Roofing guidesStart with the question you've actually got.
Most roofing questions start with something going wrong, or a quote that doesn't quite add up. These guides answer them in plain English, say what's safe to do yourself, and tell you when it's time for a roofer. Pick the one closest to your problem.
Something's wrong right now
Water coming through the ceiling? Go straight to what to do about an emergency roof leak. The power, a bucket and everyone's safety come before finding the cause, and nobody needs to be on a wet roof tonight.
After a storm or an earthquake, read storm damage roof claims or Natural Hazards Commission roof claims before you agree to any repairs, so your claim isn't caught out.
Weighing up a big job
The decision most people get stuck on is restoration or re-roof. On an iron roof, repaint or re-roof is the sharper version of the same question, and how long a roof lasts puts your roof's age in context.
Before you sign anything, how to choose a roofer, checking an LBP and reading a roofing quote cover the checks worth doing. Building consent for a re-roof and written contracts and disclosure cover the rules that protect you.
Older homes and upkeep
If the house was built before 2000, read is my roof asbestos? before anyone cleans, cuts or quotes. Villa owners will want re-roofing a villa, and anyone with an old brick chimney should read chimneys and earthquakes.
For the slow stuff, moss and lichen explains why a water-blaster is often the wrong tool, and roof insulation and underlay covers the layers under the roofing.
Every guide lists its sources at the foot of the page, so you can check anything we say. When you're ready for a roofer to look at it, we'll pass your job to one checked local roofer.