Bracing needs to comply with AS1684 for dwellings and engineering specifications particularly in high wind areas. We inspect all bracing units including ensuring nailing of ply sheet bracing units meet the correct spacing.
One common issue we find is that often when nailing off ply bracing where nail guns are used the head of nail often goes through the outside face of the bracing unit.
This does not comply. We request builders to hand nail ply bracing units to ensure this does not happen. The other main issue is when ply bracing units are cut or part removed due to services such as electrical points or plumbing fittings.
These can destroy the integrity of the bracing unit. In these cases we require replacement, extra bracing units or re-engineering to ensure there is enough bracing within the building. At Certifiers 2U we thoroughly inspect bracing as part of any frame inspection.
