SR47 Survey of plastics problems in the New Zealand building industry (2007)

A building industry-wide survey was carried out using a looseleaf questionnaire in Build to identify the relative incidence of problems being experienced with plastics in New Zealand buildings. Main types of plastics use surveyed were piping, vapour barriers, claddings, glazing and flooring.

The majority of failures were in plastic piping followed by plastic glazing. Faulty installation and faulty product design or manufacturing defects were identified by respondents as being responsible for most piping/piping fitting failures. Poor weatherability of (rigid clear) PVC and polycarbonate sheeting was the cause of most glazing failures.

The need for further study on the incidence of polybutylene (and acetal fitting) pipe system failures and on the durability of polycarbonate glazing is indicated.