Concrete Roof Tile Conversions in Christchurch & Canterbury

Concrete roof tiles are quite durable in New Zealand they typically last anywhere from 30 up to 50 years. Their actual lifespan depends on factors like the quality of the tiles, installation, and environmental conditions. Over time, the surface of concrete tiles can wear down and small cracks can develop, especially under harsh UV and frost cycles. After about 40-50 years, many concrete tile roofs start to experience more frequent leaks or broken tiles. If your concrete tile roof is approaching this age range, you should have it inspected to see if it’s still sound or if re-roofing would be a wise proactive move.

It depends on the extent and cause of the leak. If the leak is due to a specific issue like a single cracked tile, a slipped tile, or a localised flashing problem, then a targeted repair can often resolve it. In fact, minor issues such as a few damaged tiles can be easily replaced by a skilled roofer. Huston Cross can help with these kinds of repairs or arrange them through our tile roofing partners. However, if your roof has multiple leaks, widespread tile damage, or has needed frequent repairs, these are red flags that the overall roof is failing. In that case, investing in a full roof replacement will be more cost-effective and reliable long-term. 

The cost of a concrete tile roof conversion in Christchurch can vary depending on your roof size, design complexity (e.g. number of valleys or dormers), and the specific materials you choose. Re-roofing a concrete tile roof may be on the higher end of these ranges because of the extra labour to remove tiles and dispose of them. An average single-storey home, a basic re-roof in New Zealand might range around $15,000 – $25,000. Keep in mind, these figures are general, we always provide a detailed, written quote after inspecting your roof.

Metal roofing long-run steel or iron is extremely durable and well-suited to New Zealand’s weather. Steel roofs won’t wear out and can withstand the weather shifts. They are also low-maintenance and metal won’t rot, warp, or require frequent maintenance, plus a modern Colorsteel-type cladding resists corrosion with proper installation. In fact, a quality metal roof with regular maintenance should last 50 or more years.

No, New Zealand’s building regulations say that if you are simply replacing an old roof with a new one of the same or similar material that is not heavier and the roof is beyond its minimum lifespan of 15 years, it’s deemed as maintenance and does not require a building consent. For example, replacing old concrete tiles with a long-run metal roof on a house older than 15 years is generally allowed without consent because metal roofing is lighter and you are improving the durability. 

It’s a common concern that switching to a metal roof will make rain noise louder inside the house. In reality, when installed with modern insulating materials, a metal roof is not significantly noisier than a tile roof. We install a roofing underlay beneath the metal, which dampens sound. Your roof most likely also has ceiling insulation which further buffers noise. The difference in sound is mostly noticeable if you have an exposed ceiling or minimal insulation. During a torrential downpour, you may hear a steady drum of rain on a metal roof, but it’s typically a dull sound, not the loud din people imagine. Many homeowners actually find the sound of rain on a metal roof quite comforting! If noise is a particular worry, let us know, and we can discuss additional sound-deadening options. Overall, the slight change in rain noise is a small trade-off for the many benefits of a long-run metal roof, and most homeowners adjust to it quickly.