CANTERBURY HOMES
Re-roofing
You know what it's like living in Canterbury. We have the most extreme climate in the whole of the country that ranges from the hottest days to the coldest nights, with ferocious wind and corrosive sea air thrown in for good measure. So it’s no wonder that Canterbury and Christchurch roofs get a hammering, which of course has an impact on their service life. Because their role is to protect your home, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and to know when re-roofing is actually your smartest option.
What happens as roofs age?
Even well-built roofs by DCM Roofing eventually wear out. In Christchurch, many homes were built decades ago, and plenty of them still have their original roof. In fact, there are many roofs out there which are 60 years old or more, especially houses with the concrete tiles that were once so popular.
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 flashing and fastening can let in the wind, leading to sudden catastrophic damage – as you would have seen in videos doing the rounds at the time of the high winds in Canterbury in Spring 2025.
It’s tempting to try to save money with short-term fixes such as banging in extra nails, patching or repainting. But that really just delays the inevitable and might even make things worse, especially if the damage to the underlying materials has already begun.
What is re-roofing?
Re-roof means replacing the entire roofing surface, 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 need 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. But once all that’s done you can be confident your home will be protected and watertight for decades to come.
How to tell when you need a new roof
Some warning signs of roof failure are obvious, like corrosion holes or missing tiles, while others are a bit trickier to spot because they develop slowly over time. Common indicators 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
Age alone can also be a factor. Even if your roof looks OK from the ground, its underlying materials might still have severely deteriorated. A professional inspection by DCM Roofing can tell you whether repairs will do the trick or if a full re-roof is the better viable option.
How to choose the best re-roofing company
Because re-roofing is a significant investment, selecting the right contractor is critical. Homeowners should look for several key factors:
Experience and expertise
Re-roofing requires specialised skills. We have decades of experience so we’re better equipped to identify problems and recommend the right solution for you.
Transparent quotes
We provide you with clear pricing and explain exactly what work will be carried out before we start. That gives you confidence you’ll not only get what you pay for, but we’ll exceed your expectations!
Qualified professionals
We are Licensed Building Practitioners, members of the Roofing Association of New Zealand and SiteSafe, and all our installation team are trained roofing specialists.
Full-service capability
We take a ‘whole roof’ approach, which means you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors, because we do it all. Roofing projects often involve more than just the roof surface, including spouting, flashings, skylights, scaffolding, and carpentry. We have all those skills and more in-house at DCM Roofing.
CHRISTCHURCH ROOFS FACE HARSH CONDITIONS
COASTAL FACTOR IN EASTERN CHRISTCHURCH
The salty sea air in New Brighton, Wainoni, Southshore and Sumner adds another dimension to the challenge roofs in Christchurch have to deal with. Salt carried in coastal winds rapidly accelerates corrosion, particularly on metal roofing systems. Salt particles settle on roofing surfaces and gradually break down protective coatings, exposing the metal beneath. Over time, this can lead to rust, weakened fastenings and leaks. As a result, roofs near the coast often have a shorter lifespan than those further inland and require higher-quality material. We specialise in marine grade products throughout Christchurch and coastal areas, as they offer greater durability and the best warranty protection.
A NEW ROOF IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
PROTECT THE FUTURE VALUE OF YOUR HOME
A new roof is one of the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to add value to your home. It also ensures that when it comes time to sell, your home will be in the best possible condition because it’s dry and rain-proof. And there’s no doubt that a new roof looks great from the street, creating a more positive first impression that translates to a stronger sale value.
Reliable weather protection
Old roofs leave your home vulnerable to the heavy rain, high winds, and extreme temperature variations that are common in Canterbury. A new roof from DCM Roofing will take the worry away the next time a weather bomb looms on the horizon.
Structural integrity
Moisture ingress is your home’s worst enemy. Over time it can rot and destroy timber and let damp permeate your home degrading interior linings and unhealthy mould formation. A new roof by DCM Roofing will ensure that water stays outside where it belongs.
Long-term confidence
With the right materials, experienced tradespeople, and a company committed to long-term solutions, a re-roof by the team at DCM Roofing will provide you with decades of protection and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Minor issues can sometimes be repaired, but if there is widespread damage or corrosion, a full re-roof is often the better long-term solution.
How long does a roof usually last?
Most roofs last around 40–60 years depending on the material, maintenance and exposure to coastal conditions.
We recently entrusted Iain and the team with replacing our concrete tile roof with Colorsteel and couldn't be happier with the result. From the detailed quote through to the completed work, the entire process was professional and efficient. Our house and garage were re-roofed within a week and everything was left clean and tidy. We would highly recommend DCM Roofing to anyone looking for a professional, friendly and reliable roofing company.
Fiona Ward
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