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Disclaimer

Although the information contained in this Code has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Inc. makes no warranties or representations of any kind (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, currency or completeness of the information, or that it is suitable for the intended use.

Compliance with this Code does not guarantee immunity from breach of any statutory requirements, the New Zealand Building Code or relevant Standards. The final responsibility for the correct design and specification rests with the designer and for its satisfactory execution with the contractor.

While most data have been compiled from case histories, trade experience and testing, small changes in the environment can produce marked differences in performance. The decision to use a particular material, and in what manner, is made at your own risk. The use of a particular material and method may, therefore, need to be modified to its intended end use and environment.

New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Inc., its directors, officers or employees shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect or special loss or damage arising from, as a consequence of, use of or reliance upon any information contained in this Code.

New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Inc. expressly disclaims any liability which is based on or arises out of the information or any errors, omissions or misstatements.

If reprinted, reproduced or used in any form, the New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Inc. (NZMRM) should be acknowledged as the source of information.

You should always refer to the current online Code of Practicefor the most recent updates on information contained in this Code.

Scope

This Code of Practice provides requirements, information and guidelines, to the Building Consent Authorities, the Building Certifier, Specifier, Designer, Licensed Building Practitioner, Trade Trainee, Installer and the end user on the design, installation, performance, and transportation of all metal roof and wall cladding used in New Zealand.

The calculations and the details contained in this Code of Practice provide a means of complying with the performance provisions of the NZBC and the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

The scope of this document includes all buildings covered by NZS 3604, AS/NZS 1170 and those designed and built under specific engineering design.

It has been written and compiled from proven performance and cites a standard of acceptable practice agreed between manufacturers and roofing contractors.

The drawings and requirements contained in this Code illustrate acceptable trade practice, but recommended or better trade practice is also quoted as being a preferred alternative.

Because the environment and wind categories vary throughout New Zealand, acceptable trade practice must be altered accordingly; in severe environments and high wind design load categories, the requirements of the NZBC will only be met by using specific detailing as described in this Code.

The purpose of this Code of Practice is to present both Acceptable Trade Practice and Recommended Trade Practice, in a user-friendly format to ensure that the roof and wall cladding, flashings, drainage accessories, and fastenings will:

  • comply with the requirements of B1, B2, E1 E2 and E3 of the NZBC;
  • comply with the design loading requirements of AS/NZS 1170 and NZS 3604 and with AS/NZS 1562;
  • have and optimised lifespan; and
  • be weathertight.

COP v25.06:Introduction

View Whole Section for Introduction

The NZ Metal Roof and Wall Cladding Code of Practice (COP) is published by NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers Inc. (MRM), to provide:

  • acceptable trade practice for fixing metal roofing, metal wall cladding, and accessories,
  • prescriptive detailing for designers, and
  • sets a benchmark for the standard of detailing and workmanship required over and above that required to comply with the NZBC.

The COP does not describe or dismiss alternative methods, which may need specific acceptance by the Building Consent Authorities.

It is published in accordance with current technology, materials, and building codes. The COP will be periodically updated to reflect changes in legislation and standards or improvements in technology and available materials.

The most current Code of Practice is available on the MRM website, www.metalroofing.org.nz/cop, as Code of Practice Online (MRM COP Version 25.06).

The latest update to the NZMRM Metal Roof and Wall Cladding Code of Practice, v25.06 was published on 1 June 2025.

This update focused on clarification and usability.

Important Changes

We replaced the illustration for 9.4.2.6F Cricket Under-Soaker: Trapezoidal to show the width of the cricket flashing correctly.

In 8.8 Profile Closures, we removed a repeated paragraph and added illustrations showing vermin closures, and we removed a statement from 4.9.3 Compatibility with Non-Metallic Substances that neither AZ-coated steel nor Aluminium should be used as a flashing embedded in concrete or masonry.

In 8.10.1 Flashing Expansion, we clarified the required moisture content of timber and removed a recommendation for using aluminium rivets in place of expansion joints.

Other Notable Revisions

We renamed three clauses: 7.1.2 Runoff Capacity, 5.6 Outlets, and 5.7 Downpipes, with no changes to recommendations.

In another bid to improve clarity and usability, we introduced an interactive table to 16.7.1 Lichen And Mould. The table gives improved guidance on water/bleach ratios to achieve a 2% chlorine solution for treating lichen and mould on roofs.

The rest of the updates and revisions consisted of minor edits for clarity, grammar, and spelling. There were no other changes to recommendations.

For a detailed list of revisions, please visit 19.1 v25.06 June 2025.