taylor Roofs
A Homeowner's Guide to Re-Roofing
As recommended by the Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
Re-roofing is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home — get it right, and you're protected for decades. Get it wrong, and you're looking at leaks, mould, and expensive repairs down the track. Here's what we think every Whangarei homeowner should know before starting a re-roof project.
It's more than just "old roof off, new roof on"
A proper re-roof deals with everything under the surface too — replacing worn underlay, flashings, and fixings, checking for damaged timber framing, and making sure every joint and penetration is weathertight. Any work classed as Restricted Building Work must be signed off by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), which is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. It protects your insurance, your resale value, and the safety of everyone under that roof.
Switching materials? A few things to check first
If you're considering a different roofing material to what you currently have, it's worth understanding the flow-on effects:
- Weight – Heavier materials like tiles may need extra structural support that lighter steel doesn't.
- Consent – Like-for-like replacements usually don't need a building consent, but changing material, weight, or structure may.
- Insurance – It pays to let your insurer know before work starts, as some have preferences around materials and cover.
- Asbestos – Older roofs, particularly Decramastic tiles and some older profiles, may contain asbestos. This should always be professionally tested before removal begins, and safely handled by licensed professionals if found.
Ventilation matters more than people think
Even a perfectly installed roof can trap moisture if airflow isn't right — it's simple physics, not a sign of poor workmanship. Re-roofing is the ideal time to add or upgrade ventilation while everything's already open and accessible, helping prevent condensation, mould, and premature wear down the line.
Know who's doing the work
You're entitled to ask your roofer some direct questions before committing: Will an LBP be supervising? Is the work being subcontracted? What experience do the installers have? Will you receive a Record of Work once the job's done? A reputable company will answer these clearly.
What a solid quote should include
A trustworthy quote should be fully itemised and cover things like scaffolding, safety gear, disposal of your old roof, flashings, insulation, and any consent or compliance documentation. Watch out for vague, cash-only, or pressure-tactic quotes — the cheapest price on paper can end up the most expensive once the gaps show up later.
A few things to sort before the crew arrives
- Let your insurer know work is happening.
- Keep pets secure and away from the work area.
- Disconnect external water tanks and cover header tanks.
- Let us know in advance about solar panels, sky dishes, or aerials that need removing and reinstalling.
Why choose Taylor Roofs
As Licensed Building Practitioners and proud RANZ members, we hold ourselves to the same standards this guide sets out — properly itemised quotes, qualified supervision, and full compliance documentation on every job. We're always happy to answer these questions upfront, because an informed customer makes for a smoother job and a roof that lasts.
Got questions specific to your home? Get in touch with our friendly team or head to our Reroofing Whangarei page to see how we can help.