*ARCHIVE* - Weathertightness News - No. 7, June 2004
What's inside
- BIA publishes Verification Method for cladding
- Weathertight Homes Resolution Service - latest figures
- New location, same service for leaky homes claims
BIA publishes Verification Method for cladding
The BIA has published a revised Verification Method for E2 External Moisture (E2/VM1), making it relevant to timber-framed buildings up to three storeys high with cavities.
Current weathertightness tests only test for water entry which means it is much more difficult to determine how quickly water dries out from behind claddings. The revised E2/VM1, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on cladding systems incorporating a cavity where drainage and drying can occur.
There is a considerable amount of research being carried out both overseas and in New Zealand on drying rates and this will eventually be incorporated into E2/VM1 and may allow the scope to be extended beyond cladding systems with a 20 mm cavity.
The Test
The test subjects a wall sample containing various details and junctions to simulated wind and rain in a test booth.
The test first determines whether the cladding as installed can keep water out. Small holes are then introduced into the exterior cladding and the wall is re-tested. The introduction of the holes simulates the presence of defects occurring on real buildings, either during construction, or over time as the building ages.
The test method requires that any water getting into the wall through the holes must drain down the back of the cladding and out the bottom of the cavity.
Laboratories carrying out the testing will need to be accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).
New location, same service for leaky homes claims
Homeowners and others involved in leaky home claims will receive the same service from the WHRS when it moves to a different government department early next year.
The WHRS is moving from the Department of Internal Affairs into the Department of Building and Housing which is taking responsibility for all regulatory and dispute resolution services related to housing.
The WHRS will ensure that the move is as seamless as possible for all parties involved in disputes over leaky homes.
The only change WHRS claimants and other parties should notice is the letterhead that they receive correspondence on.
Claimants will retain their existing case numbers and continue to deal with the same case manager. Parties will not be required to fill in any extra forms because of the move and will be kept fully informed throughout the transition to the Department of Building and Housing.
The WHRS was set up by the government in November 2002 to help homeowners resolve disputes over leaky homes. The WHRS provides free assessments to determine the extent of water damage as well as access to mediation and adjudication services to help resolve disputes over problems arising from leaky homes.
Legality of BIA Interpretations
Only the courts can issue binding interpretations of the Building Act 1991 and Regulations. Indications and guidelines issued by the Department of Building and Housing, either in Weathertightness News or other communications, are provided with the intention of helping people to understand the legislation. They are, however, offered on a “no-liability” basis, and, in any particular case, those concerned should consult their own legal advisers.
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Editorial enquiries:
Please contact Ryan Nielson, Communications Adviser,
DDI: 04 495 2711 or nielson@bia.govt.nz
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Weathertightness News is a free, monthly information service. To subscribe contact the Authority by telephone, facsimile or email.
The Authority is a New Zealand Government Crown agency established by the Building Act 1991 to manage the building control system.
Published by the Department of Building and Housing ISSN 1176-3159. Print run: 11,000
Background
A Verification Method is an Approved Document that sets out a method to calculate or test compliance with a New Zealand Building Code Clause. In this case the Clause is E2 External Moisture, and the Verification Method sets out a test procedure for establishing the weathertightness of cladding systems incorporating a cavity.
The original test was developed in Australia for testing commercial high-rise wall claddings and was eventually formalised in AS/NZS 4284. It was included in the original E2/VM1, but its use has been mainly in the commercial sector where facade engineers are employed to assist with design and testing of curtain walls.
The revised E2/VM1 has focused on making the test method relevant to timber-framed buildings up to three storeys high incorporating a cavity. The manufacturer of the cladding system will need to test all of the details that they are covering in their system under the Verification Method.
Weathertight Homes Resolution Service - latest figures
The Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (WHRS) has 1848 active claims. The WHRS was set up to help resolve disputes over 'leaky homes'.
Assessments to determine eligibility for the service and the extent of property damage are provided at no cost to homeowners. To date 817 assessment reports have been sent to homeowners. If claims are eligible homeowners can choose to use the WHRS's voluntary mediation process, opt for compulsory adjudication, or decide to take no further action. Homeowners are required to pay $200 towards the cost of mediation and $400 towards the cost of adjudication.
The WHRS has completed 103 resolutions: 68 using mediation, nine through adjudication and 26 resolved by other means. The mediation and adjudication processes are under way for a further 241 homeowners. An additional 216 homeowners have had their cases deemed eligible by the WHRS Evaluation Panel and have yet to decide whether to proceed to mediation or adjudication.
The WHRS freephone help line 0800 116 926 operates Monday to Friday from 8.30 am - 7.00 pm. To date 7034 calls have been received.
A breakdown of active claims by the region in which they occur is available below.
The WHRS website www.dbh.govt.nz also contains information about the work of the Service and issues related to leaky homes.