Out of sight, out of mind: drainage is the forgotten workhorse of the building function.
Yet drainage maintains a simple albeit vital purpose: to ensure water, once no longer needed, is efficiently and effectively removed from the property.
After all, any unanticipated water incursion could spell disaster for vulnerable building interiors, ruining porous wall and floor materials, causing irreparable damage to building foundations, and offering fertile breeding ground for mould and pests.
According to Australian Associated Motor Insurers Limited (AAMI), water infiltration remains among the chief causes of interior damage, with millions of dollars borne by Australians in clean-up and repair costs every year. Damage to foundational structures – an extreme though not uncommon result of inundation – can leave affected homeowners with repair bills upwards of $10,000.
As such, the selection of quality drainage is crucial not only to the wellbeing and amenity of building occupants, but to the integrity and value of the building as a whole.
Yet it seems all-too-often the specification and implementation of drainage is left too late in the construction process or, worse still, overlooked entirely.
Poor or untimely drainage selection can have costly implications for owners, placing the home or building at undue risk of ruinous inundation. As Australians confront the looming threat of climate change and an increased incidence of extreme weather events, the importance of quality drainage solutions becomes even more pronounced.
Ensuring Long-Term Rewards from Your Drainage Solution
Faced with the competing challenges of today’s ultra-modern constructions, aging infrastructure and a litany of Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements, today’s architects and specifiers must navigate a myriad of planning and regulatory hurdles.
Whilst the importance of meeting mandated compliance measures (such as BCA waterproofing standards AS-3740 & AS-4654) cannot be discounted, it is crucial for any implemented solution to accord strictly with the unique built and natural landscaping features of the property. This includes provisions for adequate surface grading, a thorough understanding of drainage flow rates (a particular concern in areas prone to excessive downpours), as well as the judicious installation of waterproofing membranes.
What’s more, a key consideration for all outdoor drainage projects is the implementation of best practices for sustainable design (encapsulated in Australia’s own Waster Sensitive Urban Design, or WSUD, principles), to ensure water is discharged cleanly and efficiently into eco-sensitive catchment areas.
Few could doubt that the selection and implementation of quality drainage solutions is crucial to the successful functioning and durability of the built area. With a bit of research and the right advice, you can ensure a reliable and consistent drainage solution that offers not only seamless installation options, but long-term cost benefits and maximal amenity for occupants.
Expert Advice from Australia’s Premier Linear Drainage Manufacturer
As one of Australia’s most respected drainage manufacturers and suppliers, Stormtech is committed to delivering the highest quality drainage solutions for today’s unique building projects.
Stormtech’s skilled specialists work closely with specifiers, architects and builders to offer tailored drainage solutions, including bespoke drawings and plans for customised drainage designs for all Australian environments.
Stormtech works proactively with plumbing advisory services to ensure drainage is not only fit for purpose, but meets stringent Building Code of Australia (BCA) compliance measures.
To learn more about the selection and implementation of superior drainage solutions, click here to download Stormtech’s guide to expert drainage selection for architects, specifiers and builders.
