Reference Documents - MCU23 0070

Is it normal to expect cracking
to occur in brickwork, walls
and ceilings?
Yes, damage in varying degrees can
be expected in the life of the building     Key points to consider when
depending on the relevant site              planning landscaping to avoid
classification.                             structural damage.
If cracking becomes apparent the site       •   Plan type and location of
maintenance conditions should be                gardens, paths, driveways,
checked as noted under “key points              lawns, filling and retaining walls
to consider...”                             •   Take care in selection of trees
Corrective action should be carried out         and shrubs. Do not over plant
immediately and may include regrading           next to the house
surface drainage, moving gardens and        •   Keep trees with high water
trees or repairing leaks in water supply,       demand well away from
stormwater and/or sewer drainage.               buildings in reactive clay areas.
A sound plan for a reactive clay site       •   Avoid variable conditions
is to provide a consistent moisture             around the house and maintain
regime around the building by installing        adequate moisture/watering.
paths and patios against the house.             Do not over water and avoid
Locate lawns up against paths & patios.         the use of unregulated
Garden beds, the most heavily watered           sprinkler systems.
parts of a garden, should be kept well
                                            •   Locate ponds and water
away from the house.
                                                features away from the house.
If gardens must be placed in close
                                            •   Direct surface water away from
proximity to the house, they should be
                                                the house. Do not allow water
sealed with plastic and contain only
                                                to be trapped or pond near
a few small plants. Take care not to
                                                the house.
trap water against the building if using
garden edging.                              •   Repair leaking pipes and taps.
Caution: Care should also be taken if       Note: these issues should be
placing filling against the house. Always   considered as part of planning
ensure weep holes are not covered           and maintaining the home. Aim
and that existing Termite Management        to provide a consistent moisture
Systems are not compromised.                regime around the house. This will
                                            minimise soil moisture variations
                                            that may cause movement and
                                            result in structural damage.