Who takes responsibility where one product meets another?
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Take a browse through the TV Showhomes archives and you will see that one of the biggest trends in local architecture is the use of two or more cladding products used in combination to create a distinctively New Zealand style. Our article on`Combination Cladding' style identifies some of the new ways that architects and designers are using combinations of James Hardie products to create a distinctive look. Of course architects and designers are also specifying James Hardie products such as Linea® Weatherboards or Titan® Facade Panels in combination with other building materials such as solid plaster, brick or stone. The design possibilities are virtually unlimited, but home-owners need to be aware that where any cladding product meets another product, careful consideration needs to be given to just how that junction will be handled, particlarly to avoid potential weather-tightness issues. This applies to junctions between cladding and windows and doors as well as junctions between different cladding products. John Hopper of BRANZ says that it is the responsibility of the designer or architect to specify in detail just how such junctions will be handled. “Naturally builders have knowledge in this area, but they should not be left to take responsibility for this on site. Ideally it should be specified in detail and the architect or designer should carry out an on-site inspection to make sure that the work is done properly.”
John says that sometimes home-owners take the attitude that the designer has done his or her job once the plans are handed over to the builder. John sees this as false economy. “These sorts of decisions about how to deal with junctions between products are important, not only from a weather-tightness point of view, but also aesthetically. If it's not specified in detail on the plans, the architect or designer isn't doing their job properly and the home-owner should always insist that the architect or designer take responsibility for ensuring that the work is completed properly.” John believes that many weather-tightness issues have arisen because home designs have been ‘fashion-driven', rather than designing and building homes that are appropriate for our particular climatic conditions. John's suggestion to new home builders is that they be prepared to get involved in the design and build process, to ask lots of questions of both their designer and builder, and to use their common sense. “When you've never built a house before it's easy to assume that everyone knows more about it than you, but a lot of things are just common sense and the more involved you are, the more sense it all makes," says John. "Allow plenty of time and don't be afraid to ask questions. The most important thing is to have a clear understanding of who has responsibility for decision making every step of the process."
"It also doesn't hurt to get a second opinion on the plans from another designer, particularly on the level of detailing included in the plans," says John. For more information about recommended joining methods between James Hardie products visit our Technical Data website. Read more articles related to this topic:
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