BLOG
The 5 Most Common Roofing Issues in Whanganui—and How to Fix Them
Hey there! If you own a home in Whanganui, you know how the local weather can keep things interesting—sometimes a bit too interesting for your roof. Your roof’s not just a shelter; it’s the frontline defender against rain, wind, salt air, and everything Mother Nature throws at us here. But like any warrior, it can show signs of wear and tear.
Wondering what common roofing problems you might face and how to spot them before they become expensive headaches? You’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the five most frequent roofing issues in Whanganui—and how our team tackles them so you can keep your home safe and sound.
1. Moss Buildup: The Sneaky Roof Invader
If you’ve noticed green patches creeping over your tiles, you’re dealing with moss. Whanganui’s humid climate is like a moss playground. While it might look a bit quaint, moss can cause some serious damage. It traps moisture against your roofing material, leading to rot and weakening tiles or shingles over time.
How to spot it: Look for fuzzy green or black patches, especially on the shaded parts of your roof. You might also notice slippery surfaces if you climb a ladder carefully or spot moss debris in your gutters.
How we fix it: Our team gently removes moss using safe, eco-friendly treatments that kill spores without damaging your roof. We follow up with a thorough clean to stop moss from coming back too soon. And if moss has caused tile damage, we replace those tiles to keep your roof solid.
2. Rust on Metal Roofs: The Silent Corrosion
If your home sports a metal roof, salt air is a major enemy. Living near the coast, Whanganui homes often face salty sea breezes, which accelerate rust formation. Rust weakens your roof panels, eventually leading to leaks or structural damage.
How to spot it: Rust often starts as small orange or brown spots on metal sheets or fasteners. Check for flaky or bubbling paint on metal roofing components.
How we fix it: We thoroughly clean affected areas, removing rust and applying rust-inhibiting primers and fresh paint to protect your roof from future corrosion. In severe cases, we replace damaged panels or screws to ensure your roof’s integrity.
3. Cracked or Broken Tiles: The Weather Warriors
Our winters and storms can really test your roof’s resilience. High winds, heavy rain, or even a fallen branch can crack or break tiles, creating gaps where water sneaks in.
How to spot it: Check your roof for missing tiles or visible cracks. Inside your home, watch out for water stains on ceilings or walls after heavy rain—that’s a red flag.
How we fix it: We replace broken tiles promptly with matching materials to keep your roof watertight. Regular inspections help us catch these issues before water damage occurs.
4. Salt Air Damage: More Than Just Rust
Beyond rust, salt air can degrade roofing materials like wood and concrete tiles. It can cause surfaces to become brittle or discoloured, reducing the lifespan of your roof.
How to spot it: Look for faded, chalky surfaces or crumbling edges on your tiles or roof trims. This is especially common on homes closest to the coast.
How we fix it: We recommend regular washing of your roof to remove salt deposits, followed by protective coatings tailored to your roofing material. These treatments help shield your roof from salt damage and extend its life.
5. Blocked Gutters and Downpipes: The Hidden Culprit
You might not think of gutters as part of your roof, but blocked gutters cause water to back up and spill over, damaging your fascia boards, walls, and even your roof structure.
How to spot it: After rain, check if water is overflowing from your gutters or pooling around your home’s foundation. You might also see rust stains or rot on timber around your gutters.
How we fix it: Our team cleans your gutters and downpipes regularly, clearing leaves, moss, and debris. We also inspect for damage and repair or replace parts to keep water flowing smoothly away from your home.
Seasonal Roof Maintenance Tips for Whanganui Homeowners
Staying ahead of roofing issues means a little seasonal TLC goes a long way. Here are some easy steps you can take:
Autumn: Clean your gutters and check for moss buildup before winter rain sets in.
Winter: Watch for broken tiles or leaks after storms; call in professionals for repairs.
Spring: Inspect your roof for salt damage and schedule a gentle wash if needed.
Summer: Trim nearby trees to reduce falling debris and shade that encourages moss.
Why Trust Our Team with Your Roof?
We understand Whanganui roofs because we live and work here too. We know how local weather, salt air, and natural surroundings impact your home. Our team combines years of experience with personalised service to catch roofing problems early and fix them right the first time.
So, the next time you climb the ladder or glance up at your roof, you’ll know exactly what to look for—and when to give us a call. Your roof deserves care that’s as dependable as the shelter it provides.
Ready for a free roof check or just have questions? Reach out anytime. We’ve got your back—rain, shine, and everything in between.
