COP v3.0:site-practice; transportation

1 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 the fixing of metal roof and 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 3).

The most recent Update to the COP was on 1 May 2019.

Important updates:

The main clause Roof Ventilation was renamed 10 Internal Moisture and completely revised and updated. The revised clause recommends designing and installing roof cladding to allow natural ventilation in residential buildings and requires design to enable ventilation in skillion, sarked, and low-pitched residential roofs.
 

Summary of other changes in this update

  • The main clause 14 Installation was revised and updated for clarity.
  • Some clauses from 13 Site Practice were moved to be included in the more relevant clause Installation. Site Practice now contains mainly 13.1 Safety.
  • Some clauses in 17 Testing were renamed and renumbered to fix broken links and reflect content more accurately. A major revision of 17 Testing is underway. 
  • Other changes are Category 1 updates, which fixed minor errata such as grammar, spelling, and layout.

See 19.1 2019 – May for details of the changes in this Update.

2 Glossary 

The glossary section provides definitions and descriptions of commonly used terms, as well as illustrations of domestic cladding terminology, industrial cladding terminology, and profile geometry.

 

 

3 Structure 

Load Design discusses design and installation elements to ensure roofs are structurally sound and meet the objectives for the NZBC B1 Structure.

Topics include:

  • AZ/NZS 1170:2011
  • NZS 3604
  • Understanding loads
  • Fastener performance
  • Profile shape
  • Wind load span graphs and fixing patterns.

4 Durability 

Corrosion (B2-Durability) covers considerations for continued performance of roof and wall cladding over the building lifecycle.
Key topics include:

  • Material performance and coatings.
  • Corrosion: evironmetal categories and special climates.
  • Material compatibility — both "in contact with" and "runoff onto".
  • Maintenance for prevention and remediation of corrosion.

5 Roof Drainage  

The Roof Drainage section coincides with the NZBC Clause E1 Surface Water. It describes how to drain rainwater from roofs quickly and effectively. Topics include:

  • Rainfall Intensity
  • Roof Pitch for Drainage
  • Gutter and Downpipe Design
  • Gutter and Downpipe capacity calculations.

6 External Moisture Overview 

The primary function of a roof is to shed external moisture. The Code of Practice deals with External Moisture in four sections, allowing for more detailed discussion. The solutions in the COP relate to all buildings and are not limited to buildings within the scope of NZS 3604.

Included in the COP under External Moisture:

6 External Moisture Overview provides an extract from NZBC E2 External Moisture. It highlights the Objectives, Functional Requirements, Performance Requirements, and Limits of the NZBC Clause E2. The second half highlights the scope and extent of Acceptable Solution E2/AS1.

7 External Moisture Roofing discusses the external moisture requirements and strategies for dealing with external moisture where it concerns metal roof and wall cladding.

8 External Moisture Flashings discusses strategies of managing external moisture with a specific focus on flashings.

9 External Moisture Penetrations focusses specifically on managing external moisture and preventing leaks around penetrations.

8 External Moisture Flashings 

This section should be read in conjunction with 6 External Moisture Overview and  9 External Moisture Penetrations.

The purpose of a flashing is to divert water away from any point of entry and to make a building weatherproof.

Flashings are not only required to weather the many junctions on a roof or wall structure but are often a highly visible part of the roof and wall cladding design. Therefore, they perform an important role in the aesthetic appearance of the building.

It takes longer to make and install flashings than fixing roof or wall cladding, so designers should be aware of the cost effects of design complexity.

9 External Moisture Penetrations 

This section should be read in conjunction with 6 External Moisture Overview and 8 External Moisture Flashings.

A penetration is any hole cut in a roof or wall cladding to accommodate projections such as pipes, ducts, chimneys, roof lights doors and windows.

This section focusses on roof penetrations only. The type of penetration design is determined by:

  • the size of the hole,
  • shape,
  • the roof pitch,
  • the type of roof,
  • the catchment area,
  • placement on the roof, and
  • aesthetic requirements.

Designers are urged to consider what type of penetration design matches the building application and their customer’s needs, and detail accordingly, rather than allow the installer to make an on-site decision.

Many of the penetration details drawn in the Code of Practice (COP) are included in a step by step How -To  Guide published by the Roofing Association of New Zealand.  A copy of this may be obtained by contacting info@roofingassn.org.nz.

10 Internal Moisture 

The science of internal moisture control is concerned with the need to manage and control condensation, mould growth, and corrosion.  
The outdoor environment, the building design, and occupant behaviour affect humidity in the living spaces, which ultimately affects humidity in the ceiling space.  
This section of the COP focusses predominantly on managing humidity in the ceiling space of dwellings. Shorter sections also cover the design of non-residential roof and wall cladding, which may also be affected by excessive internal moisture. 

 

11 Natural Light 

Clear Roof Sheeting explores the materials and installation methods available to provide natural lighting solutions for buildings in NZ. Other topics include:

  • Types of roof light.
  • Weathering and Durability.
  • Loadings for roof lights.
  • Thermal movement

12 Fitness For Purpose 

In addtion to Corrosion (NZBC: B2 – Durability), other issues which may affect the lifespan or perceived quality of metal roof and wall cladding, include:

  • Oil Canning.
  • Purlin Creasing.
  • Colour Differential.

13 Site Practice 

Guidelines for site practice, including:

  • Safety.
  • Transportation and Handling of Material.
  • Walking on Roofs.
  • Tools of the Trade.

14 Installation 

Metal roof and wall cladding should be installed as explained in this section to comply with the NZBC and to satisfy manufacturers' warranties.

 

15 Other Products 

Other roofing products, include:

  • Curved Roofs.
  • Solar Units.
  • Pressed Metal Tiles.
  • Standing Seam Cladding.

 

16 Maintenance  

Maintenance is defined as 'to keep in good condition or repair', and can be divided into four categories:

  • Normal.
  • Scheduled or Planned.
  • Preventative.
  • Special.

 

17 Testing 

This sets out the design and performance requirements for sheet roof and wall cladding systems specifically for New Zealand, and the process of assessing compliance with these standards. Some commentary is provided to explain the background to the practical test methodology.

Currently, 17 Testing covers uniformly distributed wind load (UDL) and concentrated (point load) for sheet roof and wall cladding.

These procedures apply to all metals and plastic sheeting however because of their different characteristics some of the performance criteria are different.

18 Useful Information 

Useful tools and tables to do calculations and conversions for roof and wall cladding. Just choose the correct online caculator, input your values, and get the answer.

19 Revision History 

Policy for Updates to NZ Metal Roof and Wall Cladding Code Practice.

All revisions to clauses of the COP after June 2018 are recorded at 19 Revision History, including a brief explanation of the change.

See sub-clauses for detail of revisions at particular dates.

Revisions are split into 3 categories for simple assessment by users:

19A Revision Categories

Category

Description

Notification

Category 1 - Minor Errata

Correction to spelling, grammar or formatting that have no bearing on on the substance of the clause.

Recorded on website only - not individually included in emailed update

Category 2 - Editing and rearrangement

A clause or section of clauses has been rewritten to some extent for better articulation of the existing recommendation.

Existing citations of the COP in project documentation may be less clear as a result, but recommendations are not altered.

Recorded on website, and will be cited in emailed update as either specific or summary information as appropriate.

Category 3 - Substantial change to recommendation

A substantial change in a specific recommendation of the COP has taken place.

A review of existing project documentation against the new clause is considered essential.

Recorded on website, and explained with detail in emailed update