The WA Property Q&A

The WA Property Q&A


EP1 Is Chemical Delignification A Major Structural Defect? A Conversation With Property Inspector Jason Cotton

September 13, 2023

In this week’s episode I talk to Jason Cotton from Select Property Inspections about major structural defects and we discuss chemical delignification, which is present in thousands of homes across Perth.


We discuss the causes of chemical delignification, how it can be avoided and how it’s treated in the context of the REIWA Major Structural Defects annexure.

Jason and I also discuss structural defects and common maintenance defects that aren’t considered structural.


About Jason Cotton


Jason Cotton has over 12 years of experience as a property inspector in WA.  Jason is the founder and principal of Select Property Inspections and has completed over 7000 property inspections. He is a certified Building Surveyor.


The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Introduction

00:01:03 – Jason’s background

00:02:12 – What is chemical delignification?

00:04:27 – How to identify chemical delignification  

00:09:41 -  The impact of chemical delignification on roof batons

00:15:20 - Roof coverings vs. structural elements

00:17:19 – What is a Major Structural Defect?

00:21:43 - Chemical delignification as a Material Defect

00:23:45 - Ceilings and other safety defects