Building A-Z

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Walls (height)

A panel or partition used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure panel or partition. Building Code clause D1 Access Routes has height restrictions for egress areas that may impact on wall heights. Other height restrictions may apply for specifically designed walls and for walls that are subject to a non-specific design. See for example the requirements relating to height in New Zealand Standard 3604. See also slender precast concrete walls.

Warnings 

See bans.

Warrant of fitness 

see building warrant of fitness.

Warranties

A promise, either written or implied, that the materials and workmanship of a building are without defect or will meet a specified level of performance over a specified period of time. The Building Act 2004 (sections 397–399) provides that building work on household units is automatically covered by warranties as to the manner in which the work is undertaken and the suitability of materials used. The warranties apply whether written into the contract or not. See our information for homeowners and consumers, and ConsumerBuild: Dealing with tradespeople – the contract document .  There is also information for builders, trades and designers. See also contract.

Waterproof/waterproofing

The process of rendering a building element or building totally resistant to the ingress of any moisture. The Building Code clause relating to protecting buildings from external moisture is E2 External Moisture. See also weathertightness.

Weathertight Homes Resolution Service 

A service established through the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2002 to help owners of buildings who have suffered damage to their properties due to water ingress. The Service provides free assessments to determine the extent of the water damage and to provide mediation or adjudication services to help resolve the issues. Learn more about the service.

Weathertightness

The resistance of a building to the weather. Weathertightness is not necessarily waterproofing (see above). A building is weathertight when water is prevented from entering and accumulating behind the cladding in amounts that can cause undue dampness or damage to the building elements, ie. moisture may occasionally enter a weathertight building but is able to harmlessly escape or evaporate. The Building Code clause relating to protecting buildings from moisture is E2 External Moisture. Failure to design and build effectively for weathertightness has resulted in ‘leaky buildings’ causing rot. For more information, see the Weathertightness section (which includes information about Weathertight Services).

Weathertightness News 

Before being dissolved on 30 November 2004, the Building Industry Authority published nine issues of Weathertightness News.

Window 

A framework, usually of wood, metal or hard plastic, that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air. Building Code clauses referring to windows include C Fire safety, E2 External Moisture, E3 Internal Moisture (relating to condensation), F4 Safety from Falling, G4 Ventilation and G7 Natural Light.

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