CYPRESS AND THE BUILDING CODE

Weatherboard:

Macrocarpa/Cypress is listed under the NZ Building Code NZS3602 as acceptable for exterior claddings, fascias, etc.  Where requested, MacDirect supplies a Producer Statement stating that heartwood material is supplied. 

Durability:

Heart of cypress species are clearly defined as having similar durability to radiata pine. To achieve a 50 year durability performance, NZS 3602 shows cypress to be suitable for:

 Structural:

1. Subfloor – i.e. protected from weather exposed to the ground atmosphere.
2. Framing – interior
3. Structural beams/posts not exposed to weather

Note A. For 50 year durability H3.1 classification means structural Macrocarpa can not be ‘exposed to weather’.  Our feedback has been that this has been reasonably interpreted by building regulators.  E.g. allowing exposed roof rafters under eaves.

Note B. Where it can be shown that structural timber can be easily replaced. E.g. Veranda posts, 15 years durability is allowable