Cracks, leaks and structural soundness in Mickleham rentals
The structural soundness standard asks for a home that is sound and weatherproof. What that means on Mickleham's basalt clay and how we assess it.
In short: Most Mickleham homes are structurally sound. The standard is failed when movement opens cracks wide enough to matter or when water finds its way in around windows and roofs, so the inspection looks for both.
Sound and weatherproof
The standard asks that the home is structurally sound and weatherproof. That covers the frame, walls and roof holding together, and the outside of the building keeping rain out.
Basalt clay and movement
Residual clay over basalt in Mickleham swells after rain and shrinks in dry summers. Fine cracks at the corners of doors and windows are common; wider or growing cracks, doors falling out of square or floors out of level point to movement that needs an engineer to assess.
Water getting in
Weatherproofing usually fails at windows, at flashings and through the roof. We look for stains and bulging in ceilings and take moisture readings near windows, using the thermal camera where it shows where water is travelling.
What the report says, and what it does not
We record what we see and say whether it points to movement or water entry. We do not certify structure; where cracking needs it, the report recommends a structural engineer.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Mickleham. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
