NZMRM Code of Practice available for download

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Version Two of the New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association’s Code of Practice is now available for download on the Association’s web site.

The New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association Inc (NZMRM) represents companies that roll-form steel and other metals for roofing and cladding purposes.

In 1981 it published the Profiled Metal Roofing Design and Installation Handbook. This handbook set a benchmark for best practice in metal roof and wall cladding design and installation.

The handbook was updated several times. In 2002 the NZMRM decided to review and publish it as a Code of Practice (COP). Troy Smith, one of the managing editors of Scope, NZMRM’s mouthpiece magazine, says the NZMRM regarded it as a living document from its inception. Consequently, the Association reviewed it again in 2007.

The purpose of the review was to clarify some areas in more detail, make amendments in light of changes to standards and other legislation, and learn from the past, listen to the present and look to the future.

In addition, version two of the COP clarifies the industry’s position with regard to E2/AS1, a non-mandatory means of compliance with the New Zealand Building Code, which was published after the first version of the COP.

Mr Smith says E2/AS1 only applies to buildings covered by NZS 3604 – standard timber framed houses, while the COP covers all buildings and, so, has a much larger scope.

Free download

The NZMRM is currently discussing the prospect of using the COP as a primary reference document with the Department of Building & Housing (DBH).

The new COP can be downloaded free of charge at www.metalroofing.org.nz/code.htm.

Building professionals who would like to receive notification of updates to the Code of Practice as they become available can register on the same web site. CD copies can be ordered for $25 by contacting Julie Brough on 09 367 0913 or by email at

[email protected].

Scope will carry a range of articles to illustrate changes to the COP, the reasons for the changes and how it can benefit designers and other building professionals.

According to Mr Smith, the COP is designed for use by anyone involved in the specification, supply and use of metal roof and wall cladding, and to provide understanding of the principles behind the practices.

“It enables the production of designs that use lightweight metal roof and wall cladding in a more efficient manner.

“Compliance costs keep rising — we believe unjustifiably — and this is an easy way to reduce costs on structure, materials and labour significantly.

“Working within the COP keeps building professionals a step ahead of the opposition.

“It can be a challenge to think laterally about a lightweight material that’s been around for a long time. But it is possible, and with sustainability upon us it’s almost an obligation to think outside the square,” he says.

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