Weathertightness Assessments

It Pays to Double Check

NOTE: This service is currently only available in Tauranga/BOP. See services available in: Howick (Auckland East) or Hamilton/Waikato.

Comprehensive Non-Invasive Weathertightness Assessments

At The House Inspector, we understand the critical importance of a weathertight home, especially in New Zealand’s unique climate. Our Comprehensive Non-Invasive Weathertightness Assessment provides peace of mind by identifying potential moisture ingress and “leaky home” risks without causing damage to your property. Whether you’re buying a new home, concerned about existing issues, or simply want to ensure your property’s long-term health, our expert assessment is designed to give you clear, actionable insights.

At The House Inspector Ltd, we believe every homeowner deserves that level of clarity. Our Comprehensive Non-Invasive Weathertightness Assessment is designed to provide you with genuine peace of mind by identifying potential moisture ingress and “leaky home” risks without causing damage to your property. It’s about safeguarding your most valuable asset and giving you the certainty you deserve. Left unchecked, even minor leaks can lead to significant structural damage, unhealthy mould growth, and a substantial hit to your property’s value. Whether you’re buying a new home, concerned about existing issues, or simply want to ensure your property’s long-term health, our expert assessment is designed to give you clear, actionable insights and protect your investment for years to come.

Protect Your Investment with a Thorough Weathertightness – Case Study

A recent client had found a home they loved, despite knowing it carried some “high-risk” weathertightness warnings and a few visible signs of leaks. They were prepared for renovations and minor repairs, envisioning their dream home taking shape. However, after we conducted a comprehensive non-invasive weathertightness assessment, the true picture emerged. It became glaringly obvious that the issues weren’t isolated; they were systemic, affecting nearly every wall and the roof in multiple areas. What seemed like a manageable project revealed a much larger challenge. This assessment didn’t just find problems; it empowered our client with the critical, in-depth knowledge they needed to make a truly informed decision, potentially saving them from unforeseen financial strain and heartbreak down the line.

What is a Non-Invasive Weathertightness Assessment?

A non-invasive weathertightness assessment is a detailed visual inspection combined with advanced moisture detection technology. Unlike invasive methods that require opening up walls, our approach focuses on identifying external and internal indicators of moisture problems, using specialised tools and expert knowledge to assess your property’s vulnerability to water penetration. This service is crucial for early detection, helping you address issues before they lead to significant damage and costly repairs.

Our Comprehensive Non-Invasive Process

Our qualified, experienced inspectors follow a meticulous process to deliver a thorough weathertightness assessment:

1. Visual Assessment

We conduct a comprehensive visual inspection of your property’s exterior and interior, scrutinising key areas known for weathertightness risks. This includes:

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Cladding Systems
Identifying signs of cracking, degradation, or poor installation, particularly important in direct-fixed monolithic cladding and aged or degraded cladding systems.

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Exterior Joinery
Examining windows and doors for poor seals, inadequate flashings, or signs of past leaks.

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Roofing & Drainage
Assessing roof coverings, flashings, internal gutters, and downpipes for potential vulnerabilities and signs of overflow or corrosion.

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Site Features
Evaluating ground clearance, drainage, and other environmental factors that could contribute to moisture ingress.

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Interior Indicators
Looking for visual cues like moisture staining, swelling, or damage to internal walls, ceilings, and window liners.

2. Advanced Moisture Meter Readings

To complement our visual findings, we utilise state-of-the-art non-invasive moisture meters, such as the TroTec T660 and Gann Hydromette BL. These advanced tools help us detect hidden moisture within building materials.

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How they Work
These non-invasive meters typically operate by emitting a harmless electrical field (using dielectric/capacitive technology) into the material. The presence of moisture alters this electrical field, allowing the meter to provide “relative readings.” Higher numbers can indicate greater moisture levels.

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Interpreting Readings
Our experienced professionals interpret these readings to identify anomalies. Readings are categorised as:
– Elevated Reading: Suggests moisture higher than normal background levels, indicating possible early or minor ingress.
– High Reading: Indicates a significant presence of moisture, suggesting active issues or substantial dampness.
– Very High Reading: Points to severe moisture, often indicative of an ongoing leak or extensive saturation.

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Important Note
While highly effective, non-invasive meters have limitations. Readings are indicative, not absolute, and can be influenced by factors like surface contaminants (e.g., salts in coastal areas) and material density. The typical depth of detection for these meters is limited (e.g., up to 40mm for the T660). If elevated readings are found, further investigation, potentially invasive, may be recommended.

3. Detailed Reporting

You’ll receive a comprehensive report that clearly outlines our findings, complete with observations, photographic evidence, and professional recommendations. Our reports categorise findings for easy understanding:

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Informational
General insights about your home.

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Minor Defects or Maintenance Items
Issues needing attention (highlighted in blue).

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Recommended for Repair Items
Issues requiring professional repair (highlighted in orange).

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Significant Defects or Safety Concerns
Critical issues that demand immediate attention (highlighted in red).

What Our Clients Say

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our clients experience:

“Jason did a very professional and prompt building inspection on a house I had put an offer on. I contacted him with very short notice. He was very quick to get back to me and we were able to set up a time for early the next day. I had the report by the end of the day. Highly recommend.“
— Sue Wylie (Google Review)

“Jason was amazing to work with. We have used him twice now, very professional and helpful. Great reports.“
— Bronwyn Anchor (Google Review).

Why Choose The House Inspector

Choosing The House Inspector Ltd means partnering with experienced, qualified professionals dedicated to protecting your property.

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Expertise You Can Trust
Our lead inspector, Jason Nicholls, is a Transitional Member NZIBS currently completing a diploma in Building Surveying and holds a Certificate in Residential Property Inspections. Jason is a Qualified LBP Builder with over 25 years of experience, plus 10+ years as a Residential Property Inspector. We bring unparalleled knowledge to every assessment.

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Non-Invasive Approach
We prioritise non-destructive methods to assess your property’s weathertightness, minimising disruption and cost.

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Comprehensive Insights
Our detailed reports provide a clear picture of your property’s condition, empowering you to make informed decisions.

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Actionable Recommendations
We don’t just identify problems; we provide clear, practical recommendations for remediation and further investigation by qualified professionals.

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Local Knowledge
Based in the Bay of Plenty, we understand the specific challenges and building practices relevant to the New Zealand environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "leaky home"?

A “leaky home” refers to a property where water from the outside has penetrated the building envelope and is causing damage, typically due to design, material, or construction flaws. It does not refer to leaks from internal plumbing.

How long does a non-invasive assessment take?

The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the property, but generally, a non-invasive assessment can take a few hours on-site.

What happens if moisture is detected?

If elevated, high, or very high moisture readings are found, our report will clearly indicate these areas and recommend next steps, which may include further, more invasive investigation to determine the source and extent of the issue.

Is this assessment suitable for pre-purchase?

Absolutely. A non-invasive weathertightness assessment is highly recommended as part of your due diligence when purchasing a property, especially older or poorly maintained homes or those with known high-risk cladding systems.

Do you offer invasive testing?

Our primary service is non-invasive. However, if our assessment identifies significant concerns that warrant further investigation, we will recommend engaging qualified professionals for invasive testing and remediation.