5 June 2008
Stained ceilings or bowed cornices can be vital warning signs of an impending ceiling collapse which can be fatal for homeowners Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects warned today as heavy rains continued in Sydney.
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Mr Angus Kell, State Manager NSW & ACT of Archicentre said climate change is increasing the risk, with more violent storms and increased velocity of both wind and rain. Mr Kell said, "with over three million houses built before the 1960s where heavy lathe plaster or fibrous plaster was used, it is vital that people carefully watch for any tell tale signs of a deteriorating ceiling. "These older materials have now been replaced with lighter and stronger plaster board.' Mr Kell said that Archicentre's pre-purchase home inspection reports reveal that in some suburbs over 40% of all homes inspected have some type of roof fault which allows water to seep into the ceiling space. "When this is combined with old style ceilings, particularly those with absorbent fluff insulation, it can result in a huge weight of soggy wet plaster and insulation hanging over residents which can become a killer if it falls directly on them, often without warning. |
"Home owners should not take any risks with ceilings and get them professionally checked if there are warning signs."
Mr Kell said that home owners should be aware that some insurance policies may not pay out on ceiling collapses as they regard them as wear and tear.
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Media Enquiries:
Angus Kell State Manager NSW & ACT Archicentre (02) 9555 5111 Mobile: 0412 565
023
Ron
Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201
Older plaster in a home purchased for renovation