Downpipes that empty against the slab
Roof water in the wrong place, and why it draws termites.
In short: Downpipes discharging onto the ground, spreaders on flashings and gutters holding water all add moisture beside the house.
The finding
At a Casula home a downpipe discharged straight onto the ground instead of into the stormwater system, putting water beside the footings.
Why it matters
Moisture against the house softens clay, encourages movement and makes the soil attractive to termites.
Related items
We also recorded a spreader discharging onto a flashing and a gutter with water ponding from poor fall.
On new homes
At fixing stage in Cobbitty, downpipes were not fixed to the wall, and on another job ground floor downpipes had not been installed. They need connecting before handover.
What to do
Connect downpipes to stormwater, correct gutter falls and keep spreaders off flashings.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Cobbitty. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
