An article in BRANZ build Oct/Nov 2024 describes a BRANZ Appraisal as a ‘stamp of approval that ensures customers they can trust what they are buying’ and outlines the process of obtaining one.  

Although a BRANZ Appraisal does not have similar legal standing as a CodeMark Certificate, it is a fitness for purpose statement assuring customers that technical claims made are accurate, current, and have been verified by independent subject matter experts.  

A BRANZ Appraisal does not simply look at single test reports in isolation, or one aspect of performance, but considers all relevant compliance issues, as well as practical aspects of installation, quality assurance of manufacture and product supply, and currency of technical literature.  

Take for example GIB Weatherline® Rigid Air Barrier Systems, supported by BRANZ Appraisal No.1048[2019]. Although not a full list, the following shows important facets of what the Appraisal process investigates. 

NZBC Clause B1-Structure 

• Performance of various wall bracing elements, tested in accordance with the BRANZ P21 Wall bracing test and evaluation procedure.  
• Weather exposure testing in accordance with E2/VM1, followed by wind suction testing and engineering analysis to determine framing and fastener spacings depending on anticipated loading conditions. 

  NZBC Clause B2-Durability 

• External exposure and accelerated ageing of representative specimens, including board, tape, and fasteners. 
• Assessment by material scientists of system components under various conditions of exposure. 

  NZBC Clause C3-Fire Affection Areas Beyond the Fire Source 

• Performance of timber and steel-framed wall and ceiling assemblies, and columns and beams, when tested or assessed against the requirements of AS1530.4:2005/2014 ‘Fire Resistance of Elements of Building Construction’.  
• GIB Weatherline® surface finish properties tested in accordance with ISO 5660 Reaction to Fire Tests – heat release, smoke production and mass loss rate.  

  NZBC Clause E2-External Moisture 

• Testing in accordance with E2/VM1, modified by ‘BRANZ Weathertightness performance testing’ to establish water leakage under pressurised exposure.  

  NZBC Clause F2-Hazardous Materials 

• Analysis of board and accessory products to ensure the materials and their use do not pose undue risk to people.  

  Quality Assurance 

• Technical literature review to ensure it accurately reflects the technical data that underpins it. 
• Building site visits to ensure installation in accordance with technical literature is practically feasible. 
• Auditing of manufacturing facilities and procurement processes to ensure quality control procedures align with product technical attributes. 
• Annual checks and a 5-yearly in-depth review ensure all documentation remains up to date. 
• During the period of Appraisal validity, the client must report to BRANZ any changes that might affect performance claims, such as modifications to formulations, manufacturing, or procurement processes.  

As such a BRANZ Appraisal can represent a more in-depth review than CodeMark Certification which often has a focus on one performance aspect only. 

A BRANZ Appraisal aims to remove pain from the design, consenting, and compliance processes by clearing a path that might otherwise require repeated verification of various complex performance issues by multiple parties (informed and not so informed). From a manufacturer’s perspective it also safeguards against wide and unauthorised distribution of often commercially sensitive data.  

At Winstone Wallboards we invest in BRANZ Appraisals to remove complexities for customers, and to make your life easier.