Building Warm and Dry Homes in Hamilton

Hamilton (Māori: Kirikiriroa) lies in the North Island of New Zealand and is the biggest city in the Waikato region. With a population of around 165,400, it is the fourth most-populous city in the country. The city of Hamilton is nestled on the banks of the great Waikato River and has a land area of about 110 km2. It is well known for its decadent food, award-winning gardens and pulsating nightlife.

The area on which Hamilton lies was originally the scene of several Māori villages, which had mostly been abandoned by the time the British settlers arrived. One of these villages was called Kirikiriroa and this is also the Māori name of the city today.

Rapidly Growing Region with Diverse Economy

Hamilton has gone from being predominantly an agricultural service centre to a thriving urban area with a multifaceted economy, of which education and research play a significant role. Approximately 40,000 tertiary students reside in Hamilton, along with 1,000 PhD-qualified scientists.

Hot Summers in Hamilton

Hamilton often experiences the hottest summers in New Zealand with average maximum temperatures of 29 °C. This is often perceived as being uncomfortably warm due to the high levels of humidity, which can be likened to the tropical weather typically experienced in places like Singapore. On average, the warmest and driest month is February.

Cold Nights During the Winter Months

The humidity is also present during the winter months which makes the air feel colder than it actually is. The nights are typically colder in Hamilton than the rest of the country and the area holds the record for the coldest temperature on record at -9.9°C. Frost and foggy mornings are very common in Hamilton, the latter which can pose problems for the airport. The region is quite sheltered from the wind and is the city in New Zealand with the lowest wind speed averages.

Anyone Who Says Sunshine Brings Happiness Has Never Danced in the Rain

Hamilton receives quite a bit of rain every year, with an average annual rainfall of 1264mm. But as the saying goes, anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain! This seems to apply particularly well to the Hamilton area, where the majority of residents rate their quality of life “good” (61%) or “extremely good” (20%), according to the results of the Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2016. From a tourism point of view, however, rain may not always be desirable. As such, visitors who are looking for a sunny destination should avoid Hamilton in July, as this is the wettest month with an average rainfall of 119mm.

Insulation Considerations in Hamilton

Homes in Hamilton require an insulation solution that will meet its diverse climate. They need protection from hot summers and cold winters. Sisalation and sarking create an additional barrier against the high level of rainfall which the area is susceptible to. This is a waterproof barrier that sits directly underneath the roof or behind the exterior cladding and can also help to reflect radiant heat away from the home in the hot summers.