Re-roofing refers to the process of removing an existing roof covering, repairing any damage to the framing or substrate (this may include replacing roof trusses and support battens or purlins), removing and replacing existing underlay and installing a new roof covering. This may be done for aesthetic reasons – to freshen a house up for sale, or simply to update the look of your forever home – or it may be done to address underlying issues such as rot or water damage to the roof structure, wall lining and ceiling. Replacing your roof is the best way to prevent further damage to the internal structure of the house and the costly repairs that follow.

Choosing whether to repair a leaky roof or replace it entirely is one of the biggest decisions homeowners face when it comes to general maintenance of their property exterior. The decision is generally influenced by cost factors – repairs versus replacement – but also needs to take into account the lifespan of the roof, and whether or not it has enough serviceable life left in it to merit ongoing repairs.

Typically, a house will only need two full roof replacements in its lifetime – this is when the entire roof is stripped back and all elements are replaced with new roofing materials ie: roofing sheets, flashings, fixings and underlay.

Minor or ongoing repairs is generally sufficient for a newer roof which may be experiencing some localised leaks or spot failure. However, if any rot or damage to the substrate is found, it can quickly become a much larger job than first thought. If you are in any doubt, it is always recommended to seek professional opinion from a roofing specialist in order to avoid unexpected surprises down the track. If your roof has required a number of repairs over a period of several years, or if it continues to leak in certain spots regardless of previous attempts to repair, it is highly likely that it is time to consider a full roof replacement.

As a general rule – replacement rather than repair is recommended for any roof which is over 30 years old – at this point the roof is nearing the end of its serviceable  life and attempts at patching are likely to cause additional problems to those they were intended to fix.

The cost of a roof replacement depends on a variety of factors – not simply the square meterage of the roof. It is always best to obtain a free quote from a roofing professional which takes into consideration all aspects of your particular project – a simple square meter rate can be very deceiving if it doesn’t factor in all the key elements. A quote from Aspect Roofing is always under no obligation and free of charge.

It may be tempting to just carry out ongoing repairs to nurse your roof through for a few extra years, but on an ageing roof, the more often you walk on it or disturb the sheets and fixings, the more likely it is to create additional leak points to those you have just repaired. While it may be cheaper in the immediate term – if your roof is nearing the end of it’s serviceable life, minor repairs are simply a case of delaying the inevitable. It also pays to note that minor repairs have become more expensive in recent years due to more stringent requirements around health and safety – a simple repair may require significant scaffolding or access requirements that can be very expensive and a few repeat visits can easily eclipse the eventual cost of simply replacing your roof.

• Materials – longrun vs tile etc. Marine vs standard grade coatings. 
• Roof Pitch – generally the lower the slope, the lower the cost
• Height – generally the higher the roof, the higher the costs
• Accessibility – delivery access, site access, roof access
• Labour – how complex is the roof and how long will it take
• Location – are you near the sea? Marine grade coatings are more expensive. Do you live in a rural area? Additional charges for delivery may apply
• Special Equipment – do we need a small crane to lift the materials onto the roof or can a standard hiab truck handle the load up
• Safety – do you need full scaffold or just guard rails / edge protection. Are there electrical wires which require isolating before the install commences?

Typically a home insurance policy will cover the cost of damages to your roof caused by sudden, unforeseen, accidental incidents or natural disasters – regardless of what works are required to remedy these, whether it be repairs or replacement. For instance if a tree blows onto your roof during a storm, causing significant damage to cladding sheets, insurance would generally cover the cost of necessary repairs to the affected area.

However, when issues arise due to gradual damage or degradation over time, these are considered wear and tear and are generally not covered by your insurance policy. Likewise, internal damage resulting from a slow leaking roof that has exceeded its life span would not be covered because they constitute a failure to maintain and fall under the responsibility of the homeowner’s ongoing maintenance obligations.

Roof maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner, and there are steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of a roof. These include regular roof inspections and regular maintenance, such as cleaning out the gutters and trimming back trees, along with an annual wash down of any areas not regularly washed by rain. 

As a general rule if your roof is showing signs of rust or if the soft edge mesh under your ridge is degrading, if there are fixings missing or popping out from the roof sheets, if there are sheets which are lifting at the laps or if your roof has short sheets which have been overlaid horizontally (rather than one long run sheet from ridge to gutter) – you may want to enlist the help of a professional to assess the condition and advise on a timeframe for reroofing.

You can expect your re-roof to last at the very least to the end of the warranty period specified in the manufacturer’s terms and conditions – this will be supplied by your roofing installer on completion of reroofing works. As a general rule we expect a roof to significantly outlast it’s base warranty period – however, climate and weather conditions can reduce the lifespan of your roof regardless of what product you use, particularly if guidelines for sea spray / environmental zones have not been followed. Below is a quick indication of the expected lifespan for various roof types – these may vary depending on the climate and level of exposure to salt water and/or heavy industry emissions present in your area.

• Longrun metal / metal tile roofing – 40+ years
• Membrane / rubber roofing – 30+ years
• Composite tile / shingle roofing – 12-20 years
• Asphalt shingle roofing – 15-20 years

The roof structure itself should last for the lifetime of the house, and should not ordinarily need replacing when you install new roof coverings. However, this will depend on whether the external cladding has remained watertight throughout its lifespan or if it has been exposed to leaks over a sustained period of time.

While the upfront costs of any major renovation project, including reroofing, may be a little daunting, replacing your roof is one of the best investments you can make in securing the future of your home. A brand new roof will typically last a minimum of 30 years, giving you the security of knowing your family will be warm and dry for years to come. If you are looking to sell, a new roof will instantly add value to your home with enhanced street appeal – a fresh, tidy looking exterior will offer you a competitive edge when compared to similar properties on the market.

To carry out a full roof replacement, all the old roofing material needs to be removed, exposing the underlying roof structure. From here a new layer of synthetic breathable roof underlay is installed over the framing to ensure moisture doesn’t build up in your roof cavity, and finally, new metal roofing sheets are installed with appropriate roof fixings. See below for the ten steps to re-roofing your house.

• Set up scaffolding or edge protection as required for safety 
• Remove old roofing material – tiles, iron, underlay.
• Inspect roof structure for defects – any major rot or damage to the existing structure will require a builder to remedy 
• If you are wanting to replace your insulation – this is a good time to do so when the roof is open
• Install new roofing underlay
• Install new roofing material
• Install flashings and finishing touches
• Site clean-up – removal of all trade waste and debris from site
• Final inspection and sign off
• Delivery of warranties and record of works

The duration of any project is dependent on both size and complexity – however as a general guide, we would expect 2 days for a small, uncomplicated job and up to 2 weeks for a larger, more complex project. Please note that re roofing is very much weather dependent and significant rain will cause delays – however, your roofer will make sure your house is not open to the elements by only removing and recovering small areas at a time, taking care to ensure no part of the roof is left open once they finish for the day.

Both roofing colour and material are important factors to note when considering the overall temperature and energy efficiency of your home.  

As a general rule, a light-coloured roof absorbs less heat, while a darker coloured roof absorbs more. You may consider choosing a roof colour that will allow your home to benefit from added warmth if you live in cold or damp areas, or one that will not retain any additional heat if you already benefit from all day sun. If unsure, it is best to seek your roofing contractor’s advice for the ideal roof colour in your area.

Please refer to the following links to help you decide on a colour that’s perfect for your home:

https://www.colorsteel.co.nz/products/colours

https://www.colorcote.co.nz/colour-design/colour-palette/

While roof cladding selection is largely a matter of personal choice, your decision may be affected by a number of influencing factors – these include your proximity to the ocean, general climate, the design of your house as well as the general style of the houses in your neighbourhood.

Certain profiles are more cost effective than others, and all are subject to various design parameters ie: minimum pitch requirements, which will affect our ability to install and warranty them. 

Aspect Roofing specialise in the installation of both longrun metal roofing and European tray / standing seam metal roofing – from traditional corrugate villas to sleek modern design, we have a profile to really make your home shine! Our installers all hold relevant qualifications and/or LBP Metal Roofing certification.

We offer a 10 year workmanship warranty, along with the security of engaging an established, long standing company who will be around long enough to honour it should the need arise. We pride ourselves on providing high quality product, skilled install and fair and honest service at all times. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs.