Determining whether your existing brickwork complies with current NZ building codes isn't always straightforward — much depends on when your home was built, what consents were issued, and whether any changes have been made since. The good news is there are clear steps you can take to assess compliance, and qualified bricklayers and building professionals can help you get a definitive answer.
Understanding NZ Building Code Compliance for Brickwork
The NZ Building Code, administered by MBIE Building Performance, sets out minimum performance requirements for all building work. Brickwork must meet several clauses, most notably:
- Clause B1 (Structure) — brickwork must safely carry its own weight and resist wind, earthquake, and other loads
- Clause E2 (External Moisture) — brick veneer cladding must prevent water penetrating to the interior
- Clause B2 (Durability) — materials must last a minimum of 15 or 50 years depending on their role
Importantly, the Building Code applies to new building work. Existing brickwork is generally assessed against the code that was in force when it was built — this is called the legal compliance date. However, if your brickwork poses a danger or you're doing renovation work, your local council may require you to bring it up to current standards.
When Was Your Home Built? Why It Matters
NZ masonry construction standards have changed significantly over the decades, particularly following the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake and the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes. Homes built before the 1990s — especially those with unreinforced brick or concrete block — may not meet current seismic requirements under NZS 3604 or the specific masonry standards.
Key periods to be aware of:
- Pre-1970s homes: Often feature solid brick or unreinforced masonry walls, which are unlikely to meet current seismic standards
- 1970s–1990s homes: Brick veneer became more common; tie spacing and flashing details may not meet today's requirements
- Post-2000 homes: More likely to comply, but still worth checking consent documentation
Check your Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from your council and any Code Compliance Certificates (CCCs) for your property. These documents tell you what was consented and inspected.
Common Signs Your Brickwork May Not Comply
Even without a formal inspection, there are visible warning signs that your brickwork may have issues:
- Cracking — diagonal, stair-step, or horizontal cracks in mortar joints or bricks themselves
- Bulging or bowing walls — suggests tie failure or structural movement
- Efflorescence — white salt deposits indicating moisture is getting through
- Spalling bricks — faces of bricks flaking off, often from freeze-thaw cycles or moisture ingress
- Missing or deteriorated mortar (called repointing issues) — gaps in mortar joints allow water entry
- No visible weep holes at the base of brick veneer — these are required to drain moisture from the cavity
- Rust stains — may indicate corroding wall ties behind the brickwork
If you notice any of these, it's worth getting a professional assessment sooner rather than later.
How to Check Compliance More Formally
1. Review Your Building Consent and CCC
Contact your local council and request copies of the original building consent, approved plans, and Code Compliance Certificate. If a CCC was issued, the work was inspected and signed off at the time. Note that older homes may not have CCCs.
2. Get a Building Inspection
A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) or a registered building inspector can assess your brickwork against current and historical standards. Look for someone with experience in masonry. You can find qualified tradespeople at tradedirectory.co.nz.
3. Seismic Assessment for Older Masonry
If your home has unreinforced masonry (solid brick walls, not brick veneer), you may need an engineering assessment from a structural engineer. Some councils actively identify earthquake-prone buildings — check with your council whether your property has been assessed under the earthquake-prone building provisions of the Building Act 2004.
4. Check Cladding Details Against E2
For brick veneer cladding, BRANZ publishes guidance on acceptable solutions for external moisture management. Your bricklayer or inspector can compare your installation against these details — things like cavity width, flashing at openings, and weep hole placement.
Renovation and Repair Work — Do You Need Consent?
Minor repairs like repointing mortar joints or replacing a few damaged bricks are generally exempt from building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act — but always confirm with your local council first, as exemptions have conditions. Structural repairs, adding new openings, or significant alterations to brick walls will almost certainly require consent.
MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on what work requires consent and what falls under Schedule 1 exemptions.
When to Call a Professional
You should engage a qualified bricklayer or building professional if you notice any of the warning signs listed above, if your home was built before 1990, if you're planning renovation work involving brick walls, or if you're buying or selling a property and want certainty about compliance. A skilled bricklayer can assess mortar condition, tie integrity, flashing details, and structural concerns — and advise whether remedial work is needed. Find experienced local bricklayers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
