The Re-roofing Process Made Simple

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The easiest way to tell if you need a roof is to safely get up onto your roof and inspect it for the following

HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED A RE-ROOF?

Asphalt Shingles – The shingles are peeling off or appear to be sun faded or have some crack.

Concrete – Your concrete tiles are chipped and/or cracking in multiple places.

Decramastic – Your tiles are dented, rusty or the chip appears to be coming off.

Longrun (Iron) – Your roof is rusty or dented.

When making the decision to put a new roof on your home, it’s good to know what to look for and what is involved. Also if you’ve never been through the re-roofing process before, you likely have a number of questions, such as:

  • How to tell if you need a re-roof?
  • If you do, where do you start?
  • How do I find the right installer?
  • What should you look for in a quote?
  • Will the roof installation disrupt my life?

These are great questions. We want to help you prepare, so in this blog we walk you through the re-roofing process and provide all the answers. The good news is that it’s probably more straightforward than you think.

I NEED TO RE-ROOF, BUT WHERE DO I START?

It’s a smart idea to do a little of your ow research before talking to a roofing professional. This way you’re prepared with questions and know what to look out for. Below are some things to consider:

Timing – Re-roofing is often weather dependent so for a timely re-roof, you should choose a time of year that’s usually dry and calm in your area. However, if the work has to be carried out during the wetter months your roofers will use a waterproof sheet (tarpaulin) on your roof to prevent any water damage. They’ll only work one section at a time, replacing each section before moving on to the next one just in case it rains.

Your roof style – Know the style of your roof – this will influence which roofing materials will be best to use.

Your Location – The weather and other environmental conditions should also greatly influence your roofing material choice.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT INSTALLER?

Now that you have an idea about what your roof needs – the next step is to look for a great installer that you can trust to do the job. A roof is a long-term investment so looking at warranties and using experienced installers is really where your focus should lie. Try asking friends for recommendations or try a google search for roof installers in your area, if you are interested in pressed metal tiles for your home you can find a list of Metrotile installers get in touch and we can provide you a list of installers for your area.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A QUOTE?

A key thing to look for in a quote is total transparency – know exactly what you’re being quoted for so you’re not surprised by extra costs later on. Some things that are required for the re-roof but might not be in your initial quote are skip-bin hire, edge protection and scaffolding hire and install.

Pro tip: Calculate your total quoted amount against how long the roof is guaranteed (warrantied) for. This will give you some perspective on value for money between different roofing materials or installers. That last thing you want to do is go to the expense of re-roofing only to need to do it all over again in 10 years because it wasn’t done properly or covered by a warranty.

WILL THE ROOF INSTALLATION DISRUPT MY LIFE?

It’s comforting to know that while your roof is being fitted it will cause minimal disruption to your everyday life. We are often asked how long will it take? Do I need to move out? What else do I need to prepare?

How long will it take? You may be surprised to learn that the average time it takes to re-roof a home from go to woe is between 3 days and 1 week, depending on the weather as well as the size and complexity of the roof. A good idea is always to ask the installer prior to installation for an estimated time frame.

Do I need to move out? Don’t worry there’s no need to move out of your home during this process and there shouldn’t be any damage inside as your roofer should work in sections, removing all of the old tiles or sheets, disposing of them, then replacing each section before moving on to the next one just in case it rains.

What else do I need to prepare? Your roofer should take care of most of the preparation however, it is good idea to check with them what they will organize and what you might have to do. The main thing is to allow clear access to your home for easy arrival and removal of roofing materials.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE MY NEW ROOF IS COMPLETE?

Once the project is complete, the contractors will remove guard rails and scaffolding from the site, before cleaning up and disposing of work materials. The roofing company will carry out a final inspection of the new roof.

As the homeowner, you will also get a chance to check your new roof at this stage and confirm you’re happy with it. This is a good time to discuss how to maintain your roof and warranties, so you have peace of mind that your new roof will last for you and your family.

For further information click the link below:

https://www.metrotile.com/news-blogs/the-re-roofing-process-made-simp

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Does Roof Maintenance Really Save Money?

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Roofing is not cheap. Whether you’re installing new roofing, reroofing, or doing repairs, you should expect a relatively costly bill. Affordable roofing Auckland says that regular roof maintenance can help you save money where the roofing is concerned but does it? The short answer is yes. Here’s why:

It Ensures Longevity

The roof’s primary job is to maintain a watertight seal on your home, which prevent the elements from raining into the building. If your roof can’t keep leaks from forming, then technically, it’s failing at its most crucial task. If your roof can’t maintain its waterproofing system, you’ll have leaks springing up everywhere. Before you know it, you’ll have watermarked ceilings in every room. The water damage might be so extensive that you’d need to do a full roof replacement – which doesn’t come cheap and could have been avoided.

It Provides Positive Damage Assessments

If your roof is insured, you can expect your insurance company to arrive twice a year to perform inspections. They want to ensure that you’ve been maintaining your roof. If not, and you try to claim to finance for repairs, you might forfeit your right to do so because you’ve been negligent. Remember, your insurance costs are expensive already, but they’re there for a good reason. When you claim from them because your roof has been damaged from inclement weather, you don’t need to foot the bill for the repairs. However, if you’ve neglected your roof, they won’t pay for it.

It Ensures Functional Roofing Elements

The ventilation and insulation within the interior of your roof don’t only keep you fresh in summer and warm in winter. They also protect your shingles from the inside out. How? When you have poor insulation or ventilation, the heat inside the house rises (because science) and builds up in the attic. The heat then radiates through the roofing structure to the shingles.

When shingles are under immense heat, they can curl, crack and break, leading to water damage and more leaks. In this situation, you’d need to pay for better insulation or ventilation if you don’t maintain your roof at all.

Performing regular roof maintenance does mean affordable roofing in Auckland. If you think that the maintenance is too expensive, or is a waste of money, you’re going to get a shock when your roof needs extensive repairs. Remember to get your roof inspected and repaired regularly now, or you’ll have some major problems later.

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Choosing a Roofing Company to reroof your house

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When your roof needs to be replaced, generally it is not a job you will be able to do yourself. It is a very specialised task and it needs to be done right, to excellent standards and offer a robust longterm warranty when complete.

There are many Auckland based roofing businesses you could employ to do the task and finding them is not difficult; a quick search engine hunt will show you many pages of options. How to choose the right one is often more difficult. Advise on your roof is vital if you are not an expert in the field and finding an unbiased company to give you the information you need can often proove tricky. There are often a few different materials to choose from and when you have decided on the material you want installed there will be different prices from different companies to explore.

You need to ensure that you are comfortable with the company you finally decide on as they are providing the shelter your family will live under for decades to come. The company should be a member of the Roofing Association of NZ and preferably should have been established for many years. It is advantageous to get quotes from several different companies and compare them. Feel free to ask a lot of questions, the company you select should not have any problems explaining roofing terms, processes, materials and warrantys. Ask several times if you feel you dont understand as a new roof is a large investment, probably one of the biggest cost you will incur when maintaining your home.

Do listen to friends and family who have had good experiences with roofing companies in the past, usually this is a sign of a good track record. Often people who have had a house reroofed will return to the same company when they move house and require reroofing of the new property.

The company you choose should value the safety of their workers and as such will insist upon scaffolding or an Edge Fall protection system that will keep everyone on the roof safe.

Ask the roofing companies if they can recommend other materials, or if they are aware of a better material than is currently on your roof, as things are always changing and it never hurts to have all the information.

Generally you are also able to view before and after photos on a companies website, or a gallery of work they have done. Request a drive-by list if you would like to see some in person.

Consider a quote from Cooper Roofing when you think you need your property reroofed, we are happy to give you an unbiased opinion of whether you need it done now, or if there is a few more years of life left in the roof.

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Clean and Pure Drinking Water

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The UN’s recent #WorldWaterDay highlighted the basic human need for drinking water that is clean and pure. Rainwater collected from a Gerard system exceeds the WHO’s standards for clarity and purity.

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When to get an assessment of your old Decramastic Roof?

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When should I get someone to check my old Decramastic Roof?

Decramastic roofing tiles, also known as Decrabond or pressed metal tiles, were widely used in New Zealand during the 1970s and 1980s. Made of galvanised steel with a bitumen overlay, the tiles were known for being lightweight and easily installed. This very feature, however, makes the older tiles vulnerable to deteriorate over time, so maintenance and replacement are often necessary. If your home has an older decramastic tile roof from the 1970s and 1980s, repair or replacement may be a consideration. Here is a look at what causes such deterioration and the best ways to remedy the situation.

Age

All roofing materials degrade over time but when the original decramastic tile roofs get older, the result can be far more unsightly. The surface coating and texture of many less expensive types of older tiles are believed to be highly vulnerable to changing temperatures. If your roof dates back to the 1970s and 1980s it’s recommended that you get a professional like Accredited Roofing to assess the old tiles before undergoing roof repairs or replacements.

Weather Damage

Driving rain, strong winds and direct exposure to New Zealand’s harsh UV rays combine over time to degrade old decramastic tile roofs, resulting in surface coating damage, dented tiles, loosened nails, chipped paint and cracks. While such damage is often repairable, basic patching techniques aren’t usually viable or recommended especially with older tiles.

Cracks and Dents

While walking on a roof is often justified during cleaning or repairs, decramastic tiles are easily cracked and damaged when subjected to such pressure. Unlike a dent in a vehicle, you can’t just pop a roof dent up to solve the problem. Older tiles are especially fragile due to having lost their original malleability. Attempting to pop up a dent may cause the tile to split, furthering the need for repairs or replacements. Modern decramastic tiles are far more heavy-duty and durable, so the chance of splitting in the future is no longer the issue it is with older tiles.

Organic Growth

Algae, lichen, moss, mildew and moulds easily grow on older decramastic tiles – resulting in the secretion of harmful acids that weaken the metal tile elements, causing leaks and a very unsightly, green-coloured growth on roofs. As the metal is eroded, rust can form on the surface which will be hard to detect because of various organic growths. Additionally, certain crawling and flying insects – which also cause damage – find such juicy growth delicious. These pests will be encouraged to make your roof their home causing further damage.

Replacing your Decramastic Roof

Your roof is obviously one of the structural elements of your home facing the most damage. It’s that part of a building that instantly and regularly comes in contact with weather components. The combination of extreme weather and temperature changes, dirt and other wind-borne elements leave an impact on roofing materials. Choosing between re-surfacing and a complete re-roofing job depends on the level of damage and deterioration to your roof.

Fortunately, the modern age of stone-coated Zincalume metal roofing is upon us, and an increasing number of homeowners opt to install and upgrade tiled or other roofing materials with new Gerard Roofs pressed metal roof tiles. Over time, metal roofs add lasting value to homes where other roofs may diminish in value. Here are a few examples of the advantages of Gerard Roofs tile roofing.

Life Expectancy

Unlike other roofing materials, the new generation of Gerard Roofs roofing tiles incorporate technologically-advances such as Zincalume protected steel, which gives tiles a longer service life than the old galvanised roofing tiles. The new generation metal tiles from Gerard Roofs come with a 30 Year Weather Security Warranty” and an additional warranty for the surface coating.

Variety of Styles

Coated metal roofs not only last longer, their appearance has changed to be a more modern and contemporary look compared to the old decramastic roofs. New generation tiles are available in a variety of profiles, colours and finishes giving you the options to choose which tile compliments your home perfectly.

Energy Efficiency

Efficiency is always a concern, so it always pays to research before going ahead with an order.The availability energy-efficient materials also ensures far less maintenance and overall weight on your home. Preserving the structural integrity of your home is always a foremost concern. Gerard roof tiles put less strain on the foundations and supporting beams.

Whatever you do…

Just because your roof is out of sight, it is still a vital component of your home – you cannot afford for it to be out of mind. If you’re in any doubt about your 1970s or 1980s decramastic roof please get Accredited Roofing to assess the old tiles before undergoing roof repairs or replacements. We will visit your property and give you a free assessment.

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Facelift for the Farmstay – Reroof of a Handsome Home

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Keep an eye on this beautiful home. Based in Coatesville, this farmstay house is being transformed with a brand new roof.

Unfortunately the existing roofing tested positive for asbestos content, so it is a bit more of a mission than some reroofs, however after a bit of shrinkwrap and a new lid, she is going to look stunning with a new Gerard Roof. The chosen profile is: Gerard Corona textured roofing with the newly released colour, Midnight. Its going to be very beautiful.

At Cooper Roofing we will take on any size residential project and provide as many aspects of your roof requirements as we are able to. On this particular project as the roofing needs to be removed by specialists in asbestos removal we need to shrinkwrap the top to keep the inside of the home watertight. Whenever asbestos has been detected in any part of a home the only people who can be on site are the specialists until it has been independantly signed off as decontaminated. This would leave the entire roof open until we can get it closed in which will take several days. The removal team also decontaminate the ceiling void so we will be replacing the Insulation while the roof is being installed.

 

As we are all aware, Auckland weather is iffy at the best of times, so we all decided we couldnt take the chance and opted for a Shrink wrap and scaffold system. This is being installed for us by the team at Supercity Scaffolding.

The owners decided that a new roof would make their spouting look tired, so we contracted the team at Spouting on the Spot to replace this for us, which will complete the homes transformation.

Fortunately for the owners, they only have to deal with one contractor – Cooper Roofing. We do the rest for them.

Cooper Roofing have assembled a great team of professionals to work with us on this project:

The beautiful property on which this home sits: http://www.camperdown.co.nz/

Manufacturer of the roofing material: https://gerardroofs.co.nz/

Providing safety scaffolding and shrinkwrap: https://supercityscaffolding.co.nz/

Safely removing the existing roofing material: https://www.atlgroup.co.nz/asbestosremoval/

Replacement of the spouting: http://www.spoutingonthespot.co.nz/

Front view of home

Front view of home
Close up of roof at front view

Close up of roof at front view
Angled view of front of home

Angled view of front of home
Close up of back of roof

Close up of back of roof
Back of roof

Back of roof
Watch this space – the transformation is going to be amazing.
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New Zealand Quality Steel Means Quality Roofing

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The inspection of every single steel coil is just one of example of Gerard’s industry leading Quality management. Find out what it means for you here:https://goo.gl/vkfXV4

 

 

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Performance and looks: the complete roof transformation

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When you’re living in a 73 year old Dunedin apartment building and the old terracotta roof is leaking, it’s not ideal!

That was unfortunately the scenario for the 25 residents at 4 Alva Street. But thanks to a new Gerard roof, they can now all look forward to a worry-proof winter.

Age leads to problems for traditional terracotta roof

Built in 1945, the 8-unit dwelling is typical of the heritage architecture in Mornington, one of Dunedin’s most historic suburbs with views over the city.

But the aging, heavy roof was causing a host of problems, as explained by Alva Street owner and the project’s lead co-ordinator, Rebecca:
“Like many roofs of that vintage in Dunedin, the original roof was Abbotsford terracotta tiles. The tiles had started to crack, and were deteriorating – causing more issues with leaks. It also had a lot of lichen on the shadier parts.”

When you’re living in a 73 year old Dunedin apartment building and the old terracotta roof is leaking, it’s not ideal!

That was unfortunately the scenario for the 25 residents at 4 Alva Street. But thanks to a new Gerard roof, they can now all look forward to a worry-proof winter.

Age leads to problems for traditional terracotta roof

Built in 1945, the 8-unit dwelling is typical of the heritage architecture in Mornington, one of Dunedin’s most historic suburbs with views over the city.

But the aging, heavy roof was causing a host of problems, as explained by Alva Street owner and the project’s lead co-ordinator, Rebecca:
“Like many roofs of that vintage in Dunedin, the original roof was Abbotsford terracotta tiles. The tiles had started to crack, and were deteriorating – causing more issues with leaks. It also had a lot of lichen on the shadier parts.”

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Today’s Metal Tiles are not “Decramastic”

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For the older generation“decramastic tiles*” means a scallop-shaped metal tile roof coated with stone chip. The issues that were often attributed to the product have, by some, continued to be associated with the new generation of acrylic, stone chip, metal tiles manufactured today.

The reality is they are totally different products and processes.

The issue of stones coming off the Decramastic roof surface was brought to public attention in 1978 in the NZ program “Fair Go”. What the public was not made aware of was the product in dispute was 15 years old and already superseded by a superior product. Nor were they generally aware that the manufacturer was successful in bringing a defamation claim against the broadcasters for misleading and incorrect statements.

Unfortunately this television program meant the general population became concerned about chip loss on metal tile roofs. But in testimony to the protective nature of the product there are still many of these roofs in service today, 50 years later, that have or can be restored with modern technology.

The idea of the chip coating came from an Englishman, Ben Booth, who developed a process for coating steel sheet with Bitumen onto which sand or grit was applied to prevent the sheets sticking together when stacked. It has been suggested that this was also to reduce glare as a form of camouflage during the wartime period around 1940.

Metal tiles made using this basic coating process were made from the late 1950s on. The first tiles were made in 1957 after Lou Fisher acquired Martile from the Martins.

In 1976 AHI Roofing initiated a major research program with the then modern technology of acrylics. By 1980 the new acrylic based product had replaced the barrier system which used the old Bituminous emulsion. These metal tiles were marketed under the brand Decrabond and New Harveytile.

In 1989 the largest installers of steel roofing tiles in Auckland engaged an engineer and chemist to develop what was to become Metrotile.

Today there are numerous manufactures of pressed metal tiles; Gerard Roofing, Metrotile, Metalcraft Roofing and others. All use similar technology, with some variations in formulation, and none use bituminous products in their manufacture.

Today’s pressed metal tiles use ZINCALUME® as a base with an acrylic coat over laid with natural stone chip with a second coat of acrylic overglaze.

The stone chips used today are similar to the originals with some synthetically coloured chip blended to offer a wider choice of colour combinations.

The range of tile profiles offered in today’s market is extensive. From the traditional to low profile slate and shake products.

While there is some differences between the warranties offered by products and brands most offer a 50 year pro rata warranty.

Cooper Roofing are a proud Gerard Roofing certified roofer, and we offer the full range of Gerard Roof tiles.

Todays tiles are not Decramastic
Todays tiles are not Decramastic

Todays tiles are not Decramastic
Todays tiles are not Decramastic

Todays tiles are not Decramastic

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Home is where the heart is

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Your home is where you put the most energy, where you want to be surrounded by comfort and safety. In other words, your home is where your heart lies. Find the Gerard Roof in the heart of this labyrinth.

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