BRANZ House Insulation Guide 6th edition v2.6 ONLINE (1 August 2025)

The webinar covers:

• What the H1 Calculation method is and when to use it
• Reference houses and how these are calculated
• The advantages, disadvantages and limitations of the calculation method
• Tricks + tips how to make it useful
• How to use and verify the output.

• Please note: that access to this webstream will expire after 1 month.

This Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) tool automatically applies the calculation method of H1/AS1 5th edition amendment 1 and generates a results page that can be used to demonstrate compliance.

Features:

• Introduction
• Project details
• Slab floors
• Other floors
• Roof
• Skylights
• Walls
• Glazing (walls and doors)
• Doors (opaque)
• Results

More information here.

This BRANZ webinar, in partnership with the Window and Glass Association of New Zealand (WGANZ), brings together experts from BRANZ, WGANZ and MBIE to explain the compliance requirements in H1/AS1 5th edition amendment 1.

Please note: that access to this webstream will expire after 1 month.

In this BRANZ webinar, we explain the requirements when using H1/AS1 and H1/VM1 5th edition amendment 1 as a means of compliance, with a focus on slab-on-ground and suspended timber floors.  We look at some of the challenges and risks, and provide solutions for meeting the required thermal resistance requirements for floors.

Please note: that access to this webstream will expire after 1 month

In this BRANZ webinar, we focus on H1/AS1 and H1/VM1. We look at some of the risks and challenges and provide practical solutions for dealing with these.

Please note: that access to this webstream will expire after 1 month.

This module focuses on the concepts and features critical to the design of timber wall framing.

Topics covered in this self-paced module: 

• What loads impact on timber framing?
• How does a timber frame resist loads?
• What factors influence the impact of load on a frame?
• Library of useful material
• Did I understand all of this? 

Gain 100% in the test at the end of the module, and you'll receive a record of your completion that can be submitted as part of your CPD activity log.

External timber steps and handrails are exposed to all weather conditions, including regular wetting and drying and high levels of UV light. Regular wetting and drying causes swelling and shrinkage of the timber, while changes in ambient temperature results in continual thermal expansion and contraction. The constant movement of the timber causes warping and cupping, joints to open up, nails to pop and fixings to become loose. In addition, timber that remains wet for extended periods of time becomes slippery, and rotting may occur.

This Good Repair Guide identifies some of the common problems and repair options for external timber steps and handrails. When damage to external steps is extensive, the best option is often full replacement. 

This guide focuses on the ‘good’ design, specification and construction requirements for all types of waterproof decks and balconies (Building Code, structure, substrate, membrane and walk-on surface) to residential buildings (stand-alone houses, townhouses, apartments and so on) to ensure such decks will be serviceable over the life of the building.

There are two compliance paths for waterproof decks – Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 and specific design. This guide focuses on E2/AS1.

This Good Practice Guide will be an essential reference tool for all those involved in the selection, design or construction of waterproof decks.

Note that membranes must be applied by certified contractors or approved applicators, and this guide is not intended as a how-to guide for inexperienced or non-approved applicators to apply membranes.

This product is a PDF download.

Roof gutters are an important component of the building envelope, designed to control the disposal of rainwater from the roof. The most important functions of gutters are to help protect against:

• excessive or concentrated wetting of external wall surfaces
• water getting inside the building roof space or wall framing
• increased wetness of soils around the building and subsequent increased moisture loads on basement waterproofing 
• undermining of areas around the building where there is controlled spillage onto the ground.

Leaking or overflowing gutters may cause problems with dampness in subfloor areas or basements or elevated moisture levels in cladding and within wall framing.

This Good Repair Guide covers the repair or replacement of fully accessible metal and plastic external gutters around the outside perimeter of the building that are fixed to a fascia board or rafter ends. It does not cover gutters that are concealed behind a proprietary metal fascia or internal or within-roof gutters. 

Building and renovation work can result in spills and splashes causing undesirable staining on nearby surfaces. The most common substances likely to cause staining if not handled or used correctly include:

• paints, varishes and stains (waterborne and solventborne)
• oil, grease and wax
• adhesives
• sealants (silicone and latex)
• concrete and cement-based mortar and grout
• asphalt and tar.

 This Good Repair Guide covers:

• the solvents and cleaners available for stain removal and the procedures for removing different types of construction-related stains without damaging the underlying material
• physical removal options such as abrading, rubbing, sanding, scraping, sandblasting, grinding, steam cleaning, brushing or scouring where appropriate
• dry materials that may be applied to a stain or spillage. 

The art deco house of the 1930s was a dramatic change to the earlier villa and bungalow. A flat roof, stucco cladding, rounded corners and reduced decoration all contributed to art deco's distinctive style.

These houses are often bought for their style rather than performance. Their stucco cladding and very low-pitched roofs often had weathertightness problems, and without renovation, art deco houses can be cold to live in. Careful renovation can retain the popular style while improving performance and comfort.

This book covers:

• what defines art deco style
• how these houses were constructed, and with what materials
• typical modifications they have had in the decades since they were built
• problems that may be encountered and suggested remedies
• how to get a consent for renovation work, looking at compliance paths and Alternative Solutions
• project and construction planning.