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