There are several common decking problems outlined below. They are, in our experience the most common, but the list should not be considered exhaustive.

Sagging and Bounce

Timbers used in decks must satisfy the span requirements and minimum size requirements set out in the Building Code and Australian Standards. Complying with these ensures that the timber is unaffected by a negative structural effect (bounce or sag) These are legally binding and should your deck sag a sa result of unsuitable timber span or dimension then defective building work is implied.

Premature Deterioration

Pine is commonly used in timber deck construction. It is readily available and easy to work with. Pine must be treated, depending on the application for external use.

If in contact with the ground pine must be at least H4 treated. If the minimum treatment has not been achieved (the ends of timbers are marked with a tag specifying the grade) they can tend to rot.

Cupping / twisting of boards.

High moisture content, framing members too close to the ground and inadequate ventilation are common causes of cupping or twisting of decking boards. Decks must be constructed with sufficient ground clearance, drainage and ventilation to prevent such damage.

Another common cause is not sealing boards with a suitable agent. Commonly decking oil is applied to prevent moisture from entering the timber, the protective coating ensures that moisture is unable to come in contact with wood.

Honourable Mentions

decking boards are often installed reeded side up as opposed to reeded side down. It is a common misconception that reeded decking should be installed upwards facing for aesthetics, or grip. The reeding is actually designed to allow moisture to bead on the underside of the timber and fall with gravity. Moisture forms on the ridges of the reeded decking at the unsealed, underside of the boards, especially at joist connections, preventing moisture from penetrating into the timber as a result of soil in close proximity, lack of ventilation and rainfall. Installing reeded decking with the reeded side down combined with adequate clearance, suitable fixings and adequate sealing of timbers is expected to prevent cupping of boards.

Pool inspections Perth

by Paul Rees @ Perth Pool Inspections.

Why should I get a pre-purchase inspection for a pool?

Most people are aware that the cost of rectifying defects with a pool can be expensive. It therefore pays to know what condition the pool and pool equipment is in prior to purchasing a property with a pool.

Many people do not realised until after settlement that when organising a pre purchase property inspection, the pool and pool equipment is not checked by the building inspector. It is usually too late to get the vendor to fix any issues after settlement.

An experienced pool inspector can check any and all observable defects to the pool fencing, the pool and the pool equipment before you purchase a property.

This will ensure that the pool area is safe, has ben installed in accordance with Baca requirements and that everything operates as it should.

• Non compliant gate latches and/or hinges
• Any pol leak or faulty equipment
• Minor and major damage to pool linings

Pool Fencing

Non compliant pool fencing is a source of dismay for new home buyers. Often the first sign that something is wrong is when the council inspector appears and orders rectification work with a few short months of settlement. Common orders to rectify include repairing dammed fencing panels, clearing climate debris from outside the pool area, all doors to the pool area to have self closing gates (including sliding doors to houses which open near into a pool area, and many other expensive things. For this reason alone a prepurchase inspection is a good idea- but there are more reasons to organise a pool inspection as part of your prepurchase inspection.

Pool Equipment

Pool equipment which is old, obsolete or faulty can be expensive to repair or replace. A pool prepurchase inspection can ensure that you know the condition of the equipment prior to settlement and so that any repairs can be included within the contract of sale.

Pool Leaks

Pool leaks can be a secretive, unknown business to many people. Slow drops in water levels, increased water bills and other indications may show you have a leak. Unfortunately unless you know about these things before settlement it will be too late to get them rectified after settlement. 

An experienced pool inspector with the correct equipment can use sonar and other technology to locate leaks before settlement.

What should I include in the Contact of Sale?

I advise to include an inspection of the pool in the annexure or conditions of the contract. Then, if any part of the pool is defective and not fit for purpose you may be able to negotiate  fairer price for the property given any required rectification. This is obviously a very important bargaining tool during the purchase of a new home with a pool.

To find out more or to organise a pool prepurchase inspection please contact Paul on 0401953226 or vist the Perth Pool Inspection website