FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about roofing, repairs, re-roofing and maintenance. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch with the team at DCM Roofing and we’ll be happy to help.
About DCM Roofing
DCM Roofing is Christchurch and Canterbury’s leading roofing and reroofing company specialising in multiple types of roofing material (steel, concrete tile, etc). We also supply and install skylights, solar tubes, attic ladders, flues, and solid fuel fires.
DCM Roofing is based at 11 Dolamore Place, Wainoni, Christchurch 8061
We service all areas of Christchurch, mid-Canterbury, and North Canterbury, from Ashburton to Hanmer Springs.
We provide the full range of roofing and reroofing services, including repairs to roofs. We can also install skylights, solar tubes, and through the roof fireplace flues.
We are a full-service roofing company that can manage the whole job for you from start to finish. We aim to make it easy!
We are Licensed Building Practitioners and members of both The Roofing Association of New Zealand and SiteSafe. We have been in the roofing trade for decades and have roofed, re-roofed, and worked on thousands of houses and commercial buildings throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
Yes, we do provide free roofing quotes.
Yes, we work with residential homeowners, builders, developers, and the owners of commercial buildings.
We are your one-stop shop with unbeatable business practices and experience. With decades of experience, we’re better equipped to identify problems and recommend the right solution for you. We are Licensed Building Practitioners, members of the Roofing Association of New Zealand, SiteSafe and Home Heating Association, and all our installation team are trained roofing specialists. We provide you with clear pricing and explain exactly what work will be carried out before we start. We take a ‘whole roof’ approach, which means you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors, because we do it all.
Yes, we can provide roofing services to the Greater Christchurch area, including satellite towns and regional centres in mid-Canterbury and North Canterbury. Get in touch to check that we serve your location.
Roof Repairs & Maintenance
Yes, DCM Roofing provides roof repairs throughout Christchurch. As roof repair specialists, we can also carry out any additional building work needed to restore the integrity of your roof.
Signs that your roof might still need replacing include:
• Rust or corrosion on metal roofing
• Loose or missing roofing nails or fasteners
• Persistent leaks or water stains in ceilings
• Cracked, brittle or broken roofing tiles
• Sagging roof sections or uneven surfaces
• Moss or lichen growth indicates moisture retention
• Damaged, rusted or overflowing gutters
• Loose or sagging guttering
• Water overflowing from gutters during rain
• Age of home: 40+ for steel roofs and 60+ for concrete tile roofs
Yes, we can fix roof leaks – depending on if the roofing material is still viable to repair. We can renew bargeboards, fascias, soffits and weatherboards. We can also repair water damage to interior timber and ceilings.
As roofs age, their ability to protect your home degrades. Fastenings loosen, protective coatings deteriorate, and rust forms. When that happens, water can then penetrate, leading to leaks, timber damage, and mould and insulation problems. Loose flashings and fastenings can let in the wind, leading to sudden catastrophic damage.
Yes, we can repair older and heritage roofs, but we need to assess the roof before we can give you an accurate quote. In some cases, repair might not be viable, and re-roofing will be necessary to preserve the house.
Yes, we aim to respond to requests as quickly as possible. Please get in touch.
You can repair your roof yourself, but having the job done by experienced professional roofers with the appropriate qualifications will mean it’s done to the highest standard.
We recommend a roof inspection every five to seven years, more frequently if you live in a coastal area.
If your roof is old and the roofing material is seriously degraded, or it has been damaged by high winds, you might notice a leak when it’s raining heavily. However, some roofs can also leak during light rain, which usually indicates an underlying issue that still needs repair.
Water stains on your ceiling are most likely caused by a leak in your plumbing or by holes or damage to your roof. If you notice a water stain, get in touch with us for a roof inspection.
It depends on what is causing the leak and what is required to fix it. Get in touch with us for a roof inspection.
It depends on what is causing the leak and what is required to fix it. Get in touch with us for a roof inspection and a free quote to repair your roof. We serve all parts of Christchurch.
Re-Roofing
DCM Roofing is a re-roofing specialist, and we serve all areas of Greater Christchurch, mid-Canterbury and North Canterbury.
Clear signs are widespread corrosion damage, many missing tiles, and uneven roofing surfaces due to substrate damage. However, the best way to tell if your home needs re-roofing instead of roof repairs is to have us inspect your roof for you.
Yes. DCM Roofing can assess many hard-to-access or fragile roofing areas safely, including using drone technology where appropriate and subject to airspace regulations. This allows us to inspect roofs that may be unsafe or difficult to access using traditional methods.
The re-roofing process means replacing the entire roofing surface with new roofing material, and sometimes also some building work to restore the integrity of the roof’s support structure. If there has been water ingress over an extended time, internal timber can start rotting and needs to be replaced. Soffits, fascias, and bargeboards might also need renewing and repainting, and it’s also the ideal time to replace old or broken spouting.
Naturally, we aim to complete the job as quickly as possible, but the actual length of time any re-roofing project takes depends on the size of the roof, its complexity, the materials being used, and also the weather. That means every re-roofing job is done on a case-by-case basis. Call us to discuss your project, and together we’ll make a plan.
It depends on the size, height, and configuration of your roof.
We remove the old roofing material before re-roofing and dispose of the debris.
We thoroughly recommend COLORSTEEL® / COLORCOTE® for re-roofing in Christchurch.
Re-roofing is the fastest and easiest way to increase the value of your home as it’s such a visible sign that your home has been maintained. Re-roofing is the perfect time to add or upgrade your ceiling insulation. A new roof will also trap heat better in the winter and help eliminate drafts from the ceiling cavity.
DCM Roofing works with residential homeowners and builders, and also commercial developers and building owners.
We can help guide you through any necessary building consents or council requirements. However, re-roofing doesn’t generally require consent if it’s a ‘like for like’ replacement.
Roof Replacement & New Roofing
Yes, we install new roofs in Christchurch for residential new builds, renovations, and commercial new builds and renovations.
We aim to get the job done as efficiently as we can, but the timeframe can vary depending on the size and complexity of the roof, the materials used, and the weather conditions. Every project is a bit different, so timelines are worked out on a case-by-case basis. Get in touch and we’ll plan it through together.
We recommend COLORSTEEL / COLORCOTE marine grade as the best roofing material for Christchurch homes.
‘Ironsand’ is the most popular roof colour in New Zealand. But it still comes down to personal choice, and we can help you choose a colour that suits your home.
We are happy to give you advice, but we’re not architects or designers.
How long a roof lasts in New Zealand depends on how well it’s maintained and its location. Exposure to salty sea air can reduce the life of a roof. In general, on average, roofs last between 40 and 50 years.
Butynol & Membrane Roofing
Yes, we install and repair Butynol roofing systems.
Butynol is a synthetic rubber roofing material that’s used in flat and low-pitch roofs in Christchurch and Canterbury.
Yes, we can repair leaking Butynol roofs in Christchurch and Canterbury. The method is to clean the damaged area with a compatible solvent, then we apply a primer, and lastly either a sealant or a Butynol patch.
If it’s well-maintained, you can expect an Ardex Butynol membrane roof to last around 30 years. When Butynol is installed by a currently certified Ardex Applicator, there is a warranty of between 10 and 20 years, depending on the product.
Yes, we can install waterproof membranes over existing roofing surfaces. However, because there are variables that we need to take into account, we will need to discuss the project with you and most likely inspect the existing roofing surface before we begin.
Skylights & Maxlight Tube Lights
Yes, we install skylights. Adlux is our supplier in Christchurch.
Yes, skylights can be installed in existing roofs. We frequently install skylights in Christchurch homes and for renovations.
A solar tube captures sunlight using a dome, tube and diffusion system to reflect sunlight from the roof into your home to light rooms warmly and evenly, even during low-light hours outside.
The difference between a skylight and a maxlight is their format. Skylights are window-like openings that let in light, let you see the sky and can often be opened for ventilation. Maxlights are small, sealed tubes with a dome at the top to capture light and reflect it into the house. They come in different size options: 250mm, 400mm and 500mm. They are intended for small spaces like bathrooms and hallways. Like a skylight, they let in light but cost less.
Skylights certainly make a house more pleasant and inviting, especially in dark and gloomy rooms.
Adding natural light through skylights will make any home feel lighter and more airy. In particular, it will make a dark room or hallway much more pleasant to be in. Opening skylights allows extra airflow in stuffy rooms or when you might not be able to open a window.
Gutters & Spouting
Yes, DCM Roofing does repair spouting and gutters in Christchurch.
Yes, leaking spouting should be replaced or repaired urgently. The leaks can damage your house and undermine the foundations, resulting in the need for much more expensive repairs.
It depends on the scale of the replacement and what the guttering is made of.
You should inspect your gutters regularly for signs of blockage from leaves and weeds. If you notice any buildup, it’s time to clean your gutters. As a guide, gutters should be cleaned at least once a year.
Yes, we do provide gutter cleaning and maintenance services in Christchurch. Contact us for a quote.
Depending on the scale of the job, installing new guttering on an average single-story three-bedroom house takes about one day.
These are the signs that it could be time to call us about replacing your guttering or spouting:
• Overflowing.
• Standing water in the spouting.
• Gaps between the sections of spouting.
• Sagging spouting.
• Cracks or holes in the spouting.
• Water damage to the fascia, soffits, or walls.
• Undermining of the house’s foundations.
Fireplace & Flue Installations
Yes, we’re specialists in installing solid fuel fireplaces and flues through roofs.
Yes, we can install a solid fuel fireplace in an existing home.
We make sure the roof and chimney connect properly so that the roof remains watertight. We can also supply the scaffolding required for the job. Council consents are required for a new fireplace, which we can manage on your behalf. We can also arrange for your fireplace retailer to deliver the fire to your home for us to install.
Roofing Safety & Scaffolding
Yes, DCM Roofing is your one-stop roofing company, and we can supply all the scaffolding needed to safely install your new roof.
Yes, there are very strict safety regulations for roofing scaffolding in New Zealand, which are primarily governed by WorkSafe NZ under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. We ensure that all work we undertake is compliant with the roofing safety regulations.
Yes, our roofers use safety harnesses or other edge protection systems, such as scaffolding to prevent falls. Under WorkSafe NZ guidelines, if a fall hazard cannot be eliminated or isolated, a harness system, such as total restraint or fall arrest, must be used to minimise risk.
Quotes, Process & Working With Builders
Getting a quote is easy. Just call us on 03 389 8897, email office@dcmroofing.co.nz, or use the handy contact form on this website.
A roof inspection is an external survey of the roof where we determine the condition of the roof. When the inspection is complete, we will give you a report on what repairs, if any, are needed, the roof’s expected lifespan, and your options for repair or replacement.
Yes, we work with architects and builders on new builds and renovation projects.