Updates to the Building Code will make it easier to comply
27 June 2019
Updates to the Building Code will be published on 27 June 2019 following MBIE’s public consultation and analysis of submissions.
E2 External moisture
External roof, wall claddings and external openings will prevent external moisture from causing undue dampness or damage.
This clause requires buildings to be constructed to provide adequate resistance to penetration by, and the accumulation of, moisture from the outside.
It contains requirements for roofs, wall claddings and external openings to:
- prevent water entry
- prevent water absorption and transmission
- prevent the accumulation of water
- allow for dissipation.
The clause applies to most buildings, as set out in the limit on application in E2.2.
The Acceptable Solution to E2 External Moisture, E2/AS1, is widely used for timber-framed buildings.
Read a general overview of E2/AS1
Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.
Building Code Regulations
The Building Code is published in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992.
The Building Code clauses include objectives, functional requirements and performance criteria. These are mandatory provisions that all new building work must comply with.
The acceptable solutions and verification methods provided on this page are deemed to comply with Building Code clause E2.
Clause E2 — External moisture
Building Product Specifications
Portions of Acceptable solution E2/AS1 and Verification Method E2/VM1 refer to the Building Product Specifications for building product standards and specifications in relation to their manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, physical properties, performance, installation, and/or maintenance.
The Building Product Specifications cannot be used in isolation to demonstrate compliance with any requirement of the Building Code. To comply with the acceptable solution and verification method, building products conforming to the Building Product Specifications must be used with the scope, limitations, and other applicable requirements set out in the acceptable solution and verification method.
Building Product Specifications
Updates
Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods
Current version
MBIE has historical versions of the code clause documents which can be located under 'Previous Versions' and 'Version History'. Alternatively if you cannot find the document you are looking for, you can send an email with the year and code clause you are after to info@building.govt.nz.
Previous versions
Standards
Standards are frequently referred to in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods. They provide practical information and guidelines for building solutions.
Over 120 building standards used for Building Code compliance are now available for free download.
See the free standards relating to Code Clause E2.
All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.
Related building products
All building products and building methods that have current CodeMark certification will be listed with their most up to date certificate in the Product Certificate Register on Te Pae.
Guidance
These documents are provided for assistance. They are not intended as a means of establishing compliance with the Building Act or Building Code, and they do not have the same status accorded to Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods under the Act.
Related Determinations
Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding in relation to each case. Circumstances in one case may differ to others.