Defects found at 49 Gromark Terrace, Gables
A cluster of defects has been identified at a property in a booming northwest Sydney suburb, including some that could lead to further damage.
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A company has been ordered to rectify four building defects after the NSW construction watchdog carried out an inspection of a property in northwest Sydney.
The NSW Building Commission issued Firstyle Homes a rectification order after faults were found at 49 Gromark Terrace, Gables, in April.
Across the dwelling, mortar debris was found to have blocked gaps between bricks, compromising their functionality.
Firstyle must now clean the weepholes and ensure they meet size requirements.
A problem was also identified at the front door, where the lintel (the brick work over the door) was overhanging by more than 3cm.
The section of the wall must now be rebuilt.
“Lintels shall be wide enough to provide support to the walling above and masonry shall not overhang the lintel width by more than 25mm,’’ the inspection report read.
Problems with the masonry were also identified at the back and left side of the house.
“During inspection, it was observed that masonry articulation joint lines/control lines did not carry through windows, allowing for thermal movement,’’ the report stated.
Defects were also found on multiple windows of the ground floor where there was no allowance for timber shrinkage between window and brick sills.
The absence of the space could mean timber frame shrinkage would cause the frame to settle on to sill bricks and thresholds, causing damage.
“Window frames are installed with no clearance from the brick sill, sitting hard against it,’’ the report stated.
“This does not allow for the required movement due to timber shrinkage and may result in future damage.’’
The house sits on 450sq m parcel of land.
A failure to fix the defects and meet Australian building standards is a criminal offence.
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