How not to Build a Building
The building above was built by a Tauranga company to Australian engineering standards, others simply use inexperienced engineers. Note the building next door still standing, is a KiwiSpanNZ building designed to NZ conditions, proof that the structural integrity of the NZ designed buildings far exceeds the Australian designs. Also note the KiwiSpanNZ building replaced the first building that failed from the same supplier in a previous storm.
1. Where is the Building Designed?
Some twelve years ago we were involved with the first cold formed buildings imported into NZ. We then went on to head an Australian franchise group, we soon realised these Australian companies were only interested in sales and gave no attention to quality, durability and structural integrity. We also noticed a number of discrepancies, for example, their cyclonic engineering calculations were less than NZ’s Very High calculations. The MPA (compression strength of high tensile steel) did not match the engineering calculations. These Australian designs are particularly weak around the knee joint (where the rafter meets the column). It also became apparent that steel was sold on weight, therefore the lighter the building, the cheaper the cost. The problem with this scenario is, although it may be acceptable in Australia the Kiwi consumer expects a higher standard from their new building.
There are numerous examples of these under engineered buildings failing under pressure, this is when the building is stressed, normally from adverse weather. When this failure occurs the structural members buckle and collapse.
This building was built by a Tauranga company to Australian engineering standards, others simply use inexperienced engineers. Note the building next door still standing, is a KiwiSpanNZ building designed to NZ conditions, proof that the structural integrity of the NZ designed buildings far exceeds the Australian designs.
Also note the SpanNZ building replaced the first building that failed from the same supplier in a previous storm. Typically these Australian design buildings use a fixed pin base, this is where they cast the hold down bracket into the concrete footing. This enables the engineer to lighten the portal frame and overall structure (weight v price) unfortunately, this procedure typically causes two problems, the Apex of the building will not stay up and sags, when the building comes under pressure it simply buckles and fails as illustrated in the pictures above. KiwiSpanNZ has become increasingly concerned at the number of failures of buildings of this type. Almost without exception the failures are in buildings designed for Australian conditions but built in New Zealand.
Therefore KiwiSpanNZ commissioned an independent engineer to review one of these fix pinned based Australian designs, here is a short summary of part of the independent review:
The review was undertaken by an independent CPEng Engineer experienced in the design of cold formed steel structures. A written report was prepared. The report writer concluded that the building in question does not have the strength to resist the loads required by the New Zealand loading standards AS/NZS 1170. Particularly in relation to the “knee”, the report writer’s analysis indicates that the knee has the capacity of only 64% of that required in shear, only 75% required in bending, and only 50% of that required when considering combined bending and shear. The report writer’s conclusion is that the building is also deficient
in other respects.
This independent review is now being investigated by the DBH (Department of Building & Housing)
2. Who is the Product Manufacturer?
The manufacturing process of any product will determine the quality in supply. A more recent illustration of this is Chinese products flooding into NZ. Although cheap unfortunately cheap normally means less, less quality, less durability, less lifespan, some imported products to NZ very seldom take into account the NZ climatic conditions, such as UV protection, rain, salt air, and snow. Therefore the adverse weather conditions in NZ are quite unique, high rainfall, excessive UV rays, salt spray all effect the performance of any given product. The NZ manufacturer and proven suppliers takes these variables into consideration, enabling them to accurately access and establish durability and performance of their product. This enables them to meet their requirements for warranty and durability statements. Manufacturers such as NZ Steel (NZ’s largest manufacturer) are right there to back their product and statement of claim.
It has become increasingly difficult after time to locate some other product suppliers and manufacturers, in particular suppliers of imported products, a very important consideration as most warranties now are transferable, the product warranty in most cases is a requirement by the regulatory authorities to issue a building consent.
3. How do you Know you are Receiving Value and Quality?
It’s fair to say companies that have been around for years are normally doing something right, it's also fair to say these companies would normally have extensive product knowledge and over time have sold significantly more buildings and have more satisfied customers than any new cub on the block.
Experience can save a consumer thousands of dollars, avoid ongoing disputes and disappointment. Experience normally will guide a consumer accurately and efficiently.
It's our view if you have
- NZ designed building
- Locally supplied product with transferable warranties
- Dealing with a nationwide building company with years of experience
- Have a good rapport with existing customers
One would expect you have aligned yourself with a quality product and quality service.
In the event you manage to find more than one of such companies you may be well advised to check the comparative weight of the kit building. It’s a fact that the heavier the building the better structural integrity and performance you can expect.
4. How do Past Customers Rate our Performance?
Customer satisfaction and retention is a good gauge to the standard you will receive from any elected company you engage. One would expect such companies understand the importance that satisfied customers have to the future of any given business. Any company that portrays themselves to be worthy of your business are able to supply testimonials from at least several of their recent customers. It’s vitally important not to assume your chosen company will perform to the standards you expect or on their say so. These testimonials should always be available to prospective customers to back up their statement of claim.
All it takes is ask one simple question, can I please view your current customer satisfaction file. You will expect to see current authentic testimonials, if you are still in doubt of the authenticity ask for some phone numbers of current customers for you to phone and assess further.
5. What is the Life Expectancy of the Building?
Generally the life expectancy is determined by three demographics,
- Usage
It's fair to say if a building is categorised as high use or heavy industrial use that some products will perform better than others. You may experience durability issues around doorways, and low clad areas, most of which can be replaced over time or protected further, such as the instillation of door bollards, electric door openers or concrete panels. - Location
Location will play a big part to the durability of any building, it's also fair to say buildings located within sea spray locations will deteriorate faster than inland areas. But again there are some practical solutions- Never face the open bay to the direction of the sea spray, this will not only reduce salt deposit within your building but also help protect the content.
- There are cladding options available that are more suited to this harsh environment (coloursteel maxx).
- Always check your durability statement as there will be tasks to undertake which will help extend the life expectancy of products, example - rain will wash salt from the roof and walls but will not wash undersides of gutters, soffit etc
- Type of building
The type of building, by this we mean the products of which the building is manufactured from. We have previously referred to the weight of a building, a very important consideration, the structural members of all buildings that are engineered correctly will normally stand the test of time, but the roof and wall cladding can vary significantly, imported products, in particular colour steel, will not have the same UV protection therefore will deteriorate significantly faster. The thickness of the cladding may also vary, non habitable budget buildings commonly use 0.35 gauge cladding and 0.40 gauge gutters/flashings. This type of product will not perform as well as the recommended options commonly used on dwellings i.e. 0.40 gauge cladding and 0.55 gauge gutters/flashings. There are further options 0.55 gauge cladding, normally specified for industrial/commercial type applications, although 0.40 gauge is more commonly used.
6. How Long have we been Supplying Buildings?
KiwiSpanNZ are the New Zealand market leaders in the design and construction of pre-engineered buildings. We have built a reputation for designing and constructing buildings that are not only strong and cost effective but aesthetically pleasing as well.
KiwiSpanNZ pioneered the construction of high tensile pre-engineered buildings right here in New Zealand some twelve years ago. After being involved with imported and overseas designed products, we recognised the need to develop a New Zealand designed and engineered system. Knowing our system is designed by Kiwis specifically for Kiwi conditions and using only the best locally manufactured components with unmatched structural integrity, we offer our customers complete satisfaction.
7. What Backup Service Can You Expect?
We live in a rapidly changing world, here today gone tomorrow, apparently the modern way. However if a company is focused on customer retention you will generally find they are not only focused on today but consider the future. From our assessment and advice within this document you will be able to recognise a solid well positioned company that although move with the times are able to service the customer's needs now and in the future. In the event you still doubt the suppliers integrity ask to see testimonials from existing customers that have come back for remedial or warranty claims, this information although not commonly held, there should be phone numbers available to support any statement of claim.
Warranty Plus - KiwiSpanNZ’s cold-rolled portal structure is fabricated from high tensile galvanised steel, (but not limited to) and cladding is typically Zincalume (R) or Coloursteel (R) according to customer’s requirements. Roofing and cladding is covered by Steel & Tubes’ Warranty Plus, giving durability and performance warranties for at least 15 years* *subject to location and use.
Free Offer
KiwiSpanNZ would like to extend an obligation free service to you - because we are a Nation Wide Group and have vast experience within this industry we are prepared to offer you free advice to help you make the best possible decision before purchasing your new building.
One of our experienced team members will sit down with you and review the information you have obtained to clarify any queries and identify areas of concern, this will enable us to give you a true “Apples for Apples” comparison helping you obtain the best possible price without forgoing quality.
We are confident this service will be informative and help avoid making costly mistakes.
Call KiwiSpanNZ 0800 870 078 alternatively enquire through our website, find your local representative, or visit one of our display show offices located near you.
