When planning to install wooden floorboards in your kitchen, it’s essential to understand New Zealand’s building regulations, particularly Clause E3 of the Building Code. This clause addresses internal moisture management, ensuring that building elements are protected against moisture-related issues. Recent updates to Clause E3 have implications for the use of timber flooring in areas like kitchens.
Understanding Clause E3 of the New Zealand Building Code
Clause E3, titled “Internal Moisture,” aims to prevent moisture accumulation that can lead to fungal growth, structural damage, and health hazards. It mandates that surfaces in wet areas be impervious and easily cleaned to maintain a healthy indoor environment. See the NZ Building Performance page here….
Recent Updates to Clause E3 and Their Implications
In November 2020, Amendment 7 to Acceptable Solution E3/AS1 was introduced, with a transition period ending on 3 November 2021. This amendment reclassified dishwashers and washing machines as sanitary appliances and sinks as sanitary fixtures. Consequently, kitchens are now considered wet areas under the Building Code. (Read what Master Builders have to say here.)
The key changes include:
- Flooring Requirements: Floors in areas containing sanitary fixtures or appliances must be impervious and easily cleaned. In open-plan spaces, this impervious surface must extend at least 1.5 meters from all sanitary fixtures and appliances.
- Material Restrictions: Traditional timber flooring requires a submission as an alternative solution.
Options for Using Wooden Floorboards in the Kitchen
Despite these changes, it’s still possible to use wooden floorboards in your kitchen by seeking an Alternative Solution. This involves demonstrating to the Building Consent Authority that the proposed flooring meets the performance requirements of Clause E3.
To support your application:
- Durable Coatings: Apply a suitable durable coating to seal the timber surface, ensuring it is impervious and easily cleaned. For refinished timber flooring, the supplier should provide evidence of this.
- Proper Sealing: Ensure all joints and edges are properly sealed to prevent moisture ingress.
- Maintenance Plan: Provide a maintenance plan outlining regular inspections and upkeep to maintain the floor’s integrity.
While the recent updates to Clause E3 of the New Zealand Building Code have introduced stricter requirements for flooring in wet areas, including kitchens, wooden floorboards can still be used with proper planning and adherence to Alternative Solutions. By ensuring compliance with moisture management standards, you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of timber flooring without compromising on safety or durability.
For more detailed information on the Building Code and its requirements, visit the Building Performance website.
At Vienna Woods we’ve helped many hundreds of professionals and home-owners with consented timber flooring in kitchens and laundries. Got questions? Need help? Contact us here….
