Do you need consent to re-roof?

A building consent is issued by your local territorial authority with the purpose of ensuring the work for which the consent is being obtained meets the requirements of the NZ Building Act and the Building Code. They approve the work according to the plans and inspect the site to ensure that the construction is in accordance with both the plans that were submitted and the Building Code.

However, it’s important to point out that not all work requires a building consent.

Whether or not consent is required, any and all building work must meet the standards and requirements of the NZ Building Code and comply with all current legislation.

So how does this apply to roofing?

Roofing work that does not require consent

1. General roof maintenance does not require consent and can be undertaken by anyone. This may include such tasks as:
   • Painting or repainting
   • Gutter cleaning
   • Gutter and downpipe replacement
   • Re-fixing or replacing flashings
2. Re-roofing can be undertaken without consent if:
   1. The roof is older than 15 years, and
   2. The replacement material is a “like for like” replacement of the existing roof. For instance, if you replace a corrugated iron roof with a similar profiled metal or pressed metal tiles. “like for like” is somewhat subjective so if you are at all in doubt then it is well worth contacting your local authority to find out whether a consent would be required for your given situation
3. Consent is not required for a new roof on a new building that itself does not require consent i.e. the building is 30m2 or less such as a shed or sleepout. For a complete guide for building works not requiring consent please refer to the Government’s guidelines.

Roofing work requiring consent

Roofing Durability

Durability is an important concept within the building code with each part of a building needs to meet certain durability requirements i.e., how long they are required under law to last for.

For roofing the durability requirement is a minimum of 15 years. If a roof requires replacement within this period of time then building consent is required to ensure that the failures of the roof being replaced are not repeated and ensure the weathertightness and durability requirements of the Code are meet for the new roof.

For guttering and downpipes, the durability requirement is 5 years. Read our blog on durability here

Roofing Materials

If the re-roofing material is not similar to the original roof, then consent may be required. For instance, replacing an old profiled or corrugated metal roof with new concrete, clay, or slate tiles. These new heavier tiles have a much greater load weighing down on the existing structure are likely to substantially affect the building’s structural behaviour. Again, if you unsure your local authority can advise whether or not a consent is required.

New Roofs

If a new roof is required as part of a new build or an extension is being added to an existing dwelling then consent will be required with the exception of building works not requiring consent.

Structural changes to an existing roof

If any structural changes are applied to the roof framing, like re-pitching the roof, then consent may be required.

Whether you or not you require consent we able to assist with all you roofing requirements. Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation quote.