An introduction to weathertightness design principles

Introduction

Principles of weathertightness design, including a valuable summary of critical performance components for effective cladding systems.

Core principles for the construction of buildings that are weathertight. This guidance provides a clear explanation of the basis on which good weathertight buildings can be constructed in New Zealand. It is not intended as a prescriptive ‘how to’ guide, rather it sets out principles that act as a checklist for performance-based designs outside the Acceptable Solutions and Verification Method for Building Code Clause E2.

Helps understand the principles behind constructing weathertight buildings and provides information on where to seek further details. It provides understanding and knowledge for designing, evaluating or building specific ‘performance-based’ solutions (alternative solutions).

The information in the guide is divided into two broad sections:

Part A – Principles of weathertightness

• This section introduces the primary physical influences affecting joints and claddings that effective cladding systems must be designed and built to resist.

Part B – Weathertightness principles applied

• This section builds on the weathertightness principle of Part A to explain how some common cladding types can manage physical forces in ways that provide effective weatherresisting systems.

Knowledge of the principles of weathertightness is considered essential for all designers and builders of small-to medium-sized buildings, for building officials, educators and those with a general interest in weathertightness such as insurers, developers and funders of building projects.