620+ Genuine 5 Star Reviews

 

ABIS – Building and Pest Inspection - Google Local Reviews

View Sample Reports

Detailed, easy to understand reports

Building and Pest Report

Inspection FAQs

Leaking Shower Closet – Building & Pest Inspection – Common Defects No 5

No 5. Leaking Shower Closet

Leaking Shower

A shower that is leaking into the surrounding walls is one of the most common problems detected during our Pre-Purchase Building Inspections.

What is not fully appreciated by the average homeowner is that bathrooms and in particular the waterproofing membranes to showers have a limited life compared with the rest of the building.

Depending on the design and ongoing maintenance, a bathroom has a typical life of between 15 and 25 years. If you are buying an existing home that is over 20 years old, you should expect to replace the bathrooms within the next five years. If, however, they are relatively free from problems and have been well maintained, this timing may be extended.

There are many designs for showers but most have a water proof tray or membrane at the base and up the sides that is covered by a non-waterproof decorative finish such as tiles. The finish directs most of the shower water to the drain via the surface but some of water passes through grout and small gaps to the waterproof substrate and from there to the drain. Problems occur when the waterproofing develops holes or tears over time which allow the water to get the frame of the building. The moisture will then damage timber and plaster as well as attract timber pests such as fungal decay and termites.

Another common area where moisture leaks from a shower into the frame of the dwelling is where the plumbing penetrates the wall. It is important that the gap behind tap flanges and shower roses are sealed with a silicon sealant and regularly maintained to avoid leaks into the wall.

Finally, there are a number of products on the market that seal the surface of the shower and are applied to the decorative surface. Whilst not as good as replacing the show completely, these products can extend the life of a bathroom considerably at a fraction of the costs of bathroom replacement.

ABIS building and pest inspections are conducted to the highest standard by building inspectors with a minimum of 10 years experience together with the highest professional qualifications in their field. ABIS has been in business over 27 years conducting both building and timber pest inspections.

Our highly recommended home inspectors are all long term trusted employees not here today gone tomorrow sub-contractors. ABIS Inspectors are supported by a unique computer aided inspection system and the latest inspection equipment such as high sensitivity thermal cameras costing thousands of dollars that others don’t often have.

When you book a pre-purchase inspection with ABIS, our friendly local (they know the area and are not in a interstate or overseas call centre) staff will make the whole process easy for you. Our Office team make all the arrangements with you, your agent, the vendor, the tenant (if there is one) and you will be sent an email to confirm the inspection time along with a pre-engagement letter which covers the scope of the inspection. Good communication and local knowledge are key to you getting the most out of your building and pest inspection. We are always happy to answer all your questions and you are most welcome to be on site when we do the inspection. Our technology, systems and processes also mean you get your high quality report shortly after your inspection is completed.

And all this for an incredible low price.

Service Areas

Area Map The Peninsula Moreton Bay Area East Brisbane Redland Bay Area Gold Coast Ipswich Brisbane West Brisbane Northside Brisbane Southside Logan City

ABIS The 1st Choice in Building & Pest Inspections