Preparing your home for Auckland’s winter

Platinum Pacific Group has specialised in residential and commercial building, including maintenance, for more than 20 years, but we are still surprised by how often we come across subfloor moisture and poor drainage in Auckland – especially when winter rears its head.

For Managing director Marty Bamford, prevention is still better (and cheaper) than the cure.

“Every year, we see avoidable flooding and moisture damage because basic checks haven’t been done,” says Marty. “Heavy rain is getting more intense, and the building envelope needs to be winter-ready—especially the roof, gutters, windows, and subfloor.”

From cracked roof tiles to blocked weep holes, small issues can quickly turn into major repairs during a storm. Here are some practical steps homeowners can take to reduce their risk.

1. Inspect your roof – every type needs attention

Different roofing systems have different risks, and all should be checked annually—ideally by a professional.

Concrete tiles: “Check for cracks, degraded tile surfaces, and make sure the pointing around hips and ridges is solid,” says Marty. Valley trays and internal gutters must also be clear of debris.

Metal tiles: These should be checked for bent or lifted tiles, surface rust, and to ensure they are firmly fixed and valleys are clean.

Asphalt shingles: Shingles need to be well adhered and hips, ridges, and valleys checked for movement or wear. “Unlike other systems, shingle roofs don’t usually have valley trays, so drainage relies entirely on the shingles being sound.”

Corrugated iron or long-run metal: Check for rust, secure fixings, and ensure flashings—including barge and general flashings—are firm and sealed. Valleys and gutters should be free-flowing.

“All roof penetrations—like pipes, skylights and vents—need to be watertight. These are common failure points during storms,” Marty says.

2. Clear and check all gutters and downpipes

Gutters and downpipes are a frontline defence against water ingress. They must be free of blockages, correctly pitched, and sealed.

• Check that gutters aren’t leaking or overflowing.
• Confirm downpipes are unblocked and firmly connected.

“If you’ve got gutter guard or hedgehog inserts, make sure silt hasn’t built up around them—it can actually impair water flow,” says Marty.

3. Don’t overlook windows and cladding

Timber and aluminium joinery both have their vulnerabilities in wet weather.

Timber windows: Inspect the condition of the paint; make sure putty is solid, and that seals are continuous and airtight.

Aluminium windows: Ensure rubber seals (including internal and wedge rubbers) are continuous and in good condition, particularly around opening panes.

Cladding systems: Flashings and silicone seals around cladding must be intact. “Cracked sealants or missing flashings can allow wind-driven rain to enter walls,” says Marty.

Paint systems should be in good condition and external timber checked for signs of rot.

“For brick cladding, weep holes at the top and bottom should be clear,” he adds. “We often find insect cocoons blocking them, and that can trap moisture behind the brickwork.”

4. Deal with subfloor moisture before it becomes mould

Basement and foundation checks are essential to avoid long-term damage.

• Ensure there’s airflow in the subfloor and that vents are unblocked.
• In damp zones, consider installing subfloor insulation and laying polythene on the ground under timber floors.
• Strip drains, cesspits and retaining wall drainage must be clear to handle heavy rain events.

“Sudden flooding can sometimes be caused by broken public stormwater pipes or shifting ground conditions, especially on clay soils,” Marty says. “If you’ve had unexpected water appear, get it investigated—don’t assume it’s a one-off.”

If you would like a professional inspection of your home, call Platinum Pacific Group on 0800 888 774.