

Renovating your roof is an essential aspect of maintaining your home. It’s important not only for aesthetic appeal but also for the structural integrity of the building. You might need to renovate your roof after harsh weather conditions or due to general wear and tear. Either way, it can come at a significant cost.
The price of roof restoration in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the type of material, the size of the roof, and the level of damage. It can also vary by location.
Keep reading to find out more about the potential roof restoration cost in this complete roof restoration price guide.
How Much Does Roof Restoration Cost?
On average, a full roof restoration costs between $250 and $500 per square metre. This cost can increase depending on several factors; for example, homeowners in a more rural area may have to pay extra for the transport costs associated with the construction. It also depends on materials, with tile roofs being cheaper to restore than metal ones.
It also depends on the extent of the roof damage. In some cases, you can get away with just replacing the tiling or flashing. However, in others, the constructors may need to replace the whole roof along with other deteriorated components such as gutters, downpipes, and fascia boards.
Although the cost of roof restoration can be expensive, it’s worth it. Renovating sooner rather than later can lead to long-term benefits such as improved energy efficiency, increased property value, and reduced maintenance costs, all of which mean you save money over time. Plus, the sooner you fix the issue, the less damage there will be to replace.
Eventually, an extensive roof restoration project pays off.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Roof Restoration
Many factors affect the potential roof restoration cost. Here are some of the key factors that influence the price.
1. Roof Condition
The cost hinges significantly on the condition of the damaged roof. Your roofing specialist can take a detailed look and advise you about the extent of the damage before giving you a quote.
Not only do you need to pay for roofing materials, but also labour costs. If the roof has mould and algae, for example, then there are additional steps that the contractors need to take care off before repairing. They may also need to repaint some components.
Every house is unique, so it’s impossible to say how much a roof restoration costs without getting a professional quote.
2. Bedding and Pointing
The type of bedding and pointing on your roof also adds to the expenses. For instance, basic mortar bedding differs in price from polymer bedding.
Furthermore, repointing a tile roof is more complex (and therefore more expensive) than a standard metal roof.
3. Roof Type
Similarly, the type of roof you have contributes to the cost of a renovation. Metal roofs can wear significantly over time due to rust, which means you may need to replace the entire roof to prevent damage. Colorbond sheets can cost up to $37 each depending on the exact type, so it can be very expensive to replace an entire roof.
Meanwhile, tiled roof restorations usually involve replacing just the cracked tiles. Tiles can cost $3-$5 each, so with extensive damage, it can all add up.
4. Location
The state or territory you live in can also contribute to the cost. The average cost of roof restoration in most Australian states is $7000 – $10,000. However, this is slightly cheaper in places like Western Australia and Tasmania, where the average is $6000 – $9000.
You should get a few roof restoration quotes from local specialists who can expect the damage and give you a more appropriate estimate.
5. Extra Costs
Every roof renovation job is unique, so you could encounter additional charges along the way. Replacement jobs for gutter guards, paint, and other materials can all drive up the costs.
Roof Restoration Costs by Area
As mentioned above, roof renovation can vary widely. Here is a rough guide for a one-storey home with a terracotta tiled roof:
- 100 – 150 m2: $3000 to $4700
- 150 – 200 m2: $4700 – $6300
- 200 – 250 m2: $6300 to $9400
- 250 – 300 m2: $9400 – $12,500
Meanwhile, for a metal roof, it would be roughly:
- 100 – 150 m2: $3200 to $5000
- 150 – 200 m2: $5000 to $7000
- 200 – 250 m2: $7000 to $9000
- 250 – 300 m2: $9000 to $12,900
What Does a Roof Restoration Involve?
A roof restoration has many steps. You should hire someone who offers professional roof restoration services if you want the job to be thorough and last as long as possible, though it’s sometimes possible to do it yourself.
The exact process depends on the type of roof restoration you need. Here is a rough outline of the process:
- Inspection and assessment: Firstly, the roof restorer must do a thorough roof inspection to check the condition and determine roof restoration prices.
- Roof cleaning: Next, they need to clean the roof surface to remove dirt, debris, and moss.
- Repair and replacement: After cleaning, they can get to work repairing and replacing any broken or worn elements.
- Treatment and coating: It’s essential to treat the roof to prevent further damage from occurring. This includes adding a sealant, anti-fungal treatment, or rust inhibitor.
- Final inspection: Finally, an inspection is done to ensure the roof is structurally sound and free of leaks.
Although it’s possible to do these things yourself, a professional roof repair will get you the best results.
Common Causes of Roof Damage
There are plenty of things that can cause a damaged roof. Knowing these causes can help you prevent roof damage to a certain extent, prolonging the life of your roof.
If you have recently had a roof restoration, knowing these things can help you maintain the roof for a long time.
Water Damage
Rain and water damage are common causes of roof damage. Not all roofs have sarking, which means condensation can form easily in the roof cavity, eventually leading to wood rot or mould growth.
In places like Perth, thunderstorms are common during the winter, which means leaks are also likely. Excessive leaking can damage the tiles or shingles, and also get into the wood beneath the roof. In this case, extensive roof restoration may be required.
Mould or Algae
With any water problem, there is a risk of mould and algae. They can grow in cracked tiles, cause wood rot, and more. Unseen mould is an even worse problem, because you might not realise it’s there before it’s too late.
As a result, you should get your roof inspected professionally at least once a year to ensure that your home is safe.
Cracks and Holes
Every house is subject to wear and tear over time. Whether you have tiles or metal sheets, there is a risk of cracks and holes developing in the roof eventually. Damage can also stem from structural impacts, such as hailstones, falling trees, or rocks.
Cracked tiles are a significant problem because they can lead to leaks and other structural issues. Sometimes, these cracks appear on the underside of tiles and sheets, which means you might not see them even if you inspect the roof. Again, this is why roof inspections are crucial.
Loose Tiles
Loose tiles can be a safety hazard because they could fall of your roof. This puts your family at risk, as well as posing a threat to the structure of your house. Strong winds are common in Australia, so it’s best to rectify the issue sooner rather than later.
Roof Restoration or Roof Replacement
For many homeowners, the question is whether to restore the broken parts of a roof or replace the entire thing. Generally, restoration is cheaper than replacing because you need fewer materials and it takes less time.
However, a complete roof replacement will last longer. While a roof restoration can add 15 years to the lifespan of your house, a full replacement can last up to 30 years.
The other benefit of a full roof restoration is that you can add new features to your roof. For example, adding RapidRidge can make your house more cost-effective and energy-efficient, which makes the cost of restoration much more worth it in the long run.
A roofing specialist can tell you everything you need to know and advise you on the best course of action. This is why it’s best to get a professional consultation before making any changes to your roof.
Summing up
In short, a roof renovation is often necessary to maintain your property. The cost of roof restoration can vary depending on many factors, including the size of your home, the level of damage, and the materials used. On average, you can expect to pay $250 – $500 per square metre.
Although the initial costs may seem significant, it’s worth it to ensure that your home is safe and secure. The longer you leave it, the more expensive the job becomes – not to mention the potential dangers of leaving damage unchecked.
Speak to a professional roofer today to find out what kind of roof restoration is best for your home.
FAQs
The top questions on roof restorations in Australia.
1. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in Australia?
The cost of replacing a roof in Australia varies depending on numerous factors. The average price throughout Australia is around $7000 – $10,000, but this can vary based on your location and the size of your home.
2. Are Roof Restorations Worth It?
On older houses, roof restorations are worth the investment, especially if your roof is already showing signs of wear and tear. Although expensive, a restoration can prevent further damage, improve energy efficiency, and boost structural integrity. Plus, it improves the resale value, which is ideal if you plan on selling your home in the future.
3. How Much Does Retiling a Roof Cost in Australia?
Retiling a roof can cost between $200 – $1000 per square metre, depending on factors like the type of tile, the complexity of the roof, and the location of your property. For an entire house, you are looking at up to $25,000, and that’s without considering additional replacements like sarking and guttering.