Burnaby is building fast: new towers at Brentwood, Metrotown and Lougheed, and new homes and townhouses across the city. Newer doesn’t mean leak-proof, and in Metro Vancouver, the memory of the 1990s “leaky condo” crisis is why BC now has mandatory new home warranty coverage. Here’s how BC’s 2-5-10 home warranty relates to water damage. General information only. Check your warranty certificate and BC Housing’s guidance for current rules and deadlines.
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BC’s 2-5-10 Warranty at a Glance
| Coverage | Term | Water-related examples |
|---|---|---|
| Materials and labour | 2 years (first year for most defects) | Defects in workmanship and materials |
| Distribution systems | 2 years | Plumbing, heating and electrical defects, e.g. a failed fitting or drain line |
| Building envelope | 5 years | Water penetration through the roof, walls, windows, doors and foundation |
| Structural defects | 10 years | Defects that affect the structure |
The five-year building envelope coverage is the one most tied to water damage. It was a direct response to the leaky condo crisis, when poorly detailed buildings let rain into walls for years before anyone noticed.
Common Water Issues in New Burnaby Buildings
- Window and balcony door leaks during wind-driven rain
- Leaks at deck and balcony membranes into units below
- Plumbing fittings that fail in the first year
- Shower and tub leaks from improperly installed waterproofing
- Heat pump or fan coil condensate leaks
- Foundation seepage in townhouses and single-family homes
What to Do When You Find Water
- Stop or contain the water and keep safe.
- Take dated photos and video of where water enters and the damage.
- Notify the builder and the warranty provider in writing right away. Missing notice deadlines can affect coverage.
- In a strata, notify the strata manager; building envelope claims are often handled through the strata.
- Start drying. Don’t let wet materials sit; mould can start in 24–48 hours in Burnaby’s damp climate.
- Tell your insurer about damage to contents and your own improvements.
How Professional Documentation Helps
Warranty providers and builders need evidence. A water damage restoration company in Burnaby can provide moisture maps that trace the entry point, photos once walls are opened, and drying logs, all of which help show it’s a construction defect rather than a maintenance issue.
Owners’ Maintenance Duties
Warranties usually exclude damage caused by lack of maintenance. Keep records of:
- Cleaning gutters, deck drains and balcony scuppers
- Re-caulking where the maintenance manual calls for it
- Servicing heat pumps and fan coils
- Keeping indoor humidity reasonable (running bathroom and kitchen fans)
Related: strata water damage · BC insurance · heavy rain
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