Gauteng roofs face intense sun, sudden thunderstorms, hail and strong wind. A roof that is under-fixed, badly flashed or built from the wrong material will let you know in the first serious storm.
TMSMT Construction installs and repairs roofs on houses, flats, shops, factories and warehouses throughout Midrand and Gauteng. We handle the structure, covering, insulation and rainwater system, and we work with engineers where the span or loading requires it.
Roof types and materials
The best choice depends on the building, budget, appearance and use. We install and repair:
- Concrete and clay tile roofs on timber trusses, common on houses
- Corrugated and IBR sheeting on purlins, used for industrial and commercial buildings and many homes
- Insulated roof panels for factories, warehouses and cold-sensitive spaces
- Flat roofs with waterproof membranes, see waterproofing
- Skylights, ridge ventilation and roof windows
- Gutters, fascias, barge boards and downpipes
Trusses and structure
A roof is a structure first and a covering second. Trusses are designed by a truss manufacturer or engineer for the span, pitch and covering load, and they must be braced and fixed to the wall plates with the correct connections. Unbraced or badly fixed trusses are one of the most common causes of roof failure in strong wind.
For steel roofs, purlin spacing, bracing and holding-down details come from the structural design. See steel structures and warehouses for our larger roof structures.
Built for storms and hail
Wind uplift tears roofs from the top, so fixings, clips and straps matter as much as the sheets. Hail dents thin sheeting and cracks fragile tiles, so material choice, sheet thickness and underlay should reflect local conditions.
Flashings around chimneys, parapets, valleys and wall junctions must be properly formed and sealed. We design these details to shed water rather than rely on sealant alone.
Re-roofing and repairs
Not every old roof needs replacing. We inspect for rust, broken tiles, loose fixings, sagging timber and damp in the ceiling space, and recommend repair where it makes sense. When a roof has reached the end of its life, we strip it, inspect and replace damaged timber, and install a new covering with underlay and insulation.
Older roofs may have asbestos-cement sheets. These must be removed and disposed of by competent people under the relevant regulations, as described on our demolition services page.
Insulation, ventilation and gutters
Insulation under the roof reduces heat gain in summer and loss in winter, and makes air-conditioning cheaper to run. Our ceiling installers fit it together with ceilings and drywall.
Gutters and downpipes must be sized for storm flows and discharge away from foundations. Blocked or undersized gutters send water into walls and foundations, particularly on clay soils.
Approvals and warranties
A new roof as part of an extension or new build falls under the approved plans. Roof trusses may require a design certificate. We provide material warranties from manufacturers where they apply and describe care required to keep them valid.
For help with an existing roof, start with a site visit or a quote, and see maintenance and repairs for ongoing care.
Safety on the roof
Falls from roofs are among the most serious risks in construction. Our crews use harnesses, edge protection, scaffolding and roof ladders as the Construction Regulations 2014 require, and they do not work on wet or windy roofs. Fragile sheeting and skylights are marked and covered. A safe roof site protects workers, your family and your property, and it is one reason to be cautious of anyone offering a very cheap roof job with no safety equipment in sight.
Before any quote we check access, existing ceiling condition, and whether the wall plates and gable ends can take new fixings. Surprises under old roofs are common, so we flag them early and price them openly.
Common questions
How do I know whether to repair or replace my roof?
If damage is local, repair is sensible. Widespread leaks, rust, brittle tiles or sagging structure usually mean replacement is better value.
Which is better, tiles or IBR sheeting?
Tiles suit many homes for appearance and thermal mass, while sheeting is lighter, faster and common for industrial buildings. Both perform well if installed correctly.
Do trusses need an engineer?
Manufactured trusses come with a design, and engineer sign-off may be required by council. We work with approved designers.
Can you fix hail damage?
Yes. We assess, document the damage for your insurer and repair or replace the affected areas.
Does a new roof need council approval?
A like-for-like replacement often does not. Changing structure, pitch or footprint usually does.
Ceilings and Drywall Partitions
Tiling and Flooring
Brickwork and Plastering
Commercial Painting Services
Professional Plumbing Services
Electrical Installation Services
Professional Paving Services
Security Walls and Boundary Walls
