Recladding homes built in the 90's and 2000's due to weathertightness issues can be a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in preserving the integrity and longevity of your home.
Houses built in the 90's and up until 2010 have exceeded their claddings warrantees and are becoming increasingly subject to cladding failure.
Whether you suspect your house is experiencing water ingress, continual mold growth, or other signs of weathertightness failure, taking proactive measures now to reclad can prevent further damage and restore a safe, comfortable living environment.
Here are essential considerations to keep in mind when embarking on a recladding project for a recently built house with weathertightness issues:
Identify the Root Cause: Before proceeding with recladding, it's essential to identify the underlying factors contributing to the weathertightness issues. A thorough inspection of the exterior envelope to pinpoint areas of concern, such as faulty flashings, poor junctions, known areas of failure, improper sealing, or inadequate drainage. Understanding the root cause will inform our recladding strategy and help prevent future recurrence of similar issues.
Consultation with Building Professionals: Recladding a house is a complex undertaking that requires expertise in building design, construction, and weathertightness remediation. We work in with our structural engineers with shared remediation experience, and building inspectors. It is essential to assess the extent of the damage and develop an effective recladding plan. The initial insight can help you make informed decisions and ensure compliance with building codes and regulations at the end.
Choose Quality Materials: Selecting the right materials is critical for a successful recladding project. We opt for high-quality, weather-resistant materials that offer superior protection against moisture infiltration and deterioration. Durable cladding options such as fiber cement, timber or metal cladding, which can withstand harsh weather conditions while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home. Additionally it is important to ensure that the chosen materials are compatible with the existing structure and meet any applicable building standards.
Address Structural Integrity: Weathertightness issues can compromise the structural integrity of your home, leading to potential safety hazards and costly repairs. When recladding we will prioritize structural reinforcement measures to address any underlying damage or instability. This may involve reinforcing framing, replacing rotted or damaged structural components, and ensuring proper waterproofing of critical areas such as windows, doors, and roof penetrations.
Improve Ventilation and Drainage: Poor ventilation and drainage can exacerbate weathertightness issues by trapping moisture within the building envelope. We incorporate measures to improve ventilation and promote efficient drainage during the recladding process. This may include installing cavities, drainage channels, and moisture barriers to redirect water away from vulnerable areas and allow for adequate airflow to prevent condensation buildup.
Budget and Timeline: Recladding a house with weathertightness issues is usually an unexpected cost. Therefore the process requires careful budgeting and scheduling to ensure a successful outcome. We consider the costs associated with materials, labour, approvals, and any unforeseen contingencies when developing your budget. Establishing a realistic timeline for the project, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, contractor availability, whether you will live in the house through the project and the complexity of the recladding work. Clients need to be prepared to adjust plans as needed to accommodate unexpected challenges and delays.
Warranty and Guarantees: When investing in recladding to address weathertightness issues, we will provide guidance about warranties and guarantees offered by manufacturers and contractors. If we are engaged for site observation we ensure that the materials used and the work performed are backed by comprehensive warranties that provide coverage against defects and installation errors. This can offer peace of mind and protection against future issues, giving you confidence in the long-term durability and performance of your reclad home.
In conclusion, recladding a recently built house with weathertightness issues requires thorough planning, expert guidance, and meticulous attention to detail. We work with clients to address the root cause of the problems, choose quality materials, reinforce structural integrity, and adhere to a realistic budget and timeline.
This way we help successfully restore your home's weathertightness and safeguard its value and comfort for years to come.
Find out more about us and our reclad process in our Investment Guide to recladding your home.
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