What Happens Beneath the Iron — The Structural Issues We Find During Re-Roofs

A Roof Is Only as Good as What’s Under It

When most people think about re-roofing, they picture fresh steel, clean flashings, and a watertight finish.
But what really matters is what’s beneath the iron.

Because every time we strip back an old roof at Aquashield Roofing, we uncover the same truth:

The biggest roofing problems usually start in the timber — not the tin.

1️⃣ The Hidden Story Under Every Old Roof

Roofs can hide decades of structural wear, shortcuts, and weather damage.
Once the iron comes off, we often find:

• Rotten purlins and rafters from years of slow leaks.
• Sagging framing where undersized timber or nail-only joints have given way.
• Mould and black rot around ridge lines or valleys.
• Misaligned trusses from old-school framing or DIY alterations.
• Warped or uneven planes that make new roofing sheets impossible to run straight.

These aren’t cosmetic issues — they’re the foundation of your roof’s performance.

2️⃣ How These Problems Happen

Structural issues usually develop slowly, long before a leak appears inside the ceiling.

Common causes include:

• Leaks left untreated for years.
• Poor original design or framing layout.
• Roof loads increasing over time (e.g. heavier materials, solar panels).
• Inadequate ventilation leading to internal condensation.
• DIY “repairs” that compromise structural integrity.

By the time a roofer is called in, the damage is often hidden — until the iron comes off and the truth appears.

3️⃣ What We Do When We Find It

When Aquashield Roofing discovers structural damage, we don’t ignore it or cover it up.

We repair it on the spot — to building code, using qualified experience.

That means:

• Replacing rotten or cracked purlins.
• Strengthening sagging rafters.
• Correcting truss alignment.
• Adjusting pitch where water ponding has been an issue.
• Rebuilding eaves or verge framing for clean lines and support.

Every fix is done to NZS 3604 structural standards, ensuring your roof isn’t just replaced — it’s rebuilt right.

4️⃣ Why This Matters to Homeowners

Ignoring hidden damage during a re-roof is like laying new carpet over rotten floorboards — it’ll look good for a while, then fail fast.

Having a roofing company with building knowledge means:

• Problems are identified early, not missed.
• Repairs are handled immediately and correctly.
• You don’t have to bring in multiple trades or rebook inspections.
• Your new roof performs as designed — flat, secure, and compliant.

It’s peace of mind knowing your investment is protected from the framing up.

5️⃣ Real Examples We See All the Time

🪵 Example 1: Rot Behind Old Flashings
Old chimney or valley flashings often leak slowly for years. The purlins beneath turn soft, and when the sheets come off, the timber is black and brittle.
We cut it out, replace it with treated timber, and rebuild it to modern spec — before new steel goes on.

🏚️ Example 2: Sagging Mid-Span
Older homes often used wider purlin spacing or light framing. Over decades, the roof dips.
We install additional support and new fixings to correct the plane — so the new roof runs perfectly straight.

💧 Example 3: Internal Gutters Gone Wrong
Internal gutters with years of trapped moisture cause hidden rot.
We rebuild the structure, improve fall, and integrate new TPO or Butynol liners for a future-proof fix.

Each one of these jobs proves that the quality of your re-roof depends on what’s beneath it — not just the colour or profile you choose.

6️⃣ The Aquashield Standard

We don’t just lay new roofing — we assess, rebuild, and strengthen the structure that supports it.
That’s the advantage of having qualified building experience within our team.

It’s how we make sure every re-roof is:

• Structurally sound
• Fully compliant
• Installed to manufacturer and NZBC standards
• Built to last another generation

✅ Final Word: Replace It Once — Do It Right

Re-roofing isn’t just a surface job.
When done properly, it’s a chance to rebuild strength, safety, and value into your home.

At Aquashield Roofing, we take that opportunity seriously.
We don’t just cover old timber — we fix what’s under it, so your new roof performs exactly as it should.

👉 Book a re-roof inspection and get a professional opinion from a team that understands both roofing and building.