H1 - Thermal Envelope Doors

Clause H1 of the New Zealand Building Code promotes energy efficiency in buildings as part of the broader push to support warmer, drier homes and sustainable living. It sets energy performance requirements, including minimum insulation levels and standards for hot water systems, lighting, and HVAC systems. It impacts certain parts of the home referred to as the "thermal envelope" and the insulation properties of materials and products used. These regulations apply to new residential buildings and other structures under 300m² and took effect on 2nd November 2023.

The thermal envelope encompasses the main heated (or cooled) living areas of a home, such as the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Such heated areas are called the “conditioned areas”. “Unconditioned areas” are the parts of the home which are not heated, such as an internal garage, conservatory, or roof cavity. So, H1 will affect any doors leading outside, or to an area of the home which is not heated. Depending on where you live in New Zealand, the level of insulation required for doors that are part of a home’s thermal envelope are slightly different, with higher values required in colder regions.

We have a broad range of products that comply with the new H1 standards. Our Solid EPS Polystyrene Porch doors comply for sheltered entrance ways. For interior hinged doors, our Solid EPS Polystyrene or RibCore doors significantly exceed the requirements for doors leading into unconditioned spaces, such as your internal garage or conservatory. When installing a cavity slider, we offer steel-reinforced doors with one or two steel inserts, and these doors fully comply with H1 regulations across all regions in New Zealand.

Stronger, Warmer, Flatter

It's whats on the inside that really counts