Major Structural Defects
A Major Structural Defect means a defect in workmanship or materials, including soil movement, which has resulted in actual physical damage to, and failure of, a Load-Bearing Portion of the home. The defect must both materially and adversely affect its load-bearing function and vitally affect the use of the home for residential purposes.
A Load-Bearing Portion means a structural component essential to the structural stability of the home. This performs the function of transmitting dead and/or live loads to the supporting ground.
Examples are:
- Roof rafters and trusses
- Ceiling and floor joists
- Structural floor systems and slabs in the living area of the home
- Load-bearing partitions and walls
- Supporting beams and headers, supporting columns
- Foundation systems
Non Load-Bearing portions of your home include:
- Roof shingles and sheathing
- Exterior siding and sheathing
- Exterior siding
- Non-load-bearing partitions
- Sub-floor and flooring materials
- Wall tile or other wall coverings
- Non-structural concrete floors in attached garages
- Decks
To be eligible, a structural defect in the Load-Bearing portion of the home does not have to render the home dangerous or otherwise uninhabitable. However, it must be of such a serious nature that it vitally affects the use of the home for residential purposes.
Addressing Major Structural Defects
Before the expiry of the warranty the homeowner should notify AHW in writing of any defects which the homeowner claims are Major Structural Defects. AHW will acknowledge the homeowner correspondence and advise the homeowner of the procedure to follow to process a potential claim for a Major Structural Defect.
