Leaking through texture-coated fibre-cement cladding

Leaking associated with texture-coated fibre-cement claddings has been a common problem  in homes built around the mid 1990s to the mid/late 2000s, particularly those with waterproof decks and parapets, no movement control joints, no eaves and complex designs. Engaging a registered building surveyor with experience in leaky homes is strongly recommended where a leak is suspected. DIY repairs and repairs by non-specialist builders often do not solve the problem and may result in further problems. See our Weathertight guide for more details.

Causes

Cracks in the cladding systems

Paint failure

Sealant failure

No cap or saddle flashings at junctions of parapet and balcony walls

Junctions with other claddings and/or roof poorly detailed/constructed

Omission of head flashings to doors/windows

Minimal jamb flange cover of aluminium windows

Listed under: Exterior, fibre-cement, cladding, walls, fibre-cement cladding

Cause

Cracks in the cladding systems

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work if required should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

  • where there is no consequential damage identified by the building surveyor as a result of the cracking, the existing cracks should be sealed and the walls recoated

Back to top

Cause

Paint failure

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work to consequential damage, if required, should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

  • where there is no consequential damage identified by the building surveyor as a result of the paint failure, the wall performance may be reinstated by the application of a new coating system to the plaster

Back to top

Cause

Sealant failure

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work to consequential damage, if required, should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

  • where there is no consequential damage identified by the building surveyor as a result of the sealant failure, the wall performance may be reinstated by the replacement of the sealant and application of a new coating system

Back to top

Cause

No cap or saddle flashings at junctions of parapet and balcony walls

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work if required should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

  • where there is no consequential damage identified by the building surveyor as a result of the flashing failure, the wall performance may be reinstated by the installing of new flashings

Back to top

Cause

Junctions with other claddings and/or roof poorly detailed/constructed

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work to consequential damage, if required, should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

Back to top

Cause

Omission of head flashings to doors/windows

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work to consequential damage, if required, should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

  • where there is no consequential damage identified by the building surveyor as a result of the flashing failure, the wall performance may be reinstated by the installing of new flashings

Back to top

Cause

Minimal jamb flange cover of aluminium windows

Repair

  • engage a registered building surveyor to report on the building. Any subsequent repair work to consequential damage, if required, should be fully documented and carried out by a contractor with experience in this type of work. A building consent will be required

  • where there is no consequential damage identified by the building surveyor as a result of the flashing failure, install 30 mm wide scribers butted and sealed to the flange or facings rebated over the flange to aluminium window jambs

  • consider replacing existing aluminium windows with frames that have larger jamb flanges

Back to top