How Much Does Roof Restoration Cost?

Cost Considerations When Budgeting

If you’re wondering how much it costs to restore your roof in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. Restorations can breathe new life into an aging roof and prevent much more costly repairs or replacements down the track. But roof restorations don’t come cheap.

The average price to restore a roof in Australia ranges between $55-90 per sqm based on your location, size and condition. But prices can start from $2,500 up to $10,000+ for larger homes requiring extensive restoration works.

Keep reading as we break down the average rates, what impacts the costs, when to call in the professionals and more.

Average Cost of Roof Restoration in Australia

The cost can vary greatly depending on several factors which we’ll get into next. But here’s a quick breakdown of average prices you can expect to pay for both materials and professional installation:

Average Roof Restoration Costs (Inc GST)

On top of the square metre rate, you may need to also consider additional costs for structural damage repairs, safety equipment for multi-storey homes, council approvals, and removing/installing roof features like solar panels or skylights if needed. We’ll break down the specifics in the sections below.

Costs for Different Roof Restoration Solutions

There are several types of roof restoration processes available to suit different roofing and state. Prices can vary greatly, but here’s an overview:

Metal Roof Restoration

• Roof Cleaning – $25+ per sqm
• Painting – $45+ per sqm
• Minor Repairs – $150+ per repair

Colorbond Roof Restoration

• Cleaning – $20+ per sqm
• Painting – $55+ per sqm
• Repairs – $250+ per repair

Tiled Roof Restoration

• High pressure clean – $10+ per sqm
• Re-bedding/re-pointing – $85+ per sqm
• Tile replacement – $50+ per tile

Other Common Services

• Moss/lichen removal – $15+ per sqm
• Gutter/valley guard installation – $55+ per lm
• Roof leaks – $150+ per leak
• Rust treatment – $20+ per sqm
• Roof coating – $25+ per sqm

So as you can see, costs can really add up. It pays to understand what existing shape your entire roof is in to determine what services are needed for a full restoration.

Additional Services & Expenses

Beyond just cleaning and recoating your roof surface, there are many additional spot repairs or features that may be required or desired along with your restoration. Typical extra services and their estimated price ranges include:

Leak Repairs

• Minor (1-2 roof tiles, flashings) – $150+
• Major (Valley, bedding issues) – $500+

Chimney Work

• Rebuild chimney crown – $400+
• Chimney re-pointing – $250+
• Chimney cap install – $180+

Valley Replacements

• Colorbond valleys – $65+ per linear metre
• SHE metal valley – $100+ per linear metre

Skylights

• Skylight installation – $900+ each
• Skylight repairs – $250+

Solar Panel Adjustments

• Temporary panel removal/reinstall – $450+
• Adjust panel mountings – $250+

Insulation Installation

• Anticon blanket install – $35+ per square metre
• Sarking membrane install – $25+ per square metre

What Affects The Cost of Restoring Roof?

Many components influence how much it costs to restore a roof. These include:

• Roof Condition – The worse, the higher the cost. Additional metal roof repairs like replacing broken tiles, treating rust and leaks will add expenses.
• Size – Economy of scale means larger roofs tend to cost less per sqm compared to very small roofs.
• Roof Pitch – Steep roofs are more dangerous and complex requiring more safety equipment and scaffolding. This adds cost.
• Roof Type – Concrete tile roofs tend to be more expensive to restore vs metal roofings. Each material has its own treatment requirements.
• Bedding and Pointing – If mortar needs re-bedding and re-pointing between ridges and hip tiles, this adds significant cost.
• Location – Regional areas tend to cost more due to travel costs for contractors to transport equipment and materials.
• Height – Multi-storey roofs have added safety requirements adding expenses like anchor points and lifting equipment.
• Extras/Custom Work – Any extras like working around solar panels or custom flashings will increase cost.

Replacement Vs Restoration Costs

Replacement can cost $180-$500 per sqm versus restoration averaging $55 per sqm. With replacement you start from scratch with no guarantee of longevity whereas restorations extend the lifespan by decades. Try restoration first before considering full replacement.

Average Regional Restoration Rates

Get quotes from local contractors as rates can vary:

• Brisbane: $50-70 per sqm
• Gold Coast: $60-75 per sqm
• Sydney: $65-85 per sqm
• Melbourne: $60-80 per sqm
• Adelaide: $55-75 per sqm
• Canberra: $65-90 per sqm
• Hobart: $70-95 per sqm
• Regional Sites: $75-100+ per sqm

Here is a table summarising the typical regional roof restoration rate ranges in Australia:

When getting quotes, we recommend reaching out to 3-4 local roof restoration contractors or roof painters to compare rates for your particular needs. Rates can vary widely depending on exactly what services, products and repairs are included in their quotes.

The rates above are rough ballpark figures we see on average. But get detailed scopes of work and confirm what is included to compare apples-to-apples quotes before deciding on a contractor. Extra services, custom work or complex access can increase costs. As can smaller sizes under 85 sqm.

Roof Restoration Warranty Periods

Reputable contractors offer 5-10 year workmanship promise on roof restoration projects. High quality restoration products also come with roofing material defect assurances from the manufacturer. Important to only use licensed pros for protections.

How To Choose a Roof Restoration Company

With roof restorations being a major investment, it pays to do your research when selecting a roofing contractor. Key questions to ask include:

• Are they licensed, insured and a member of the Master Roofing Tile Association?
• Do they offer guarantees for material and workmanship defects?
• Will they provide a detailed scope of works and quotation upfront?
• Can they explain what their process involves?
• What roof restoration products, tools and equipment do they use?
• Can they provide recent examples of their roof restoration work?
• What are their safety processes when working at heights?

Going with an experienced, reputable company like ABC Roof Restoration Brisbane will give you the peace of mind that the job will be done professionally to give you the best ROI from your roof restoration investment.

When Is It Time To Call a Professional?

It’s always recommended to get yearly inspections to closely monitor your roof’s condition. But here are some telltale signs it may be time for professional restoration services:

• Visible moss, dirt, stains or deterioration
• Shingles warped, damaged or missing
• Evidence of leaks or dampness inside home
• Roof appears dull/faded and worn out
• Ridge capping cement cracking or worn down
• Gutters frequently clogged with granules

Addressing problems early helps avoid further deterioration and more repairs down the track. Our experienced roof inspectors can advise if restoration services are warranted during your inspection.

Common Causes of Roof Damage

There are many reasons roof materials deteriorate over time. Common causes include:

• Sun exposure and weathering
• Wind, hail and storms
• Debris buildup like leaves/branches
• Lichen or moss growth
• Poor initial installation
• Inferior building materials
• Lack of proper maintenance
• Ageing materials weathering out

It’s important to understand what is causing damage so action can be taken to not only fix current one, but prevent further from reoccurring. An experienced roofer can help identify and advise during your inspection.

How Many Quotes Should I Get?

It’s generally recommended to get quotes from at least 3 roofing professionals for comparison. Just like any home improvement project, ensure all quotes you compare outline the exact same scope of works for an apples to apples comparison. Be wary of quotes that are drastically higher or lower than others.

Key things that should be clearly detailed in your quote include:

• Itemised scope of roof restoration works required
• Roof measurements
• Specific products, tools and equipment to be used
• Expected timeframe
• Payment terms

You want quotes to be as detailed and transparent as possible so there’s no surprises down the track.

DIY vs Professional Roof Restoration Experts

For those who are hands-on and keen DIY-ers, simple tasks like cleaning metal roofs with a pressure cleaner or clearing debris from gutters may be manageable.

However, the dangers, complexities and expertise required for most roof restoration work makes DIY not advisable. Things like working at heights, managing safety equipment, properly preparing and applying coatings take skill and experience. Not to mention licensing requirements in many areas for roof related building works.

There’s also the risk of causing further water damage or voiding warranties if not done properly. So our recommendation is nearly always to engage professional roof restoration services unless it’s basic maintenance.

The last thing you want is to risk injury or create bigger problems requiring expensive repairs down the track. The relatively small investment for restoration services is worthwhile long-term protection for one of your home’s most important assets.

FAQs

Does my insurance cover roof restorations?

In most cases no. Many valid insurance policies only cover repairs required due to sudden storm, fire, flood or impact damage. Restorations to fix wear & tear over time often fall under maintenance which insurance doesn’t cover. Always check with your provider.

Can I claim any tax deductions or rebates?

No direct rebates exist from the government. But if needed due to investment property or business premises, costs for maintaining your asset may be tax deductible. Best to check with your accountant or ATO.

Will a restoration extend my roof’s lifespan?

Absolutely. If your roof is structurally sound and aging due to surface weathering, restoration services can add potentially decades extra lifespan. It costs a fraction compared to expensive roof replacement.

How long does a roof restoration take?

Depending on your roof’s size, expect anywhere from 2-5 days. Multi-level roofs obviously take longer. Most restoration contractors aim to get the job done as quick and efficiently as possible, weather permitting.

Conclusion

As you can see, roof restorations in Australia can range greatly in cost depending on your specific size, type, pitch, location, and more. Additional factors like access issues, height safety requirements, treating rust or leaks also bump up the costs quickly.

Getting multiple detailed quotes is crucial so you understand exactly what is included. While prices can start from $2,500 for small roofs, they typically average between $55-90 per sqm across the major metro regions. Regional sites are often higher.

The good news is reputable local roofing companies can give aging roofs a very cost effective facelift and extend their lifespan substantially compared to costly replacement.

If you think your roof could benefit from professional restoration services, reach out to our roof restorers today so we can provide a free no obligation assessment and quote. Your roof protects one of your most valuable assets, so it’s worth investing to keep it in its best shape.