What is covered by warranty?
In 1998, the BC government introduced the Homeowner Protection Act (HPA). This act required all new homes to be covered by home warranty. A guide was then established to help determine which circumstances were covered by home warranty and which were maintenance issues. This free (and very lengthy) guide is available online. If you continue reading below, we provide MBDW clients with a simplified overview of HPA coverage.
Cracks in interior wall and ceiling surfaces
Acceptable Performance/Condition: “Interior gypsum board shall be installed to minimize cracking of joints, corners and corner beads.”
Minor cracks are not unusual. Most minor cracks are a result of normal shrinkage of materials and are generally not covered. However, drywall cracks are considered to be a defect when they are: greater than 1/16” in width more than 12” long and greater than 1/32” in width when tape separation is greater than 1/16” from the surface, or where bead separation is greater than 1/16” from the surface. Drywall finishes within garages and unfinished areas are excluded from warranty other than as required by the Building Code.
Warranty Coverage: 12 months
Ceiling/wall
joint separation
(TRUSS UPLIFT)
Acceptable Performance/Condition: “The junction of inside wall finishes, and ceilings should be constructed to minimize excessive cracking or wall/ceiling separation.”
“Truss uplift” is a term often applied to a condition where the bottom chord of wood roof trusses bow or arch upward, causing the ceiling drywall to which it is fastened to become separated from the wall finish. Differences in the temperature and moisture content between the top and bottom members of trusses can cause seasonal movement of the bottom chord.
This condition cannot always be prevented, but can be controlled by good design, good attic venting and by “floating” the ceiling drywall near partitions. Similar damage can occur due to downward movement of the wall as a result of settlement of interior wall footings or shrinkage of the framing lumber. Damage may also result from the owner neglecting to keep up maintenance.
Warranty Coverage: variable
Warranty on truss uplift is decided on an individual basis. This is not a result of poor workmanship on the drywall contractor, but movement of the structure.
Claim Response: Where repairs are required, colour, finish, or texture may not be an exact match. Seasonal conditions may delay the timing of repairs.
Drywall nail
/ screw pops
Acceptable Performance/Condition: Interior finished drywall (excluding garages and unfinished areas) shall be free from nail/screw pops, that have broken the finished surface or are in a readily noticeable location, at the time of first occupancy.
A small number of nail/screw pops and other minor surface imperfections are normal and usually result from minor shrinkage of materials or normal settlement of the building and are not covered.
Nail/screw pops when viewed under normal lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position of 6’ directly in front of the wall surface are unacceptable when they are readily noticeable or when they have broken the finished surface.
For more examples, visit: inspectapedia.com
Warranty Coverage: 12 months
DISCLAIMER
Of course, please keep in mind in the end these are minimum guides set in place. Each individual builder can make the decision if they choose to go above and beyond the requirements. Also, each home warranty provider has slightly different conditions. MacLean Bros. Drywall works hard to exceed builder and warranty company repair requirements. We do our best to ensure that you enjoy your home for many years to come.