Roofing Pricing Guide
Roof repairs, re-roofing, and gutter replacement costs — plus the old-home gotchas like asbestos and structural batten upgrades.
Roofing is one of the most expensive home trades and also one of the most consequential. A failing roof leads to ceiling damage, insulation rot, and sometimes structural issues. Repairs are often deferred, which usually costs more than addressing the problem when it's small.
The major choice in re-roofing is tile vs Colorbond/metal. Tile suits traditional homes and lasts 50+ years but breaks in hail and leaks at ridge capping. Metal is lighter, lasts 30–50 years, and allows solar and insulation upgrades easily.
What roofing typically costs
$300–$800
What's included
Replace broken tiles, re-bed or re-point ridges as needed. Call-out + half-day labour.
When this tier fits
After storm, visible slipping tiles, minor leak.
$1,500–$4,500
What's included
Clean, replace broken tiles, re-bed and re-point ridges and hips. Extends roof life 10–15 years.
When this tier fits
Tile roof 20+ years old, cracked mortar on ridges, minor leaks.
$400–$1,800
What's included
Investigation, fix point of leak. Might include flashing repair, sealant, ridge re-bed.
When this tier fits
Water staining on ceiling. Earlier is cheaper.
$2,500–$7,500
What's included
Remove old gutters, install new Colorbond gutters and downpipes. Fascia capping optional.
When this tier fits
Gutters rusted, leaking at joints, or sagging.
$15,000–$32,000
What's included
Remove old tiles, new sarking + battens (if needed), Colorbond sheeting, new guttering and flashings.
When this tier fits
End-of-life tile roof, solar install prep, or modernising a heritage home.
$12,000–$25,000
What's included
Remove old metal, new Colorbond, new insulation if spec'd, new fasteners.
When this tier fits
Metal roof 30+ years, corrosion at screws, regular leaks.
Prices are indicative AUD ranges based on typical Australian metropolitan pricing. Actual quotes depend on scope, access, and local market.
What affects the price
Roof area and pitch
Steeper pitches need harnesses and take longer. Complex roof shapes (multiple gables, dormers) add 20–40%.
Access
Two-storey and scaffold-required jobs add $2,000–$6,000 to re-roof quotes.
Substructure condition
Old battens, sagging rafters, or damaged sarking discovered mid-job add to the price. Insist on a quote contingency line.
Material choice
Colorbond Ultra for coastal, standard Colorbond for inland; Zincalume cheapest. Concrete tile cheaper than terracotta.
Before you book — what to check
Repair vs re-roof
If more than 20% of tiles are broken/spalled, or the roof is 50+ years old, repairs are a false economy. Get quotes for both.
Asbestos in old roofs
Homes pre-1990 sometimes have asbestos cement roofing or internal sheeting. Removal is licensed and expensive ($5,000–$15,000 typically).
Solar compatibility
Installing solar on a roof that needs replacement in 5 years is wasted money. Time the re-roof and solar together.
Insulation upgrade
A re-roof is the one chance to upgrade insulation under the sheets cheaply. R-value upgrade adds $1,500–$4,000 but cuts cooling costs long-term.
Storm damage
Hail and wind damage is insured. Take photos before calling the insurer; some claims take weeks and interim tarping is legitimate.
Whirlybirds & vents
Passive ventilation helps summer attic heat but doesn't always justify its cost. Powered vents are better value in hot climates.
Roofing material brands
Brand and product names you're likely to see in quotes.
Colorbond / Zincalume (BlueScope)
Dominant metal roofing in Australia. Ultra range for coastal.
Monier Tiles / Boral / Bristile
Major concrete and terracotta tile manufacturers.
Stratco / Lysaght
Gutter and roofing accessory brands.
Fletcher Insulation (Sisalation)
Common sarking and insulation brand.
Frequently asked questions
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