The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Technical Standards & Services Trade Unit undertake proactive inspections throughout Queensland. Recent audits on active building sites have identified non-compliant issues with the installation of external cladding, these include:
- fasteners used to affix external cladding to buildings
- fastener type and required spacing of the fixing must comply with the approved wind classification of the building (refer to approved plan) and cladding type being installed (refer to manufacturers installation specifications)
- external cladding systems shall comply with manufacturers installation specifications (e.g. vapour barrier membrane classification, insulation requirements, corner flashings, foam backing and joint tapes, etc.).
Below is an example of non-compliant external cladding found in a recent inspection, compared to a compliant example on the right.
A) Incorrect Fixing/Corrosion resistance
- Nails/Screws: Ensure corrosion resistance is suitable for the application (e.g. ocean / saltwater) especially on waterfront properties.
- Use Class 3 Galvanized Fibre Cement Nails or specified corresponding product. Brad Nails may well need to be Stainless Steel in all areas.
- Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for fixing specification, proximity to ocean parameters, etc.
B) Fixing Spacings
- Incorrect Spacing of 300mm – manufacturer specifies 200mm for this product with this type of nail.
- Note that Brad Nails Spacing ranges from 125mm to 150mm, depending on the product and are not suitable for all products and wind loads.
- Know your wind load of your project (N1-N6 or C1-C4).
- Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific fixing spacing for your wind load.
Please Note: following the manufacturer's installation requirements for external cladding is a minimum of what the QBCC requires of all licensees.
Disclaimer: The information in this building alert is for educational purposes only. Although the QBCC endeavours to provide accurate and current information, it does not guarantee that the information communicated in this building alert will continue to be accurate and current in the future. The QBCC is not liable for any claims arising from incorrect or out-of-date information or any decisions or actions made based on the information contained in this building alert. The information conveyed in this building alert does not constitute legal or other specialist advice and should not be relied upon as such.