Blocked drainage slots along bottom of drained cavity cladding

Cause

Gardens built up against the cladding

Repair

  • remove dirt/mulch from the garden. Ensure that the ground slopes away from the house so rainwater does not run under the house
  • with cavity claddings such as weatherboards, ensure there is at least a 50 mm gap between the bottom of the cladding and the ground (and preferably more) to help the cladding dry out
  • use a length of No 8 wire or similar to clean out the drainage slots

Cause

Build-up of dust/sand/dirt/debris from insects in the bottom of the cavity

Repair

  • spray with insect killer and then clean out with No 8 wire