Thinking about getting a new roof? Here, top tips to get you roof ready...
When it comes to protecting your most valuable asset, nothing has to work as hard as the roof over your home. A roof has to perform year-round, in all weather - and New Zealand is notorious for its diverse environment! While this diversity provides incredible beauty and landscapes, it also creates many challenges for a building product that's designed to protect your home from the elements! Even one small leak can cause considerable damage to a home's interior - so it's vitally important that whoever installs your roof, does it right.
You should always purchase roofing from a trained installer - the best place to find one is at www.roofingassn.org.nz - the official website for the Roofing Association of New Zealand. And remember, when getting a quote ask for some references for extra assurance.
Money matters
If you're thinking about reroofing, it may make more economic sense to completely reroof than to patch portions of the roof. By taking the whole roof off, you are better able to install insulation - ultimately, a total replacement may prove to be more cost-effective. And when making price comparisons, don't be tempted to save a few dollars by selecting cheaper materials - what you save now, you'll most likely end up spending on maintenance later!
Are we compatible?
If you are building an addition to your home, check with your builder or roofing contractor to find out whether the product you want to use is compatible with existing materials - so you can find your perfect match!
Look before you buy
Want your roof to blend in with the surrounding landscape? Or provide a contrast to your main house colour? Or perhaps you want to coordinate it with the colour of your window surrounds - whatever your need, there's a colour range out there to suit your desired look - whether it's rustic farmhouse or contemporary urban townhouse! Check out colorsteel.co.nz and be inspired!
Before making your final colour choice, it's a good idea to get some actual samples so you can see exactly what you're getting and you can visualise your stunning new look!
Consent concerns
In the dark about whether you need a building consent for a reroof? If you're replacing an old roof with a similar style roof, a building consent may not be required. However, you should check with your building consent authority, which may have restrictions on colours and profiles in some areas, as well as requirements around reflectivity of building materials.
A little bit of TLC...
Giving your roof a little bit of extra care will go a long way in extending its life. Keep your roof clean and free of debris, be proactive about removing lichen growth, trim back any overgrown tree branches and ensure the gutters are not filled with leaves. And don't forget - to ensure your warranty remains valid you must meet maintenance requirements!
Tread softly
Got somebody climbing onto your new roof? Make sure they're wearing soft-soled shoes! It's also advisable to ask that they stand in the troughs rather than on the crests of the roof profile.
For more information visit colorsteel.co.nz or phone NZ Steel on 0800 100 523
