No.75 Guidance document on repair of leaking buildings

23 November 2007: A new guidance document External moisture – A guide to weathertightness remediation, has been released by the Department of Building and Housing.

It gives information to designers, builders and building officials about the intricacies of weathertightness repair, and informs owners of the procedures and specialist advice needed to repair timber-framed buildings affected by water entry. It is essential reading for consultants who are advising owners on weathertightness repair and to anyone interested in weathertightness.

This is a technical document that has been developed in cooperation with a range of technical experts working in different areas of remediation, including building specialists, designers, remediation contractors, building officials, building scientists and fungal decay experts. It therefore represents a broad industry view that will provide a useful benchmark for remediation work.

External moisture – A guide to weathertightness remediation outlines a process that consultants should follow when advising owners on weathertightness repair of buildings. Specialist areas are also highlighted where an experienced specialist can assist the consultant and owner with critical aspects of the remediation process, such as investigation of cause and extent of leaks, repair strategies, and analysing timber decay.

Copies of the guidance document can be obtained free of charge by contacting the Department of Building and Housing, phone 0800 242 243, fax (04) 494 0290, building@dbh.govt.nz, or by downloading a copy from the Department’s website.