Cladding Installation & Repairs Wellington

Understanding cladding in Wellington’s climate

Wellington’s famous wind, salt-laden air and horizontal rain put building envelopes through more punishment than most New Zealand regions. Correctly detailed cladding keeps water out, manages vapour and shields the frame from corrosion or rot. By engaging experienced cladding professionals you safeguard both aesthetics and long-term asset value.

Key services offered

• New-build installation – full façade setup, including substrate prep, flashings and junctions.
• Repair & maintenance – replacing damaged boards, fixing flashing failures, repainting or re-sealing.
• Targeted leak remediation – tracing and sealing specific moisture ingress points.
• Facade upgrades – adding insulation or switching to low-maintenance materials.
• Complete recladding – see our dedicated recladding specialists if consented replacement of the entire envelope is required.

Common cladding materials in Wellington

1. Timber weatherboard – classic Kiwi look, excellent seismic flexibility but needs diligent painting.
2. Fibre-cement sheet or bevel-back – low maintenance, good impact resistance.
3. Metal panels – aluminium or steel for crisp modern lines; requires correct isolating of dissimilar metals near the coast.
4. Engineered composites – plywood or high-pressure laminate panels that balance durability with design freedom.

Budgeting your project

What affects cost?

• Material choice and finish quality.
• Complexity of the façade (curves, multi-storey, high wind-zone details).
• Access requirements—scaffolding, rope access or traffic management.
• Extent of substrate repairs or insulation upgrades.
• Certification, council consent and sign-off fees.

As a starting point, basic timber weatherboard install on a single-storey home might run from NZ$150–$250 per m², whereas high-spec metal panel systems can exceed NZ$400 per m² once flashings and membranes are included. Obtain at least three detailed quotes from qualified contractors before committing.

Selecting the right contractor

Essential checks

• Licensing – ensure the installer holds the relevant LBP Carpentry or External Plastering licence.
• Local experience – look for portfolios featuring Wellington wind zones 3–4 and marine environments.
• Manufacturer accreditation – many proprietary systems require certified applicators to maintain warranties.
• Detailed scope & timeline – ask for a written programme outlining weather contingencies.
• Previous client feedback – verified reviews on ArchiPro provide genuine insight.

If you still need materials, browse our vetted cladding suppliers to compare product ranges and lead times before locking in your installer.

Compliance & warranties

All exterior cladding work must satisfy NZ Building Code Clause E2/AS1 External Moisture. Familiarise yourself with the performance requirements published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) and ensure your contractor agrees to provide producer statements and warranty documents on completion. For most systems, workmanship warranties range from two to five years, while material warranties can extend beyond twenty.

Maintenance tips for coastal Wellington homes

• Rinse salt spray off metal or painted façades every three months.
• Touch-up paint chips promptly to prevent moisture ingress.
• Keep vegetation trimmed at least 150 mm away from walls.
• Inspect flashings and sealants annually, especially after storms.
• Log each inspection; a documented history supports future warranty claims and property resale.

Next steps

Ready to begin? Short-list two or three installers, share your plans and set up site visits. The more detail you provide—drawings, material specs, colour codes—the more accurate your quotes will be. With the right Wellington cladding expert on board, you’ll gain a weather-tight, visually striking exterior that stands up to the capital’s gales for decades to come.