PropertyHelp Ltd FREE HOMEOWNER CHECKLIST What to Do if Your House Has an Older Decramastic Roof

Older Decramastic roofs are common on New Zealand homes. Some may contain asbestos materials, especially roofs installed several decades ago. You cannot confirm asbestos simply by looking at the roof.

The good news is that you do not need to panic. An older roof can usually be managed safely when the correct steps are followed.

Step 1: Do Not Disturb the Roof

☐ Do not climb onto the roof unless it has been professionally assessed.

☐ Do not remove, lift, drill, cut, scrape, sand, or break the tiles.

☐ Do not use a leaf blower or compressed air around the roof or gutters.

☐ Do not sweep loose debris from the roof with a broom.

☐ Keep children and pets away from any broken tiles or fallen debris.

☐ Tell builders, roofers, painters, electricians, solar-panel installers, and other tradespeople that the roof may contain asbestos before they start work.

Step 2: Never Water-Blast an Asbestos-Containing Roof

☐ Do not use a high-pressure water blaster to clean the roof.

☐ Do not allow a contractor to water-blast the roof before painting or recoating it.

☐ Be cautious of cheap roof-cleaning offers that do not include an asbestos check.

High-pressure water blasting can damage asbestos-containing material and spread fibres into gutters, gardens, driveways, neighbouring properties, and stormwater systems.

Step 3: Arrange Testing Before Any Work Starts

☐ Ask a competent asbestos professional to inspect the roof.

☐ Arrange for a sample to be safely taken if the material has not already been tested.

☐ Make sure the sample is tested by an IANZ-accredited laboratory.

☐ Keep a copy of the laboratory result with your property records.

☐ Provide the result to any roofer, builder, painter, property manager, or contractor working on the house.

Do not try to take a sample yourself. A trained person can select a suitable location and take the sample using safer methods.

Step 4: Check the Condition of the Roof

From ground level, look for the following warning signs:

☐ Cracked, broken, loose, or missing tiles.

☐ Flaking or weathered surface coatings.

☐ Debris collecting in gutters or around downpipes.

☐ Pieces of roofing material on the ground after strong winds or storms.

☐ Rust, leaks, or visible roof deterioration.

☐ Moss, lichen, or heavy organic growth.

☐ Previous repair work that may have disturbed the tiles.

☐ Plans for reroofing, solar panels, skylights, extensions, or renovations.

If the roof is damaged, deteriorating, or leaking, arrange professional advice promptly.

Step 5: Decide Whether to Manage or Remove the Roof

The roof may be suitable for ongoing management when:

☐ The material is in sound condition.

☐ There are no broken or loose tiles.

☐ The roof does not need to be drilled, cut, or disturbed.

☐ A suitable maintenance plan is in place.

☐ Contractors are told about the asbestos risk before any work starts.

Removal should be seriously considered when:

☐ The roof is damaged, cracked, or deteriorating.

☐ Repairs are becoming frequent or expensive.

☐ You are planning a reroof.

☐ You want to install solar panels, skylights, or new roof-mounted equipment.

☐ Roof access is required for other building work.

☐ You want to improve the future saleability and maintenance of the property.

Step 6: Use an Appropriate Asbestos Removalist

☐ Ask the removal company whether it is suitably licensed for the work.

☐ Request written confirmation of the removal scope.

☐ Ask whether the quote includes the roof area, gutters, downpipes, and visible debris.

☐ Confirm who will coordinate with the roofer if the house is being reroofed.

☐ Ask how the property, garden, driveway, and neighbouring areas will be protected.

☐ Confirm how asbestos waste will be wrapped, transported, and disposed of.

☐ Ask what documents you will receive after the work is completed.

A full house roof will usually exceed 10 square metres. In practice, removal should be completed by a suitable licensed asbestos removalist rather than treated as a DIY job.

Step 7: Ask for a Written Quote

Your quote should clearly explain:

☐ Site setup and exclusion zones.

☐ WorkSafe notification where required.

☐ Safe access arrangements, such as scaffolding or edge protection.

☐ Removal methods.

☐ PPE and respiratory protection for workers.

☐ Protection of gardens, driveways, and accessways.

☐ Cleaning and decontamination procedures.

☐ Disposal charges.

☐ Clearance arrangements where required or recommended.

☐ Coordination with the roofing contractor.

☐ GST and any possible additional charges.

Be cautious if a quote is unusually cheap or does not explain how asbestos risks will be controlled.

Step 8: Prepare Your Household Before Removal Work Begins

☐ Ask the removalist what areas will be restricted.

☐ Keep children, pets, and visitors away from the work area.

☐ Move vehicles away from the house.

☐ Remove outdoor furniture, toys, and portable items near the work zone.

☐ Close windows and doors as directed by the removalist.

☐ Inform the removalist about vulnerable occupants or access requirements.

☐ Speak with neighbours if the work may affect shared access or nearby areas.

☐ Follow all reasonable safety instructions while the work is underway.

Step 9: Check Your Gutters and Downpipes

☐ Ask whether roof debris may have entered the gutters.

☐ Do not clean potentially contaminated gutters yourself.

☐ Tell contractors that gutter debris may contain asbestos fibres.

☐ Ask whether the gutters and downpipes need professional cleaning, removal, or replacement.

☐ Keep children away from any debris found near downpipes or drainage areas.

Step 10: Keep Your Records

Store the following documents in a safe place:

☐ Laboratory test results.

☐ Photographs of the roof before work begins.

☐ The written quote and scope of work.

☐ Details of the asbestos removal company.

☐ WorkSafe notification details where applicable.

☐ Clearance documentation where applicable.

☐ Waste disposal records.

☐ Photographs taken after removal.

☐ Reroofing invoices and warranties.

These documents may be useful when selling the house, arranging insurance, or planning future renovations.

Quick “Do Not Do This” List

Do not:

☐ Water-blast the roof.

☐ Use compressed air or a leaf blower.

☐ Sweep roof debris with a broom.

☐ Drill through tiles for solar panels, aerials, or repairs without professional advice.

☐ Cut, grind, or sand the material.

☐ Throw broken pieces into a general rubbish bin.

☐ Allow an unprepared contractor to begin work.

☐ Assume the roof is safe merely because it looks tidy.

Need Help With an Older Decramastic Roof?

PropertyHelp Ltd can assist homeowners with:

• arranging asbestos testing
• roof inspections and asbestos surveys
• Class B asbestos roof removal
• removal and disposal planning
• coordination with reroofing contractors
• soffit, cladding, fencing, and garage asbestos removal
• practical advice for Auckland and Waikato homeowners

Contact John Kerr PropertyHelp Ltd Phone: 021 222 5246

Important Note

This checklist provides general guidance only. Every property is different. The condition of the roof, the laboratory test result, the type of work proposed, access requirements, and the presence of debris should be assessed before work begins.