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BUILDING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2016
period of seven days, houses are going to become very hot.”
Other than the correct orientation of a home, Daniel
explains that increasing insulation in roof areas to R6 and
including double glazed windows can go a long way. So much
so that SECCCA believes both should become mandatory in
the building process.
Perhaps Daniel’s biggest bugbear though is the issue of
draught sealing, or lack thereof in new homes. Gaps around
doors and windows compromise the home’s thermal energy
performance, and unfortunately it either comes down to
SUSTAINABILITY
The facility demonstrates various sustainable features and information points that explain the benefits of each in more
detail. Staff were also available to answer any questions regarding costs and benefits.
CONSUMERS ARE BEING RIPPED
OFF. THEY ARE PAYING FOR
SOMETHING BUT THE PERFORMANCE
SIMPLY ISN’T THERE.
a lack of knowledge or poor workmanship on the behalf of
builders.
“We advise that all seals be installed to a six star
standard. We have tested new homes where the seals were
only 2 or 3 stars. The regulations stipulate that builders
must draught seal, but they are not required to test it.
“I like to use cars as an example. Cars are ANCAP rated 5.
Consumers are paying for that rating which says you have
airbags, ABS brakes etc. That’s the rating, but if it isn’t
tested, what’s the point if your braking system doesn’t work
when it is supposed to? And that’s what’s happening with
new homes. Consumers are being ripped off. They are paying
for something but the performance simply isn’t there.”
Daniel believes builders could test a certain percentage
of their homes to ensure they are up to six star standard
before continuing to roll them out once satisfied with the
results.
“Once builders have their contractors trained up and
confident that they know how to do all of these things,
they’re laughing. There will be added costs associated with