The common theme in Sam’s sector- and world-spanning career is the successful design and implementation of cutting-edge building enclosure systems. “I’ve always had a keen interest in making sure that structures are sound, durable and of the highest quality,” he says. “Since completing my PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Auckland, I’ve been working, in particular, in the water testing space, focusing on building façades and weather-tightness. I work closely with experts like Rommel to deliver robust solutions that meet client expectations and industry requirements.”
Weather-tightness is crucial, Sam says, in ensuring the long-term sustainability of any building. Without it, water ingress can cause severe damage over time, including mould growth and structural weakening. “Rommel plays a pivotal role in providing industry-leading weather-tightness solutions that are both innovative and quality-assured,” he says. “We help elevate industry standards by offering tested, certified approaches that ensure buildings stay dry and safe, ultimately preserving their integrity for years to come.”
The key to doing so successfully is marrying a tailored project approach with the latest available technologies, Sam says. “We stay on top of industry innovations, technologies, and methodologies, but we also understand that each project comes with its own set of challenges. We work hands-on with clients, adapting our technical knowledge to meet real-world demands. Whether it’s diagnosing a leak or conducting comprehensive façade testing, we always ensure that we approach each job with a practical mindset, delivering solutions that are as actionable as they are effective.”
Rommel’s methodologies recently underwent rigorous testing and the business was rewarded with a Water and Glass Association of New Zealand (WGANZ) accreditation stating that they meet the highest industry standards. “The WGANZ accreditation assures our clients and the industry that when Rommel and I are involved, the testing is reliable, thorough, and adheres to the strictest guidelines. It’s more than just a stamp of approval; it’s a commitment to excellence and consistency in the work we deliver.”
As part of its forward-thinking approach, Rommel is working with thermal imaging, drones, and Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) to solve current and prevent future weather-tightness issues. “With these advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, we are able to locate hidden or hard-to-reach vulnerabilities,” Sam says. “We recently completed a complex project involving a large commercial structure where leaks had been causing issues for years. Our team was brought in to not only identify the source of the leaks but to provide comprehensive solutions that would prevent future problems. In another project, we helped a client with a multi-story residential building that required both water- and air-tightness testing. Each project had its own set of challenges, but through collaboration, technical skill, and experience, we delivered the results the clients needed.”
Rommel is the first independent company in New Zealand to be using ELD technology, Sam says, and this is an area where he is excited to grow the business. “ELD allows us to pinpoint even the smallest leaks in membranes quickly and accurately, ensuring weather-tightness in a way that traditional methods simply can’t match. This technology is a game-changer for the industry, and we’re excited to lead the charge in bringing it to the forefront.”
By getting on board with these new technologies, the building industry can find more effective and more time- and cost-efficient solutions to a range of weather-tightness challenges, Sam says. “These tools will allow us to detect leaks, heat loss, and other structural issues with greater precision, offering faster and more detailed insights for our clients. By integrating these technologies, we’re aiming to stay at the forefront of the industry and continue delivering innovative, high-quality solutions. New Zealand can sometimes be slow to adapt to new technologies, and there is definitely a learning curve and some upskilling required to use them. But the combination of experience and innovation is what will ultimately help us solve these issues. Hard work only matters so much; smart work is also compulsory.”
Sam is always open to connecting with industry professionals, developers, and builders who are committed to quality and innovation. “We’re here to collaborate and help make your projects as sound and durable as possible. Whether it’s for water testing, leak detection, or general weather-tightness advice, we’re ready to assist!”
To learn more and connect with Sam, visit https://rommel.co.nz/ and follow him on LinkedIn.
