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Practical how-to articles for builders and designers showing good industry practice and interpretation of the NZ Building Code and standards.
Showing results 1-10 of 43
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By Andrew Bedford – 1 October 2022, Build 192
From 1 May 2023, housing and small buildings up to 300 m² will need to be better insulated. What does this mean in practice for wall, underfloor and ceiling insulation of these buildings when using the schedule method for compliance?
By Tony Conder – 1 August 2009, Build 113
It is essential to consider the thickness of insulation product needed to achieve the required R-value when designing a low-slope or skillion roof structure. For a given R-value, product thicknesses can be quite different.
By Ian Cox-Smith – 1 April 2011, Build 123
The BRANZ House insulation guide details the expected thermal performance for common construction options. It didn’t include the thermal performance of floor slab systems with polystyrene pods, but recent modelling means this data is now available.
By Adrian Bennett – 1 July 2001, Build 65
Questions are often asked about the suitability of electrical cables used in contact with polystyrene insulation. The answer is that there should be no problems if simple precautions are taken and electrical regulations followed.
By Ann Galloway – 1 February 2015, Build 146
Making additions or alterations to an older home can provide an opportunity to improve its thermal performance. However, installing insulation to maximise the benefits is not always as straightforward as it might seem.
By Alan Bulleyment – 1 August 2008, Build 107
You probably think that installing insulation with the correct R-value means you’ve complied with Building Code Clause H1 Energy efficiency. However, if it’s been installed incorrectly, you may have to think again.
By Alide Elkink – 1 April 2009, Build 111
As the levels of insulation for walls, roof and windows increase, heat loss through the floor, particularly suspended timber floors, becomes more significant. What are the options to insulate these?
By Bruce Sedcole, Ian Cox-Smith – 1 October 2022, Build 192
The newly released 6th edition of the BRANZ House insulation guide will allow designers to quickly evaluate the effect of varying construction parameters. It will be useful to demonstrate compliance under the new H1, as well as exploring options for higher performance.
By Trevor Pringle – 1 October 2007, Build 102
Within New Zealand homes a slip, trip or fall injury occurs every 3 minutes. This affects around 400,000 adults and children each year – that’s more than all sports and road injuries. Using the right surface could prevent many of these.
By Michael Camilleri – 1 October 2009, Build 114
The new thermal insulation standard uses the same compliance methods as before but incorporates some significant changes, particularly to definitions.
