Roof Rejuvenation vs. Replacement: How One Christchurch Owner Saved $60K
Is your commercial roof leaking again?
Worried a full replacement is your only option (and bracing for a six-figure bill)? At Roofmasters Christchurch, we help owners protect buildings and budgets by rejuvenating aging roofs backed by long-term warranties and proven performance.
In this case study, you’ll see how one Christchurch owner saved $60,000 while securing a 15-year leak-free warranty without replacing the roof.
The Costly Assumption: “We’ll Need to Replace the Whole Roof”
When a new commercial property owner took over a building with persistent leaks, frustration had already set in. The tenant had endured repeated water ingress, and the owner assumed a full roof replacement was the only solution quoted at over $120,000.
But not every failing roof needs replacing. After a detailed inspection, Roofmasters provided two clear options:
Replace the entire roof and gutters with new Colorsteel and membrane systems, or
Rejuvenate the existing roof and gutters delivering a 10-year warranty and leak-free reassurance for a fraction of the cost.
How the Roof Rejuvenation Process Works Step by Step
After inspecting the roof’s structure and remaining life, our team recommended a Wai Seal Silicone Membrane system extending the roof’s life, improving performance, and adding a 15 year warranty.
Here’s what we did:
Surface restoration: All flaking paint on the long run roofing was stripped back to sound substrate.
Corrosion control: Rusting fixings were replaced; exposed areas were treated and primed.
Protective coatings: Two coats of premium silicone membrane were applied to seal and protect the metal roof.
Gutter rejuvenation: Internal Butynol gutters were water blasted clean, repairs made, then coated with Wai Seal Silicone Membrane for a continuous waterproof barrier.
Finishing touch: New parapet capping for a clean, long lasting, professional finish.
Result: A watertight, visually refreshed roof at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Why WaiSeal Silicone Membrane?
Unlike traditional coatings, Wai Seal remains flexible and doesn’t crack under UV exposure or temperature change ideal for New Zealand’s variable climate. It’s UV stable, resists fading, and is backed by a 15 year product warranty. Fewer joints and a fully bonded system mean fewer leak paths and lower maintenance.
Before & After Snapshot
Before: Rusted, flaking roof leaking through internal gutters.
After: Seamless, watertight membrane with 15 year warranty $60K saved vs full replacement.
“Our goal is always to deliver the best outcome for our clients not just a new roof, but a smart investment.”
Trevor Keast, Roofmasters Christchurch
Project Summary
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury
Building Type: Commercial tenancy
Service: Roof Rejuvenation Silicone Membrane System
Membrane Used: Wai Seal Silicone Membrane
Warranty: 15 Years
Savings: Approximately $60,000
Making the Smart Choice: Repair, Recoat, or Replace?
At the end of the day, persistent leaks don’t always require full replacement. If your roof still has structural life, rejuvenation can provide long term protection at a fraction of the cost.
Now that you’ve seen what’s possible, book a free roof assessment to compare rejuvenation vs replacement for your building. At Roofmasters, we don’t just fix roofs we help commercial property owners make smarter, warranty backed decisions.