What it is
Open gaps where the fascia, soffit or wall cladding meet, or under the bottom cladding board.
Why it matters
An open door for rodents and insects, and wind-driven rain can get in behind the cladding.
How we check it
Many of these gaps can't be seen from the ground, so we check them with an inspection mirror.
The fix
Seal with a suitable flexible sealant or fit the correct trim.
How common it is
Nearly 1 in 3 new homes we inspected (30%) had gaps that let pests in. Unsealed fascia, soffit or cladding junctions turned up in 35%.
The standard
ABCB Housing Provisions 2022, 7.5.7 (cladding clearance to ground)
As seen on our socials
