subject: How to look-after your roof [print this page] How to look-after your roof How to look-after your roof
Some maintenance tasks are common to all types of roof, others are specific to the particular roof type. Some tasks will need to be completed more often if you live close to the sea or in a geothermal area. Check with the manufacturer of your roof for specific maintenance requirements. The most common type of roofing used in new New Zealand houses is galvanized or coated steel, followed by coated metal and concrete tiles.
Flashings may not last as long as the roof so they will require more maintenance. Anything that penetrates the roof, such as pipes, flues or fixings, needs special care to ensure weather tightness.
If you are not sure about roofing work or you are uncomfortable working at heights, consider using a roofing professional. Make sure your roofing professional passes on their own, and the manufacturer's warranty.
If you are painting a roof, trimming trees, cleaning guttering, replacing spouting, roofing, repairing chimneys and there are power lines nearby, arrange with your power company to disconnect the supply before carrying out the work.
Annual maintenance checks
Once a year you should check your roof cladding, chimneys and flashings by getting up onto the roof. This means using a ladder. Use your ladder safely. Do not work on a wet roof.
Falling and slipping accidents are relatively common when people climb on to a roof to carry out maintenance such as painting or cleaning gutters. On a roof, particularly over 15 degrees in pitch, you generally have little or no chance of catching yourself before the edge if you slip.
Sections of roof that can't be reached by roof ladder such as parts of a hipped roof or over dormer windows need a secure way of fixing safety ropes.
Check that the roof can be safely walked on. Some roof materials cannot support the weight of a human (translucent sheet or severely rusted galvanized steel). Old asbestos roofs and clay and concrete tiles can be damaged when walked on so wear soft soled shoes with good grip.
