New Zealand Building Code (NZBC)
The product will, if employed in accordance with the supplier's installation and maintenance requirements, assist with meeting the following provisions of the building code:
- Clause B1 Structure: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.3, B1.3.4
- Clause B2 Durability: Performance B2.3.1(b)
- Clause E2 External moisture: Performance E2.3.2
- Clause F2 Hazardous building materials: Performance F2.3.1
Design requirements
When installed vertically, fixed direct to framing, Nu-Wall is compliant to the full scope of E2/AS1 (ref. BRANZ #556). Other methods of installation are covered by their own individual BRANZ Appraisals and Product Technical Statements. An important factor to consider is that the Appraisal relates to the system of installation, not to the specific profile selected. Hence, a change of profile would not require an amendment to an already issued Building Consent.
Installation requirements
The main cladding profiles are fixed using a proprietary fixing bracket at minimum 600mm centres. Ancillary trims and flashings are generally two-piece assemblies, designed to snap-fit together, concealing all cut ends of the cladding profiles. A completed installation exhibits no visible fixings. Standard installation details are available for downloading from our website, or in a hardcopy manual on request. Installation of Nu-Wall involves no specialist processes, though experienced contractors are able to offer this service in most locations.
Maintenance requirements
Maintenance is limited to washing of the cladding with mild detergent. The frequency of washing required depends upon the location and the tendency for deposits to build up on the cladding; e.g. salt deposits due to proximity to sea spray. Washing at an appropriate frequency will keep the cladding looking good; this being purely an aesthetic issue. Any deterioration of the appearance of the cladding's finish after a period of time will not impact upon its ability to perform. During installation care should be taken to minimise the potential for damage to the prefinished surface. Small chips or scratches can be repaired using touch-up products which are available on request.
Environmental
The extrusion supplier maintains an on-site re-melt facility, enabling them to recycle scrap aluminium for use in the manufacture of new profiles; a process which consumes approximately 5% of the energy consumed in primary production of aluminium. Currently approximately 50% of the aluminium used to produce Nu-Wall profiles would be recycled. With it's low mass, relative to many other cladding products, the quantity of Nu-Wall by weight required for the cladding of a building would be fractional. At the end of a building's life the Nu-Wall cladding will be fully recyclable, the screw-fixing facilitating its removal for this purpose. Recycling enables recovery of the majority of the energy used to produce the aluminium; it also eliminates problems of disposal.
