Roof replacement refers to the process of removing a severely damaged roof and replacing it with a new one. The answer to the question of when to replace a roof is when:
- It reaches the end of its useful life
- It is severely damaged and cannot be repaired
- There is a cost-effective alternative (perhaps more energy-efficient)
Roof replacement vs. roof restoration vs. roof repairs
Before attempting a roof replacement, consider whether your roof can be restored or repaired instead. Roof repairs are typically the least expensive option, and roof restorations can make an old roof look as good as new.
Roof restoration typically entails cleaning, repairing, and re-coating your roof.
Although repairing your roof may save you money, if it is time to replace it, the money spent on repairs could only be a temporary solution.
We recommend that you only restore your roof if it is worth saving. An experienced roofing contractor will tell you whether your roof needs to be repaired, restored or replaced.
When to consider roof replacement
A roof has an average lifespan of at least 20 – 25 years, depending on the roofing material used in its construction. Once a roof has reached the 20-25 year mark, it is critical to have it professionally inspected to determine whether it needs to be replaced or can be restored and improved to increase longevity.
A roof replacement is also required when it has become irreparably damaged, whether due to a fire or severe storm damage.
What are the pros and cons of roof replacement?
Considering replacing an existing roof, choosing new roofing materials, or engaging in roof repairs is a significant undertaking. Here are the general pros and cons of roof replacement:
Pros
- It can provide peace of mind.
- Replacing an old roof with a new roof can offer a chance for an aesthetic change.
- It can improve insulation or decrease energy bills (installing solar roofing tiles, for example.)
Cons
- A roof installation or entire roof replacement cost can be significant.
- Roofing specialists can take weeks on a roof replacement.
- You need to hire an experienced roofing contractor (you can’t do it yourself.)
Roof replacement costs
Roofing companies will charge a significant amount for a roof replacement. The cost for replacing roof materials can run high and amounts to a substantial investment.
However, it’s not just the roofing materials contributing to the cost. The roof replacement cost will depend on the following:
- Roof size (materials cost per square metre)
- The location of the property
- The architectural design of the roof
- labour costs needed
The total roof replacement cost in Australia usually ranges between $5000 and $20,000, depending on the above factors. Yet, a new roof for a large home with the most expensive materials can cost considerably more.
Let’s examine what affects replacement costs in more detail.
What affects the roof replacement cost: the details
The roofing material you select is the most important factor influencing your reroofing costs. Concrete tiles are the least expensive roofing material, followed by steel and clay/stone tiles, with Colorbond roofing costing the most.
As mentioned, roofing materials cost per square metre. You should expect to pay in the range of:
- $8 to $10 per square metre for the sarking
- $40 to $60 per square metre for concrete tiles
- $50 to $70 per square metre for steel roofing
- $80 to $110 per square metre for terracotta tiles
- $200 to $500 per square metre for a traditional slate tiled roof
Quotes for your roofing cost will be based on the size of your roof but will also consider the complexity of the roof design. For example, a simple gable roof will be less expensive per square metre than multiple gables.
There are various roofing types. The cheapest roof to replace is a skillion roof because it is a fairly straightforward design. However, others, like a gambrel roof, will be more expensive.
- A gable roof that looks like an inverted ‘V’
- A hip roof has ‘hips’ at the ends of gables
- A dormer roof has extra roofing for windows
- A mansard roof looks similar to a barn roof
- A gambrel roof is divided into four parts and has a large overhang
The final factor affecting roof replacement costs is whether or not your new roof requires additional structural work. For example, whether there is rotten timber that needs replacing, or if you have an asbestos roof, or if you’re replacing a lighter material with a heavier material requiring more support.
A closer look at roofing materials: what are the best options?
Let’s examine some of the roofing materials available, their costs, and their pros and cons.
Colorbond
Colorbond is a coated steel roofing material that has rapidly gained popularity among Australian homeowners. Colorbond roofing has been tried and tested in harsh Australian conditions and is stylish, long-lasting, and resistant. Colorbond roofing was created to pick up where a corrugated roof left off. Colorbond steel is pre-painted and sealed to prevent corrosion, unlike corrugated roofing, which corrodes quickly and requires frequent repainting.
A Colorbond roof is a popular and cost-effective option. It should be covered by a warranty, though the length of the warranty may vary depending on where you live. Ask about Colorbond roofing materials designed for saltwater exposure if you live near the ocean.
Concrete tiles and asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles and concrete tiles are relatively affordable options that come in many styles and colours, meaning they can be tailored to your aesthetic taste. They can resemble more expensive roofing options, such as terracotta tiles. You will pay more for higher-quality concrete roof tiles, but they are still a far less costly choice for roof replacements than terracotta or slate and come with an extended warranty.
Terracotta and slate tiles
Terracotta and slate tiles are more expensive and more challenging to install, but they last longer than concrete or metal roofing.
Roof tiles are typically heavy and provide excellent soundproofing. Tile roofing, as opposed to metal roofing, has excellent sound insulation and acoustic performance. Roof tiles’ thermal mass also helps to regulate indoor temperatures by providing thermal insulation. However, your roof structure must be able to support the weight of a terracotta or slate tile roof because the materials are significantly heavier than other roofing materials.
What is best for a roof replacement? A comparison
Metal roofing can be more expensive than tiles, but it may end up being the more affordable option for a large section of a roof. A metal roof is also lighter than a tile roof, so it won’t require as many supporting beams, lowering installation costs.
Furthermore, Colorbond tiles are generally faster to install than other tiled roofs, which saves money on labour costs.
On the other hand, roof tile materials are almost always less expensive than Colorbond technology.
Working with roofing tiles can be easier and more cost-effective for smaller projects. If you’re wondering which option will be more cost-effective, tiles will be less expensive initially but will require more future repairs and maintenance expenses.
In other words, Colorbond will be more affordable in the long run if you value long-term cost-effectiveness.
Initially, the roof design, roof structure, and project scope will have the greatest influence on roof replacement costs.
Other factors: ventilation
Of course, opting for a new roof replacement is an opportunity to reflect on your ventilation needs.
Ventilation to your roof space is integral to the longevity of your roof and your home in general. Ensuring a fresh supply of air into the roof cavity helps to reduce damaging moisture levels.
Over time, moisture in the roof can lead to mould and varying damage in both hot and cold temperatures.
For your roof replacement, consider a dry fixed roofing system like RapidRidge from EvoBuild that creates a passive cooling system throughout the roof space.
RapidRidge’s dry fixed roofing system reduces energy costs, is easy to install, is easy to maintain, and prolongs the lifespan of your roof.
Reach out for a quote and to hear more about RapidRidge with ventilation for your roof replacement.
Summary: How much does a roof replacement cost?
Your roof replacement can cost as little as $5000.
However, depending on your roof size, roof design, labour cost, and roof materials, costs can escalate quickly.
Do your research about which roofing materials would best suit your home, and speak to a professional roofer who can give you an estimate of the cost for the overall project.
A Colorbond roof on a 230 square metre roof, for example, could cost between $23,000 and $26,000, including roofing material and labour costs.
Some typical costs for other materials on a 230 square metre roof might be between:
- $9,200 and $13,000 for concrete tiles
- $18,400 and $38,000 for terracotta tiles
- $64,000 and $160,000 for slate tiles
However, also bear in mind that you may encounter structural damage when you remove your old roof. This could lead to increasing costs, including repairs. There are so many variables that could lead to additional costs to replace your roof.