Profiled steel cladding too close to or in ground contact

Cause

Installed too close to the ground

Repair

  • where there is insufficient gap between the base of the cladding and soil or concrete or paving, follow the appropriate repair below

Cause

Gardens have been built up

Repair

  • lower the soil level so it is clear of the cladding – the bottom of the cladding must be able to dry completely. Leave a minimum 30–50 mm gap between the base of the cladding and the ground to prevent moisture uptake. With suspended floors, ensure that lowering the garden level does not lead to rainwater flowing under the house

  • replace larger plants that are covering or damaging the cladding with smaller plants

  • inspect the condition of the cladding. If repainting is required, follow the instructions of the cladding/paint manufacturers

  • with suspended floors, ensure good subfloor ventilation:

    • there should be not less than 3500 mm² of clear open subfloor venting for every 1 m² of floor area

    • ventilation openings should ideally be high in the subfloor space, near to the underside of bearers

    • vents should be spread evenly around the building perimeter to allow cross-ventilation

    • no part of the subfloor should be more than 7.5 m from a ventilation opening

Cause

Path or paving laid against the cladding 

Repair

  • break up and remove concrete or paving against the cladding. Reform the ground surface so there is a minimum 30–50 mm gap between the base of the cladding and the ground and ensure that rainwater will flow away from the building
  • inspect the condition of the cladding. If repainting is required, follow the instructions of the cladding/paint manufacturers
  • with suspended floors, ensure good subfloor ventilation:
    • there should be not less than 3500 mm² of clear open subfloor venting for every 1 m² of floor area
    • ventilation openings should ideally be high in the subfloor space, near to the underside of bearers
    • vents should be spread evenly around the building perimeter to allow cross-ventilation
    • no part of the subfloor should be more than 7.5 m from a ventilation opening