Archicentre drought cracking warning
- Prevention
methods from Certainteed
Cracking is a serious fault in 38% of the 75,000
houses inspected in the last 5 years by Archicentre, the building advisory
service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. Archicentre warns of
up to 30% increases in cracking as the ground hardens through drought. This
will be especially true of traditional style brick and plaster homes.
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Owners
of lightweight, energy-efficient homes however, will to face less cracking
problems, because there is more flex in their buildings. Combined with a well
reinforced concrete slab, the total structure resists movement caused by dry,
settling subsoil. Leverage points, such as chimneys and footings, are
eliminated, allowing the house to Ofloat¹ on shifting ground.
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Paradoxically, a
lightweight, energy-efficient house can feel more solid than its heavyweight
ancestors, thanks to the sound deadening effect of double glazed windows and
tight insulation. Internally, these houses will be easy to keep at a
comfortable temperature year round, working with the environment instead of
against it. Comfort levels will be several times higher than required by the
token standards of 5 Star legislation.
In another seeming paradox,
energy-efficient homes can actually cost to less to build because the need for
major heating and cooling systems is eliminated.
Unfortunately building
designers, especially the Obrand¹ sector, have been slow catching up but you can
learn the basics of energy efficient housing at seminars conducted by
Certainteed double-glazed windows. Topics include solar orientation, shading
options, efficient building materials, heating and cooling systems, glazing
methods and traps to avoid. Regular sessions in Vic, Tas, SA and ACT. Bookings
1800 062 100.
Photo: No cracking worries, despite shifting sands, thanks to
modern materials and methods.
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