The recent updates to the H1 Energy Efficiency Building Code have ushered in new changes for builders, specifiers, and architects in New Zealand, requiring homes and buildings to have more rigorous thermal efficiency standards. 

From May 1 this year, the H1 changes divide New Zealand into six climate zones, offering a more accurate reflection of the specific climate experienced in each region. All six zones have seen increases in R-values (the rating system used to grade a material's insulating properties), with the South Island undergoing the most significant adjustments. 

With increased insulation requirements in roofs, walls and floors, traditional framing practices may not adequately meet the higher standards, however a GIBFix® Framing System offers one solution that can help meet these new prerequisites. 

Avoiding thermal bridges 

Traditional framing practices, with multiple framing members at wall intersections, can create thermal "bridges" and hinder the effective installation of insulation, compromising the overall efficiency of the building envelope and resulting in fastener pops and blemishes. 

The GIBFix® Framing System solves this problem by removing the need for traditional stud-block-stud set outs on internal intersecting walls and reducing the volume of timber framing used at corners.  

Locking corners into a single metal angle 

Replacing unnecessary timber framing with a GIBFix® metal angle, allows for more successful insulation placement throughout the entire wall cavity, improving thermal performance and reducing the risk of individual timber frame movement and the resulting joint imperfections that may arise.  

Wall corners effectively lock the plasterboard corners onto a single metal angle rather than being fastened across multiple timber studs which can more easily move. 

Eliminating these hard-to-insulate areas, such as between triple corner studs, results in a quicker, more efficient insulation installation and reduced potential for on-site call backs. 

For optimal thermal efficiency the use of deeper studs and increased bulk insulation are recommended. Some designers prefer 140 x 45mm timber framing for exterior walls to increase thermal values and alleviate problems with fitting insulation whilst leaving sufficient room for reticulating services.  

Whether you are working on new residential builds or commercial projects, the GIBFix® Framing System is a great option to meet the latest building code requirements and provide warmer, more comfortable homes for Kiwis. 

Visit our website for more information on the GIBFix® Framing System or contact the GIB® Helpline on 0800 100 442.  

Improved thermal efficiency The GIBFix® Framing System offers improved wall thermal efficiency by reducing the volume of timber framing used at corners and intersecting walls. Traditionally hard-to-insulate areas such as between triple corner studs can be removed to allow insulation to better fill the framing cavity.

Reduced potential fastener pop  Fastener popping or cracking of the interior linings occurring from timber frame movement can have a real impact on the house design. Strong and stable wall joints that are less susceptible to movement of individual timber framing members is another benefit of the GIBFix® Framing System. Wall corners effectively lock the plasterboard corners onto a single metal angle rather than being fastened across multiple timber studs which can more easily move.