LET'S TALK ROOFING
Jeff Fitness: Managing Director, SealCo Waterproofing Systems
What are the key things you look out for when undertaking a Reno job?
Mainly to see if the product is suitable and will it actually add performance value to the property. In most cases, the answer is ‘Yes’. With some older properties we will suggest adding other upgrades to make everything more efficient (ie windows, flooring etc).
Any signs of problems that homeowners can spot?
Degradation of the existing roof is an obvious sign – leaks, heat loss...
JEFF ARE THERE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS THAT AREN'T EASILY SPOTTED AND WHEN AND HOW DO PEOPLE CHECK FOR THESE? OR IS IT A CASE OF IF IN DOUBT GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE?
Can you work with existing roofs?
We can install over existing substrates from membrane roofs, steel roofs and others.
JEFF MAYBE MENTION THAT WHERE POSSIBLE YOU WILL TRY AND INSTALL OVER AN EXISTING ROOF WHERE POSSIBLE, OBVIOUSLY SAVING COSTS.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC TYPES OF ROOF OR SITUATIONS WHERE THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE.
ARE THERE SITUATIONS WHERE IT'S A CASE OF 50/50 IE, CAN DO OVER CERTAIN SECTIONS ONLY OF AN EXISTING ROOF?
WHAT IS/ARE THE BIGGEST PROBLEM(S) WHERE YOU CAN'T INSTALL OVER AN EXISTING ROOF?
I'M GUESSING GETTING RID OF AN EXISTING ROOF HAS IT'S MASSIVE COST FACTOR, PLUS THE TIME SPENT WITH AN UNCOVERED HOUSE WOULD BE A MAJOR CONCERN WHEN FACTORING IN ADDING A WARM ROOF.
Are there any specific issues with certain types/era of houses?
JEFF, I'M GUESSING THAT ART DECO HOMES WITH THE FLAT ROOFS HAVE A LEAKAGE ISSUE??????????
...IS THAT EASILY FIXED, IE I SEEM TO REMEMBER YOU MENTIONING THE DAY AFTER BUS TOUR THAT IT'S SIMPLE TO MAINTAIN THE LOOK OF A FLAT ROOF BY SIMPLY TILTING THE ROOF A FEW DEGREES??????
ANY OTHER TYPES OF HOUSE WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE ISSUES AND THE SOLUTIONS???
WHAT ABOUT LEAKY HOMES? DO YOU HAVE MUCH TO DO WITH THIS?
Are there any misconceptions/bad practices re roofing and Renos?
JEFF THERE MAY BE NONE, I'M SURE THERE ARE SOME COWBOYS OUT THERE WHO WILL SUGGEST QUICK FIXES THAT ARE SHITE LOL
KEY PRODUCTS
EcoTUFF TPO
Introduced to New Zealand in 2004. The EcoTUFF TPO thermoplastic polyolefin membrane is aco-polymer of polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubberthat has been formed into a membrane sheet and reinforcedwith a heavy duty polyester scrim. This means you get aflexible rubberised material with the ability to be heat weldedfor permanent secure detailing.
WarmSEAL
A roofing system that has the insulation installed above the structure with the waterproofing membrane installed directly over the insulation. The system is designed to keep the outer of the building insulated and “warm” from the external elements, and to keep cold or hot external climatic conditions isolated, while ensuring desired temperatures inside the building. It is especially suitable where there may not be any space for the standard internal insulation system within a roof design. The WarmSEAL PIR Insulation also will meet the new H1 insulation codes.
FlameSEAL
A modified bitumen roofing membrane, reinforced with 180 gsm non-woven polyester fabric. Features include superior quality tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance, making it an ideal durable solution for waterproofing requirements. A comparison of product data sheets shows FlameSEAL to have the highest mechanical properties of any modified bitumen available. FlameSEAL has good flexibility at both high and low temperatures, and is also available in a heavy grade option, making it the ultimate choice when selecting a torch-on membrane.
GreenSEAL
Garden Roof System has decorative benefits, and also can provide food, temperature control, hydrological benefits, architectural enhancement, habitats or corridors for wildlife, recreational opportunities, and in large scale it may even have ecological benefits. Cultivating food on the rooftop of buildings is sometimes referred to as rooftop farming, usually done using GreenSEAL green roof systems, hydroponics, aeroponics, air-dynaponics, and even container gardens. GreenSEAL also slows down the effect of rain and stormwater flowing into city waterways, assisting with drainage systems.
DekMASTER
A high quality, fully cured PVC vinyl material, impregnated onto a non-woven polyester fabric back. An aesthetic trafficable and waterproofing membrane all-in-one, it is regarded as one of the best trafficable PVC membranes available in New Zealand to protect your home and provide a watertight exposed deck membrane system. DekMASTER is long lasting, UV and mildew resistant, non-skid, puncture resistant, welded application, easy to clean, cooler to the touch than most other membranes, and soft underfoot.
ShingleLINE
Italian asphalt shingles and metal-line bring beauty and life to your structure, with numerous styles and colours available. The shingles are resistant to any climate and extreme weather condition, don’t deteriorate over time, are quiet, light and stable, plus easy to install and maintain. There’s also a full range of accessories and services providing a true “roofing system”, with snow catchers, vents, condensation barriers, etc, made exclusively with “certified” components.
Superhome Design Guide © 2025