Walls and claddings

Bungalows used native timbers for framing, and a range of claddings such as weatherboard and stucco.

In any renovation, you’ll need to consider insulation and re-lining, and may have to deal with issues such as undersized framing or other structural weaknesses, and moisture.

Original details

Use of timber

Most bungalows were constructed using native timbers such as rimu or miro. Read more.

Wall framing

Bungalow wall framing was typically 4 x 2” rimu. Read more.

Wall cladding

Often, two or more forms of cladding were used on the same bungalow. Read more.

Brick bungalows

Brick bungalows aren’t common but are found in some parts of the country. Read more.

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Common problems and remedies

Insulation

Bungalows were typically constructed without insulation. Even with modifications, most villas fall below current insulation requirements. Read more.

Structure

Structural problems in bungalows include undersized framing, brickwork with failing mortar, and problems with foundations and subfloor. Read more.

Matching new framing and cladding to existing

New framing timber has different dimensions from original villa framing. There are several ways to deal with these differences. Read more.

Moisture

Bungalows have generally coped well with moisture because of their wide eaves and weatherboard construction. Read more.

Rotten cladding

Rot is sometimes found around windows and on weatherboards. See rot for more.

Corrosion

Flashings and cladding fixings may be affected by corrosion. See Remedies: roofing and cladding for more.

Lack of underlay

It was not uncommon for walls and roofs of bungalows to be clad without building paper or underlay. Read more.

Brickwork

Common problems with brickwork include cracked walls, and rising damp. Read more.

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Other common problems

Other common problems include walls that are out of square, cracked plaster, and draughts. Read more.