How to Check Brickwork Quality: Perth’s Essential Standards Guide
How to Check Brickwork Quality. Western Australia stands out from the rest of the country with its love for double brick homes. This unique preference continues even as new building methods emerge.
Perth homeowners need to understand brickwork compliance with Australian standards. A thorough building inspection takes 2-4 hours and reveals any structural problems that might exist.
The masonry standards Australia guidelines, specifically AS 3700, protect brick structures’ safety and longevity. Professional inspections cost between $300-$500 and spot issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Our simple guide walks you through quality checks for brickwork and shows what really matters in Perth’s building scene. You’ll learn the right way to evaluate your property’s brickwork condition.
Understanding Australian Masonry Standards
AS 3700:2018 serves as the foundation for masonry construction requirements throughout Australia.
How to Check Brickwork Quality: Key Requirements of AS 3700
Australian masonry standards provide guidelines for unreinforced, reinforced, and prestressed masonry that uses clay or concrete units. The standard also covers calcium silicate units, autoclaved aerated concrete, and square-dressed natural stone laid in mortar.
You’ll find specific requirements for built-in components like flashing, lintels, and wall ties in the standard. Bricks need to have a minimum characteristic unconfined compressive strength of 3 MPa for solid units.
Perth-Specific Building Regulations
Perth’s building approval process changed when the Building Act 2011 came into effect. The act helps reduce approval times while ensuring complete control over construction standards.
The National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards guide the assessment of building applications in Perth. This means all masonry work needs to line up with either AS 3700 or AS 4773.1 and AS 4773.2.
Essential Quality Benchmarks
These quality measures protect masonry structure integrity:
- Mortar mix proportions must meet AS 3700 specifications (note: we do not check mix ratios)
- Masonry veneer walls need a minimum thickness of 90 mm
- Weepholes should be placed at maximum 1.2-metre centres above any flashing
Durability classifications include exposure, general purpose, and protected categories. Using masonry units from the same batch helps maintain a consistent appearance.
Visual Inspection Techniques
Visual inspections are the life-blood of quality brickwork standards in Perth’s construction industry.
Checking Brick Alignment and Levels
A gauge board helps verify course heights and marks 75cm intervals for brick height plus bed joint thickness. Spirit levels ensure each course lines up properly across corners and along wall lengths.
Builders need to check wall faces for vertical alignment with spirit levels. They should space check points just under the level’s length. Straightness checks between plumbed points help you retain control of proper wall alignment during construction.
Common Defect Identification
Professional inspectors watch out for these common defects:
- Spalling – brick faces flaking off due to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles
- Efflorescence – white, powdery deposits showing excess moisture within walls
- Bulging brickwork – outward bowing usually happens from inadequate restraint
Cracks from hairline fractures to major splits often result from thermal movement and foundation settlement. Inspectors look at surrounding areas, especially windows and rooflines, to find possible water intrusion sources.
Professional Inspection Checklist
A detailed inspection checklist will give a clear picture of how masonry work meets Australian standards and Perth’s building requirements.
Structural Integrity Markers
Building inspectors look at brick ties placement at regular intervals based on masonry standards Australia guidelines. Window sills and sliding doors need proper clearance that follows the National Construction Code.
Moisture and Dampness Signs
Water stains on walls signal serious moisture problems that need quick professional attention. Mould growth around wall bases shows possible dampness problems and can affect structural integrity.
Salt deposits and fragmenting plaster reveal ongoing moisture problems in brickwork. Dark patches on walls catch an inspector’s attention because they could mean trapped moisture inside the masonry.
Measurement Equipment You Need
The Technique Brick Gauge Tape comes with five gauges from 84-88 to mark brick courses accurately. Its smooth sliding metal strip and locking switch help take reliable measurements during checks.
Quality assessment tools include:
- Spirit levels to check vertical alignment
- Metal measuring strips to check joint thickness
- Gauge boards to verify course height
- Belt-mounted tools for quick access during checks
How to Record and Report
Mobile inspection apps make it easy to collect and document data on site. These apps sync findings right away and let teams start fixing problems immediately.
How to Check Brickwork Quality: Conclusion
Professional brickwork assessment plays a vital role for Perth homeowners who rely on double-brick construction’s strength and durability. Expert inspections following AS 3700:2018 standards can spot structural problems early.
Smart homeowners combine regular visual checks with modern assessment tools to meet Perth’s strict building codes. The process also includes proper documentation and moisture testing that protects against structural issues down the line.
Professional inspections help maintain high brickwork standards and protect your property’s value over time. A good grasp of these quality indicators lets Perth homeowners make smart choices about their brick structures.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key aspects to check during a brickwork inspection in Perth? When inspecting brickwork, look for cracks, loose bricks, mortar deterioration, efflorescence, and signs of water penetration. Also, check the alignment of bricks, condition of flashings, and presence of any vegetative growth.
Q2. Which Australian standard governs masonry structures and brickwork? AS 3700:2018 is the primary Australian standard for masonry structures. It provides guidelines for designing and constructing safe and durable masonry buildings, including brickwork, in compliance with Australian regulations.
Q3. What are the acceptable tolerances for brick sizes in Australia? For bricks between 150mm to 250mm in height or width, a variation of ±50mm is allowed over 20 units. For bricks larger than 250mm (typically in length), a tolerance of ±90mm is permitted. Remember that all bricks are part of a blend.
Q4. How often should professional brickwork inspections be conducted? While there’s no set frequency, regular inspections are recommended, especially for older buildings. A professional inspection typically takes 1 hour and costs between $300-$500. It’s advisable to have inspections done every few years or when you notice any concerning signs.
Q5. What tools are commonly used for assessing brickwork quality? Essential tools include spirit levels for alignment checks, metal measuring strips for joint thickness, and gauge boards for course height verification. Advanced technologies like ultrasound evaluation, infrared cameras, and borescopes can also used upon specific request for more detailed assessments.
Note: This article is general information only and inspection processes will differ from build to build.