Downpipes Lacks Protective Coating
Downpipes Lacks Protective Coating is a moderate-severity finishes defect SURE inspectors have documented across 54 inspection reports. Highest concentration in Ellenbrook.
Causes
- lack of maintenance
- Lack of application during installation or maintenance
- Omission during construction/renovation
- Lack of protective paint/coating
- Lack of maintenance/protection
Symptoms to look for
- Potential for rust penetrations and leaks over time
- Downpipes not finished in a protective coating
- Gutters not finished in a protective coating
- No protective coating on downpipes
- Increased likelihood of corrosion
Remedies
- Downpipes should be finished in a protective coating.
- Finish downpipes in a protective coating.
- Apply a protective coating to preserve integrity and minimize corrosion
- Carry out periodic maintenance checks for rust penetrations and leaks
- Finish gutters in a protective coating
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of downpipes lacks protective coating in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
Worth asking our inspector about this specifically.
This is common across Perth stock and usually fixable without drama, but the scope of the fix varies. Every SURE inspection includes 12 months of free advice. Call out the defect by name and we check for it directly.
Curated entries in Finishes
- Curated 1–3/5Common Cracks and Settlement in Pathways
Cracking and uneven settlement in concrete footpaths, driveways, and porch slabs is one of the most frequently observed external defects in Perth homes, present in 11.66% of all reports. Most findings are minor and reflect the expected behaviour of unreinforced concrete slabs on reactive soils, though tree-root intrusion and poor drainage can accelerate movement to a point where trip hazards develop.
- Curated 1–4/5Surface Rust on Pergola Frame
Surface oxidation on steel pergola frames is one of the more frequent cosmetic findings in Perth pre-purchase reports, appearing in 11.19% of all inspections. Left untreated, surface rust progresses through the coating into the base metal, eventually compromising the structural integrity of posts and beams. Early intervention with surface treatment is straightforward; through-corrosion is not.
- Curated 2–4/5Cracked Floor Tiles in Wet Areas
Cracked, loose, or drummy floor tiles in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. Allows moisture penetration to the substrate, potentially compromising waterproof membrane integrity and causing concealed water damage.
- Curated 1–3/5Damaged Eave Lining
Damage to the underside lining of the eaves - including cracking, holes, gaps at junctions, and poorly cut penetrations around downpipes - is recorded in 8.78% of all inspection reports. Beyond the cosmetic concern, openings in eave lining allow birds, possums, and insects to access the roof cavity and can accelerate timber deterioration where moisture also enters.
- Curated 1–3/5Eave Deterioration and Ageing
General weathering and paint breakdown on eave linings, timber rafter ends, and quad trim is one of the most common findings on Perth homes built before 2000. Left unattended, deteriorated eaves allow moisture into the roof perimeter, accelerating rot in rafter ends and creating conducive conditions for timber pests.
- Curated 1–3/5Defective Door Handles, Hinges, and Locks
Malfunctioning or worn door hardware including loose handles, squeaking hinges, misaligned latches, and non-functioning locks. High-frequency defect across all building eras, typically cosmetic but can affect security and fire egress.