Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods For New Zealand Building Code Clause E2 External moisture

E2 External Moisture Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 Fourth Edition provides a compliance pathway for meeting the weathertightness performance requirements of Clause E2 of the New Zealand Building Code for buildings up to 10 metres in height. It applies to buildings within the scope of NZS 3604 and covers a wide range of cladding systems, including masonry veneer, stucco, timber weatherboards, fibre cement, profiled metal, plywood, and EIFS. The document includes a risk matrix to assess weathertightness risk and determine appropriate cladding solutions. It includes detailed requirements for materials, flashings, roof and wall junctions, decks, parapets, roof cladding, wall cladding, and construction moisture. The fourth edition features a revised layout, updated references, and integration with the Building Product Specifications for windows, fixings, and membranes.

E2 External Moisture Acceptable Solution E2/AS2 Fourth Edition provides a compliance pathway for meeting the weathertightness performance requirements of Clause E2 of the New Zealand Building Code, specifically for earth buildings. The scope includes buildings constructed in accordance with NZS 4299, with modifications to address materials, footings, walls, wall openings, and penetrations. It is suitable for buildings using unstabilised or stabilised earth construction. The acceptable solution includes specific construction details such as damp-proof courses, soffit junctions, and joinery interfaces. The fourth edition introduces a standalone format, improved clarity, and updated references and definitions.

E2 External Moisture Acceptable Solution E2/AS3 Fourth Edition provides a compliance pathway for meeting the weathertightness performance requirements of Clause E2 of the New Zealand Building Code, specifically for concrete and concrete masonry buildings. The scope is limited to buildings within the scope of CP01:2014 and focuses on the performance of the building envelope in preventing external moisture ingress. It is suitable for buildings using concrete or concrete masonry construction. The acceptable solution references CP01:2014 and outlines compliance with various E2 clauses related to water shedding, moisture penetration, and construction moisture. The fourth edition introduces a standalone format with a consistent structure.

E2 External Moisture Verification Method E2/VM1 Fourth Edition provides a compliance pathway for meeting the weathertightness performance requirements of Clause E2.3.2 of the New Zealand Building Code, specifically for cladding systems on buildings up to 10 metres in height. The scope includes wall and roof cladding systems, including junctions with windows, doors, and penetrations, for buildings within the scope of NZS 3604 and designed for wind pressures up to 2500 Pa. It is suitable for residential and similar buildings using drained and vented cavity systems. The verification method outlines detailed test procedures  including static, cyclic, and defect-based water penetration tests. The fourth edition includes updated formatting, consistent structure, and revised definitions.

The code of practice CCANZ – CP 01: 2014 errata 1 January 2015 replaces the 2014 version.

Cited content in this document can be found on the Building CodeHub website.

All of the Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods relating to E2 are contained in one document.

• E2/VM1 provides calculations and tests for cladding systems, including junctions with windows, doors and other penetrations.  It provides for pitched, skillion and commercial/industrial roofing.
• E2/AS1, the Acceptable Solution, gives design solutions for roofs, walls and penetrations to the external envelop for low-rise, timber-framed buildings.  E2/AS1 is aligned to the scope of buildings constructed to NZS 3604, the Standard referenced (with modifications) for Building Code clause B1 Structure. E2/AS1 can be used for walls and roofs, and NZS 3604 for structure.  
• E2/AS2 provides a design solution for earth buildings.
• E2/AS3 gives a design solution for concrete and concrete masonry buildings.

E2 External moisture – E2/VM1, E2/AS1, E2/AS2, E2/AS3. Third edition, Amendment 5, errata 2. Effective from 24 December 2011.

E2 External moisture – E2/VM1, E2/AS1, E2/AS2, E2/AS3. Third edition, Amendment 4. Effective from 1 May 2008 until 31 January 2012.