2.5.3.1 Suspended concrete slabs
(a) Excessive deflection A reinforced suspended concrete floor may deflect producing side-effects such as failing to continue to provide support for walls built on them. In such cases a horizontal crack may often be found at the base of the wall, though it may be covered up by the skirting board. Deflection in suspended concrete floors will most commonly result from one or more of the following reasons: initial poor design; substandard workmanship and practice; drying shrinkage; or the floor loading exceeding the designed loading.
2.5.3.2 Suspended timber groundfloors
(a) Sagging or springiness of the floor underfoot Deformation will most commonly result from one or more of the following reasons: under-design of floor framing members; insufficient structural support; defective timber connectors or fastening methods; poor workmanship; overloading; or timber pest damage.
2.5.3.3 Timber upper floors
(a) Sagging or springiness of the floor underfoot Often cracking will occur in the ceiling below. Deformation will most commonly result from one or more of the following reasons: under-design of floor framing members; poor workmanship; defective timber connectors or fastening methods; overloading; or timber pest damage.
2.5.3.4 Stairways
(a) Unstable or even collapse of metal or timber stairways Defective condition of internal or external stairways includes landings and any loose or fragile newel posts, handrails and balustrades. Deformation will commonly result from one or more of the following causes: poor design; substandard workmanship and materials used in construction; timber pest damage; defective timber connectors or fastening methods; and metal corrosion.
