Deciding Relevant Clauses

In order to decide which clause of the Building Code a building product or system ought to comply with, it is necessary to look at the results or performances that the product or system is intended to provide.

For example a new type of bolt used for preventing wind uplift of a timber frame, will have a structural performance and a durability performance. From the list of clauses described in the New Zealand Building Code it can be deducted that the relevant clauses that such a new bolt would need to comply with, would be Clause B1 – Structure, and Clause B2 – Durability.

In the example of a tanking membrane for the prevention of moisture ingress into the foundation wall, especially if the wall comes into contact with the ground, the product would be expected to exhibit the following characteristics:

  1. water resistance
  2. moisture vapour permeability
  3. tear resistance
  4. Tensile strength
  5. puncture resistance
  6. cold temperature flexibility
  7. mould growth resistance, and if not protected from the weather,
  8. UV resistance.

For torch-on or self adhesive membranes, the ability of the adhered membrane to remain adhered over an extended period would also be an important characteristic.

Looking at all the relevant clauses, the following might be referenced:

  1. clause B2 – Durablity
  2. clause E2 – External Moisture, and possibly
  3. clause F2 – Hazardous Building Materials (to show that the product is NOT hazardous).

The process of determining which clauses are relevant requires a good understanding of what the product is required to do over time.

To decide what relevant standards should be referenced in order to verify compliance with the relevant clause of the Building Code, click here.

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