Welcome to our thermal imaging blog, as specialists in weathertight inspections and pre-purchase, pre-sale building inspections in Auckland and Waikato, we’re continuing our series on protecting your home from New Zealand’s ongoing leaky homes challenges. This month, we explore thermal imaging for moisture detection, a cutting-edge, non-invasive tool that’s essential for identifying hidden leaks and preventing costly damage in Auckland and Waikato properties.

With over 20 years of experience in leaky building inspections and remedial work, we’ve helped countless homeowners avoid the pitfalls of undetected moisture ingress. Thermal imaging has revolutionised how we conduct pre-purchase, pre-sale and maintenance home and commercial building and weather tight inspections in NZ by Weather Tight Solutions, allowing early detection that saves $10s and even $100s of thousands in repairs and leaky building remediation.

Infrared thermal imaging (or thermography) uses specialised cameras to capture temperature variations on surfaces. Wet areas cool differently through evaporation, appearing as distinct “cold spots” on scans—revealing moisture pathways, damp insulation, or leaks behind walls and in ceilings without any invasive or destructive testing.

This is particularly vital in New Zealand’s variable climate, where high humidity in Auckland and variable rainfall in Waikato accelerate hidden decay. As government determinations have shown, thermal imaging provides crucial evidence in assessing moisture levels in inaccessible areas.

Key advantages for weathertightness inspections:

•  Non-destructive and fast: Scan entire walls, ceilings, roofs, and joinery quickly—no holes or cladding removal needed.

•  Early leak detection: Spots issues before visible signs like staining, mould, or rot emerge, ideal for monolithic cladding homes or properties at risk of leaky building syndrome. But do remember all home and cladding types can and do leak. Weather board and brick homes can also leak. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/property/test-and-check-before-buying-a-leaky-house-of-horrors/P7CABJ7ERWWFU5QPK2V5GA6CIA/

•  Multi-purpose: Also identifies insulation gaps, air leaks, and electrical faults.

•  Compliant and reliable: Our scans follow best practices, and are always combined with moisture meters and detailed visual inspection for confirmation.

Advancements in high-resolution cameras and AI-enhanced analysis are making thermal imaging building inspections even more precise. Features like overlaid visual-thermal images provide clearer insights, helping inspectors predict and prevent issues in both older leaky-era homes (1990s-2000s) and newer builds.

In NZ, thermal imaging has been a key tool in leaky homes assessments since the early 2000s, as highlighted in media reports on identifying “leaky home syndrome.”

•  How thermal tools help spot leaky homes: Stuff.co.nz article on thermal imaging for leak identification

•  Testing before buying potential leaky properties: NZ Herald on pre-purchase checks

•  Official use in building disputes: Government Building Performance determination involving thermal imaging

In the context of New Zealand’s leaky homes crisis, a thermal imaging moisture inspection adds critical depth to standard pre-purchase building reports. At Weather Tight Solutions, we always use professional infrared equipment for every inspection to deliver detailed annotated reports with clear findings and recommendations, perfect for buyers, sellers, or ongoing maintenance in all homes and commercial properties not just presumed “high-risk” properties like those with plaster cladding.

Especially recommended for homes built pre-2010 or any building with flat roofs, parapets, waterproof decks, or recessed details in Auckland’s humid conditions or Waikato’s wet climate.

•  Book thermal scans in cooler weather for better contrast.

•  Pair with invasive testing if scans indicate concerns. We will provide a full scope and quote  

•  Monitor insulation performance—uneven patterns can signal deeper hidden problems.

•  Prevent mould and health risks from trapped moisture.

Proactive thermal imaging and full weathertight inspections are your best defence against hidden leaks turning into major remediation costs. We check for both external moisture penetration and internal moisture issues. Unfortunately internal moisture leakage from bathrooms and hidden plumbing is also a big issue in many NZ homes.  

Ready to uncover hidden issues in your property? Secure peace of mind with a professional thermal imaging weathertight inspection from Weather Tight Solutions. Serving Auckland and Waikato, our experts deliver accurate, fast results tailored to your needs. Call 0800 532 578 today for a free consultation or to book your online quote, don’t risk buying a leaky home or commercial property. Visit www.weathertightsolutions.co.nz now.