Concrete tile and clay tile roofing has been used and trusted throughout New Zealand for well over 100 years. These roof tiles are designed primarily to keep out rain, and are traditionally made from locally available materials such as terracotta or concrete. Modern materials such as concrete and plastic are also used and some clay tiles have a waterproof glaze type coating available. Roof tiles are fitted to the framework of a roof by fixing them with nails and some cases wire.
Concrete and terracotta tiling requires maintenance to withstand the harsh reality of New Zealand’s weather. While a concrete and clay tile roof is a great product in itself, it requires regular maintenance to serve it’s main purpose (protecting your home). Ridge capping of a concrete/terracotta roof is secured by mortar and pointing compound. Within time, the movement of your home and varying weather conditions cause the mortar securing your ridge caps to crack and eventually break away causing your roof to be in a vulnerable position. It is recommended to have your tile roof regularly checked and maintained to ensure your roof is performing to its full capabilities.
IRON, COMPRESSED TILE & CHIP COAT ROOFING
Iron roofing & compressed tile is predominately New Zealand’s preferred style of roofing. The key benefit of metal roofing is that they positively impact building performance by providing longevity, durability and sustainability. Although preferred by a large majority for their withstand ability, they still require regular maintenance to keep in full form.
As it’s a metal, steel roofing is often prone to rust and can lead to serious damage to your home and other parts of your roofing system if left unmaintained. Most older type iron roofs were secured with the use of nails. In todays practice we have learnt that these cause major problems for iron roofs as the steel nail attracts a chemical reaction between the roofing sheet and itself. Iron roofs are also common for rusting away in different areas as a result of being exposed to New Zealand’s conditions. A damaged iron or compressed tile roof can often be hard to identify, so leak detection can turn into a hard case. Here at Fern Roofing Solutions we specialise in these types of roofing, and go above and beyond for our customers. Here are a couple common problems that are often caused by unmaintained roofing.