medialaunch.com.au

 

Archicentre - Guttering Regulations are up the Spout
Summary
 





 



15/10/2009

Archicentre News Release

15 October 2009

Guttering Regulations are up the Spout

Confusion between government, manufacturers and industry associations over high fronted guttering regulations could become a costly and major environmental problem with climate change causing shorter but heavier rainfall patterns.

Guttering being installed on a renovation on a property.

Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager of Archicentre said unsuspecting home owners of both new and renovated homes may be having many of the homes fitted or renovated with guttering in non compliant methods which can cause major damage if water flows back into roofing cavities onto plaster ceilings costing thousands of dollars to fix.

"This is a major national problem that requires a national coordinated response from government and industry where the problem of non-compliant installation is still the norm and not the exception."

Mr Kell said the confusion over guidelines is a red tape nightmare. This is largely due to manufacturers, industry associations, and government agencies issuing circulars and guidelines which are not clear and often misleading. These attempts to inform both the industry and the consumer often create more uncertainty, and have in some cases contributed to ongoing non-compliance.

"The Building Code of Australia prescribes a minimum standard of works and alternate solutions should only be sorted within the 'Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions' as outlined in the Building Code of Australia.

"The Building Code of Australia calls for the roof drainage system to be connected to a stormwater drainage system that complies with the appropriate local authority (local Councils), and that the roof drainage system is designed so that any overflow during heavy rain periods is prevented from flowing back into the building."

The design eaves gutters are only required to meet average rainfall intensities of a 1:20 rainfall event, and therefore adequate overflow provision must be allowed to meet greater rainfall events to ensure that water does not enter the building. If water is allowed to enter the building, the roof drainage system is non-complaint with both the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Building Standard of AS/NZ 3500.3.

The only problem is that it is a bit late when water has poured into the house, Mr Kell said.

The Building Code of Australia nominates the rainfall intensities of the capital cities as follows:

www.archicentre.com.au
The building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Media Enquiries:
Angus Kell, ACT & NSW State Manager Archicentre (02) 9411 1000 Mobile: 0412 565 023
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201

 

 


 

Medialaunch.com.au Pty Ltd
Copyright © Medialaunch.com.au 1999. All Rights Reserved.
PO Box 2412, Kew, Victoria, Australia. 3101
Tel: +61 03 9818 5700 Fax: +61 03 9818 5044
Email:newsdesk@medialaunch.com.au

Copyright/Legal