipanel. 2: Eff ects of water damage to water resistant
amenity of the occupants? plasterboard at base of sheet.
14 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016The Deemed-to-Satisfy referenced construction manual,
which in most cases is the BCA referenced Australian
Standard relevant to the construction, is assessed as being
compliant. AS 3740-2010 is the document, in this case.
Where a Performance Solution is provided, the appointed
certifier must independently READ and ASSESS the
documentary evidence provided as being compliant with the
Performance Provisions.
However, the Performance Provisions are the premium
factor that all Building Solutions must lead back to and
comply with.
Under BCA Vol 2 Part 2.4.1, the Performance Provisions
are:
“To protect the structure of the building and to maintain
the amenity of the occupants, water must be prevented
from penetrating
a. behind fi ttings and linings; or 3
b. into concealed spaces of sanitary facilities, bathrooms,
laundries and the like “
STEPS TO DETERMINE MATERIAL SUITABILITY
Following are the steps required in order to assess
the BCA requirements and marry these up with material
suitability, when considering the use of a material such as
welded vinyl in wet areas.
1. BCA states that wet areas are to be made waterproof
or water resistant according to AS 3740 – 2010. A
waterproof material is one that is impervious to liquid
passing through it, such as a glass panel, a receptacle
like a bath or basin, and a waterproof membrane. Water
resistant materials are those that restrict the passage 4
of water and do not deteriorate when in contact with 3: Waterproof membrane to floor and critical wall areas of
moisture. Materials such as ceramic tiles, mortar shower. Water resistant wall substrate to shower walls.
screeds, cement based tile adhesives and concrete 4: Water damage to non-compliant skirting. All compliant
are classified as water resistant and are used as lining substrate and lining materials must be in conjunction.
materials and intermediate layers acting as ballast and
drainage cells.
2. BCA Table 3.8.1.1, and AS 3740 Table C1 prescribe the required to be waterproof only up to 150mm from the floor
designated wet areas and the components of those wet with the remainder being water resistant to a minimum of
areas requiring treatment as either waterproof, water 1800mm from FFL as determined by the rose connection.
resistant, or no treatment required. The scheduled wet Shower wall joints are to be waterproof.
areas are: Bathroom, laundry and toilet floors are required to be
a. Showers water resistant, when on concrete or FC sheeting, and
b. Areas adjacent to baths and spas (Bathrooms, ensuites, waterproof when on timber substrate. Wall and floor
powder rooms etc.) junctions are required to be waterproof and sealed to
c. Laundries a water stop at doorways as part of the continuous
d. Toilets perimeter flashing.
4. AS 3740 Section 2 lists compliant materials which
3. Components in the above wet areas are broken down and are classified as either waterproof or water resistant.
a level of protection assigned according to the usage Section 2.4.2 lists substrate materials that are water
of that area and the regularity of exposure to water resistant, when used in conjunction with compliant lining
and water movement. All shower floors and horizontal materials. Section 2.4.3 lists compliant lining materials
surfaces are required to be waterproof. Shower walls are when used in conjunction with compliant substrate
BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 15COVER STORY: TILING DEFECTS
5
5: Cementitious isolation layer protects waterproofing membrane from incompatible adhesives and installation damage as
with ‘Butterfl y ‘ corner cuts.
materials. Both substrate and lining materials must be must provide a compatible waterproofing membrane
used in conjunction, or combination; not as a standalone beneath the water resistant vinyl. Alternatively, install
substrate or lining material. Welded sheet vinyl is a waterproof vinyl. There are only a small number of
scheduled as a water resistant flooring material that compliant waterproof welded vinyls on the Australian
must be combined with a compliant substrate, but water market. These are documented with a compliant
resistant only. This is insufficient; where the requirements CodeMark testing certification, recognised by the ABCB
listed above, call for waterproof materials for critical (Australian Building Codes Board) and tested to AS 4858
components. Section 2.4.1 also recognises waterproof – 2004 Wet Area Membranes. Tarkett’s range of welded
welded sheet materials as a compliant waterproof finish, vinyls is an example, and is documented as CodeMark
however this is not referring to welded sheet vinyl, but compliant materials. However certification is only issued
is intended to refer to sheet membranes such as: heat when these products are installed by Tarkett qualified
welded PVC sheet membrane, FPO (Flexible Polyolefin) installers and all welds are tested!
sheet membrane, TPO (Thermo-plastic Polyolefin) sheet
membrane, Butynol rubber sheet membrane and EPDM WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE AND WELDED VINYL
(modified rubber) sheet membranes. If a material is not INSTALLATION ISSUES
scheduled under section 2, then it may not be compliant, A number of issues arise when combining waterproofing
however many builders insist on incorporating materials membranes and welded vinyls. Quite often defects become
such as timber, plaster setting and carpet in wet areas. evident, over time where the vinyl begins blistering, membranes
These materials should either be removed or protected fail and BCA performance breaches occur where water exits
from contact with water. the wet area causing damage to other building elements and
5. Most welded sheet vinyls are classified as water resistant adversely affects the health and amenity of occupants.
by their manufacturers, as stated on published technical These defects can be attributed to faulted installation
data sheets. Therefore, where waterproof systems are practices such as:
required to shower floors, all timber floors, sealed wall 1. Incompatibility between waterproofing membranes and
& floor joints, and sealed wall joints everywhere, we solvent based vinyl adhesives - Water based membranes
16 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016will be broken down and compromised by solvent based material to protect the membrane from abrasive damage,
adhesives through plasticiser migration out of the including cutting of butterfl y corners.
adhesive. This occurs over time and is catalysed by v. Negative pressure hydro epoxy to moisture laden green
moisture and heat. What better place to find moisture and feather compound. This provides a stable substrate for
heat than the floor and lower wall areas of a shower. solvent based adhesives, isolates the membrane from
2. Abrasive damage to membranes by vinyl installers - This solvent adhesive contact, and resists moisture build up in
occurs when installers attempt to take out imperfections the feather screed from lifting the solvent based adhesive.
in the brush or roller applied membrane finish, to provide a vi.Solvent based adhesive with the required adhesive
level and even surface for vinyl installation. Some will slice contact coverage by the manufacturer.
off, or grind back ridges and high spots. Other damage
occurs as vinyl installers cut joints for welding in-situ, Steps iv and v should be applied to all areas expecting
such as butterfl y corners, directly onto membranes. contact between the membrane and solvent vinyl glue.
3. Moisture build up beneath vinyls where negative pressures This would include the walls where vinyl may be coved or
result in membrane failure and adhesive failure - One of other finishes such as lamipanel requiring the application of
the reasons that we are required to waterproof beneath incompatible solvent adhesives.
vinyl is the presence and build-up of condensation beneath In conclusion, don’t believe rhetoric that is lacking
the vinyl. Hot water to the surface, and cool substrates and supportive evidence. Assess the material protective
cavities beneath the vinyl result in condensation forming requirements as specified by the BCA and match these to
which can blister membranes and lift solvent based the selected welded vinyl. If components require waterproof
adhesives. This is why installers of laminate linings and protection, and the selected vinyl is only water resistant,
acrylic sanitary shell products leave the bottom wall/tray then a compatible waterproofing system needs to be
joint open for drainage and silicone seal the top sheet joint installed.
to minimise steam going down behind the sheets. Wall It falls onto the shoulders of the builder/surveyor/
sheeting is adhesive fixed by applying separated vertical certifier/council inspector to READ and ASSESS the
runs of adhesive, to allow for drainage. Performance Solution. Protect the building owner and
yourselves from non-compliant Building Solutions.
The solution to avoid all of these defects is to install a If it’s not supported in writing, then it’s not true!
complete and compatible membrane/vinyl lining system.
A material compatibility chain, preferably from a single
manufacturer, will go a long way to avoiding compatibility
issues. Documenting of this compatibility chain, as part of the
waterproofing application certificate, is one way to control
this. Builders and project managers should ensure that the
compatibility chain is followed by all, through stage inspections.
A suggested compatibility chain and sequence of
construction is as follows. This should be sought and
documented in writing by your material manufacturer, as a
site specification:
i. Bonded screed to substrate with falls as required by AS
3740. Bonding agent either to be applied beneath screed or
an additive mixed into the screed to form a fully bonded bed.
ii. Negative pressure membrane (possibly a hydro epoxy)
applied to moisture laden green screed. This will avoid 6
delays in the construction process and resistance to 6: CodeMark Certificate of Conformity.
moisture building up in the screed, from blistering the
topical membrane. Contact:
iii.Class III water based membrane to full floor and Andrew is a registered builder in Queensland, N.S.W and
appropriate wall application, compatible with finishes and Tasmania, a Cert III Wall and Floor Tiler and Forensic Tiling
coverings. This must be accompanied by the appropriate Defect Investigator. His company, Armont Rectification
connector sealants and bond breakers with release zones. Builders, specialise in solving waterproofing and tiling
iv. Cementitious feather coat with bonding additive, defects throughout the country, and are the owners of the
to ensure full bond to membrane. This removes Tile Reglue Injection Method. T.R.I.M is a specialised service
imperfections in the membrane finish and an isolation to positively refi x loose floor and wall tiles without removal.
BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 17SUSTAINABILITY
CRAFTING CREATURE COMFORTS
IT IS ONE THING TO DESIGN AND BUILD AN AESTHETICALLY APPEALING AND FUNCTIONAL HOME, BUT IT’S
ANOTHER TO MEET THE RISING DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES THAT PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF
COMFORT FOR ITS OCCUPANTS. JUSTIN FELIX REPORTS.
A
s you would be well aware, all new homes, home not it is actually occurring, myriad data exists to prove that
renovations, alterations and additions need to comply things are in fact changing.
with the 6 Star Standard in the National Construction The good news is, you have an opportunity to take
Code. advantage of it by implementing building practices that
The 6 Star Standard applies to the thermal performance tackle it head on. And as consumers become more aware of
of a home, renovation or addition and includes the the benefits that passive design brings, the more they are
installation of either a solar hot water system or a rainwater going to demand it, so it pays to be one or two steps ahead.
tank for toilet flushing. NatHERS house ratings use The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance
computer simulations to determine the potential thermal (SECCCA) comprises eight councils: City of Casey, Baw Baw
comfort of Australian homes on a scale of zero Shire Council, Bayside City Council, Greater Dandenong,
to 10 stars. The more stars, the less likely the Bass Coast, Cardinia, City of Kingston and Mornington
occupants will need cooling or heating Peninsula and collaborates with all levels of government to
to stay comfortable. deliver regional climate change projects that benefit over
A 6 Star energy efficiency rating one million residents in the growth corridor of south east of
applies to a home’s building envelope Melbourne.
including its roof, walls, floor and SECCCA is due to expand a pilot sustainable homes
windows. program currently operated with Stockland at the
On top of the 6 Star Standard, there developer’s Selandra Rise estate on Melbourne’s outskirts.
is a little issue floating about the place It exists to advocate, educate and deliver targeted
called climate change and while countless projects in the areas of greenhouse gas abatement,
arguments abound regarding whether or sequestration and adaptation with a vision for the
18 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016communities of the south east of Melbourne to produce zero them which would then be able to research further online.
net emissions and have highly adaptive capacity to climate “This was the pilot project so we designed a program that
change. would help inform people that came through the door. This
SECCCA provide completely independent advice. It doesn’t facility demonstrates those features and we have used a
align with any products or manufacturers and encourages whole range of information points to explain things. We had
builders to use their own suppliers. staff here on weekends to answer any questions and to go
Being government funded means its main role is to into further detail about the costs and benefits of each,”
advocate for the consumer to get a better deal, improve Daniel says.
energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. “Ideally, we try to speak to people before they have
“As a result of that vision, we work with new home owners purchased their land and/or signed any contracts. The main
to help build more sustainable homes, reduce energy bills reason for this is to look at orientation, which is the first
and subsequently reduce carbon emissions,” SECCCA step to take when trying to achieve passive solar benefits.”
projects coordinator Daniel Pleiter said. Daniel intimated that a large percentage of new homes
Daniel and his team were based at the Selandra Rise were oriented the wrong way, and that builders needed to
eight star sustainable display home at the Selandra Rise play a vital role in explaining the benefits of considering how
estate with the intention of being able to demonstrate to a home is positioned on a block, to capture the most warmth
prospective home buyers what they could achieve in their from the sun.
own homes. Dotted around the home were information “Once upon a time energy was cheap, so no one really
points that highlighted various green aspects such as double cared, but energy is becoming more expensive and the
glazed windows, extra roof insulation, split system air- problem is now, with the impact of climate change, we are
conditioners and so forth. Visitors collected cards containing getting heat waves.
QR codes at the various information points that interested “If we experience a heatwave between 35-45°C for a
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The facility demonstrates various sustainable features and information points that explain the benefits of each in more
detail. Staff were also available to answer any questions regarding costs and benefits.
period of seven days, houses are going to become very hot.” a lack of knowledge or poor workmanship on the behalf of
Other than the correct orientation of a home, Daniel builders.
explains that increasing insulation in roof areas to R6 and “We advise that all seals be installed to a six star
including double glazed windows can go a long way. So much standard. We have tested new homes where the seals were
so that SECCCA believes both should become mandatory in only 2 or 3 stars. The regulations stipulate that builders
the building process. must draught seal, but they are not required to test it.
Perhaps Daniel’s biggest bugbear though is the issue of “I like to use cars as an example. Cars are ANCAP rated 5.
draught sealing, or lack thereof in new homes. Gaps around Consumers are paying for that rating which says you have
doors and windows compromise the home’s thermal energy airbags, ABS brakes etc. That’s the rating, but if it isn’t
performance, and unfortunately it either comes down to tested, what’s the point if your braking system doesn’t work
when it is supposed to? And that’s what’s happening with
new homes. Consumers are being ripped off. They are paying
for something but the performance simply isn’t there.”
Daniel believes builders could test a certain percentage
CONSUMERS ARE BEING RIPPED of their homes to ensure they are up to six star standard
OFF. THEY ARE PAYING FOR before continuing to roll them out once satisfied with the
SOMETHING BUT THE PERFORMANCE results.
SIMPLY ISN’T THERE. “Once builders have their contractors trained up and
confident that they know how to do all of these things,
they’re laughing. There will be added costs associated with
20 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016implementing all of these extras but they can be passed on
to the consumer.
“The payback period is short and once you explain the
energy bill savings to them, they become pretty receptive.”
And educating consumers is the biggest hurdle to
overcome, Daniel believes.
“People just don’t know about most of this stuff. There’s
so much to learn and if someone doesn’t sit down and
explain it to them, they’re not going to learn. And if the
builder or land developer isn’t doing it, then who is?
As Daniel explains, two types of people generally walk
through the house: people that are on a tight budget
and people who are happy to spend. Before making
recommendations, the team at SECCCA would have a
conversation to determine their lifestyles (empty nesters,
young family etc.) and how they saw themselves using their
new home. He highly recommended you advised clients
against evaporative cooling and heating systems and
suggested split systems instead.
HIS TOP FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO BUYERS ARE AS
FOLLOWS:
1. Install a solar PV system
2. Install solar hot water systems
3. Design living areas to the north to capture the winter sun
4. Work with the angle of the sun and build eaves around the
house, fit external shade devices on the east and west.
Install smaller windows on the east, south and west.
“Since starting this initiative we have really noticed that If prospective home owners are not educated in the area of
some builders are happy to change anything, while others sustainability, they simply won’t know what can be done.
are very prescriptive in what they do.
“We are actively working with designers and builders
and encouraging them to consider some or all of these options in their constructions. Builders who complete
considerations before or after the contract stage. In the training and adopt sustainable innovations in their
particular we want them to educate their customers and operations will be able to identify themselves as Master
explain the benefits of add-ons such as double glazed Builders Green Living builders.
windows and R6 roof insulation once they know they are Alternatively, if you’re a HIA member, you can hone your
building the property.” green building or design skills, maintain professional
Daniel believes the program has the potential to reach a development obligations, and promote your services as
nationwide audience, given the benefits of passive design being sustainable and environmentally aware by completing
are unbound by geography. HIA’s 2-day GreenSmart Professional Training Course. Once
Over the next 12 months SECCCA will begin to make you’ve completed training, you will have full access to the
contact with buyers whom have chosen to include some of GreenSmart Program’s opportunities and initiatives.
the recommended design aspects into their new homes to If you haven’t already, perhaps it’s time to step out of
gain a better understanding of energy and bill savings, as your comfort zone and into the world of passive design. The
well as comfort factors. future looks comfortable there.
As the push for more sustainable new homes and
the demand for passive design features to be included
increases, it makes sense to ensure you and your SECCCA
contractors are up to speed. The Master Builders www.seccca.org.au
Association has created the Green Living training to provide Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme
builders with the necessary tools to pursue sustainability www.nathers.gov.au
BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 21CPD ACADEMY
JERRY TYRRELL
THE CASE FOR SCIENCE V CONFLICT
JERRY TYRRELL EXPLAINS HOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SCIENCE CAN BE APPLIED TO THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
WHEN IT COMES TO CONFLICT PREVENTION AND SOLUTION.
N
ext year my colleagues and I will inspect our problems. Little problems easily escalate into a complaint
100,000th building. We have seen millions of and conflict fans a complaint into a dispute. Conflict doesn’t
surprisingly stupid mistakes and defects. And, in so work. It is unproductive, negative and costing Australia a
many cases, the cost of doing the work properly in the first fortune. Consumers and contractors rarely recover from a
place was minimal and any stuff up was unintentional. Many minor, let alone major building dispute.
times the contractor wanted to fix the problem properly but
wasn’t able to because he didn’t know how to or suppliers and GUNS FOR HIRE
manufacturers were the real villains or just didn’t help him. So
Peter Ellis, my best mate in building, has seen just about everything.
the client and every eventual owner and manager have had to Pete is a very wise person who could have been a University
maintain or put up with something that was made badly and Professor if his teachers realised how competent and clear thinking
continued to cause problems, cost or inconvenience. he was, even though he read slowly. I’m not alone in admiring this
wonderful carpenter trained builder. In a recent Supreme Court case
And it still goes on. For four decades I have watched the Judge wrote “Mr Ellis was an impressive and restrained witness.
governments let the same problems reoccur and there is He was entirely untouched in cross examination.”
little or no strategy from the many industry associations Peter’s comment about disputes is simple, “Too often, everyone
loses sight of what both parties want – getting a problem fi xed
and professional institutes about how to prevent faults properly.”
and defects, except for engineers of course. Errors create
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www.consolidatedenergy.com.auCPD ACADEMY
JERRY TYRRELL
As demonstrated by the bright minds above, science delivers success in two ways – prevention and knowledge.
Science works. It is the basis of just about every success to agree on what science we need and be using to build
in the built environment. Science can prevent, reduce, solve properly? I can’t answer that. But maybe the following table
and teach every person in our industry. Every mature industry might help focus us on what can easily be done.
uses it including medicine, engineering, sport and farming. Soon I hope we reduce the level of mistakes in our
Tradesmen sometimes discover science indirectly through industry. I hope we stop fighting with clients. I hope all
the brilliance of their teachers and bosses as they train. associations start funding quicker advice to all of us about
I believe there are thousands of years of oral history industry wide problems remaining unsolved. And I sincerely
behind the craftsmanship we need to use in our buildings. I hope that everyone rewards good science in our industry.
have known excellent tradesmen that could barely read but I’m not holding my breath, but maybe in future we might
knew exactly how to join, dress, blend and drain materials. start giving a ‘Nobel Prize’ of building to recognise the best
Besides, a mind filled with information about every part of innovators and applicators of science in our industry.
their trade is priceless.
A day rarely goes by without me learning something from
all of you…but no one is capturing this intel for the industry. MEDIATION IS THE SCIENCE OF TALKING
This is bad building, bad business and bad science. Why
‘When there is a building dispute, there is too much interference and
does every material we use get tested BEFORE we can use talking by non contractors’.
it but not scrutinised when it fails or underperforms? We all That is the opinion of my lawyer twin brother who has conducted
lose. over 450 mediations with a 97% success rate for the NSW Offi ce of
Fair trading in the 1990s.
The manufacturer takes years to find out and get the A mediation sees an empathetic, trained person guiding parties to
chance to improve its products. Specifiers such as architects a solution they can both live with. Often the mediation is conducted
and designers continue to include faulty products and details at the actual property and everyone can go and see any issue that
is unresolved. Mediation is a rare forum where talking can help if
in their designs. Builders blindly follow instructions and then
nothing else is working.
have call backs and face costly repairs without any cost Sure, each party has to do lots of preparation, but they avoid
recovery. Unless they start a witch hunt they cannot aff ord it. the usual legal costs and conflict. Tim says, “Some clients were
Science delivers success in two ways – prevention and crooks and never intended to pay. And some contractors were serial
off enders because penalties for poor quality work were pathetic.”
knowledge. In my opinion, knowledge is the main ingredient Otherwise, he always felt that a solution was possible.
in prevention. So why is it so hard to get all the stakeholders
Let me know any thoughts at jwtyrrell@tyrrells.com.
SCIENCE CAN PREVENT, Contact:
Jerry Tyrrell is founder of the Institute of Building Consultants
REDUCE, SOLVE AND TEACH EVERY
and co-founder of Tyrrells Property Inspections. He has more
PERSON IN OUR INDUSTRY. than 43 years’ experience as a labourer, tradesman, contractor,
architect, mediator, building consultant and author.
24 BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016HOW SCIENCE CAN BE APPLIED IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
ISSUE HOW TO DO THIS COMMENTS
PREVENTION Education Do it right the first time
All durability, connections and details should
Best practice
be based upon proven science
Documents should include technical
Correct & complete documentation
requirements ie science
All the rules of thumb we know are based upon
Trained and competent tradespeople
science
QA of high risk items Everything we do should be assessed carefully
Professionals can learn so much from from
Collegiate approach between all professionals each other especially mistakes they are not
defensive about
If it is complex, use science to test and solve
DEFECT Use QA to identify these
the problem
If identified, fix it
Defects should not be allowed to escalate into Experts have a duty to be objective and use
COMPLAINT
a complaint evidence that must be based upon fact
Clarify issues quickly
Choose a joint expert to get all parties We should be tracking the lessons so everyone
focussed on an agreed remedy can learn about the problem
Complaints should not be allowed to escalate How can patterns of unintentional mistakes
DISPUTES
into a dispute and product faults be identified?
Licencing bodies should champion this
TELL US WHAT WE ARE DOING WRONG Establish a common research centre
Australia wide resource
All mistakes and failures are reported without
cover up
The Australian House Building Manual
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BUILDING CONNECTION SUMMER 2016 25You can also read
