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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 v24.03:Roofing; End-Laps

7.4 End Laps 

End laps should be avoided if possible when installing metal roof cladding as an incorrectly sealed end lap may entrap water and cause corrosion. When the sheets are too long to be transported or exceed the longest recommended length (see 7.3.2 Roof Cladding Expansion Provisions), the transverse or end lap joint can be avoided by using a waterfall step. (See 8.5.5.3A Step Apron Details)

When long lengths outside the capacity of available transport are required, secret-fixed roof cladding can be supplied by using an onsite roll-forming machine.

Where end laps are unavoidable, a sealed joint should be made using sealant at both ends of the lap. The upper seal is critical as condensation entering the upper side of the lap from underneath can cause rapid corrosion. (See 14.12.1 Sealing End Laps.) Rivets are used to fix the sheets together and should not be fastened to the purlin. The sheets are fixed to the purlin using screw fixings.

The two lengths should be regarded as one length for expansion provisions.

7.4.1 Wall Cladding End Laps 

As with roofing, wall cladding sheets should, wherever possible, be laid in a single continuous length. Where this is not feasible due to excessive length or other constraints, there are options for lapping.

When the internal environment is dry and the wall is unlined, sheets can be simply end-lapped by approximately 150 mm. In dwellings, lined buildings, and buildings with moist internal environments, the laps should be sealed at both ends as per roof laps. The downside of end lapping is that there are four layers of material at the side lap/end lap junction. This often leads to an untidy looking join.

The preferred option where aesthetics must be considered is not to end-lap the sheets, but to have a zed flashing under the upper sheet and over the lower, with cover as shown in 8.4F Barge Flashing Cover — Trapezoidal and Secret Fixed Table and 8.4J Transverse Apron Flashing Cover Table. This is both tidier and allows the sheets to thermally expand individually.