Whether it’s a small leak or a full re-roof, working on a roof is one of those jobs that requires careful planning, the right gear, and solid safety measures. In New Zealand—especially in places like Whangārei—roofs need to handle sun, wind, rain, and coastal moisture. If you’re planning to repair or replace your roof, this guide will walk you through the steps, tools, and materials you’ll need for a successful and long-lasting result.
⚠️ Note: Roofing work can be dangerous. Always put safety first and check with your local council about building consent—especially for full roof replacements.
🛠️ Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
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Ladder or scaffolding (edge protection required for work over 2 metres)
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Safety harness and anchor
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Hammer or impact driver
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Tin snips
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Chalk line
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Pry bar or crowbar
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Drill and driver bits
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Measuring tape
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Utility knife
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Nail bag or tool belt
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Silicone sealant or butyl tape
🧱 Materials (Depending on Roof Type)
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Roofing sheets (e.g. corrugated iron, Colorsteel, or tiles)
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Underlay (roofing paper or synthetic breathable underlay)
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Roofing screws or nails (galvanised or stainless steel)
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Flashings, ridge caps, and bargeboards
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Timber battens or purlins
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H1.2 or H3.2 or H4 treated framing timber (if it has the chance it will get wet)
🔗 Find roofing materials here:
👉 Renovation Warehouse Roofing Products
🔧 Step-by-Step: Repairing or Replacing a Roof
1. Identify the Problem
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Leaks: Trace water marks inside to pinpoint the source—check flashings, ridges, and nails.
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Visible damage: Look for rusted or missing sheets, loose nails, or broken tiles.
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Structural rot: If timber beneath the roof is sagging or soft, framing repairs may be needed.
2. Plan and Prepare
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Check if your job needs building consent (Possibly required for large areas or full re-roofs).
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Measure your roof accurately to calculate how many sheets and fixings you'll need.
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Choose a clear, dry weather window—avoid working in rain or wind.
3. Remove the Damaged Roofing
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Use a crowbar or impact driver to lift old or damaged sheets.
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Dispose of any rusted or cracked materials properly.
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If working with tiles, carefully lift and remove broken or slipping tiles.
4. Inspect and Repair the Timber Structure
Check and replace:
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Rotten purlins, battens, or framing timber.
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Damaged ridge boards or barge rafters.
Use H1.2, H3.2 or H4 treated timber, depending on exposure to moisture or ground contact.
5. Install Roofing Underlay
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Roll out breathable underlay over the structure.
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Overlap by at least 150mm at seams and fix securely with staples or clouts.
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This helps prevent condensation and adds an extra moisture barrier.
6. Fix New Roofing Sheets or Tiles
For metal roofing:
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Start from the lowest edge and work upward.
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Overlap sheets one rib and fix using roofing screws with seals.
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Align with a chalk line for a neat finish.
For tile roofing:
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Lay underlay and battens, then install tiles row by row.
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Secure with nails or clips depending on the tile system.
7. Install Flashings and Finishing Pieces
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Add ridge caps, apron flashings, and barge flashings.
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Use sealant or flashing tape to prevent leaks around joints and penetrations.
8. Clean Up and Final Checks
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Check all fixings are tight and evenly spaced.
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Run a hose over new sections to test for leaks.
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Clear gutters and remove all leftover debris.
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Remove all swarf by vacuuming or blowing it off the roof.
✅ Maintenance Tips for a Longer-Lasting Roof
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Clean your roof once or twice a year to remove debris and moss.
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Repaint or reseal metal roofing every 5–10 years.
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Inspect after major storms and fix loose sheets or tiles immediately.
🏠 Everything You Need, All in One Place
Whether you're patching a leak or re-roofing the entire home, Renovation Warehouse in Whangārei has you covered. We stock roofing sheets, underlay, timber, fasteners, and all the products you need to get the job done right.
👉 Explore our roofing range here:
Renovation Warehouse Roofing Products
Come in and chat with our friendly team—we’re here to help with advice, product knowledge, and the best deals on roofing gear in Northland.