Maintenance Guide

Residents are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their apartment. It is recommended that regular cleaning and maintenance be undertaken by residents, particularly carpets and wet areas (kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms) and outdoor areas and elements.

In addition to routine care, often minor maintenance attention provided immediately saves you a more serious, time-consuming, and sometimes costly repair later.

Please also note that neglecting routine maintenance can void some of the applicable warranties provided by the builder and/or suppliers.

Periodic maintenance is essential due to:

• Normal wear and tear
• The inherent characteristics of the materials used in your apartment
• Natural fluctuations in temperature and humidity
• The natural and manufactured materials interacting with each other and the environment
• The CORROSIVE NATURE of being in close proximity to a marine environment such as the Brisbane River

To help you maintain the material surfaces in your apartment, ensure regular and strict maintenance and cleaning is carried out in your apartment.

Outlined below are Mosaic Construction’s general recommendations with respect to cleaning practices. For more extensive details on a variety of finishes and appliances within your apartment, please refer to your property warranty manuals.

Please Note: Mosaic Construction has made considerable efforts to source the following information from Suppliers and Contractors, however we recommend reviewing your maintenance and warranty documents for further information relating to the above methods of cleaning. For any specialist maintenance that is required to be undertaken, it is the responsibility of the owner to contact the supplier. Any associated maintenance costs must be borne by the owner/user.

We recommend you follow the instructions within this guide and your individual product manuals for the type of cleaning products to use on various materials within your apartment.

To ensure applicable warranties are not voided, manufacturers’ instructions as well as directions on the cleaning product being used, must be strictly followed.

• Excessive rubbing or over cleaning can often lead to damage to the material. Care should be taken with painted surfaces as strong solvents or strong cleaning concentrations can cause damage. A small discreet area should always be tested first, and abrasive cleaners/ scourers should be avoided.
• Ensure that cleaning sponges, cloths etc. are grit free to avoid scratching / marking of surfaces.
• Household cleaners containing abrasives should not be used on painted surfaces. These abrasive materials (steel wool, abrasive brushes etc.) can scratch, cause wear to and harm finishes.
• Drips and splashes should be removed as quickly as possible to avoid staining and deterioration.
• Temperature extremes during cleaning must be avoided as heat can accelerate chemical reactions and may evaporate water from the solution.
• Cleaning should be carried out in shade at moderate temperatures as cleaning under adverse conditions may result in streaking or staining.
• Heavy duty cleaners should not be substituted for frequently used mild cleaners.
• Never use paint removers, aggressive alkaline, acid, or abrasive cleaners. Do not use trisodium phosphate (TSP) or any highly alkaline or highly acidic cleaners.
• Manufacturers’ recommendations for mixing and diluting cleaners must always be followed and you should never mix cleaners, as they may not only be ineffective but also very dangerous.

Optimal care of plasterboard walls and ceilings is dependent upon the finish applied to the walls. The relevant care instructions are in the paint, ceramic tiles, stone, or joinery maintenance in this section. It should be noted that the joints between the plasterboard walls, ceilings, doors, joinery, and other elements have been designed to allow for inevitable differential movement and, as such, cracks may appear. These cracks are not defects but are normal movement joints.

Care should be taken when moving around the apartment to minimise damage to the walls and ceilings. The most common cause of damage to walls and ceilings is caused by the impact of carried objects, scratching, and slamming of doors.

Painted surfaces should be inspected on a quarterly basis and any surface marks or dust should be removed by:

• Using a soft cloth or feather duster, brush lightly to remove dust. Avoid excessive rubbing.
• Using a mild detergent in warm water on a soft cloth, rub in a gentle circular motion to remove any stains. More stubborn stains may require the use of a proprietary cleaner such as ‘Spray and Wipe” or “Sugar Soap”. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stains are removed more effectively if they are identified and attended to whilst fresh.

As there are a wide variety of stains and many recommended stain removers, to obtain the correct advice for your stain, we advise that you contact the paint manufacturer direct.

Once a stain remover has been selected, ensure that the area is washed down with clean water, and whilst protecting all other areas in the vicinity of the stain, remove the stain following the product manufacturer’s written instructions.

All painted walls should be recoated every five years and all painted ceilings should be recoated every seven years.

Please refer to the stone benchtop manual for specific information on your stone.

For everyday routine cleaning of stone benchtops, we recommend wiping the surface with warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a clean damp cloth. Do not use the cloth you use to wash the dishes, as it may transfer oils and other contaminants to the stone surface.

Cleaning is recommended after every use.

To maintain the surface of internal tiles with regular cleaning we would recommend sweeping or vacuuming, then mopping the surface with normal cleaning agents. Mop the surface thoroughly with clean water afterwards, changing the water regularly, i.e. every 10m² or more if the water is extremely dirty. Cleaning tools, i.e. mop heads and brushes, should be changed regularly and allowed to dry between uses.

To maintain the surface of external tiles (slip resistant tiles) it is recommended that scrubbing equipment such as a non-metallic scrubbing brush be used in conjunction with a mild detergent, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water.

Weekly cleaning is recommended.

All internal corners, tiling edges, grout lines and movement joints from time to time will require some extra attention to ensure no build-up of contaminates occur. These areas may require specific cleaners and scourers to return them to their original appearance. Mould or discolouration is the result of lack of removal of soap, shampoo and other contaminants left in corners to dry and build up. If this occurs, scouring and scraping of these items will be necessary.

Fortnightly cleaning is recommended.

You can add years to the life of your carpet with regular care. To assist in maintaining your carpet’s appearance and lifespan it is recommended that a regular maintenance program be implemented and maintained. Always act quickly to mop up spills. Do not rub or scrub your carpet as this action can cause pile distortion. Rinse stains with cold or lukewarm water only, then blot dry with an absorbent material such as paper towelling or use a cold air fan to complete drying.

Vacuuming should be carried out once or twice a week or even every day for high traffic areas. Regular vacuuming will remove soil and dirt particles before they become embedded into the pile of your carpet.

Spot Cleaning

• Liquid Spills – use a clean white cloth to prevent any colour transfer and absorb the spill as much as possible with the cloth. If any residue is left, wet the area with clean cold water and repeat until the spill is no longer visible.
• Food Spills – Use a blunt object such as a spoon or similar to remove the food and apply water to the area if stained. Absorb water with a clean white cloth and repeat, if necessary, until the spill is totally removed.
• Blood – Absorb with a clean white cloth and use cold water and a clean cloth to remove any further residue.
• Dirt and Soil – Let it dry and then vacuum. Do not use water, as this will turn the spill to sludge.
• Oil and Grease – Remove as much as possible with a blunt instrument such as a spoon or similar. Apply mineral turpentine or similar clear solvent to a clean white cloth and try first on the carpet in a hidden area just to make sure that there is no colour loss due to the solvent. If no discolouration occurs, proceed to dab the oil or grease area with the solvent on the cloth, continue until clean.
• Pen Marks – Most pens will state on the label if the ink is water or oil based. For water-based pen marks proceed cleaning with lukewarm water, but for oil-based pen marks use a solvent (taking the same precautions as above for oil and grease).

It is recommended that you have floor protectors on the base of all furniture located/used on the floorboards. These can be purchased from most supermarkets and all hardware stores.

Cleaning is best done with an anti-static mop for surface dirt and dust and a well rung out mop that is damp and not wet. Never apply water directly onto the surface of the floor, always use a mop and ensure the mop is well wrung before mopping the surface. Using excessive amounts of water can cause damage to the boards which may then require replacement.

The use of a steam mop is not recommended. Steam (moisture) is forced into the joints of the timber and any small breaks or cracks on the timber floor surface, which could result in unusual reactions in the timber such as cupping. The heat from the steam mop could also cause damage to the coating on the floor.

Use a wood cleaner specifically designed for UV lacquer finished engineered floors. Do not use corrosive cleaning chemicals, steel wool, or polish. Always use a soft broom or recommended timber floor broom. Use only clean mops, brooms, vacuum brushes and other products; any grit or worn brushes will scratch the surface of your flooring.

Weekly cleaning is recommended.

Protect Your Floor

Follow these simple steps to achieve many years of enjoyment from your timber flooring:

• Wipe up spills and leaks promptly with a dry cloth or dry paper towel. For sticky substances, moisten the cloth slightly.
• Place entrance mats (which must not have a rubber backing) at all exterior doorways and entrances to trap dirt, sand, grit, moisture, and other substances from shoes. Clean mats regularly.
• Use non-staining felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture, and fit other furniture with soft treads or castors. Chair pads should be used under desk chairs with castors.
• Heavy objects and furniture such as large bookcases, full sized billiard tables or kitchen units should not be situated on any floating installation. This can lead to the floor failing to respond to contraction and expansion, which can cause squeaking, gapping and possible
• Never drag, slide, or roll furniture or appliances across your floor. Protect the surface if using a trolley to move heavy
• Spiked heels or shoes in need of repair can severely damage your floor. In areas of excessive traffic and wear, make use of runners or area rugs. Rugs should be cleaned regularly.
• Pet claws can scratch your floor. Keep nails trimmed.
• Do not leave pot plants sitting on timber floors. Plant stands and appropriate saucers should be used.
• Floor to ceiling windows coupled with the harsh Australian sun can create floor temperatures of over 70°C. Your floor should be protected from extreme temperatures and strong, direct sunlight using interior temperature and humidity control (recommended temperatures 10-30°C and relative humidity between 30% and 70%), window tinting, and window coverings. Dramatic temperature changes and/or extreme humidity can cause joins to lip/gap and possible surface checking. Prolonged direct sunlight will cause fading.

Common Characteristics of Timber Floors

• Timber flooring is a living product that is constantly moving and changing. This is the inherent beauty of timber flooring. It will expand and contract in accordance with your internal environment. As such it cannot be completely sealed. Keeping the environment stable as per recommendations in the installation instructions and maintenance care instructions is the key to longer lasting and great performing floors.
• After installation you may experience noise, such as creaking, as you walk across the room. This is a normal characteristic in all new floors and occurs as the timber is acclimatising to the conditions of the room. This will settle as the air escapes and the timber flooring acclimatises.
• As a natural product, timber floors will oxidise during the first few months due to UV light exposure, typically leading to a darker, fuller appearance. As a result, timber floors may display some change in colour between exposed areas and areas covered by rugs or furniture. Your floor should be protected from prolonged periods of direct sunlight with curtains, blinds, shades or awnings and rugs/furniture moved periodically to expose all areas evenly.
• Timber flooring products can display discolouration caused by contact with rubber products such as rug/mat backings, furniture feet, rubber soled shoes/slippers, wheels for trolleys and wheelchairs etc. which are likely to leave permanent marks. Only non-staining vinyl backed mats or woven rugs identified as colourfast should be used on timber floors. If the floor is to be subjected to any of these applications, darker colours are recommended which will hide any discolouration, should it occur.
• While the factory finish of your timber floors may be refinished, doing so will potentially void your warranty. If considering more extensive sanding & recoating works, please contact City Floors for further advice. Where refurbishment (sanding and recoating) is required, it is essential that a professional flooring contractor is engaged prior to commencement of any works.

Timber Flooring Maintenance 

For general cleaning, most marks and spills simply wipe away with a damp cloth or use an all-purpose cleaner such as Windex cleaner. Avoid scourers and abrasives as they will damage the surface.

Fortnightly cleaning is recommended or when marks appear.

It is recommended that the glass be cleaned at least weekly. Using a mix of 1-part methylated spirits to 4 parts of water, simply wipe over the surface with a cloth and then polish the surface dry with a lint free cloth. The use of proprietary glass cleaners is not recommended.

Shower screen hinges should be cleaned using soap and warm water. Wash hinges and rinse with water. Hinges should be checked once a year to make sure that screws are tight. Never use harsh detergents, bleaches, scourers or any other abrasive cleaner.

Black spots on mirrors

Black spots on the mirror’s corner or edges are bound to occur thanks to desilvering. Silver nitrate is the responsible component for transforming plain glass to mirrors. Paint sealants also provide extra protection for the mirror’s back. But when these protective coatings are exposed to various elements, including air, moisture and harsh cleaning solutions, black spots appear or ‘desilvers’. Desilvering occurs due to the oxidation of the silver nitrate, which is caused by the condensed moisture from the splashes of water and other elements on the edge of the mirror.

Avoid using cleaners containing ammonia as these will damage the backing and mirror edges.

It is recommended due to the costal environment that windows and glass are cleaned monthly using a window cleaner (such as Ammonia-free Windex) or mixture of one-part vinegar with ten parts water.

Monthly cleaning is recommended.

The surfaces of the screens should be washed down with warm water in conjunction with a ‘soft’ cleaner such as dishwashing liquid. Fibre brushes may be used to loosen dirt and grime, but abrasives such as sandpaper or emery paper must not be used. It is essential to finish off the cleaning by thoroughly rinsing all washed surfaces with clean water.

Cleaning every 2-4 weeks is recommended.

To preserve the powder coated or anodised finish on your aluminium windows and doors, security screen frames, metal door frames, gates and balustrading, regular cleaning is required. Cleaning is recommended by using warm water and soap or detergent. Keep water free from dirt and grit and ensure that the weep slots in the window and door tracks are clear to allow maximum drainage.

Do not under any circumstances use an abrasive cleaning agent as this will severely damage the surface of the material. Thoroughly rinse off any detergent with clean water. Hosing must be avoided under all circumstances. Dry – preferably with a chamois, alternatively with a soft cloth. The cleaning of the product should be performed at a time that will allow the aluminium to dry quickly, preferably early in the morning.

Monthly cleaning is recommended.

Light spray of a corrosion preventative (such as CRC Marine 66, Innox or WD40) followed by a light wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess. Exposed surfaces should first be wiped down with warm soapy water and a soft rag, and then rinsed clean before applying preventative.

Visible surfaces of hinges should be wiped down with warm soapy water on a soft rag and then rinsed off by wiping with a clean damp rag. Be careful not to get these compounds on the timberwork itself as they may cause staining.

The external finish of all hardware must be kept clean by removing any harmful residue, from the surface using a nonabrasive cleaning agent and wiped down with a soft cloth moistened with WD40 or RP7. When maintaining either internal or external hardware, ensure that all finished surfaces (e.g. timber, aluminium etc.) in close proximity are well protected from exposure to any cleaning or lubricating agents. All tracks and sills must be kept clear of dirt, debris and other matter which can cause damage to, and restrict the proper functioning of rollers, guides and drop bolts.

Monthly cleaning is recommended.

Stainless steel, although renowned for its resistance to corrosion and low maintenance requirements, can be susceptible to staining / discolouration if not cleaned regularly. Use a mix of 50/50 water and methylated spirits or Windex and then polish with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid scouring or use of an abrasive, as this will impair the surface. Any damage to the stainless steel will be difficult to repair and may require replacement at purchaser cost.

Due to the proximity to a marine environment, stainless steel will experience ‘tea staining’, which is a surface discoloration caused by corrosion. To prevent the accumulation of tea staining resulting in permanent rust, cleaning is recommended monthly.

Cleaning is recommended using warm soapy water (a mild detergent) and a clean damp cloth.

Never use harsh detergents, citrus based or abrasive cleaners on any products as these will scratch the surface. Where your tapware remains dry in use, a soft cloth can be used to remove surface dust. Alternatively, a wipe over with warm soapy water is all that is required to maintain the finish in perfect condition for a lifetime of use. Use of wax-based furniture cream should be avoided as these can result in a build-up of deposits, which could detract from the appearance. Do not use undue pressure when wiping.

Weekly cleaning is recommended.

Aerators

All of our taps are fitted with an aerator.  The purpose of an aerator is to produce a straight, evenly pressured & slightly oxygenated stream of water, whilst reducing water consumption & tap noise.  As an added benefit, aerators have a sieve plate in the fitting which can capture any loose debris in the pipes.

Like many things, aerators require regular maintenance to keep working at optimal levels.  If these are not cleaned out, debris will start to block the plate and reduce your water pressure.

Depending on activity in your local vicinity, debris can be dislodged into the pipes as a result of work to water mains, roadworks, or nearby construction.  The removal of aerators for cleaning can be difficult if you have no experience, it is suggested a licensed plumber be engaged to assist.

External light fittings may be cleaned using a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid, a soft cloth and warm water.

DO NOT use abrasive detergents, scrubbing tools or harsh chemicals.

Fortnightly cleaning is recommended.

It is recommended to remove excess dust, cobwebs or other matter, using a soft dry brush every two weeks. Clean regularly using a neutral detergent, lukewarm water and a damp cloth.

Fortnightly cleaning is recommended.

Blockage Preventative Measures

Never tip oil/fat down your drain as this can cause a build-up of grease and leads to blockages. Drain cleaning products such as Draino can be used quarterly (3 months) in all frequently used areas (kitchen sink, bathroom basin and shower drains) – this will assist in keeping the drains clear of hair, soap scum and grease build up.

Preventing Drain Smell

It is common for drains to develop an odour if left unused for a period of time. Drain lines have a goose necked section of pipe installed to trap water and block sewer gas from wafting up through the drain. When left unused, water in the trap evaporates – this empty drain allows an odour to come up into your home.

To prevent the traps from drying out, ensure your faucets are run at least once a month.

Quarterly cleaning is recommended.

It is recommended that blinds are maintained by vacuuming with a soft brush.

Monthly cleaning is recommended.

Clean external surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth and PH-neutral detergent as required. It is recommended that the filters and spray arms are cleaned thoroughly under running water, using a non-metallic brush.

Monthly cleaning is recommended.

In order to keep your oven in the best possible condition, it is recommended that you clean it regularly after letting it cool down. Do not allow food residues to dry inside the oven cavity because doing so could damage the enamel.

The glass in the door should always be kept thoroughly clean. Use absorbent kitchen roll.
In case of stubborn dirt, wash with a damp sponge and an ordinary detergent.

Internal surfaces should be cleaned using a microfibre cloth soaked in water and neutral washing up liquid. Rinse thoroughly.

Cleaning is recommended after every use.

Outer surfaces should be cleaned with a neutral detergent, lukewarm water and a damp cloth.

Internal surfaces are recommended to be cleaned after every use with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive products.

Cleaning is recommended after every use.

Remove light marks with a damp cloth with washing up liquid diluted in a little water. Then rinse with cold water and dry the surface thoroughly. Highly corrosive or abrasive detergents and cleaning equipment likely to cause scratches must be absolutely avoided.

Cleaning is recommended after every use.

The rangehood and its filter mesh should be cleaned regularly in order to keep in good working order.

Filters are recommended to be soaked in warm water with a mild detergent and cleaned with a soft brush.

To protect the main body from corrosion over a long period of time, the rangehood should be cleaned with hot water plus soap or non-corrosive detergent once a week. Do not use grinding detergent, or it will damage the body.

Weekly cleaning is recommended.

It is recommended that all household appliances such as kettles and toasters are cleaned regularly with a neutral detergent, lukewarm water and a damp cloth.

Weekly cleaning is recommended.

When cleaning your Zip tap, it is recommended you use a soft cloth and a mild soap. Do not use strong, abrasive, corrosive or spray cleaners.

Filters should be replaced every 6 months. It is also recommended that general maintenance is carried out every 6 to 12 months.

External cleaning is recommended weekly.

Filter replacement is recommended every 6 months.

Stainless steel exterior doors and exterior components of the refrigerator are recommended to be cleaned with liquid dishwashing detergent dissolved in warm water and a soft lint-free cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, lint free cloth.

Interior surfaces should be cleaned once every 1-2 weeks by using only liquid dishwashing detergent dissolved in warm water and a soft lint-free cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, lint-fee cloth.

Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine, bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents or abrasive scouring pads on any part of your refrigerator. SOME of these chemicals may dissolve, damage and/or discolour the interior of your refrigerator.

Weekly to fortnightly cleaning is recommended.

Machine hosing and control panels should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth.

The machine drum should be cleaned with chlorine-free cleaning agents, do not use steel wool.

Monthly cleaning is recommended.

It is recommended to clean the control panel and outer surfaces of the dryer using a soft damp cloth to wipe all surfaces, then wipe dry. If the drum has any residual dirt or lint stuck to it, remove this and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

It is important to clean the lint filter after every load, as the lint produced in the drying process can become a fire hazard if it accumulates in or around your dryer.

Cleaning is recommended after every use.

The external surfaces of Kensington by Mosaic’s building façade will be cleaned and maintained by contractors arranged by the Mosaic Bespoke Living team. You are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the surfaces directly accessible from your balcony. Failure to carry out the required cleaning and maintenance as outlined below will result in deterioration of materials and may void warranties provided.

It is the responsibility of the occupant to ensure windows are closed during the event of a severe storm or during high winds

Applies to window frames, sliding door frames, louvres and tracks, and balustrade handrails.

Powder coated and anodised aluminium surfaces need regular cleaning to preserve their appearance. It is recommended that this be carried out monthly.

Powder coating to sliding door tracks that are in contact with door rollers will naturally wear off over time.

To wash the powder coated surfaces, use a solution of warm water and very mild detergent solution:

1. Gently remove any loose deposits with a sponge
2. Using a soft (non-abrasive) brush or cloth with a gentle household detergent solution remove dust, salt, and other deposits.
3. Rinse off with clean water
4. Do not use steel wool, scrapers, scouring liquids or powders to remove any deposits as these will damage the coating surface. Do not use strong solvents such as thinners or solutions, abrasive cleaners or cutting compounds. To remove stubborn stains, white spirits may be used after a small area is tested to ensure that no colour change or damage will be caused.

To preserve the visual and aesthetic clarity, glass must be properly cleaned as part of routine maintenance. It is recommended that the cleaning as outlined below is undertaken quarterly. Care should be taken when cleaning glass surfaces to ensure no permanent damage is done to the product i.e. by only using products that won’t scratch the delicate surface.

Clean glass when it is cool to the touch, not in direct sunlight.

Drench the glass with clean water to loosen any residues present – please note when cleaning the glazing within the apartment space that the effect of water on surrounding surfaces (such as carpet) is kept in mind, and controlled water spraying tools (bottle with trigger spray) are used. Spray the cleaning solution onto the glass surface (the recommended cleaning solutions for this product are listed below).

Using a squeegee or a lint free cloth, immediately remove the cleaning solution. All water and cleaning solution must be removed from the glass and window frames, as well as any sealant or gaskets present. If there is any residue, these surfaces may deteriorate as a direct consequence of the poor cleaning process.

Clear ‘Windex Glass and Surface’, which can be purchased from a local supermarket is recommended. Do not use the blue coloured Windex product or any abrasive cleaning products, as these will damage the glass.

The air filters are recommended to be cleaned when the controller indicates ‘Time to clean filter’. If the contamination is difficult to remove, wash the air filters with neutral detergent and lukewarm water, then dry them in the shade.

Be sure to clean the air filter at the beginning of the cooling or heating season. (A decrease in the airflow volume of the air conditioner will result, and the performance of the air conditioner will be degraded if the air filter is clogged with dust or dirt.)

Indoor units, outdoor units and remote controllers should be wiped with a soft cloth every 2 weeks.

In certain operating conditions, the inside of the air conditioner may get foul after several seasons of use, resulting in poor performance. It is recommended to have periodic maintenance by a specialist every 6 months. For specialist maintenance, please contact the dealer who supplied the air conditioner. The maintenance cost must be borne by the user.

If you would like to register your system for warranty and be put on a schedule for regular maintenance, please contact Ridge Air on 07 3205 6044.

For further information, please refer to your manual.

The front panel should be cleaned every 2 weeks using a soft cloth soaked in water.

Air filters should be vacuumed, or dust cleaned from filters every 2 weeks. If the dust does not remove easily, wash the air filters with neutral detergent thinned with lukewarm water, then dry them in the shade.

Air purifying filters are to be cleaned using a vacuum or cloth every 6 months, they should also be replaced every 3 years. If the dust does not remove easily, wash the air filters with neutral detergent thinned with lukewarm water, then dry them in the shade.

Indoor units, outdoor units and remote controllers should be wiped with a soft cloth every 2 weeks.

In certain operating conditions, the inside of the air conditioner may get foul after several seasons of use, resulting in poor performance. It is recommended to have periodical maintenance by a specialist every 6 months. For specialist maintenance, please contact the dealer where you bought the air conditioner. The maintenance cost must be borne by the user.

When warm, moist air meets cooler surfaces, the moisture condenses. Outside we see this as dew; inside you may see it as a layer of moisture on glass windows and doors. This condensation comes from high humidity within the unit combined with low outside temperatures and inadequate ventilation. The following attributes will determine the level of condensation your apartment will be subject to:

• Normal Activities – As you live in your unit, your daily lifestyle contributes to the moisture in the air also. Cooking, dishwasher activity, clothes dryer and internal clothes drying, running hot water in the kitchen sink, baths and showers, aquariums, plants, and so on all add water to the air in your unit. Likewise, your daily routine can mitigate the amount of moisture in your unit and reduce condensation on interior surfaces.
• Temperature – Avoid setting your A/C at high temperatures. Heating your unit will cause the materials to dry out faster, generating more moisture into the air; drying the materials out too fast also increases shrinkage cracks and separations.
• Ventilation – When weather conditions permit, open windows and outside doors so that fresh air can circulate through your unit. Ensure you use the exhaust fans in your bathrooms, laundry and the rangehood over the stove. Condensation results from weather conditions and lifestyle use and is not considered a defect as the builder, nor the developer have any control over these factors. Exhaust fans require periodic maintenance pending use; it is best to clean fans when the A/C is being maintained.

The South-East Queensland region has a sub-tropical humid climate. As a result of our weather conditions throughout the year, you may at some point notice changes to your finishes or experience other issues common to many Queenslanders.

Examples of such observations include the growth of mould and changes to natural timber products, such as increased creaking to timber floors and swelling of doors. Timber will naturally expand and contract with changes in ambient temperature and humidity.

Please bear in mind that for natural materials this is completely normal and can be mitigated by making a few changes to your environment.

Elaborating further on the Condensation information provided in the preceding Section, we have compiled the following tips to aid you in maintaining your home.

1. Increase the use of dehumidifiers and aircon to reduce moisture levels within your apartment

Ensure all windows are closed when running a dehumidifier or aircon. Use the dry mode function on your air conditioning system, if available.

This will absorb moisture from the air and help mitigate any expansion pressure to timber flooring, swelling to doors etc.

2. Keep your home well ventilated when possible

Open windows on dry sunny days (when not using your aircon). Ensure you are using your exhaust fans during and following showers, and while using your clothes dryer.

Mould grows in damp and poorly ventilated spaces so the best way to prevent this is ensure your home is dry with good air circulation. Moisture absorbers such as DampRid are useful to keep within wardrobes and cupboards and can be easily purchased from supermarkets or hardware stores.

In Queensland, mould is a known seasonal issue and is not uncommon in our naturally humid climate. Even winter brings a risk of mould as the condensation created from indoor heating meeting cold external areas (for instance at windows and sliding doors) can lead to higher moisture levels within homes.

If you suspect the mould could be the consequence of a leak, please report this to Mosaic Rectifications as soon as possible within the Defect Liability Period.

3. Use a suitable mould removing solution on all affected areas immediately

If your home is being affected by mould you should act immediately to avoid the issue compounding further. If actions are not taken to mitigate the growth of mould, this may affect any future insurance or rectification claims (if applicable).

For suggested cleaning solutions please refer to the Queensland Government website for more information. During cleaning always use a new cloth for different areas and dispose of responsibly after use, otherwise spores could spread throughout your apartment. Surfaces should be fully dried after treatment.

Aside from the obvious benefits, a lifestyle on the Brisbane river brings with it an increased requirement for maintenance to account for the elevated moisture and salt in the atmosphere.

Many residents will experience the gradual build-up of salt on the surfaces of their finishes, both internal & external to apartments, and may on occasion experience mould or mildew due to the humidity.

To minimise the likelihood of issues arising, it is highly recommended that residents maintain a schedule for cleaning and preventative maintenance, servicing each area at a higher frequency than would be typically conducted in other urban environments.

The following tips will assist in maintaining the longevity and pristine appearance of your home and it’s finishes.

1. Regular cleaning of windows & screens

Over time, salt residue will develop on windows and screens which will have long-term effects on the structural integrity and overall appearance if left unmaintained.

Applying undiluted vinegar to the surface with a spray bottle will help loosen salt particles. After letting it rest for a few minutes, scrub with a cloth or non-abrasive sponge then wipe dry.

While you may not have time to do a regular deep clean of your windows and screens, rinsing them more frequently is the next best option. This is because washing the windows off every few weeks can go a long way towards keeping the amount of salt gathering on the windows reduced.

2. Ventilate your home and implement other mould reduction measures

Rooms left closed for long periods will create a moist environment for mildew and mould to generate on surfaces. Ensure your property is well ventilated by opening windows and maintain a regular routine of wiping down all surfaces. Refer to Section 5.6.3 for further information.

3. Cleaning and protecting metal fixtures and fittings

Metal materials including railings, door handles, hinges, drain covers and tapware are prone to ‘tea staining’ and rust, and regular cleaning and preventative maintenance is essential to preserve your finishes.

They can be protected with a light application of corrosion preventative (such as CRC Marine 66, Innox or WD40).

We encourage our residents to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any concerns swiftly.

It is important to keep in mind that issues arising from changing ambient temperature, severe humidity or a marine environment are not building rectification items.

Staying on top of home maintenance with regular cleaning and preventative maintenance is the best way to safeguard the longevity your home.