Maintenance: Carports

In this chapter we examine building terms in relation to carports, as well as the most commonly found problems. We also look at preventative maintenance.

Click on Legislation above, to view strata title legislation and hints.

Click on Legislation above, to view community title legislation and hints.

The following picture shows a cantilevered carport along with the indicated building terms. Cantilevered carports can be useful in maximising clear usable space as they use only half the usual posts/uprights.

Common Problems

The following annotated photographs illustrate some of the common problems with carports.

Rusting of supporting steel work.

The following is the recommended treatment from 'Solver' for rusting steel work..

• Remove all loose flaking paint. Remove all rust scale by means of mechanical abrasion and wire brush. Sand thoroughly and dust down. Treat all rust effected metal with Solver 4561 Rust Kill before spot priming all bare and treated metal with Solver 4120 Zinc Phosphate Anti Corrosive Metal Primer. Apply one (1) coat of Solver 4103 All Purpose Undercoat before finishing with one (1) coat of Solver 4171 High Gloss Enamel.

Asbestos roofs on carports.

• Asbestos roofs are now decades old and often suffer from cracking. This leads to leaks and flaking of the surface.
• Asbestos roofs are a potential health hazard if the surface flakes and the flakes become airborne.

We suggest:

• Removal of the asbestos all together by a licenced contractor
• All those walking on the roof must use crawl boards
• Consider installing warning signs (required for commercial groups)
• Consider having an Asbestos Register (required for commercial groups)

Resident's care leaking oil on carport concrete.

Storage of rubbish & goods in the carport

Storage of furniture in the carport

The above three photographs come under the owner's Duty to Maintain their unit or lot. The Corporation's Articles or By Laws spell this out.

Click on Legislation above, to view strata title legislation on powers to enforce works by the unit owner.

Click on Legislation above, to view community title legislation on powers to enforce works by the lot owner.

We suggest:

• A seven (7) day notice be sent to the owner/agent for the unit alerting them to the need to clean the carport, remove rubbish or goods.
• The owner/agent must be warned that failure to rectify risks the job being undertaken at the owner's expense.
• If the matter is not resolved by the 8th day we suggest the Corporation send in a suitable contractor to under the job.

  

Always confirm in writing any discussion or agreement with the owner or their agent. We suggest a formal notice giving seven (7) days, in accord with the discussion/agreement.

The following may assist your group.

7 day notice to make good	Living with fibro (asbestos cement)
click on picture for printable version	click on picture for printable version