A roofer's site inspection is much more than a quick glance from the driveway. A qualified roofer will systematically assess your roof's condition, identify any existing or potential problems, and give you an honest picture of what work — if any — needs doing. Most inspections take between 30 minutes and a couple of hours depending on the size and complexity of your roof.
Why Get a Site Inspection?
Roofs in New Zealand face some tough conditions — UV radiation, high winds, heavy rain, and in some regions, salt air, frost, or even snow. Regular inspections help catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. If you're buying a home, planning a renovation, or have noticed a leak or damaged material, a professional inspection is a smart first step.
What the Roofer Will Check
1. Roof Covering and Surface Condition
The roofer will closely examine the roofing material itself — whether that's corrugated steel, long-run metal (like ColorSteel), concrete or clay tiles, or membrane roofing. They'll look for:
- Cracked, broken, or slipped tiles that allow water ingress
- Rust, corrosion, or coating failure on metal roofing
- Lifted or loose sheets that could be vulnerable in high winds
- Moss, lichen, or debris build-up that traps moisture and accelerates deterioration
- Ponding water on low-slope or flat roofs, which can indicate drainage problems
2. Flashings
Flashings are the metal strips that seal junctions between the roof and walls, chimneys, skylights, and penetrations. They're one of the most common sources of leaks in NZ homes. The roofer will check that flashings are properly lapped, sealed, and not lifting, corroding, or cracking. This is especially important around chimneys and where rooflines meet walls — areas covered under NZ Building Code clause E2 (External Moisture).
3. Gutters and Downpipes
Gutters and downpipes are part of the roof drainage system and are usually included in the inspection. The roofer will check for:
- Sagging, leaking, or overflowing gutters
- Blocked downpipes or leaf guards
- Incorrect fall (gutters should slope toward the downpipe)
- Corrosion or joint failures
Poor drainage can cause water to back up under the roof edge or overflow against the house, leading to moisture damage in walls and foundations.
4. Roof Structure (Where Accessible)
If the roofer can access the ceiling space or subfloor, they may check the roof framing — rafters, purlins, and battens — for signs of rot, sagging, or structural movement. In NZ, timber-framed roofs are commonly built to NZS 3604, and any structural concerns may require a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) or engineer to assess further.
5. Roof Penetrations
Every pipe, flue, skylight, or vent that passes through your roof is a potential weak point. The roofer will check that all penetrations are properly flashed and sealed, and that no gaps have opened up over time.
6. Ventilation
Adequate roof space ventilation helps prevent condensation build-up, which can cause timber decay and mould. The roofer may note whether ventilation appears sufficient, though a full assessment may involve a building inspector or insulation specialist. Energywise has useful guidance on roof space ventilation and insulation.
7. Interior Signs of Moisture
A thorough roofer will also ask about — or look for — signs of leaks from inside the home: water stains on ceilings, damp insulation, or mould in the ceiling space. These clues help pinpoint where the roof may be failing.
What You'll Receive After the Inspection
A good roofer will provide a clear verbal or written summary of their findings. This should include:
- Condition rating of the roof overall
- Specific defects identified and their likely cause
- Recommended repairs or maintenance, with priority levels
- Rough cost indication for any work needed (detailed quotes come later)
Some roofers provide a written inspection report with photos — it's worth asking for this, especially if you're buying a property.
Does a Roof Inspection Require a Building Consent?
The inspection itself doesn't require consent. However, if significant repair or replacement work follows, you may need a building consent depending on the scope. Minor like-for-like repairs are generally exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but always confirm with your local council before starting work — rules vary by region and roof type.
For guidance on what requires consent, MBIE Building Performance is the authoritative source.
When to Call a Professional
Always use a qualified, experienced roofer for any inspection or repair work. Roofing involves working at height, which carries serious risk — WorkSafe NZ sets strict requirements around fall protection on residential sites. A professional roofer will have the right equipment and training to work safely.
If your roof has solar panels, skylights with electrical components, or a gas flue, additional licensed trades (electrician or gasfitter) may need to be involved for those specific elements. Electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board, and gas work by a licensed gasfitter registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board.
For structural concerns identified during an inspection, an LBP or structural engineer should be consulted. You can verify LBP registration at Licensed Building Practitioners.
You can find qualified local roofers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
.png)
