“QBCC Mickey Mouse Window/Door Testing  Method” for determining water leaks . 

I attended an inspection of a residential home with the Homeowner, Builder & QBCC inspector’s.  I couldn’t believe what I was seeing..😳!     The QBCC had engaged a plumber to test the windows & door for water penetration performance (WPP).  

This WPP test was the plumber on a ladder with the garden hose & watering the window as if he was watering the lawn…🙄.  THIS IS NOT A RELIABLE OR CREDIBLE TEST!

With the 5 WPP requirements; The QBCC failed to include the main factor for rainwater to ingress into building cavities - the wind pressure! 

The 5 WPP requirements are:

• Deflection performance of structural members in the window/door assemblies
to the N3 Serviceability Limit State (SLS) wind pressures measured in pascals
(Pa).

• Operating force test for operable sashes/panels in windows/doors, measured in Newtons 👎.

• Air infiltration rate through the windows and doors at a low 75Pa measured
airflow at “litres per second per square meters” L/sec/m²

• Water penetration performance measured in Pa/m²

• Ultimate Limit State (ULS) wind pressures which is a pressure the
windows/doors can resist before destruction.

How many of the weather events do homeowners experience in Queensland that result in rainwater penetrating our homes through windows & doors from the force of the wind.

The QBCC wasted tax payers money on a test that is not fit for purpose; little alone for Queensland weather conditions.

Just another element of QBCC Reform that homeowners need to be protected.

Share the petition & let’s send clear message to the State Government that QBCC is failing their statutory obligations & responsibilities to homeowners.