29 July 2004
Global Warming to Increase House Cracks
A combination of drought and changing weather patterns will be one of the ongoing causes for Australia's houses cracking up, according to Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
Releasing the 2004 Housing Conditions - Cracking Problems in Australia, Archicentre has named the top five cracking municipalities in each state.
The City of Yarra with 58% of the houses inspected by Archicentre showed cracking took the top position in Victoria, followed by Glen Eira 57%; Latrobe 56%; Banyule 47% and Moreland 46%.
Mr David Hallett, State Manager Victoria of Archicentre, releasing the statistics said, "Home owners need to constantly aware of any changes in their building structures for both safety and economic reasons."
"There is little doubt that changing weather patterns and extremes in temperature will lead to increased cracking in homes."
"With the drought we have seen tree roots seeking moisture play havoc with walls causing structural cracks leading to major repairs costing thousands of dollars."
"In some areas, especially where older homes have been built with dodgy foundations and brickwork, serious and dangerous structural faults can develop. Archicentre recommends a thorough building inspection before purchasing any property."
Mr Hallett said that cracking not only occurs in older homes but new homes can also be affected by poor building practices and faulty foundations. Archicentre also recommends periodic inspections during the construction of a new home.
"Poor planning and inappropriate building techniques can also add to cracking issues during renovation, especially on next door properties. Archicentre can also undertake a professional structural check of the neighbouring property before work begins to protect both the builder and the neighbour from expensive legal costs."
Archicentre
2004 Housing Conditions
Cracking Problems in Australia: Five Most Affected Councils
|
Victoria |
New South Wales |
Queensland |
South Australia |
Western Australia |
| 1. Yarra 58% | 1. Ashfield 49% | 1. Red Cliffe 28% | 1. Unley 71% | 1. Mosman Park 55% |
| 2. Glen Eira 57% | 2. Willoughby 48% | 2. Gold Coast 27% | 2. Norwood 65% | 2. Subiaco 55% |
| 3. LaTrobe 56% | 3. Mosman 42% | 3. Brisbane 18% | 3. Prospect 59% | 3. Claremont 54% |
| 4. Banyule 47% | 4. Ku-ring-gai 41% | 4. Maroochy 18% | 4. Port Adelaide 56% | 4. Cambridge 50% |
| 5. Moreland 46% | 5. Parramatta 41% | 5. Logan 16% | 5. Holdfast Bay 51% | 5. Vincent 49% |
Ten Most Affected Suburbs in each State
| Victoria | New South Wales | Queensland | South Australia | Western Australia |
| 1. Collingwood 49% | 1. Roseville 60% | 1. Holland Park 29% | 1. Goodwood 77% | 1.Claremont 60% |
| 2. Abbotsford 47% | 2. Chatswood* 55% | 2. Chapel Hill 27% | 2. St. Peters 74% | 2. Subiaco 59% |
| 3. Flemington 45% | 3. Naremburn 54% | 3. Kedron 26% | 3. Parkside 73% | 3. Nedlands 56% |
| 4. Fitzroy 44% | 4. Ashfield* 50% | 4. St Lucia 25% | 4. Col Lght Grdns 71% | 4. N. Perth 54% |
| 5. Richmond 44% | 5. Willoughby 49% | 5. Zillmere 25% | 5. Black Forest 70% | 5. Vic Park 50% |
| 6. Brunswick 41% | 6. Killara 46% | 6. Kangaroo Pt 24% | 6. Beulah Park 68% | 6. Kensington* 49% |
| 7. Thornbury 40% | 7. Pymble 46% | 7. Mt. Ommaney 24% | 7. Unley 67% | 7. Como 41% |
| 8. Northcote 38% | 8. Cammeray 44% | 8. The Gap 23% | 8. Hope Valley 63% | 8. Scarborough* 35% |
| 9. Moonee Ponds 37% | 9. Wahroonga 43% | 9. W. Chermside 23% | 9. Largs Bay 63% | 9. Dianella* 35% |
| 10.Mt Martha 36% | 10. Cremorne 42% | 10. Ascot 22% | 10. Kingswood 62% | 10. Kalamunda 31% |
*indicates a suburb that has less than fifty inspections
Media Enquiries:
David Hallett State Manager Victoria Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439
439 115
Ron Smith Corporate
Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201