Look out for damaged roofs

The roof has a major impact on a house's appearance and ultimately affects its market value. If it is leaking, which sometimes is not obvious, the options are repairing, restoring or replacing.

Gary McNamara, sales and marketing manager for Harvey Roofing Systems, says there are clues to the state of a roof.

"Look for water staining on walls or ceilings and a damp musty smell.

"Next time it's raining, take a look in the ceiling cavity for leaks, wet insulation or rotting wood or building paper. Look for holes that show as light shining through and check the underside of the roofing for rust.

"From the ground or on the roof look for rust; damaged flashings; damage like dented roofing or cracked tiles; broken, missing or cracked ridging mortar; algae, moss and lichen growth; loss of protective colour coating; fading or peeling paint or chip loss."

A local plumber or roofing company can do repairs if most of the roof is in good condition. "However, one leak can often be the sign of more to come - and leaks can be difficult to find and therefore costly."

Moss, algae and lichen-growth, which can damage a roof's surface, can be sprayed, and this should be repeated every two to four years, Mr McNamara says.

A roofing maintenance or cleaning company will charge about $200.

Restoration involves minor repairs and renewing the surface coating to protect the material, reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the life of the roof.

The cost depends on the size of the roof and the material, but it will probably cost $2000 to $2500, plus GST, for an average three-bedroom house, and take three to five days to do.

Re-roofing for an average three-bedroom house ranges from about $4500 to $7000, plus GST, and takes at least five days - but it is cheaper to lay new corrugated iron over the existing iron, and that can be done in as little as two days.

Harvey Roofing Systems has a website with product options and a calculator to estimate the cost of restoration or re-roofing. Otherwise, telephone 0800 104 868 for more information and roofing brochures.

Links:

target="new">www.harveyroofing.co.nz