In 2013, the Australian Building Codes Board commenced an internal project to review all Acceptable Construction Practices within Volume Two of the NCC. The project was to provide further clarity on the provisions, ensure construction practices are well understood and widely utilised as technological and design advancements are adopted within the building & construction industry.
Our building surveyors incorporated the acceptable construction practice amendments into their in- focus review of the NCC 2019.
Although the 2019 edition of the code provides a significant amount of amendments, the re- grouping and further clarification of the newly titled “Part 3.5: Roof Cladding, Gutters and Downpipes and Wall Cladding” recognises the greatest development across residential construction in Australia since the adoption of the Volume Two building code.
In Western Australia over the last 10 years we have seen a gradual increase in the demand for cost and energy efficient dwellings as our views and values on a sustainable future change combined with the need to be architecturally diverse. What does this mean exactly? The standard West Australian double-brick cavity wall & tile roof construction is being replaced with builds incorporating timber, composite insulated panels and other types of modern cladding options in the forms of cubism and contemporary architectural styles.
The rapid demand for the modern type of construction and advancements in materials and construction methods has warranted a complete review and re-think of how the acceptable construction practices should be laid out within the NCC – by both building surveyors and certifiers and the ABCB. The changes needed to foster this type of development whilst also upholding the objectives of the NCC which is to safeguard people from;
- injury caused by structural failure
- loss of amenity by structural behaviour
- illness or injury and protect the building from damage caused by external moisture entering a building and the accumulation of internal moisture in a building
The review has resulted in the adoption of a new part “3.5.4 – Timber and Composite Wall Cladding”, separation of different types of roof and wall cladding and increased explanatory information and terms throughout. The clarity on the acceptable installation of sheet roofing, flashings (within sheet roofing and tiling provisions) and appropriate water discharge are important inclusions to ensure the objectives of weatherproofing will be satisfied.
The review has also allowed for a diverse range of wall claddings via acceptable installation methods as well as the addition of minimum clearances between ground and wall claddings and acceptable construction provisions where wall cladding is used as a parapet.
These changes may assist or alter a building surveyors’ assessment process and may have an impact on the certification of your next build. If you would like more information on how the NCC 2019 will impact your next project please contact one of our building surveyors or registered builders on 0411 648 159 or via e-mail admin@specialisedbuildingsolutions.com
The complete NCC 2019 blog series as well as information on other building surveyor matters can be found on our website www.specialisedbuildingsolutions.com.au
