Code compliance information differs from sales and marketing brochure
The difference between glossy sales and marketing brochures and technical information is important to consider when specifying or purchasing building materials that need to meet New Zealand Building Code requirements.
The Building Code contains 35 technical clauses relating to requirements for health and safety, provision of services (eg, plumbing, drainage, electrical), structure, energy efficiency, accessibility and so on. Because the Code is performance-based, it does not prescribe how something must be built, used or installed. Rather, it provides a desired outcome - ie, performance and functional requirements in terms of the building or construction being fit for its purpose.
All products intended for use to comply with the Building Code must meet the relevant clause(s) as well as, for example, provisions relating to Durability (Code Clause B2) and Weathertightness (Code Clause E2). The intended use of the product determines what Code clause(s) the product should comply with.
Manufacturers or their agents and retailers provide a variety of information about their products. It is important when considering this information to differentiate between sales and marketing information and technical information about Building Code compliance.
Technical information about how a product complies with the Building Code should detail the relevant Building Code clauses and how the manufacturer knows (eg, via independent testing) that the product will meet them. It should include clear descriptions on how the product should be installed or used, under what conditions it should be used, and how it should be maintained. For example, some building exterior products are not appropriate to be used in high corrosion areas such as exposed coastal or geothermal areas.
Customers must have access to product-specific technical information. Having this available at the design stage or at point of sale allows them to make informed decisions about their choice before they spend their money. Retailers should have this technical information on hand. If a retailer does not, they should be able to provide contact details, such as a website address or phone number for the manufacturer/distributor.
Information about the New Zealand Building Code is available on the Department's website.
The local building consent authority - usually the local council's building control department - will also be able to advise on Building Code requirements.