Why It’s Smart to Replace Old Concrete Tiles with Long-Run Roofing Iron in Horowhenua
🏠 Why It’s Smart to Replace Old Concrete Tiles with Long-Run Roofing Iron in Horowhenua
Is Your Tile Roof Holding You Back?
If your home in Levin, Foxton, Ōtaki or Shannon still has a concrete tile roof, it might be time to consider an upgrade. While these roofs were once the standard, they’re now reaching the end of their useful life — and replacing them with long-run ColorCote roofing iron is a smarter, safer choice.
At Aquashield Roofing, we’ve helped dozens of Horowhenua homeowners convert tired, leaking tile roofs to clean, modern iron roofs — and the difference in both performance and peace of mind is huge.
A Brief History of Concrete Tile Roofing in NZ
Concrete tiles were a go-to roofing material in New Zealand from the 1950s through to the 1980s, thanks to their affordability and fire resistance. Brands like Monier and Gerard were commonly used.
But the truth is, concrete tiles have serious drawbacks as they age:
They absorb water over time
They become heavier, adding stress to roof framing
Mortar ridges crack, underlays rot, and leaks form
Tiles can shift, break, and dislodge in high winds or quakes
Why a Tile-to-Iron Conversion is Better Than Like-for-Like Replacement
Many homeowners assume the solution is to just install new tiles. But switching to long-run iron roofing isn’t just cosmetic — it’s practical, safer, and more efficient. Here’s why:
1. Concrete Tiles Are Heavy — and Get Heavier
A tile roof can weigh 4x more than iron.
As tiles age, they absorb moisture, becoming even heavier.
This puts unnecessary strain on your roof framing, especially after rain.
2. Earthquake Safety
Heavy tile roofs add lateral load to your structure.
In a seismic event, they increase the risk of structural damage or failure.
Long-run iron is lightweight and far safer in quake-prone regions like Horowhenua.
3. We Install New Timber Purlins for Iron Roofing — Built to Code
When we convert from tile to long-run roofing iron, we don’t alter your structural framing. But we do install new purlins to provide the correct fixing surface for the iron.
At Aquashield Roofing, we:
Remove the old tiles and underlay
Install 90x50mm H3.2 treated timber purlins, fixed to NZ Building Code standards
These provide a strong, consistent base for the new iron roofing system
This step is essential for proper iron installation and ensures the roof performs well under wind and weather.
4. Cleaner Lines, Better Water Runoff
Long-run iron sheds water quickly and efficiently.
New underlay, flashings, and ridge capping systems ensure your home stays completely watertight — no more patching mortar or chasing leaks.
Why We Don’t Recommend Putting New Tiles Back On
Still heavy, still prone to leaks and movement
They don’t solve underlying underlay issues
Still requires more maintenance
Outdated appearance compared to modern iron profiles
Our Proven Process for Tile-to-Iron Conversions
Full roof inspection and quote
Safe removal and disposal of concrete tiles
Purlin installation to suit long-run iron
Underlay, flashings, and ColorCote installation
Final walk-through and tidy-up
You get a stronger, lighter, better-looking roof, all installed by a licensed, local team that does it right.
Horowhenua’s Tile-to-Iron Conversion Specialists
We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout:
Levin
Foxton
Ōtaki
Shannon
Waitārere and surrounds
Every roof is installed by LBP-certified roofers, backed by RANZ membership, and built to handle the real conditions of Horowhenua — not some generic spec copied from the North Shore.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If your concrete tile roof is leaking, sagging, or just tired — now’s the time to upgrade.
Call Aquashield Roofing, Horowhenua’s trusted specialists in tile-to-ColorCote conversions.
We’ll inspect your roof, give you honest advice, and deliver a finish that’s built to last.
