How can we safely add insulation to existing walls without risking trapped moisture and compromising durability? 

While fire engineering reports are designed in line with the NZBC with a view to saving lives, we often overlook the lives of the first responders who need to go into these buildings.

A detailed discussion of the water/soil compatibility test and its importance in the design of any below-grade waterproofing system.

In this article, I’m tackling real-estate adverts, renovation by paint, and discussing one area of cost for whole-house renovation and the connection between health and wealth.

The traditional approach for facility managers is to do whatever it takes to make the passive fire issue disappear. This is not always the most cost-effective approach.

Dampness due to condensation can lead to fungal growth which harms occupants, causes decay in structural timbers and accelerates corrosion of metal components and fixings. 

Common themes with comfortable high performance houses are insulation, airtightness, ventilation and heating. 

Any and all tested penetration seals, installed in accordance with the manufacturers specifications or AS 4072.1, “cannot – not be accepted as being compliant” with the NZBC.

This month I look at the provision of containment pressure to maintain the effectiveness of bentonite tanking membranes under both static and seismic conditions. 

Protecting structure from moisture before, during and after construction is a code minimum requirement of B2 durability.