The complete NZ roof replacement guide

1. Signs you need a new roof

Widespread rust or coating loss, cracked tiles across the roof, repeated leaks in different places, and rotting battens point to replacement. A single storm-damaged area usually points to repair. More: signs your roof needs replacing, repair vs replacement.

2. Materials compared

Long-run steel, particularly corrugated and trapezoidal profiles, is by far the most common NZ re-roof choice ¹. Published lifespans: long-run steel 40–60+ years, concrete tiles 40–50, clay 50–70+, metal tiles 30–50 ¹; membranes 20–30 ². Full table: types of roofs in NZ. Coatings: Colorsteel vs Zincalume.

3. Costs

Published 2026 guides put typical NZ re-roofs at about $15,000–$55,000 incl. GST, with 3-bedroom homes around $18,000–$30,000 and 4-bedroom $25,000–$42,000 ¹. Long-run steel runs about $130–$180/m² ¹. Removal ($15–$50/m²) and scaffold ($2,000–$10,000) may be extra ³. Use the estimator.

4. Building consent (MBIE guidance)

• Like-for-like re-roofing of a roof more than 15 years old: no consent needed ⁴
• Clay tile to profiled metal in the same position: MBIE exempt example; consider uplift ⁵
• Roof that failed within 15 years: consent needed ⁴
• Substantial replacement of structural components: not covered by the exemption ⁵

Unsure? Ask your council about a discretionary exemption ⁵. Detail: consent guide.

5. Asbestos (WorkSafe rules)

More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos needs a Class B or A licensed removalist; any friable asbestos needs Class A; the 10 m² limit is cumulative for the project ⁶⁷. Published removal costs are around $50–$150/m² ⁸. See asbestos roof replacement.

6. Choosing a roofer / LBP

Roofing is an LBP licence class ⁹. Restricted building work, meaning consented work affecting structure or weathertightness, must be done or supervised by an LBP, who provides a Record of Building Work ¹⁰¹¹. Ask for the wind zone, fixing pattern, product warranty and a line-by-line scope. Use our question list and checklist.

7. Timeline

Typically 3–7 working days on site for an NZ home ¹². See how long a re-roof takes.

8. Wellington wind and coastal exposure

NZS 3604 Very High and Extra High zones are 50 and 55 m/s design speeds ¹³, and fixing patterns step up with the zone ¹⁴. Salt exposure categories run from Mild (typically 5 km+ from surf) to Extremely Severe ¹⁵. Local detail: Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Kāpiti.

9. Insurance and finance

Insurance generally covers sudden damage, not gradual deterioration or wear and tear ¹⁶¹⁷. For funding options see financing a re-roof.