A key change in NZBC H1 is how solid masonry walls are now treated.

With the building code calling for higher R-values, one of the issues faced by designers is the space required for insulation, particularly in skillion roof situations. A few designers have been caught out with this.

There are a selection of insulation products that can be used with skillion roofs to achieve great thermal performance, all the while maintaining a suitable air gap between the roof underlay and insulation.

Seems like a simple enough question doesn’t it? Unfortunately the answer is not so simple.

For those of you using the BRANZ House Insulation Guide, you’ll be pleased to know they have brought out a new edition with nearly 50 percent more construction options and 28 new pages of information.

The use of downlights in ceilings reduces the effectiveness of ceiling insulation and needs to be accounted for when meeting NZBC H1.

Over the past year or so, the majority of the insulation queries I have received concern the changes to NZBC H1 and how to use the Calculation Method.