External areas can make a positive contribution to the available space and liveability of a project. This is evident across a wide variety of scenarios, from a small balcony in high or medium density dwellings to a spacious patio with a pool area in a high-end home or development.

NZ architects show impressive ability to design external spaces, this allows them to be used in a way that fits the kiwi lifestyle and can enhance mental health through increased sunlight, air, view as well as provide leisure and social functions.

Protecting the space itself and the dwelling from the impacts of surface water and external moisture is a key consideration when designing these areas. Surface water and external moisture must be efficiently managed and removed to safeguard people from illness or injury and the property from damage as laid out in the objectives of NZBC E1 and E2.

When considering high-density housing, and medium-density to some degree, balconies would likely play a role in connecting the dwelling to the outside environment. Allproof offer a range of products specifically designed to provide a high performing drainage solution while considering the visual impact in such condensed spaces.

Tile jacks can be set over the waterproofing layer creating a level entry, Allproof’s dome and overflow balcony drains can sit below these, or an Allthrough can be selected allowing the balcony space to be drained through the downpipe penetration. Soffit covers reduce the visual impact of overflow penetrations on the balcony below. The Allproof stainless steel overflow grates include an integrated cowl cover reducing the chances of the overflow becoming inadvertently activated due to a neighbour washing their balcony or watering their plants as the water can track through the tile spacings into the vertically open overflow outlet.

balcony drain overflow allthrough tile jacks

Accessibility, in conjunction to indoor and outdoor flow, might be a key element to the design approach for low and medium density housing where the outdoor living area is located at ground level. A level threshold provides a clean transition between internal and external spaces and removes obstacles enhancing accessibility. If the external area has a concrete or paved finish a compliant channel (E2/AS1 Clause 7.3) will provide the easiest path to consent. The threshold detail provides a both a drainage channel to draw moisture away from the building and a dry separation between internal and external moisture, allowing for an acceptable level access solution.

Allproof level threshold solutions are designed to accommodate all the criteria outlined in NZBC, E2 and D1 as well as applicable standards (AS3996) with off the shelf and custom solutions available depending on project specific criteria. Allproof level threshold systems provide a range of grate options from R11 slip resistant (AS4586) wedge wire in 316 grade stainless steel to tile insert grates that remove visual interruptions in the flooring finish.

For surface water management Allproof offers a wide range of channel and point drains. These systems are integral to maintaining a safe outdoor living environment and protecting property, specifiers can also make selections that will mitigate the visual impact of these services. Allproof’s tile insert pits and slot drain provide a high performing and discreet solution for surface water removal.

The slot drain attachment made from galvanised or stainless steel is available on Allproof’s polymer concrete channel and domestic channel range which is made from 100% recycled plastic. The slot drain creates a continuous 15mm wide opening that a concrete surface can be finished up against (2-5mm above the slot drain). Alternatively, pavers can be laid over the slot drain edge hiding the glav or stainless-steel component and leaving a 15mm gap between pavers creating a completely invisible drainage solution.

slot trench drain channel tile pavers for external surfaces

Slot drains should terminate into a tile insert sump allowing for maintenance access and sediment catchment. Tile insert sumps as well as Allproof’s storm series can also be used as a stand-alone drainage solution for scenarios such as outdoor showers or kitchens where a central drainage point is desired.

Engaging Allproof for product insights and solutions can ensure designers deliver a safe and enjoyable outdoor living area that will protect the occupants and building itself from surface water and external moisture through innovatively designed and NZ made solutions.

The Foundation Parnell is an Auckland-based luxury retirement village owned and operated by Generus Livings consisting of 46 apartments across 5 levels. The Foundation is about retirement without compromise with luxury at the core of design and operations. Everything from its prime central location to the way a kitchen drawer opens and closes is about quality, refinement, attention to detail and most importantly – comfort.

Throughout the design process, architects Peddlethorp were dedicated to considering quality and aesthetics in every detail, with accessibility always at the forefront of design to ensure comfort and ease of movement for future residents. As an NZ manufacturer, Allproof Industries were engaged to manufacture and supply a range of solutions including shower channels, level threshold channels at the entrances and passive fire protection solutions.

Allproof supplied around 100 NZ-made Vision shower channels with tile insert grate, all fabricated to measure enabling a perfect wall-to-wall finish at roughly 1600mm lengths. During this process, Allproof provided a high level of site support to ensure that the channels were measured, supplied and installed to the highest finish without disrupting a tight schedule. Channels were fabricated in batches at the production facility on the North Shore of Auckland as trades progressed through the levels reducing any delays and supplying product to the site as its needed.

Designing, detailing and constructing tiled showers / wet areas to suit an off-the-shelf channel size is nearly impossible. Minor variations in measurements occur during the construction process and outlets might not always be perfectly located in the centre due to other building elements. Additionally, the designer would have to detail the exact finished dimension of the room at the detailing stage including wall build-up of linings, membrane, tiles and adhesives. Therefore, to create a perfect wall-to-wall channel Allproof made all 100 shower channels to measure each shower space.

Allproof’s Tile Insert grate for the Vision shower channel was selected providing a discreet drainage solution and maintaining the aesthetic of the bathroom while utilising the slip-resistant properties of the floor tiles on the drainage system. The channel was positioned across the entry to the shower preventing surface water from escaping the shower area and entering the main bathroom space, also removing requirements for a hob or any level change in the floor for accessibility.

Considering the building occupants, a high-performing passive fire solution was needed allowing the residents time to evacuate the building if required. The floor slabs on each level were poured on site to improve the construction process, as a post-tension slab there was a preference not to core drill as this could risk compromising the tensioned strands in the slab. Allproof’s Cast-in fire collar (CIFC) was selected providing a fully tested solution with a high-performing FRL. Cast-in fire collars are plotted out and fixed to the formwork pre-pour thus casting the collars into the slab. Following the pour the formwork is removed exposing the collar and providing a penetration to run services through. CIFC’s are NZ-made from 100% recycled polypropylene using clean solar energy providing an environmentally conscious passive fire system.

The Allproof Perimeter channel drain was selected for the main entrance enabling a level entry for accessibility to the building and preventing external moisture from entering the internal space. The Perimeter Drain is a full E2 and D1 complaint system available off the shelf and reduces installation costs by removing the need to box out channels and install fixing points. By selecting the Wedge Wire grate the designers benefited from the R11 slip rating and the durability of 316 stainless steel.

In designing a repurposed B201 building for Auckland University, Jasmax faced challenges around coordinating services into the existing structure when renovating the building. The new two-storey high atrium with a steel/timber hybrid structure spanning 35m had the roof elements visible in a majestic manner. This created a design opportunity for a bespoke solution to the disposal of stormwater from the 1500m² roof. The solution was to slope the whole roof towards the east block and discharge the stormwater through just five custom rainwater sumps into 300mm diameter internal downpipes.

At this point, Jasmax designers leaned on the experience and local manufacturing strength of Allproof to help meet the installation’s needs. Several face-to-face meetings and design revisions were worked through to ensure both the membrane above the gutter, and the multiple 300mm diameter PVC outlets and overflows below the gutter, worked to performance, installation, and buildability requirements. Due to the necessity of a high-capacity flow rate, the outlets Allproof designed and manufactured incorporated a custom bolted flange solution. The flange was laser-cut in-house at Allproof to allow a bolted union on the outlets, ensuring that, when fully charged, the connection was secure and durable.

Custom stainless-steel sumps incorporating clamping rings and removable perforated domes went through a thorough design and review process. Considering the leafy environment, access and maintenance of the outlets became an imperative design feature along with the hydraulic performance and a secure membrane termination.

Two 300mm outlets, one primary and the other overflow, needed to be built into the BIM (Building Information Modelling) model, transporting rainwater to a stormwater connection through a limited space. This is where the custom stainless-steel solution came into its own. The depth and angle of outlets were reviewed and incorporated into the product design to remove any clashes with other services or structural elements, resulting in a seamless installation.

As overflows needed to be sent to the atmosphere, this resulted in an unsightly pipe protruding into the pedestrian pathway on the side of the building. The 300mm diameter opening of the pipe created a risk of vermin entry to the overflow system and a visual impact. Again, the design teams from Jasmax and Allproof collaborated to create a bespoke overflow cover that satisfied hydraulic requirements, was secure, and most importantly, looked in place on the face of this revolutionary refurbishment.

Allproof’s Perimeter drain was used as the level threshold solution at the entrance to the atrium and lower-level podium, providing an accessible entryway. The 316-grade stainless steel wedge wire grate was selected to provide a premium aesthetic while also benefiting from its design features such as heelproof grating and an R11 slip resistance (AS4586). In this area, the glazing selection resulted in the sill of the window protruding beyond the glazing line, below the paved level. In order to maintain the required 12mm gap, Allproof provided a customised fold from the grating to span this sill and create a detail that satisfied both form and function.

The loading dock entrance is subject to large commercial vehicle access and movement. Therefore, Jasmax selected Allproof’s 200mm clear opening Polymer Concrete channel drain with cast iron grate due to its high-performance characteristics in this environment. The channel drain has excellent catchment and hydraulic performance. To achieve a load class E rating in accordance with AS3996, a minimum 200mm concrete surround was detailed for the install. Cast iron is resistant to dynamic wheel loads such as trucks manoeuvring or forklifts turning on them, as well as providing good vibration dampening, which helps protect surrounding concrete. Grate lockdowns are imperative in this situation to prevent the small movement of grates knocking against the channel edges under heavy wheel loads.

The final result of B201 is a testament to Jasmax and Allproof working in collaboration to achieve results that meet all design requirements. Focusing on design, integration, performance, and most of all, detail that ensured the project was delivered to specification.


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Presented by Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ, The Jackson Women in Plumbing award recognises women who have made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry.

The award is named in honor of Maureen Jackson (1941 – 2020) who was the Wife and Business Partner of Ian Jackson MNZM. In 1987, Ian and Maureen established Allproof Industries NZ Ltd.

Biography: Maureen Jackson
1941 – 2020

Maureen Jackson was the wife and business partner of Ian Jackson MNZM.

Maureen grew up in Auckland, attending St Benedict’s College. She pursued post-secondary school training at Auckland and Sydney Business Schools. In 1960, at the age of 19, with youthful energy, she moved to Sydney to embark on her overseas experience. After returning to Auckland and becoming engaged to Ian, she promptly eloped back to Sydney to get married. She did this when she turned 21, after not receiving her father’s blessing, which was required for 21-year-olds in New Zealand in 1962. This demonstrated her gusto and strength of character, traits that would come to define her career.

In her early business career, Maureen was a highly skilled shorthand typist, with roles in New Zealand Government Departments, New Zealand Courts, and Australian private business organisations. Her career in the plumbing industry began in 1966 when Ian and Maureen established Jackson Plumbing Ltd. She was a director of Jackson Plumbing Ltd from 1966 to 1998. In 1987, Ian and Maureen established Allproof Industries NZ Ltd and later, Allproof Industries PTY Ltd in Australia in 1999. Maureen worked at Allproof Industries until 2014 when she retired from the daily operations of the business.

Maureen had strong financial acumen and time management skills that were utilised in all her business activities. She had incredible drive and work ethic, working tirelessly within the Jackson Plumbing and later Allproof Industries businesses. She was determined to see her businesses grow and succeed while also balancing this with being an incredibly supportive, involved, and dedicated wife and mother.

Not only was Maureen an amazing partner for Ian within the business, but she also enjoyed building strong working relationships and friendships with many staff, customers, and suppliers, whom she enjoyed getting to know over the years.

Maureen had an amazing effervescent energy that made her a pleasure to work with and be around. She was easy to deal with, and those who were lucky enough to have dealt with her over the years have many fond memories of this strong and dedicated woman, who paved the way for the many hard-working women within our industry today.

Low-pitched roofs, also known as flat roofs, offer an excellent design solution for a range of challenges such as large buildings and projects with height limitations (where a pitched roof would exceed the consented allowance). Flat roofs are often considered easier and more economical to access and maintain. They can assist with achieving acceptable ceiling heights in the space below by minimising fall across the roof.

Pitched roofs will shed rainwater to external gutters and the surrounding area. With larger projects where the roof space captures an increased volume of rainwater, and potentially located at a higher elevation, it is important that the rainwater is captured and discharged of in a controlled way.

Internal gutters are used to channel and direct rainwater into the roof drainage system. Internal “gutters shall be sized to meet the requirements of NZBC clause E1 for the particular catchment area” (NZBC E2/AS1 Figure 64) with a minimum of 300mm width x 50mm depth and minimum 1:100 fall. Internal outlets should have a dome grate to reduce blockage and a membrane clamp ring screwed to the base to secure the membrane. E1/AS1 clause 5.5 identifies that internal gutters need an overflow that discharges to the exterior of the building and located to provide early warning to the building occupier that maintenance of the gutter is needed.

There are a range of approaches to how a low-pitched roof can be designed, it could include an internal gutter and/or drain into a rainwater head and the lowest point, or through a traditional roof drain outlet. The method will likely depend on the project’s unique requirements, features and hydraulic needs. Reputable New Zealand manufacturers such as Allproof offer a wide range of solutions for all these scenarios and more.

It is important to note that if the drainage system is taken through the building envelope the system should be watertight. In this scenario Allproof’s Sureflow and VRTW/Vinylrite roof drains are an excellent solution as they allow for a solvent cement connection to uPVC DWV pipe, also Allproof’s bronze roof drains offer a sealed connection through an O-ring. This means Allproof’s roof drain solutions can be flood-tested to ensure watertightness in the system.

Roof drain bases with an 88° outlet offer an excellent solution for reducing the depth of the fitting, this allows an increased distance from out the roof drain location to the downpipe when considering the minimum fall (invert required) as this may take place in a shallow soffit cavity. Allproof’s Sureflow, VRTW and bronze bases offer an 88° outlet option to suit pipe sizes from 65mm to 100mm.

Another design feature of Allproof’s stainless steel overflows is an integrated cowl. Market feedback highlighted that water runoff from long spans of low-pitch roofs would splash into the overflow grate opening, additionally, heavy vertical rain would add to this. Residents may also wash their tiled balconies which are installed on tile jacks over an overflow. This would then result in the overflow activating and incorrectly alerting the building occupier, as well as dripping onto decks, balconies or other covered areas. Therefore, Allproof designed the stainless overflow to have an integrated cowl cover preventing water from accidentally entering the overflow outlet.

RainwaterSump-v2

Allproof manufacture and supply a range of scuppers from stainless steel, HDPE and IGOM-EE Synthetic Rubber providing a UV-resistant solution to suit New Zealand’s environment and the roofing membranes on the market. Allproof’s scuppers are highly adaptable, they can be installed as penetrations through parapets, concrete panels, balcony edges, terraces/decks and in-box gutters.

The Scupper outlet can be directed into an Allproof Rainwater Head made from 304 or 316 stainless steel. An overflow scupper can also be installed with the outlet penetrating through a wall visible to building occupants. Allproof Rainwater Heads are made by a team of fabricators on the North Shore of Auckland and provide the ability for customisation to individual design specifications.

Allproof’s team of fabricators also custom manufacture stainless steel down pipes completing the roof drainage system. Allproof’s range of drainage systems control and remove rainwater from the roof to the stormwater system.

Allproof’s innovative roof and balcony drainage systems have been hydraulically tested using an independent 3rd party NATA accredited laboratory to maintain integrity in Allproof’s test data.

Selecting a New Zealand manufacturer with 37 years of industry experience, a large portfolio of products and proven in-service history provides confidence to installers specifiers when considering drainage systems.

Allproof consistently deliver premium NZ-made drainage systems and provide unique solutions to the New Zealand construction industry.


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Selecting NZ made products provides a level of assurance that suppliers who use offshore production are unable to fulfil. Additionally, the economic benefits are retained in New Zealand and fed back into local communities.

The core purpose of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is to prevent loss of life and property by containing or minimising the spread of fire. PFP essentially protects the building and its inhabitants through ‘Safety in Design’. The major benefit is that PFP is effective regardless of the actions taken by individuals or active safety systems.

High density projects have been found to encourage stronger community relationships and interactions. Designing and developing these projects with this as a central point will help establish and enhance local communities, reduce urban sprawl, support public transport and unlock much needed housing supply.

Selecting local manufacturers not only provides designers and installers with innovative NZ made products designed specifically for the local market and building code, but also further supports our local communities.

Allproof manufactures PFP products at its factory on Auckland’s North Shore employing over 130 staff. As a New Zealand product manufacturer Allproof is an environmentally conscious business.

Selecting NZ made products provides a level of assurance that suppliers who use offshore production are unable to fulfil. Additionally, the economic benefits are retained in New Zealand and fed back into local communities.

Allproof’s intumescent material is produced in-house, then cut and assembled into a range of products at the head office factory in Auckland. The cast-in fire collar range are moulded on site from 100% recycled materials using clean solar energy reducing the carbon footprint of innovative NZ made products.

All testing and assessments are conducted by independent accredited testing laboratories. Further to this, Allproof’s PFP range and literature has been BRANZ Appraised ensuring integrity and providing utmost assurance in selection, performance and installation.

Drawing upon experience as a plumbing and drainage manufacturer Allproof are perfectly positioned to design and develop new products specifically catering to the local NZ industry. When composite steel tray floors with undulating profiles were introduced to New Zealand, Allproof were able to respond to demand as the innovator of the drop in fire collar system. This provides an excellent example of how local manufacturers can respond to industry developments using Kiwi ingenuity combined with advanced production facilities.

Allproof distribute PFP products through a nationwide network of merchants which ensures accessibility to the products. Allproof’s technical team support and train installers through its national sales network, offering a range of solutions for PFP with specialist knowledge on its integration with other plumbing and drainage systems.

Selecting Allproof provides a premium PFP solution while supporting local NZ manufacturing.

There is a wide range of floor waste designs on the market, each with features to suit different applications and installation methods. When selecting floor wastes in projects that require passive fire rating some consideration should be taken to the systems compatibility and the Passive Fire Protection (PFP) product selected.

The penetration/core hole through the flooring structure should be kept as minimal as possible for fire rating. Easy clean wastes that use a bucket and funnel design are often supplied with shower trays. They provide an excellent solution for squat flooring cavities; however, they do require larger core hole sizes to be cut and have minimal testing for passive fire protection.

In accordance with AS 4072.1-2005 an install scenario that hasn’t been tested can only be used if it is:

      1. approved by the regulatory authority;
      2. permitted in accordance with AS 1530.4; or
      3. formally assessed by a registered testing authority.
Allproof Trayrite with FWG and ALLFC80

As mentioned above, large core holes for easy clean wastes may not have the testing needed for the installation scenario, this would likely result in a fire engineer designing an alternative solution. Some local authorities such as Auckland Council have gone as far as stating that an alternative PFP solution should only be used if a tested solution is not readily available. Utilising tested solutions through considered product selection streamlines the process by not relying on additional input and consultation.

Selecting products such as Allproof’s Trayrite allows the tray waste system to be converted to a traditional floor waste gully, providing a fully tested passive fire solution for shower trays. An added benefit to a traditional floor waste gully is the reduced maintenance as they are considered self-cleaning, water pressure from modern systems washes away any debris.

When testing PFP products in accordance with AS 1530.4:2014 on floor wastes a temperature sensor is positioned directly in the centre of the open metallic or plastic grate, or the area with the highest exposure to heat, as the water trap below combusts/melts.

Allproof’s advanced intumescent is able to activate and close the opening before exceeding the temperature allowance on the thermocouple, giving a full FRR result for insulation and integrity that cannot be achieved by most competitors globally.

Allproof have floor waste results for the below flooring systems with a range of PFP products:

  • Concrete Slab
  • Composite Steel Tray Floors
  • Rib & Timber Infill
  • CLT
  • Plaster Board Ceiling
Allproof’s Cast-In Fire Rated Floor Waste Collar Kit with FWG, Four Way Riser, and Elegance SS5 grate.

Designers have taken advantage of Allproof’s fully tested plumbing and PFP systems with projects such as Seascape in Auckland, who have selected NZ-made custom Tile Over Stainless Trays with Drop-in Fire Collars for composite steel tray floors. Other examples include Kāinga Ora developments where an Allproof Exposed Stainless, or an acrylic shower tray, has been used with Trayrite on a wide range of floor systems with an Allproof PFP solution.

Selecting PFP manufacturers that specialise in the systems passing through fire cell penetrations means designers can benefit from fully compatible and innovatively designed solutions. These integrated systems improve the selection, design and installation aspects of both the plumbing and passive fire protection.

Allproof’s testing and assessments are conducted by independent accredited testing laboratories. Further to this, Allproof’s PFP range and literature have been BRANZ Appraised, ensuring integrity and providing utmost assurance in selection, performance and installation.

Passive fire brochure image fire collars stopping devices penetrations Electrical  Passive fire brochure image fire collars stopping devices penetrations plumbing

Allproof exposed SS shower tray with Trayrite and DIFC80 solution for composite steel tray floors.

Passive Fire Protection Products:

Allproof is expanding the NZ made commercial channel drain range by adding a 300mm clear opening channel. This update increases the versatility of the product line by expanding the capacity and catchment area for surface water. The new 300mm channel will complement the popular 200mm clear opening, which has been well-received since its launch in 2021.

The Commercial Channel is made locally from 100% recycled polypropylene, with a focus on sustainable manufacturing. Using recycled materials in products with a long service life significantly extends the lifecycle of plastic and reduces landfill waste. This enables projects to benefit from the physical properties of recycled polypropylene while reducing the generation of excess carbon. Allproof operate with a zero-waste ethos with further onsite recycling processes at its production facility in Auckland so that all scrap material is reused.

Furthermore, Allproof harnesses clean energy generated onsite through 449 solar panels installed on their main production facility. This solar panel installation prevents a further 50 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere annually, further reducing the carbon footprint of Allproof’s recycled Commercial Channel drainage range.

Selecting locally made products also reduces the embedded carbon footprint through logistics. The Commercial Channel drain range is manufactured on the North Shore of Auckland reducing supply chain distances and therefore embodied carbon through transport.

Key Features

    • Manufactured in New Zealand using 100% recycled polypropylene.
    • The 300mm wide opening enhances surface water catchment and capacity, enabling the system to service large open areas with impervious finishes.
    • The channel’s 150mm depth ensures optimal performance while minimising the labour required for excavation.

The use of recycled polypropylene allows Allproof to produce a lightweight channel drain that improves installation efficiency, and reduces installation time, breakages, costs, and embodied carbon through logistics, all without compromising on strength. The Commercial Channel has been designed to utilise the strength of the surrounding concrete to create a strong durable solution for commercial drainage applications.

The grates offer a range of features that enhance the performance of the system. All grate options are designed to be heelproof for pedestrian safety and mobility and bicycle tyre friendly with consideration to the direction of travel. Grates are secured with fixings to prevent damage through vehicular movement and unauthorised access.

Grate Options

Wedge Wire (WW) Grate: Made from 316-grade stainless steel, it offers enhanced corrosion resistance in marine environments. Rated load class B (when tested in accordance with AS3996) for light vehicles and independently tested for slip resistance (AS4586), achieving an R11 classification.

Heelproof Cast Iron (HCI) Grate: Rated load class D for commercial vehicle traffic with a slip resistance certification of P5.

Galvanised Steel (GAL) Grate: An economical option, rated load class B, with a large open area for excellent hydraulic performance.

Allproof provides nationwide support through a team of technical sales representatives who can assist in product selection and advise on installation details and training.

Allproof is confident that the new 300mm clear opening Commercial Channel offers a premium NZ made solution for high-capacity surface water drainage. The Commercial Channel considers sustainability and environmental factors as well as install process and economic aspects providing an all-round exceptional product.

The Weathertightness Design Standards for School Buildings by the Ministry of Education (MoE) is a comprehensive guide aimed at architects and designers for creating educational facilities that are safe, healthy and durable with lifetime cost economics in mind.

Within the document, the MoE advises on best practice for creating level threshold transitions to protect internal spaces at building entrances. Advice covers a range of considerations from where to position accessible entrances to the design specifics of the channel and grating system.

Regarding the design of the channel itself, the standards identify the following criteria.

  • Designed to be dry in service with a 1:50 fall away from the channel (not towards it),
  • Minimum 200mm width x 150mm depth internal channel dimensions,
  • Minimum grate width of 150mm,
  • Outlets at a maximum of 3,700mm centres or 7,400mm centres if sufficient shelter is provided,
  • Grate design to be easily removable for school staff to conduct maintenance, and should consider prevention of removal or vandalism by others,
  • Maximum of 20mm surface level change between grate and internal surface to meet NZBC and NZS4121 accessibility requirements,
  • The foundation & slab edge must be waterproofed with a liquid-applied UV-stable membrane,
  • Channels laid to create a minimum of 1:200 falls to a sump connected to the stormwater system,

The design is to also consider NZBC Clause E2 which includes the following criteria:

  • is supported independently of the door frame,
  • is specifically designed to accommodate imposed loads,
  • has gaps sized to prevent the wheels of wheelchairs or mobility aids from entering or being trapped, and
  • has a continuous gap of 12 mm minimum from the door frame and wall cladding.

The MoE weathertightness standards make an important clarification on the use of three-sided channels as alternative solutions:

“6.4.10 Three-sided pre-formed channel systems are prohibited – the required solution are systems specifically designed for level thresholds to building perimeters, of which there are a number available in the market.”

The document illustrations appear to take reference from Allproof products with the profile of the Perimeter Drain channel shown in the details. The Allproof Perimeter Drain has recently undergone a significant design update enhancing features that the MoE weathertightness standards outline.

The channel itself is designed to be installed against the building slab running parallel to the joinery line. When installed following Allproof documentation the channel provides a 200mm wide x 180mm reveal against the building foundations, this reduces labour-intensive boxing out, multiple concrete pours and post-installing fixings to provide support to the system. The preformed L-shaped channel allows a waterproof membrane to be easily dressed from the building slab down into the channel. The 180mm depth allows for a 1:200 fall to be screeded into the base maintaining compliance with all NZBC E2 and MoE design standards. To ensure the 150mm grate width the channel can be set back off the building foundations, increasing the internal width of the channel. This would be applicable if the joinery extends over the channel reveal by more than 38mm (accounting for the continuous gap of 12 mm).

The stock grate is designed to allow for trimming down on site at regular set widths, this means that the grate width can be customised to maintain and not exceed the 12mm continuous separation from joinery. Inspectors may disapprove of larger openings that present a trip hazard, debris to enter or hands to get caught in.

The Perimeter Drain design update means that grates are now secured in place using an innovative clip system. The clip itself is attached to the channel wall using pre-installed fixing points. The Glass Filled Polymer (GFP) grate, NZ made from recycled materials and solar energy, is available off the shelf, it can be customised on site to suit the channel reveal dimensions.

To clip the grate into place and remove it a flat-head screwdriver is needed to lever the clip back, this ensures it is easily accessible for maintenance staff while also tamperproof for young students.

The stainless options are fabricated by Allproof to suit the channels and maintain the 12mm separation from joinery once installed.

Allproof’s Perimeter Drain system has been designed to suit load class A – pedestrian traffic. Grates have been designed to have perforations that provide excellent hydraulic performance while preventing wheels or other walking aids from becoming caught. The grates are designed with NZBC Clause D1 accessibility in mind with testing for slip resistance up to an R11 classification and going further with design features such as Heelproof grate openings, also helpful for keeping things like fingers out.

The Perimeter Drain update provides a premium finish through easy on-site customisation when using the GFP grate, therefore removing delays and hold-ups towards the end of a project. This improves the transition between trades and contributes to delivering the entire project on schedule.

Allproof’s level threshold solutions have been used across New Zealand in educational facilities such as Kings School Remuera, Rolleston College, Scott Point School, Massey University, AUT Auckland CBD campus and Long Bay College just to name a few.

Allproof is confident the innovative Perimeter Drain update marks a significant evolutionary step in NZ-made level threshold systems that meet the requirements of the MoE while improving the installation process and economy, and providing a superior finish.

PERIMETER DRAIN

The Perimeter Drain presents an innovative and premium solution for simplifying level threshold drainage.

Allproof are at the forefront of industry leading level threshold systems by developing innovative design solutions that have been selected for high profile projects such as Commercial Bay, Kings School in Remuera and Hillmorton Hospital.

Located on the North Shore of Auckland, Allproof’s team of over 130 staff include tradespeople such as engineers, fabricators and product designers. As a New Zealand product manufacturer Allproof is perfectly positioned to develop products that drive the NZ construction industry forwards through innovative systems designed specifically to the NZBC and local trade practices.

The latest development by Allproof is a design update to the Perimeter Drain. Since its initial launch in 2016 the Perimeter Drain has transformed the level threshold drainage market in New Zealand. Through a regular R&D program the Perimeter Drain has been recently reviewed to consider design efficiencies from materials to installation process.

The design update has removed the bracket system from the polymer (GFP) and stainless grates, a clip is attached to the pre-installed fixing points on the channel wall allowing the grates to simply ‘clip’ into place.

The new grate and clip system is NZ made using recycled material and reinforced with glass fibres and UV protection. This provides an environmentally conscious and highly durable solution for level threshold installations.

The L shaped channel is installed as usual to create a 180mm x 200mm reveal against the building foundations, this reduces labour intensive boxing out and multiple concrete pours. The 180mm depth allows for a 1:200 fall to be screeded into the base maintaining compliance with NZBC E2.

Clips are then fastened to the channel wall at the pre-installed fixing points.

Off the shelf polymer grates are trimmed on site to suit the reveal while allowing for a 12mm separation along the joinery line, alternatively a custom stainless-steel grate can be fabricated to accommodate. Nuts are either inserted into the underside of the polymer grate, or supplied attached if a stainless grate has been selected. The threaded legs are screwed on, and height adjusted via the foot to suit the channel depth before being clipped into place.

This significant update provides a premium finish through easy on-site customisation when using the GFP grate, therefore removing delays and hold ups towards the end of a project. This improves the transition between trades and contributes to delivering the entire project on schedule.

Allproof are confident this innovative design update marks a significant evolutionary step in NZ made level threshold systems that will improve the installation process while providing a superior finish.