Jon Davies looks at a confusing geographical disconnect when describing vapour control, moisture control, vapour control layers and vapour barriers. Did you know that in North American documents, the term vapour barrier might mean our vapour control layer? And if they do use ‘vapour control layer’ they could easily be talking about a vapour barrier?

Condensation in roof spaces is increasingly common, but the solution isn't just ventilation. This article explores why controlling internal moisture at its source, combined with airtight construction and above sheathing ventilation, is the most effective way to reduce condensation risk in modern New Zealand roofs.

Achieving early weathertightness without compromising compliance or quality remains a persistent challenge on construction sites. Programme pressure, labour constraints, cladding delays, and unpredictable weather patterns increasingly disrupt traditional programme sequencing. Designers are frequently asked to specify envelope systems that not only perform over the building’s service life but also support progress during construction while meeting budget constraints.

Why it’s time for architects to get hands-on with energy modelling, airtightness, and real building performance.

This first article in a series of five reflects on recent Pro Clima Knowledge Zone webinars and aims to highlight how changes in one area can impact other code clauses. We point out some of our industry's common mistakes and discuss how to address them. 

In this article we look at some of the elements included from Version 3.0 onwards of the Ministry of Education's Weathertightness Guidance document which would be deemed ‘above code’, and discuss the whys, hows and wheres of their practical application.

Like with any external building product that contains timber or absorbent materials, SIPS can be sensitive to moisture.

H1 provides for the efficient use of energy and sets physical conditions for energy performance. Are the recent changes to the H1 clause just a small step along the road to adopting the International Passive House standards across New Zealand, like other members of the OECD experienced? Robert Whitehouse believes they are.

When it comes to understanding the flow of liquid water, air, heat and water vapour through our building elements, accurate nomenclature matters.

Harsh summer conditions expose roofs to severe solar radiation and add uncomfortable heat loads to our buildings. But the air movement induced by ASV can work to keep our buildings cool, no matter the cladding type or material colour.