It can be challenging for Brisbane homeowners to determine whether it would be better and more cost-effective to restore or replace a tile roof. We discuss the factors which can impact this decision, to help you make the best choice regarding whether to restore or replace your roof.
What is a roof restoration?
A roof restoration is a comprehensive process that includes cleaning, repairing cracked and damaged tiles, ridge capping repairs, new pointing, and repainting the roof to extend its lifespan and improve its appearance. This involves:
- A high-pressure clean to blast away moss, algae, dirt, and leaf debris, preparing the surface for the paint to adhere to successfully
- Repairing loose, cracked, or broken tiles
- Removing old mortar and pointing and re-bedding ridge caps with fresh mortar and repointing with new pointing.
- Sealing and coating the cleaned and prepared roof with primer and protective membrane topcoats to protect against UV damage and weather, and to refresh the roof tile colour.
Read more about the difference between painting and restoring a tile roof.
When can you undertake a roof restoration?
A roof restoration is suitable if your roof needs some ‘TLC’ but is still strong and mostly undamaged. It is also more cost-effective than a full roof replacement. Tile roof restoration is an option if:
- Your roof has mainly localised damage
- Most tiles are structurally sound
- Ridge caps need repointing and rebedding
- Any cracked or broken tiles can be replaced
- The roof is looking worn, faded, or covered in lichen or moss.
- The underlying roof is structurally sound
It’s important to note that a roof restoration can only be undertaken if the underlying roof system is structurally sound. A roof restoration can improve an ageing roof, but it can’t fix fundamentally compromised structure. If you suspect sagging or compromised roof, it is recommended to get a Building Inspector or Engineer to review to check and review any structural areas to confirm structural areas are not compromised before undertaking a roof restoration.
Benefits of a roof restoration
There are many benefits of a roof restoration, including:
- Extend the life of your roof
- Increase the value of your home
- Improve the look of your home
- Boost energy efficiency
- Protect against future damage
- Cost savings
Read more about the benefits of a roof restoration.
Did you know?
A previously poorly painted roof can sometimes be challenging to paint over in a roof restoration. The quality cannot be guaranteed if the surface wasn’t previously prepped correctly, voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
A previously poorly painted roof can sometimes be challenging to paint over in a roof restoration. The quality cannot be guaranteed if the surface wasn’t previously prepped correctly, voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
What is a roof replacement?
A tile roof replacement is the complete removal of the existing roof, and the installation of a brand-new roof. This involves:
- Stripping off the old roof tiles down to the bare roof framework.
- Inspection of exposed rafters, trusses, and battens to identify any rust, termite damage or rot. Replacing any battens or rafters that may be damaged.
- Repair or replacement of any sagging supports or damaged wood.
- If your home has sarking either repair or installing the protective underlayer of sarking. Sarking is a flexible membrane installed directly beneath your roof tiles.
- Implementation of flashing and edges around vulnerable roof areas like vents, roof edges, whirly birds, and chimneys.
- Laying the new tiles
- Sealing and capping of ridges to ensure the roof is completely watertight.
Did you know?
Replacing tile with tile in a roof replacement is very labour intensive, and therefore much more expensive. Consider going from tile to a Colorbond metal roof to reduce your roof replacement cost.
When you may need a roof replacement
A roof replacement is best for an old or severely damaged roof.
You roof may require a full replacement when it’s reached the end of its lifespan, or when there is severe damage such as a sagging roofline, hail damage (which compromises the metal roof sheet), major structural damage or unfixable and widespread leaks. This damage could be due to weather/hail damage, accidents, excessive rot or mould, water damage, or just age. It is also an option if you want to change your roof material or style (e.g. going from a tile to Colorbond roof)
A roof replacement is likely necessary if:
- There are significant structural problems, or battens and other roof components have deteriorated.
- A large percentage of tiles are deteriorated or damaged
- The roof has already been extensively patched and a restoration (painting the roof) would mask the issues on the roof and only be a cosmetic solution.
Benefits of a Roof Replacement
Although a roof replacement is more expensive than a roof restoration, it comes with many benefits, including:
- Lower maintenance costs as it eliminates the need for the cycle of recurring repairs and temporary patch jobs.
- Better protection for your home as a new roof prevents water damage and leaks and removes any hidden mould and rot.
- A new roof improves your property value
- Enhanced curve appeal – a new, modern roof upgrades the look of your home
- Improved energy efficiency due to the use of modern roofing materials and insulation.
- A new roof will come with a manufacturer’s warranty that provides long-term peace of mind.
How much does it cost to restore or replace a tile roof in Brisbane?
The cost of both roof restoration and roof replacement in Brisbane varies considerably, depending on the size of your roof, the pitch, access, and general roof condition, also the Safety Rail, Power isolation and if your property requires Scaffold to access the roof to work safely.
On average, a roof restoration costs between: $4,000 – $9,000 with more complex and large roof restorations costing up around $12,500.
On average, a roof replacement costs between:
- Single storey home $14,000 to $28,000
- Two storey or Queenslander $15,000 – $39,000 for a typical roof as more safety height access equipment is required to work safely.
- More extensive roof replacement (eg a large or complex roof) can cost from $40,000 to $80,000
Roof Restoration versus Roof Repair Comparison Table
| Type of Damage / Issue | Roof Restoration | Roof Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| TILE QUALITY | ||
| Localised broken or damaged tiles | X | |
| Hail Damaged roof | X | |
| Extensive tile damage | X | |
| ROOF LEAKS | ||
| Isolated roof leaks | X | |
| Extensive roof leaks and damage | X | |
| ROOF STRUCTURE | ||
| Weathering but fundamentally sound roof structure | X | |
| Compromised or severely deteriorated roof structure | X | |
| CAPPING AND POINTING | ||
| Minor cracked capping or pointing | X | |
| Ridge capping and pointing all needs replacing | X | X |
| ROOFING AND MATERIALS | ||
| Happy to retain a tile roof | X | |
| Want different roofing materials and style | X | |
| IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME | ||
| Refresh roof look and the roof tile colour (brighten up your home) | X | |
| Transform your home with a brand new modern roof | X | |
| COST | ||
| Need a more cost-effective option | X | |
| A more costly but longer-term solution | X |
Brisbane Roof Restoration and Roof Replacement
If you are looking for expert advice on whether to restore or replace your roof, the experienced Brisbane roofers at Gutter and Roof Repairs can assess your tile roof to determine the level of damage and provide expert advice on whether your roof can be restored or whether a roof replacement is required.
Contact Gutter and Roof Repairs today for expert advice and an obligation-free quote.
