When Water Finds a Way: Understanding Common Winter Building Defects

Across Gisborne and New Zealand, we've had our share of intense rainfall — there have been too many recent heavy weather events to count. Combined with strong winds and colder temperatures, this has placed, and continues to place, great pressure on both residential and commercial buildings. While severe weather can certainly cause immediate damage, many of the issues that emerge during winter are the result of small defects that have gone unnoticed until conditions expose them.

In just the past few months alone, our team at Repair House has attended many properties where winter weather has brought underlying building and plumbing issues to light. Although every project we attend is different, we've noticed several common patterns that continue to appear. Looking back through these jobs, there were a surprising number in such a short period of time, so we've summarised them into some basic overarching themes of what we've been finding. Essentially, consider this a bit of a local update and report back on what we've been seeing out in the field during a typical winter season.

Roofing Remains One of the Most Common Sources of Water Ingress

Roof leaks remain one of the most frequent issues we’ve encountered during winter. In many cases, the roof covering itself is not the problem. Instead, water enters through failed flashings, deteriorated sealants, roof penetrations, vents or other components that have shifted or deteriorated over time. Even a relatively small opening around a chimney, flue or roof penetration can allow large amounts of water to enter during prolonged rainfall or high winds. By the time a stain appears on a ceiling or moisture is noticed inside a pantry or bathroom, water may already have affected insulation, framing or internal finishes. Regular roof inspections, particularly after strong weather events, can help identify these issues before more extensive repairs become necessary.

Winter Often Reveals Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Not all water damage originates from the roof. Internal plumbing failures continue to account for a significant number of repair projects during winter. Leaks from tap connections, flexible supply hoses, shower wastes, hot water cylinders and household appliances can occur without immediate detection, particularly where pipework is concealed within cabinetry or wall cavities. Although the source of the leak may be relatively minor, prolonged exposure to moisture can result in swelling cabinetry, damaged flooring, deteriorated wall linings and, in some cases, mould growth.

Commercial Properties Face Similar Challenges

The same issues are regularly encountered within commercial buildings, schools and other education or public facilities. Roof penetrations, drainage overflows, extractor vents and ageing roofing components can all allow water ingress during periods of heavy rain. Because these buildings often remain occupied while repairs are planned, careful coordination is required to maintain safe access while minimising disruption to daily operations. Winter reinforces the importance of routine inspections and planned maintenance across commercial property portfolios.

Early Intervention Makes a Significant Difference

One of the strongest themes across the projects we attend is that early intervention almost always reduces both repair costs and disruption. A loose flashing, a small plumbing leak or an isolated area of moisture damage may appear insignificant initially. However, left unattended, these issues can quickly progress into larger repairs involving flooring, cabinetry, wall linings or structural components. Addressing defects promptly not only protects the building but also helps minimise inconvenience for occupants and reduces the overall scope of reinstatement work. 

Signs Worth Investigating

Property owners should consider arranging an inspection if they notice:

  • Water stains on ceilings or walls
  • Bubbling or peeling paint
  • Swollen cabinetry or skirting boards
  • Lifting or buckling flooring
  • Damp or musty odours
  • Mould appearing around bathrooms or wardrobes
  • Water dripping during heavy rainfall
  • Moisture around plumbing fixtures or appliances


While these signs do not always indicate major damage, they are often early indicators that moisture is entering the building where it shouldn't. 

An Industry Perspective

At Repair House, identifying the source of water ingress before addressing it is key to preventing further damage and protecting the long-term performance of a property.