Technical guidance
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Department developed guidance
The Department publishes Technical Guidance documents, to help building practitioners, building officials and industry consider a wider range of options for complying with the Building Code than those provided by Compliance Documents. Technical Guidance documents promote a consistent approach to establishing compliance.
Guidance on Barrier Design - November 2011
Guidance information on how to achieve the relevant Building Code performance criteria for barriers. It provides recommendations for the design and construction of permanent barriers that are required in and around buildings.
Guidelines for Documenting Fire Safety Designs - September 2011
This guidance is about how fire design should be communicated and documented, including evidence of design methodology. Good quality design documentation makes building consent processes easier for both designers and Building Consent Authorities.
Guidance on Building Code compliance for retrofitting insulation in external walls - August 2011
Guidance on Building Code and Building Act 2004 requirements relating to retrofitting insulation in exterior walls. It explains why a building consent is required, how to show work complies with the Building Act and Building Code and the risks with retrofitting wall insulation.
Guidance on using NZS3604 construction on ground with potential for liquefaction, outside Canterbury region - August 2011
Guidance information for those building outside Canterbury to NZS 3604:2011 construction where there may be potential for liquefiable soils, and who may choose to use foundation details even more robust than those provided by the Acceptable Solution B1/AS1.
Guidance on reinforcement for concrete slabs-on-ground - Amended August 2011
Guidance on an alternative solution option for the reinforcing steel mesh specified in the Acceptable Solution B1/AS1.
Changes to seismicity and foundation details for Christchurch - May 2011
Information on increasing the seismic hazard factor for Canterbury and requiring stronger foundations for buildings through immediate changes to the Building Code Structure documents.
A quick guide to timber treatment for enclosed framing - Pink is Tough - April 2011
Timber treatment in Acceptable Solution B2/AS1 has changed to a new, simpler system. The timber treatment hazard class H1.2 is now required for radiata pine and Douglas fir timber in buildings, where it is protected from the weather (ie, enclosed timber framing).
Guidance on house repairs and reconstruction following the Canterbury earthquake - December 2010
A summary of geotechnical and structural engineering recommendations to guide house repairs and reconstruction. The options and recommendations in this document are specific to houses directly affected by the Canterbury earthquake only.
Using the Product Assurance Framework to support Building Code compliance. A guide for manufacturers and suppliers of building products - April 2010
Manufacturers and suppliers of building products are assisted by a clear system to demonstrate that their products are fit for purpose in New Zealand conditions.
Download the Solar Water Heating Guidance Document (for installers, suppliers and building consent authorities) [PDF 1.29 MB, 38 pages] - December 2009
This Guidance is intended to be read in conjunction with Acceptable Solution G12/AS2.
Guidelines for energy efficient HVAC plant - January 2009
Provides guidance on the appropriate energy efficiency measures for HVAC systems in commercial buildings.
Guidance for non load–bearing issues- December 2008
This document provides guidance for building consent authorities (BCAs) on how to check whether appropriate timber has been used in buildings for compliance with Building Code Clause B1 Structure.
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Practice Advisories
Practice advisories are published under section 175 of the Building Act 2004.
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Industry Codes of Practice
The Department also encourages industry groups to create their own guidance and codes of practice for the use of their products, to complement the Department’s Compliance Documents. Below are some examples developed by industry:
Code of practice for Weathertight concrete and concrete masonry construction
- August 2011
The Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) Code of Practice provides weathertightness solutions for concrete and concrete masonry buildings. The Building Code clause External Moisture, has an Acceptable Solution (E2/AS3) that references this Code of Practice.
Code of practice for torch-on membranes systems for roofs and desks - October 2008
The Code of Practice presents guidance for the selection, design and installation of modified reinforced bituminous materials.
The New Zealand metal roof and wall cladding code of practice - April 2008
The Code of Practice presents guidance on the selection, design and installation of metal roofing and wall cladding systems.
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