Industry Tackling Weather Tightness Issues in Houses
Industry Tackling Weather Tightness Issues in Houses
13 July 2001
Major players in the building industry have been pro-active in working to combat contractors installing incorrectly plaster cladding systems on houses. Chief Executive of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), Mr Leigh Thomson says the BCITO has registered a new NZQA approved National Certificate (PPCS) qualification with the objective that only competent applicators will be recognised by the industry.
Recently, reports of water rot in comparatively new houses and allegations of incompetent workmanship have focused attention on New Zealand's building standards. (The Building Research Association of New Zealand has set up a working party to investigate.) Proprietary plaster cladding systems have become popular, together with other new construction techniques over the last 10 years. Whilst training had been taking place informally within the plastering industry, no formal qualification had existed.
"It's the world's first qualification for proprietary plaster cladding systems. People must be able to rely on the workmanship in the installation of the specific proprietary system. Proprietary companies guarantee their system will be installed in accordance with specifications, and will provide back-up to contractors," said Leigh Thomson. "It's critical the building industry is proactive and it's great they have worked with the BCITO to improve workmanship. The public should ensure their builder deals with a reputable applicator who is qualified or is in the process of becoming qualified using a reliable proprietary company, who guarantees the workmanship and application of the system, and who can provide technical back-up".
Leigh Thomson says the commitment to the training and qualifications by the major proprietary companies will improve workmanship and recognise those who already have the skills. The qualification will become a benchmark for the industry with approval by proprietary companies being given to applicators who complete the formal qualification. It will recognise and formalise the development of specialist skills and equip trainees with the skills to run their own businesses and train their own staff. Major players in the fibre cement and external insulation finishing systems market who worked with the BCITO on the qualification were: Rockcote Architectural Coatings Ltd, James Hardie Building Products, Fosroc, Alchemis, Nuplex Building, Plaster Systems Ltd, Hitex Plastering, Equus Industries and Plastics New Zealand.
The qualification covers safe working practices, knowledge and demonstration of use of trade tools, checking on site framing and substrate, fixing and detailing fibre cement or polystyrene board, and applying proprietary plaster coatings.
For further information, please contact:
CEO
BCITO
Telephone: 04 381 6430