A Fresh Start for a Westmere Home: Roof and Gutter Makeover
Client Name
Lee Revell
Project Length
2 Days
Project Location
Westmere, Central Auckland
About The Project
In the heart of Westmere, Central Auckland, our team at HDK Long Run Roofing turned Lee’s roofing woes into a success story, showcasing our expertise in tackling leaks and replacing worn-out gutters.
The Objective
Leel’s charming home in Westmere deserved the best. Plagued by a leaky roof and a gutter past its prime, Lee needed a roofing solution that wouldn’t just fix the problems but would stand the test of time, especially in Auckland’s coastal climate.
Our Approach
It's All in the Prep
We began with a roof that had seen better days. Our first step? Carefully stripping away the old, making way for the new. The highlight was a neat cut we made in the concrete chimney - a small but crucial detail for a watertight seal.
Choosing the Best
Next, we brought in the big guns - marine-grade coated corrugated steel. Perfect for ocean-kissed Auckland homes, it promised durability and style. Laying this steel was like weaving a protective blanket over the house.
Finishing with Flair
We wrapped up with sleek flashings, ensuring every nook and cranny was snug and dry. These weren't just functional; they made the roof pop with a new sense of style.
The Challenges
In this project, we faced two significant challenges that required innovative solutions to ensure the success and longevity of our work:
Structural Enhancement
A key challenge was reinforcing the roof's structure. We resolved this by adding blue screws to the purlins, significantly enhancing the framework's strength and longevity.
Ventilation Issue
We discovered an improperly vented bathroom pipe in the attic space. To address this, we extended the pipe to penetrate through the roof, ensuring a waterproof exit, which was crucial for preventing future leakages.
The Solution
In tackling Lee’s roofing challenge, our team at HDK Long Run Roofing left no stone unturned to ensure a lasting, aesthetically pleasing result.
Choosing the Right Material
Understanding the coastal demands of Westmere, we opted for marine-grade coated corrugated steel. This material is not just any run-of-the-mill steel; it’s specifically designed to resist the corrosive effects of salt-laden air, guaranteeing durability and maintaining its pristine appearance over the years.
Precision in Preparation and Installation
We started with a critical step – preparing the roof framework for the new installation. This meant meticulously removing the old roofing and ensuring a clean, ready-to-work surface. A key part of our prep work involved a strategic cut into the concrete chimney. This ‘chase cut’ was essential for creating a watertight seal around a typically vulnerable part of the structure. It’s these small, thoughtful details that make the difference in a roofing job.
A Focus on Moisture Management
Before laying down the new steel, we installed a specialised underlay. This underlay is a hero in its own right, designed to allow moisture and condensation to escape effectively, thus preventing any potential water damage or mould growth in the future. It ensures that any moisture that does make its way under the steel finds its way out at the gutter, not into the home.
Added Structural Strength
We didn’t just stop at replacing the roof. Recognising the need for enhanced structural integrity, we fortified the roof’s framework with blue screws. This additional reinforcement was vital in ensuring that the roof would stand up to the test of time and weather.
Installation of the New Roof
The corrugated steel sheets were then carefully installed. Each sheet was aligned with precision, ensuring not only a watertight seal but also a visually appealing finish. The new flashings, custom-fitted to the roof’s contours, were the icing on the cake. These flashings did more than just prevent water ingress; they added a touch of elegance to the roofline, enhancing the overall aesthetic of Lee’s home.
Addressing the Ventilation Challenge
The discovery of a misrouted bathroom vent pipe presented an unexpected challenge. We quickly adapted, extending and securing this pipe through the roof, ensuring a watertight exit. This not only solved a hidden problem but also safeguarded the house against potential moisture issues.
Final Thoughts
We’re really proud of our recent project’s success. The quality of work from our team was exceptional, highlighting our dedication and skill. Our communication was clear and effective, ensuring we met the client’s needs perfectly. The best part? There were no issues after installation, showing our thorough planning and care. This project was about delivering a lasting, perfect solution. We’re excited to take these lessons into our next projects, aiming to always improve.
Customer Feedback
“What a cheerful, respectful, professional team. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this crew to others. Thanks, Jesse and Trinity, for making a potentially stressful job a breeze.”