VBA keeps tackling issue of moisture ingress in concrete balconies

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) continues to tackle a problematic issue faced by apartment residents – water damage caused by moisture ingress in concrete balconies – by funding research by Swinburne University of Technology.

GALLERY  

Led by Professor Shan Shanmugananthakumar and in collaboration with Housing Industry Association (HIA), the project aims to reduce the frequency of water-related defects encountered in concrete balconies in apartment buildings by identifying opportunities for improvement in concrete balcony design and construction practices, as well as regulatory standards.

VBA state building surveyor Andrew Cialini says the regulator is supporting research that will find, or contribute to, new and innovative solutions that minimise moisture ingress and water damage.

“Water damage routinely tops the list of defects encountered in buildings and in complaints to the VBA,” he explains.

“Reducing the risk of moisture ingress and water damage in Victorian buildings through our regulatory activities is one of the VBA’s focus areas. By improving building practices, we also aim to alleviate any health, amenity and structural integrity impacts for all Victorians.”

The research conducted will be the evidence base to inform regulatory decisions and hopefully, influence change in the industry.

Professor Shanmugananthakumar says the research would identify opportunities to improve structural systems, methods of build, and the properties and performance of materials to limit balcony water ingress.

“This research intends not only to investigate building materials and methods, but also study waterproofing methods, to quantify their effectiveness using a whole-of-life investigation framework, which includes repair and replacement costs,” he outlines.

Image courtesy of Ilnur Kalimullin, Unsplash.

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