Why I Decided to Share This Inspection

It’s been a while since I posted an inspection like this, mainly because I’ve been collecting examples of what’s happening across the industry right now. Unfortunately, the trend isn’t good.

This particular inspection stood out because the defects weren’t subtle. They weren’t borderline. They were serious failures that should never exist in a building of this age, and they would have been identified during a thorough building inspection in Perth carried out with proper testing.

“I’m gathering a whole bunch of videos at the moment of what’s going on in the industry and it’s really, really not good.”

Situations like this are exactly why understanding the scope of building inspections in Perth and what they actually cover matters before relying on any report.

A Simple Water Test With Alarming Results

In the video below, I perform a basic wet test on the window system. Before testing, everything appeared dry both internally and externally. There were no obvious visual warning signs.

Within seconds of introducing water, the system failed.

“Just wet testing this window now… look at this. Completely flooding.”

This wasn’t aggressive testing. It was a basic performance check — the type that should form part of a comprehensive building and pest inspection in Perth, particularly on modern homes.

Major Defect 1: Severe Window Water Ingress

How the Water Entered the Structure

As soon as water was applied, it began flowing directly into the internal wall cavity. This wasn’t water tracking backwards or capillary movement. It was direct ingress through a failed system.

“It is running down. It is pouring down.”

When windows leak like this, moisture doesn’t just stay localised. It migrates into framing, linings and junctions, often remaining hidden until serious damage is already present.

This is why window installation and waterproofing detailing are areas we pay close attention to during pre-purchase building inspections in Perth, especially where buyers assume newer means better.

 

Major Defect 2: Black Mould and Timber Deterioration

 

Evidence of Long-Term Moisture Exposure

Once moisture enters the wall cavity, the consequences follow quickly. In this case, black mould was already visible and timber had begun to deteriorate.

“I want to point out black mould… as a result of water ingress.”

“The timbers have deteriorated here… in direct breach of AS1684.”

This isn’t cosmetic damage. Timber deterioration caused by ongoing moisture exposure is a structural issue and a direct breach of Australian Standards governing timber framing.

We see similar failures regularly during building defect inspections in Perth, particularly where waterproofing has been poorly installed or inadequately detailed during construction.

 

Major Defect 3: Compromised Waterproofing Membrane

Why the Membrane Failed

During the inspection, the waterproofing membrane could be clearly seen — and just as clearly, it was compromised.

“You can actually see the membrane over there, compromised.”

Once a membrane fails, water doesn’t stop. It ponds, tracks along surfaces and finds its way into framing, fibre cement and internal joins.

“It’s just ponding on the underside and dripping through that join.”

Defects like this should be identified during building construction stage inspections, not years later after internal damage has already occurred.

 

Major Defect 4: Internal Framing Actively Flooding

What This Means for Structural Integrity

One of the most concerning aspects of this inspection was seeing water actively flowing through internal studs.

“This is the internal stud of this property… look at the moisture coming through here. It is just bleeding.”

This is not borderline performance. It’s a complete failure.

“This is unacceptable. This is not performance nor compliance with the National Construction Code.”

Had this been picked up earlier through a proper building construction inspection, the extent of damage could have been significantly reduced.

 

Complete Failure in Under 15 Seconds

Why This Matters to Buyers

To remove any doubt, the test was repeated. The result was the same.

“That didn’t even take 15 seconds.”

No prolonged testing. No extreme conditions. Just basic exposure — and immediate failure.

This is exactly why relying on visual-only inspections or rushed reports can expose buyers to significant long-term risk.

 

Where Defects Like This Often End Up

Disputes, Claims and Court Action

When water ingress leads to mould growth, timber deterioration and NCC non-compliance, the outcome is rarely simple.

“I’ll let this one play out in court because I’m pretty sure that’s where it’s going to end up.”

Once engineers, insurers and legal teams become involved, costs and complexity escalate quickly. Early identification through independent building inspections in Perth is often the difference between a manageable repair and a major dispute.

 

Why Experience Matters in Perth Building Inspections

Beyond Checklists and Visual Inspections

Water ingress issues don’t always reveal themselves unless you actively test for them. Checklists don’t find these problems. Experience does.

At WA Building Inspections, we assess window installations, waterproofing systems, membrane continuity, timber condition and compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards.

If you want to understand how we approach inspections differently, it’s worth reading about choosing an independent building inspector in Perth with real construction experience.

 

 

FAQs: Window Leaks and Building Inspections in Perth

 

Can a building inspection detect window leaks?

Yes — provided proper water testing and waterproofing assessment are carried out as part of a comprehensive building inspection in Perth.

Is black mould a serious building defect?

Yes. Black mould usually indicates ongoing moisture ingress and may involve both structural and health risks.

Do leaking windows breach the National Construction Code?

Yes. Window systems must meet NCC performance requirements for weatherproofing.

Can water ingress damage structural timber?

Absolutely. Prolonged moisture exposure can lead to timber deterioration and breaches of AS1684.

When should waterproofing defects be identified?

Ideally during construction stage inspections, before linings are installed and damage becomes concealed.