E2 - ‘E2 External moisture’ is a clause within the Building Code. Clause E2 requires the prevention of water that could cause undue dampness and damage to building elements.
Earthquake prone buildings - in terms of the Building Act 2004 (section 122) a building is earthquake prone if the building is likely to collapse in a moderate earthquake (taking into account its condition, the ground on which it is built, and its construction) causing injury or death to people in the building and nearby, and damage to other property. The provisions do not apply to single-storey residential buildings or household units of two or less units.
Energy efficiency - using products, systems, design or building methods that use less energy to do the same or better job than conventional products or systems. The Building Code clause dealing with energy efficiency is Clause H1.
Energy work certificate – a certificate given by a licensed electrician or gasfitter when they have completed a job to certify the work has been done in accordance with either the Electricity Act 1992 or the Gas Act 1992. You will need the energy work certificates to get a code compliance certificate where energy works were part of the building consent (section 19 of the Building Act 2004).
Enforcement officer - an officer of a territorial authority who is authorised, under Section 229 of the Building Act 2004, to issue infringement notices.
Engineering - the profession of, or work performed by, an engineer. Engineering involves applying scientific knowledge to the design and construction of buildings (including dams and bridges), machinery, etc. It is divided into branches including structural, civil, fire, electrical, mechanical and chemical. The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) is the professional body representing professional engineers in New Zealand.
Estimated value - in relation to building work, means the estimate aggregate of all goods and services to be supplied for the building work.
Exempt building work - building work not requiring building consent as defined in section 41 and Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. Exempt building work must still comply with the Building Code.
Fines - the Building Act 2004 sets out a range of fines for offences and allows for the use of infringement notices for minor offences. The maximum fine for the worst offence is $200,000.
Fireplace – a space formed by the chimney back, the chimney jambs and the chimney breast in which solid fuel is burned for the purpose of heating the room into which it opens.
Fire separation - any building element that separates firecells, or firecells and safe paths, and provides a specific fire resistance rating. Fire separations are included on the list of specified systems in the Building (Specified Systems, Change the Use, Earthquake-prone Buildings) Regulations 2005.
Flashing – a building element used on a joint between two materials designed to catch and drain rainwater to prevent it penetrating the interior. For example, sheet metal shaped and attached to a roof or window for weatherproofing. Inadequate flashings have been linked to problems with weathertightness. Prescriptive requirements for flashings are given in the Compliance Document E2 External Moisture.
Floor/flooring – a floor is generally the lower horizontal surface of a room and flooring is generally the building material used in laying floors.
Forms - the Building Act 2004 provides for a number of forms to be set out in the Building Regulations, mainly for use by territorial authorities in administering building consents, code compliance certificates and other processes.
Foundations - the substructure that supports a building, such as piles, piers or footings, with the purpose of transmitting structural loads from the building into the earth.
Frame/framing - the skeletal framework of a building to which roofs, floors and cladding are attached. Usually constructed of wood or steel, the components of the frame include studs, beams, joists and rafters. Inadequate treatment of wooden framing has been linked to problems with weather tightness.
Glazing - the glass panes installed in, for example, the sash of a window or door.
Green building - the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water, and materials, to reduce building impacts on human health and the environment. This includes aspects of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.
Household unit – a building or group of buildings intended for residential purposes to be occupied by one household. It does not include a hostel or boarding house.