Roofers in SouthlandBuilt for wind, wet and the occasional snow load.

What Southland's weather does to roofs

Invercargill Aero, the region's main city station, averages 1,149 mm of rain over 213 rain days, with 109 days of gusts over 61 km/h and about 30 hail days. NIWA says hail there is considerably more frequent than at the other Southland stations, so inland towns may see less of it. Spring brings 32.3% of the city's strong winds, which is when loose iron and lifting flashings show up.

Snow is less frequent but heavy when it comes. In September 2010 about 14 cm of dense snow collapsed the Stadium Southland roof in Invercargill. Under NZS 3604 the maximum snow load is 2 kPa and sites above set altitudes in the snow zones need a specific design, while snow straps on spouting are normal in snow-prone areas.

Floods reach the whole province too. In January 1984 a state of emergency was extended to all of Southland, and about 5,000 people were evacuated from their homes.

Your council and building consent

Invercargill City Council issues building consents in the city; elsewhere in Southland, it's your district council. Environment Southland is the regional council. Like-for-like replacement with a comparable product in the same position is usually exempt under Schedule 1, but changing the roofing type, or replacing a roof that failed early by letting in water, can need consent.

When you're not sure, ask before work starts. Councils have to grant or refuse a standard consent application within 20 working days, with the clock paused while they wait for information they've asked for.

After a storm: insurance and door-knockers

Storm and flood damage to the house goes to your private insurer. The Natural Hazards Commission only covers storm and flood damage to your land, though it covers both home and land after a landslide. Photograph the damage and talk to your insurer before permanent repairs; our storm damage claims guide explains the steps.

If a trader turns up uninvited after hail and you agree to work on the spot, the law treats it as an uninvited direct sale. You can cancel within 5 working days of getting your copy of the agreement, and the trader can't enforce it until that period has passed.