Many building codes and standards require water penetration testing as part of the building envelope commissioning process. By performing water penetration testing, building owners can ensure compliance with local building codes and standards, and avoid potential legal or regulatory issues.

The New Zealand Building Code has specific requirements related to weather tightness to prevent water ingress into buildings. Historically, issues related to water penetration and building weather tightness led to changes in the Building Code, particularly in the wake of the “leaky building crisis” in New Zealand.

The Building Code clause that addresses weathertightness is E2 – External Moisture. This clause outlines the performance standards and requirements related to the prevention of external moisture (including water penetration) in buildings. The code focuses on elements such as cladding systems, flashings, and detailing to ensure that buildings are weathertight.

While the Building Code does not explicitly require a specific testing method like water penetration testing, it emphasises achieving the required performance standards for weather tightness. The methods used to demonstrate compliance may include testing, product certification, and adherence to approved building practices.

Professionals in the construction industry, including architects, builders, and building surveyors, play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings comply with the weather tightness requirements outlined in the Building Code. We recommend you reach out to Rommel today to discuss the various methods we use for onsite water testing to aid in verifying compliance.

While the impact of water tightness testing on property value may vary, it is generally viewed as a positive factor in building maintenance and quality assurance. Architects, designers and builders for new builds, and then property owners and sellers for existing buildings should consider the long-term benefits of such testing regarding property value, marketability, and overall satisfaction for future or current occupants.

By ensuring that a building is water-tight and performing at optimal levels, water penetration testing can help increase the property value and marketability of a building.